Core Viewpoint - The intention of banks to guide depositors towards "short-term" deposits remains clear, as they respond to the pressure of narrowing net interest margins through refined pricing strategies to reshape the deposit market landscape [1][7][9]. Summary by Sections Deposit Rate Trends - Several banks previously exhibited extreme inversion in deposit rates, where shorter-term deposits offered higher rates than longer-term ones. However, this phenomenon has diminished with the recent wave of deposit rate cuts [2][6]. - As of May 21, 2023, major banks like China Merchants Bank have aligned their one-year and five-year deposit rates at 1.30%, eliminating the extreme inversion [2][9]. - Despite the disappearance of extreme inversions in some banks, certain smaller banks still exhibit varying degrees of rate inversion, particularly in their short- to medium-term deposits [5][6]. Market Response and Future Expectations - Analysts suggest that the trend of "large banks leading, smaller banks following" in deposit rate cuts will continue, potentially leading to a gradual disappearance of existing rate inversions in smaller banks [6][7]. - The recent deposit rate cuts are expected to positively impact banks' net interest margins, as the reduction in deposit costs may exceed the decline in asset yields for the first time historically [11]. Current Deposit Rates - As of May 21, 2023, the deposit rates for major banks are as follows: - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China: 1-year at 0.95%, 5-year at 1.30% - China Merchants Bank: 1-year at 0.95%, 5-year at 1.30% - Other banks like CITIC Bank and Minsheng Bank have similar rates for various terms [8][9]. Implications for Banking Sector - The banking sector is facing significant pressure on net interest margins, with the first quarter of 2023 showing a decline in net interest margin to 1.43%, a historically low level [9]. - The ongoing trend of financial disintermediation is leading to a "liability shortage" for banks, compelling them to attract deposits through higher rates in interbank markets, which could counteract the benefits of lower deposit costs [11].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly mention the industry investment rating. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The attitude towards the bond market remains relatively positive. It is recommended to maintain a medium - to - high duration in the portfolio, appropriately increase leverage to boost short - bond holdings, and seize buying opportunities for long - end bonds during adjustments [3][49]. - Although short - term interest rates are currently weak, as technical factors wane and with the potential for deposit rate cuts and a stable monetary policy, short - and medium - term interest rates are expected to decline, which will support long - term bonds [2][3]. 3. Summary According to the Table of Contents 3.1 Constraints on Short - Term Interest Rates from Some Technical Factors May Weaken in the Future - The weak performance of the 2 - year Treasury bond futures (TS) has restricted short - term interest rates. After the basis repair, the IRR of the CTD bond of the TS2506 contract has dropped, reducing the suppression on futures prices and potentially boosting confidence in short - term bonds [7][12]. - The decline in the central bank's claims on the government in the balance sheet may be due to the maturity of short - term bonds previously purchased or the closing of the previous short - selling long - buying operation. Currently, the impact of this factor is gradually weakening, and large banks have resumed net buying of 1 - 3 - year Treasury bonds [12][15][16]. 3.2 In the Short Term, the Probability of the Funding Rate Remaining Loose but Lower than the Policy Rate is Low, but the Decline in Deposit Rates is Still Expected to Benefit the Short - End - After the RRR cut, the tightening of the funding market was a temporary shock. The average - method assessment of the RRR and the large - scale net payment of government bonds and net withdrawal of reverse repurchase and MLF were the main reasons [17][18][19]. - Although the excess reserve ratio in April was at a low level, the central bank may tolerate a decline in banks' net lending, indicating that it hopes to maintain a loose environment but may not want the funding rate to fall significantly below the policy rate. The decline in deposit rates is conducive to compressing short - and medium - term spreads [25][30]. 3.3 The Weakening of Economic Data in April Indicates Insufficient Demand, and the Fundamental Environment is Still Favorable for the Bond Market - In April, new credit and social financing were both lower than expected. New credit mainly came from government bond issuance, and the decline in new credit may be due to the lack of bank reserve projects after the early - year impulse [34][35][39]. - Despite the slowdown in credit growth, the M2 growth rate increased due to the rise in banks' net lending and bond investment. However, the M1 growth rate declined, indicating limited currency activation [39][42]. - In April, domestic demand declined. Retail sales, investment, and production all showed signs of weakness, indicating that the fundamental environment is favorable for the bond market [44][45][47]. 3.4 The Bond Market is Expected to Continue a Relatively Strong and Volatile Trend - Although the recent Sino - US negotiation has made progress, the impact of short - term export rush is short - term. External demand still faces uncertainties, and domestic demand is insufficient. - The monetary policy is expected to remain in a loose range. If the funding expectation stabilizes, short - and medium - term interest rates are expected to decline, which will support long - term bonds [49].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the banking sector and its financial performance in April 2025, focusing on social financing, credit data, and macroeconomic indicators [1][2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Social Financing and Government Influence**: In April, the new social financing scale was 1.1 trillion yuan, with government bond issuance contributing significantly, indicating reliance on government leverage for financing [2]. Government financing accounted for over two-thirds of the total new financing, highlighting a dependency on state support [2]. - **Weak Credit Performance**: Credit data fell short of expectations, with both corporate and personal loans showing significant year-on-year declines. Short-term corporate loans and non-bank loans decreased, while medium to long-term corporate loans continued to decline, reflecting weak economic demand [3][5]. - **Consumer Loan Trends**: Residential short-term loans dropped by 400 billion yuan year-on-year, indicating weak consumer spending and cautious home-buying intentions despite historically low mortgage rates [5]. The correlation between residential loans and real estate sales remains strong, with a noted decline in both categories [5]. - **Monetary Policy Adjustments**: The central bank's recent interest rate cut of 10 basis points aims to stabilize long-term residential loans. However, there is a noted outflow of deposits from both residents and enterprises, which may affect future lending dynamics [6][7]. - **M2 Growth and Financial Disintermediation**: M2 growth increased from 7% to 8% in April, driven by non-bank deposits. The financial disintermediation process has slowed, with M1 growth indicating ongoing deflationary pressures [8][9]. - **Loan Rate Dynamics**: The new corporate loan rate decreased to 3.2%, while personal mortgage rates remained stable at 3.1%. There is an oversupply of corporate loans, while personal loan demand is balanced [10][11]. - **Future Trends in Financing and Credit Structure**: A downward trend in social financing and credit growth is expected, with a focus on government financing and efficiency in resource allocation to avoid idle capital [12]. Additional Important Insights - **Investment Logic for Banking Stocks**: The investment rationale for banking stocks is based on asset quality, interest rate risk, and funding support. The banking sector is seen as stable, with dividend yields ranging from 4% to 6%, making it attractive compared to other asset classes [13][14][20]. - **Profit Stability Amid Economic Challenges**: Despite economic downturns and narrowing interest margins, banks can maintain stable profits through diversified operations and effective credit cost management. The expected profit growth for banks is stable or slightly positive, with dividend yields remaining consistent [16][20]. - **Valuation of Chinese Banks**: Current valuations of Chinese banks are not considered high, reflecting expectations of future ROE declines. The A-share and Hong Kong bank valuations indicate a correlation with ROE, suggesting that current prices already account for negative outlooks [27]. - **Impact of Geopolitical Factors**: Tariff issues and geopolitical relations are significant variables affecting the future performance of Chinese banks, influencing interest rates, credit demand, and asset quality [28]. - **Market Sentiment Towards Strong Banks**: Traditional banks with strong operational capabilities, such as China Merchants Bank and Ningbo Bank, are viewed favorably, although external economic factors may negatively impact their stock performance [25]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the banking sector's current state and future outlook.