Core Viewpoint - The long-term fixed deposit products are being phased out by several banks, with the Tongyu County Mengyin Village Bank being the first to officially announce the cancellation of the 5-year fixed deposit product, indicating a trend in the banking industry towards reducing long-term deposit offerings due to narrowing net interest margins [1][2][7]. Group 1: Bank Actions - The Tongyu County Mengyin Village Bank announced a reduction in deposit rates and the cancellation of the 5-year fixed deposit product effective November 5, 2025, marking it as the first commercial bank to do so [2]. - Other banks, such as the Kundu Lun Mengyin Village Bank and Hubei Jingmen Rural Commercial Bank, have also reduced their deposit rates and removed the 5-year fixed deposit from their offerings, although they did not issue formal announcements [2][6]. - A total of seven private banks have removed the 5-year fixed deposit from their deposit pages, including Keshang Bank and Wanzhang Bank, with some also removing 3-year fixed deposits [2][6]. Group 2: Market Trends - The disappearance of the 5-year fixed deposit is not limited to small banks; major national banks have also stopped offering 5-year large denomination certificates of deposit, with some city commercial banks restricting them to special customer categories [6][8]. - The trend of phasing out long-term deposits is attributed to the ongoing pressure of narrowing net interest margins, prompting banks to optimize their liability structures and manage costs more effectively [7][8]. - Analysts suggest that the reluctance of customers to invest in 5-year deposits, which often offer lower interest rates compared to 3-year deposits, is also influencing banks' decisions to withdraw these products [8].

Core Viewpoint - The recent decision by the Tongyu County Mengyin Village Bank to cancel its five-year fixed deposit product reflects the broader trend among small and medium-sized banks in response to declining interest margins and the need to adjust their liability structures [1][2][5]. Group 1: Changes in Deposit Products - The Tongyu County Mengyin Village Bank is the first commercial bank to eliminate the five-year fixed deposit product, indicating direct transmission of pressure from declining interest margins [2]. - The bank has also reduced interest rates for other fixed deposit terms, with the one-year rate decreasing from 1.50% to 1.45%, the two-year rate from 1.60% to 1.55%, and the three-year rate from 1.95% to 1.85% [2]. - Other small and medium-sized banks have similarly announced reductions in deposit rates, with some experiencing cuts of up to 80 basis points [2]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The adjustments made by small and medium-sized banks are indicative of a larger industry trend, where banks are reluctant to accept longer-term deposits due to pressure on interest margins [3]. - The five-year large denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) have also seen a decline, with many banks no longer offering them, and new issuances reflecting lower interest rates compared to previous offerings [4]. - The overall trend shows that banks are focusing on managing their liability costs and are likely to continue adjusting long-term deposit products in the future [5][6]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Industry experts suggest that more banks may follow suit in adjusting long-term deposit products due to ongoing pressure on net interest margins [5][6]. - The continuous decline in loan market quoted rates (LPR) is contributing to lower loan yields, prompting banks to reduce deposit rates to manage costs effectively [6]. - The limited availability of long-term deposit products may lead depositors to reassess their risk tolerance and consider diversifying their asset allocations [6].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have begun to quietly ramp up deposit acquisition efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][3]. - Recent interest rate cuts have led to most deposit products entering the "1.x" range, with major state-owned banks adjusting their deposit rates in May, resulting in rates of 1.05% for two-year deposits and 0.98% for one-year deposits at Postal Savings Bank [3][4]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Certain banks, like China Merchants Bank, are launching promotional activities to attract deposits, such as cash rewards for customers who meet asset thresholds [2][3]. - The marketing rhythm for year-end and new year strategies remains consistent across banks, with many emphasizing the importance of both year-end performance and the start of the new year [3][6]. Group 3: Liability Cost Management - The continuous narrowing of net interest margins has made liability cost management a key focus for banks, with regulatory guidance pushing for lower overall funding costs [4][5]. - Some banks are experiencing a phenomenon of interest rate inversion, where shorter-term deposits offer higher rates than longer-term ones, indicating a strategic response to anticipated future cost pressures [6][7]. Group 4: Targeted Deposit Strategies - Banks are increasingly adopting differentiated deposit strategies for specific customer segments, particularly targeting older clients with higher interest rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds [7]. - This approach not only optimizes the liability structure but also helps in acquiring stable long-term funding while fulfilling social responsibilities [7].