Core Viewpoint - The recent reduction in Loan Prime Rate (LPR) has led to a simultaneous decrease in deposit rates across various banks, with many banks' one-year deposit rates falling below 1% for the first time, prompting a shift in savings behavior towards financial products like funds and gold [1][3][4]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Major state-owned banks and joint-stock banks have announced reductions in deposit rates, with city commercial banks following suit, resulting in a loss of competitive advantage in deposit rates [2][3]. - Specific adjustments include Ningbo Bank's new rates of 0.8% for 3-month deposits and 1.25% for 1-year deposits, and Shanghai Bank's rates of 0.7% for 3-month and 1.15% for 1-year deposits [3]. - The overall decline in deposit rates is seen as a strategic move by banks to lower funding costs and enhance profitability, while also encouraging a shift of funds towards non-deposit financial products [4]. Group 2: Interest Rate Inversion - Some banks are experiencing an "inversion" in interest rates, where longer-term deposit rates are lower than shorter-term rates, indicating a strategic shift in response to market conditions [5][6]. - This inversion reflects banks' expectations of further declines in deposit rates and a need to attract short-term deposits to manage liquidity pressures [7]. Group 3: Shift in Savings Behavior - With the decline in deposit rates, many savers, particularly younger individuals, are turning to alternative investment options such as money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds, collectively referred to as the "new three golds" [1][9]. - Data from Alipay indicates that 9.37 million individuals from the '90s and '00s generations are investing in these financial products, highlighting a significant shift in investment preferences [9]. - Financial experts suggest that while these alternatives may offer better returns, investors should consider the associated risks and maintain a diversified portfolio to mitigate potential volatility [10].

Core Insights - The article discusses the shift in investment strategies among young people in response to declining interest rates, highlighting the emergence of a new investment combination termed "New Three Golds" which includes money market funds, bond funds, and gold ETFs [1][2][9] Group 1: Interest Rate Trends - Major state-owned banks have collectively reduced the one-year fixed deposit interest rate to 0.95%, with some private banks offering rates as low as 1.15% for one-year deposits and below 1.3% for three-year deposits [1][2] - The decline in interest rates has led to a significant outflow of deposits from banks, with a reported decrease of 1.39 trillion yuan in household deposits in April, while non-bank deposits increased by 1.57 trillion yuan [2] Group 2: Investment Behavior of Young People - As of April 2025, 9.37 million individuals born in the 1990s and 2000s have adopted the "New Three Golds" investment strategy, which is becoming a standard for young investors [2] - Young investors are increasingly favoring bond funds due to their low volatility and stable returns, with a notable increase in the issuance of short-term bond funds [6][8] Group 3: Gold ETFs as a Safe Haven - Gold ETFs are viewed as a "safe haven" in the "New Three Golds" strategy, with a 206% year-on-year increase in user searches for gold on Alipay in Q1 of this year [6][7] - The total scale of gold ETFs in China reached 101.99 billion yuan by the end of Q1, reflecting a 185% increase compared to the previous year [6] Group 4: Changing Investment Mindset - The investment mindset among young people is shifting from seeking quick wealth to pursuing sustainable, small returns, as evidenced by an 88% year-on-year increase in users purchasing "fixed income+" funds [8] - Social media discussions around practical investment strategies indicate a strong demand for stable and flexible investment options among young investors [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline in deposit interest rates in China, leading to a shift in investment strategies among young people who are moving away from traditional savings to diversified investment options like money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds [5][7][21]. Summary by Sections Deposit Rate Decline - As of May 20, 2023, the one-year fixed deposit rate has fallen below 1%, and the interest on demand deposits has dropped to 0.05%. This trend is not limited to major banks but also includes small and medium-sized banks that previously attracted deposits with higher rates [5][6]. Shift in Investment Strategies - The decline in deposit interest rates has led many individuals, particularly younger generations, to abandon the traditional approach of saving in banks for interest. Instead, they are diversifying their investments into what is referred to as the "new three golds" (新三金), which includes money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds [7][8][21]. Case Studies - A case study of a young woman named Li Jing illustrates the impact of falling interest rates on personal savings. After saving 800,000 yuan, she realized that the declining interest rates meant her savings were effectively losing value due to inflation. This prompted her to explore alternative investment options [9][21]. - Another example includes a netizen who sold a property for over 4 million yuan and chose to invest 3.4 million yuan in short-term debt and money market funds, aiming for returns that exceed previous rental income [10]. Popularity of "New Three Golds" - The "new three golds" have gained traction among young investors, with