Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong to open bank accounts, driven by lower deposit rates in mainland China and the appeal of higher interest rates in Hong Kong [3][6]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The demand for bank account opening services in Hong Kong has surged alongside the summer travel season, with many seeking to take advantage of better deposit rates [3][6]. - Various intermediaries have emerged, offering services that promise to simplify the account opening process, often charging fees for their assistance [4][5]. Group 2: Intermediary Services - Intermediaries are charging fees ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yuan for their services, which include bypassing the need for prior appointments and providing on-site assistance [4][5][8]. - Many intermediaries claim to offer "guaranteed" success in account opening, capitalizing on the complexities and challenges faced by customers unfamiliar with the process [4][8]. Group 3: Banking Regulations and Procedures - Different banks in Hong Kong have varying requirements for mainland residents wishing to open accounts, with some banks allowing online applications while others require in-person visits [6][10]. - HSBC has recently updated its policies, no longer supporting in-person account openings for certain accounts, which has led to increased demand for intermediaries [6][9]. Group 4: Risks and Warnings - Banks have issued warnings regarding the use of intermediaries, highlighting potential risks such as fraud and the misuse of personal information [12][14]. - Customers are advised to avoid intermediaries and utilize official bank channels for account opening to mitigate risks [12][15].

Core Viewpoint - The recent reduction in RMB deposit rates by major state-owned banks and some joint-stock banks has led to the near disappearance of the "deposit special forces" phenomenon, as the cost of traveling to different cities for better rates is no longer justified by the interest earned [1][2]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Changes - Major state-owned banks have lowered deposit rates to the "1" range, while small and medium-sized banks remain in the "3" range, indicating a trend towards lower overall deposit rates [2][3]. - The traditional hierarchy of deposit rates among different types of banks is becoming less distinct, with significant reductions in rates across various banking institutions [4]. Group 2: Disappearance of "Deposit Special Forces" - The essence of the "deposit special forces" was to exploit significant interest rate differences among banks, but this strategy is becoming less viable as rates converge [2][4]. - The People's Bank of China has previously prohibited cross-regional deposits, further diminishing the appeal of traveling for better rates [5]. Group 3: Young Investors' Behavior - As traditional deposit yields decline, young investors are diversifying their financial strategies, with some opting for stable investments like large-denomination certificates of deposit and government bonds, while others are entering the stock market [6][7]. - The number of new A-share accounts opened in 2024 reached approximately 25 million, with a notable increase in participation from younger generations [6].

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 shift of investors from traditional savings to bank wealth management products due to declining deposit interest rates, highlighting the evolving landscape of investment choices in response to market changes [2][3][8]. Summary by Sections Deposit Rate Changes - Recent adjustments in deposit rates have led to a significant decline, with the interest rate for demand deposits dropping from 0.10% to 0.05%, and one-year fixed deposits falling below 1% [2][3]. - The three-year and five-year fixed deposit rates have decreased to 1.25% and 1.30%, respectively, marking a reduction of 25 basis points [2]. Shift to Wealth Management - As fixed deposit rates lose their competitive edge, investors are increasingly turning to bank wealth management products, with many banks introducing attractive short-term high-yield products to draw in customers [3][9]. - The phenomenon of "deposit special forces," where investors seek higher yields through cross-regional savings, is now transitioning back to wealth management investments [5][8]. Investor Behavior and Market Dynamics - Investors like Mr. Guo, who previously engaged in wealth management, have returned to these products as deposit rates decline, indicating a shift in strategy based on market conditions [6][8]. - The article notes that the wealth management market has seen fluctuations, with some products offering yields between 3.60% and 4.20%, which are appealing compared to low deposit rates [8][10]. Short-term Wealth Management Products - There is a growing preference for short-term wealth management products due to their liquidity and relatively controlled risk, aligning with current investor needs for flexibility [10][11]. - Banks are actively promoting short-term high-yield products, with some offering annualized returns of up to 5.04% for short holding periods [11][12]. Fee Reductions and Competitive Strategies - In response to market conditions, banks and wealth management companies are reducing fees on various products to enhance attractiveness, with some institutions announcing significant fee reductions [11][12]. - For instance, 中银理财 has lowered its service fee from 0.30% to 0.10%, while 光大理财 has also announced fee reductions for its products [12].

