Core Viewpoint - The bank's performance in the first half of the year shows a slight decline in revenue but a modest increase in net profit, indicating a potential for gradual improvement in the second half of the year despite ongoing challenges in the banking sector [1][3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, the bank achieved operating income of 169.97 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 1.72% [3]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 74.93 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 0.25%, with an improvement in growth rate compared to the first quarter [3][4]. - The bank's net interest income was 106.09 billion yuan, up 1.57% year-on-year, while non-interest income was 63.88 billion yuan, down 6.73% [3][4]. Wealth Management and Fees - Wealth management income showed a recovery, growing by 5.45% to 20.86 billion yuan, after a significant decline of 16.84% in the previous year [1][4]. - The bank's total fee and commission income was 37.60 billion yuan, a decrease of 1.89% year-on-year, with notable declines in credit card fees and asset management fees [4][5]. Credit Card and Retail Loan Performance - Credit card transaction volume fell by over 8% year-on-year, leading to a 16% decline in credit card income, despite an increase in the number of credit card customers [6][9]. - Retail loan balance reached 3.68 trillion yuan, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 1.03%, up 0.07 percentage points from the end of the previous year [9][10]. Interest Margin and Market Conditions - The bank's net interest margin was 1.88%, down 12 basis points year-on-year, but still above the industry average of 1.42% [15][18]. - Factors contributing to the decline in net interest margin include lower loan pricing and a decrease in asset yields due to market conditions [16][17]. Risk Management and Future Outlook - The bank's management expressed confidence in maintaining asset quality despite rising risks in retail credit, attributing this to a strong risk culture and a focus on high-quality clients and collateral [12][13]. - The overall economic environment is expected to improve, supported by government policies aimed at boosting consumption and credit demand [13][18].