data showing that as of April 2023, 9.37 million individuals from the post-90s and post-00s generations are investing in money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds simultaneously [11][21]. Investment Behavior and Mindset - Investors are increasingly focused on low-risk, inflation-beating returns. The bond fund community, referred to as "egg collectors" (收蛋人), has seen significant growth, with many individuals adopting a strategy of steady, small returns rather than high-risk investments [16][18]. - The article highlights a generational shift in financial attitudes, where young people prioritize financial security and risk management over traditional wealth accumulation methods [20][21]. Conclusion - The changing landscape of deposit rates and investment strategies reflects a broader trend among younger generations who are seeking more stable and diversified financial options. This shift is characterized by a focus on risk management and the desire for consistent, albeit smaller, returns [22].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of traditional savings methods in light of falling interest rates, leading to a shift towards alternative investment strategies among younger individuals, particularly the "New Three Golds" approach, which includes money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds [5][8][32]. Group 1: Decline of Traditional Savings - One-year fixed deposit rates have fallen below 1%, and even demand deposit rates have dropped to 0.05%, prompting a widespread reduction in savings interest rates across banks [5][6]. - The trend of "deposit special forces" is fading as more individuals realize that traditional savings are no longer effective, with many opting to diversify their investments instead [8][9]. Group 2: Shift to Alternative Investments - Young individuals are increasingly turning to the "New Three Golds" strategy, which involves allocating funds into money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds to mitigate risks and achieve better returns [8][18]. - Data from Ant Financial indicates that as of the end of April, 9.37 million individuals from the post-90s and post-00s generations have simultaneously invested in money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds, highlighting the growing popularity of this investment strategy [18][21]. Group 3: Investment Behavior and Mindset - Investors are seeking low-risk, inflation-beating, and higher-yield alternatives to traditional bank deposits, with bond funds and gold being the most frequently mentioned options [18][32]. - The article illustrates a generational shift in financial attitudes, where younger individuals prioritize risk management and diversified investment strategies over traditional savings methods [32][38].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant decline in deposit interest rates in China, leading to a shift in investment strategies among young people who are moving away from traditional bank savings to alternative investment options like money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds [2][3][4]. Group 1: Decline in Deposit Rates - As of May 20, 2023, the one-year fixed deposit rate has fallen below 1%, and the interest rate for demand deposits has dropped to 0.05% [2]. - The trend of decreasing deposit rates is not limited to large banks; even small and medium-sized banks that previously attracted deposits with high rates are now lowering their rates [2]. - The decline in deposit rates has sparked discussions on social media about the ineffectiveness of traditional savings, with many realizing that the interest earned may not even cover travel expenses [2][3]. Group 2: Shift to Alternative Investments - Young individuals are increasingly abandoning the idea of earning interest from bank deposits, opting instead to diversify their savings into what is referred to as the "new three golds"—money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds [3][4]. - The "new three golds" have gained popularity as they are perceived to offer lower risk, better returns than bank deposits, and the potential to outpace inflation [11][12]. - Data from Ant Financial indicates that as of the end of April, 9.37 million individuals born in the 1990s and 2000s have simultaneously invested in money market funds, bond funds, and gold funds, indicating a growing trend [12]. Group 3: Individual Experiences and Strategies - A case study of an individual named Li Jing illustrates the frustration of watching savings diminish due to low interest rates, prompting her to explore alternative investment options [5]. - Another individual, Zhao Qi, has adopted a strategy of investing heavily in bond funds, which he refers to as "collecting eggs," highlighting the stability and long-term benefits of such investments compared to traditional savings [18][21]. - Zhao Qi's experience reflects a broader trend where individuals are forming communities to share investment strategies and support each other in navigating the changing financial landscape [26]. Group 4: Changing Financial Mindset - The article notes a generational shift in financial attitudes, where younger individuals prioritize risk management and diversified investments over traditional savings methods [28][30]. - The concept of "new three golds" symbolizes a proactive approach to personal finance, contrasting with the previous reliance on bank deposits and real estate for wealth accumulation [29]. - This evolving mindset emphasizes the importance of having a financial safety net and the ability to withstand economic uncertainties, leading to a more cautious yet strategic approach to investing [30].