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustments in deposit interest rates by major banks have led to a shift in investor behavior, with many moving from traditional savings to bank wealth management products as a response to declining rates [2][3][4]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Changes - As of May 20, 2025, the new deposit rates for RMB have been significantly lowered, with the interest rate for demand deposits dropping from 0.10% to 0.05%, and the rates for one-year and shorter fixed deposits falling below 1% [2]. - The three-year and five-year fixed deposit rates have been reduced to 1.25% and 1.30%, respectively, both down by 25 basis points [2]. Group 2: Shift to Wealth Management Products - With the decline in fixed deposit rates, bank wealth management products are regaining investor interest, prompting banks to introduce various incentives such as lower fees and short-term high-yield products to attract investors [3][8]. - Investors previously known as "deposit special forces" are now turning back to bank wealth management, seeking better returns amid the low-interest environment [4][5]. Group 3: Investor Behavior and Strategies - Investors like Mr. Guo, who have experience in both stock and wealth management markets, are adapting their strategies in response to changing market conditions, including a return to wealth management products after initially favoring deposits [4][6]. - The trend of favoring short-term wealth management products is driven by their liquidity and relatively controlled risk, aligning with current investor needs for flexibility [8]. Group 4: Bank Responses and Promotions - Banks and wealth management subsidiaries are actively promoting short-term high-yield products, with some offering annualized returns as high as 5.04% for short holding periods [8]. - Several banks have announced fee reductions for their wealth management products, aiming to enhance investor appeal and competitiveness in a declining interest rate environment [9].

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "deposit special forces" is fading as banks lower deposit interest rates, leading to a shift towards alternative investment products like bank wealth management [2][4][7]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Changes - The banking industry is entering a deposit rate reduction phase, with national commercial banks maintaining nominal rates while small and medium-sized banks have rapidly cut rates multiple times within six months [2][10]. - In 2023, the deposit rates for national commercial banks dropped significantly, with the five-year fixed deposit rate falling from 2.65% at the beginning of the year to 2% by the end, a decrease of 65 basis points [4][7]. - A total of 19 private banks have reduced deposit rates over 40 times in the current year, indicating a trend of narrowing interest rate differentials among banks [11]. Group 2: Disappearance of "Deposit Special Forces" - "Deposit special forces" refers to depositors who travel to different provinces or cities to open accounts for higher interest rates, a trend that has been declining due to regulatory changes and practical difficulties in opening accounts [4][7]. - The concept gained traction in 2023 as some small and medium-sized banks offered attractive rates, but the overall trend is shifting as these banks also begin to lower their rates [5][9]. - The operational challenges faced by depositors, such as the need for local residency proof to open accounts, have further diminished the appeal of cross-province deposits [7][9]. Group 3: Shift to Wealth Management Products - As deposit rates decline, there is a notable increase in the scale of bank wealth management products, with the total number of products reaching 40,600 and the total scale increasing by 9.41% year-on-year to 29.14 trillion yuan [14]. - The average annualized yield of bank wealth management products has improved to 2.70%, driven by a shift in market conditions favoring fixed-income products [14]. - The growth in wealth management is attributed to factors such as the "see-saw" effect in the market, where weak stock performance leads to stronger demand for fixed-income products, and banks enhancing marketing efforts for competitive yields [14].

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is experiencing a shift towards lower deposit rates, leading to the decline of "deposit special forces" who previously sought higher interest rates by opening accounts in different provinces [2][3][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Changes - The banking sector has entered a deposit rate reduction phase, with national commercial banks maintaining their listed rates but lowering special deposit rates, while small and medium-sized banks have accelerated their rate cuts [2][8]. - In 2023, the five-year fixed deposit rate dropped from 2.65% at the beginning of the year to 2% by the end, a decrease of 65 basis points [3]. - A total of 19 private banks have reduced deposit rates over 40 times this year, indicating a significant trend towards lower rates across the sector [8]. Group 2: Disappearance of "Deposit Special Forces" - "Deposit special forces," referring to depositors who traveled to different regions for better rates, are becoming less common due to the diminishing interest rate differentials among banks [3][7]. - The phenomenon of cross-province deposits was previously stimulated by higher rates offered by some small and private banks, but this is changing as rates converge [5][7]. Group 3: Impact on Banking Products - As deposit rates decline, more depositors are turning to alternative investment products, leading to a rise in bank wealth management products [10]. - The total number of wealth management products has increased to 40,600, with a total scale of 29.14 trillion yuan, reflecting a 9.41% year-on-year growth [10][11]. - The average annualized return on bank wealth management products has risen to 2.70%, making them more attractive compared to traditional deposits [11].

Core Viewpoint - Recent trends show that medium to long-term bank deposit rates are approaching the "1 era," with rates for 5-year deposits around 1.55%-1.6% and 3-year deposits ranging from 1.5% to 2.15% [1][5]. Group 1: High-Interest Deposit Trends - The term "deposit special forces" refers to individuals traveling across regions to open bank accounts with higher interest rates [2]. - Social media platforms have seen a resurgence of posts about "high-interest deposits" and "deposit special forces," with users inquiring about rates above 2.8% for 5-year deposits [5]. - A user reported successfully securing a 3-year deposit at a rate of 2.6%, which could yield an additional 900 yuan compared to the 2.15% rate for a 200,000 yuan deposit over one year [5]. Group 2: Risks and Considerations - A self-identified bank employee claimed a 3-year deposit rate of 3%, suggesting that smaller banks may offer higher rates to attract customers [5][15]. - However, experts caution that such high rates are rare and may be limited-time offers targeting specific customer groups [15]. - There are concerns regarding the legitimacy of online offers, with potential risks of high-interest solicitation and third-party "interest subsidies," which could lead to regulatory issues and impact deposit returns [16].