存款利率又下滑，存5年不如存3年

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the continuous decline in deposit interest rates in China, highlighting the pressure on net interest margins and the phenomenon of inverted interest rates between short-term and long-term deposits [1][4]. Deposit Interest Rates - As of September 2025, the average interest rates for various deposit terms are as follows: 3-month at 0.944%, 6-month at 1.147%, 1-year at 1.277%, 2-year at 1.367%, 3-year at 1.688%, and 5-year at 1.519% [1][2]. - Compared to the previous month, the rates have decreased slightly across all terms, with the 3-year term seeing a decline of 0.4 basis points [1][2]. Net Interest Margin Pressure - The net interest margin for commercial banks has been on a downward trend, recorded at 1.52% at the end of last year, 1.43% at the end of Q1, and 1.42% at the end of Q2 this year [4]. - The decline in deposit rates is seen as a response to the ongoing pressure on net interest margins, with banks adjusting rates to manage costs associated with long-term deposits [4][5]. Inverted Interest Rates - The article notes a significant inversion in interest rates, where the average interest rate for 3-year deposits (1.688%) is higher than that for 5-year deposits (1.519%) [4][5]. - This inversion has been a recurring theme since 2024, indicating a shift in depositor behavior and banks' strategies to encourage shorter-term deposits [5]. Large Time Deposits - The interest rate advantage of large time deposits is diminishing, with average rates for various terms in September 2025 showing mixed changes [7]. - For instance, the 3-month large time deposit rate is at 1.134%, while the 1-year rate is at 1.394%, indicating a narrowing gap between large time deposits and regular deposits [7]. Structural Deposits - The average term for structured deposits has increased, with the average term for RMB structured deposits at 106 days, up 5 days from the previous month [8]. - The average expected middle yield for structured deposits is 1.59%, reflecting a slight decrease, while the average expected maximum yield is 2.09%, showing a small increase [8][9]. Conclusion - Overall, the article emphasizes the ongoing downward trend in deposit interest rates, the challenges posed by net interest margin pressures, and the implications of inverted interest rates on banking strategies [1][4][5].