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have quietly started aggressive deposit collection efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][2]. - Since early October, several small and medium-sized banks have held fourth-quarter operational meetings, emphasizing the importance of achieving a successful year-end while preparing for a strong start in the first quarter of the following year [2][3]. - The recent adjustment of deposit rates has led to most market deposit products entering the "1" range, with major state-owned banks' two-year, three-year, and five-year fixed deposit rates set at 1.05%, 1.25%, and 1.3% respectively [3][4]. Group 2: Competitive Strategies - Some banks are offering cash rewards for customers who meet core asset thresholds, with activities designed to encourage customers to keep their deposits [2][3]. - The actual execution rates for certain term deposits have seen some upward adjustments compared to the listed rates, indicating a competitive landscape among banks [4][6]. - Banks are increasingly adopting differentiated deposit strategies targeting specific customer segments, particularly offering higher rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds for older customers [7]. Group 3: Market Trends and Challenges - The continuous narrowing of net interest margins is a common challenge faced by the banking industry, prompting a focus on managing liability costs more effectively [4][5]. - The People's Bank of China has emphasized the need to lower overall bank liability costs to alleviate pressure on net interest margins, which has led to recent adjustments in deposit rates [5][6]. - The phenomenon of interest rate inversion, where shorter-term deposits offer higher rates than longer-term ones, is emerging as banks anticipate future cost pressures on long-term liabilities [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have begun to quietly ramp up deposit acquisition efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][2]. - Since early October, several small and medium-sized banks have held fourth-quarter operational meetings, emphasizing the importance of achieving a successful year-end while preparing for a strong start to the new year [2][3]. - The recent downward adjustments in deposit rates have led to most market deposit products now having rates in the "1" range, with major state-owned banks last adjusting their deposit rates on May 20, resulting in rates of 1.05% to 1.3% for various terms [3][4]. Group 2: Liability Cost Management - The continuous decline in deposit rates has made it challenging for risk-averse savers to find alternative investment options, leading to a sustained popularity of large-denomination certificates of deposit [4][6]. - The People's Bank of China has emphasized the need to further reduce the overall liability costs of banks to alleviate net interest margin pressures, with recent rate cuts providing banks with more room to improve their liability costs [5][6]. - Banks are increasingly adopting refined and tiered strategies for managing liability costs, with some banks experiencing interest rate inversion, breaking the traditional expectation that longer terms yield higher rates [6][7]. Group 3: Targeted Deposit Strategies - Banks are implementing differentiated deposit strategies for various customer segments, particularly offering higher rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds for older customers [7]. - This approach not only optimizes the liability structure and locks in stable long-term funds but also reduces liquidity management pressures and enhances customer acquisition efficiency [7].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have begun to quietly ramp up deposit acquisition efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][3]. - Recent adjustments in deposit rates have seen most market deposit products enter the "1" range, with major state-owned banks' two-year, three-year, and five-year fixed deposit rates set at 1.05%, 1.25%, and 1.3% respectively [3][4]. - Some banks have implemented actual execution rates above the listed rates, with examples including Postal Savings Bank offering a one-year fixed deposit rate of 1.15% and large certificates of deposit at 1.25% [4]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Banks are employing various marketing strategies to attract deposits, such as cash rewards for customers who meet certain asset thresholds, as seen in activities launched by China Merchants Bank [2][3]. - The year-end "closing battle" and the beginning of the new year "opening red" strategy are emphasized by many banks, particularly in rural commercial banks in regions like Shanxi, Jiangsu, and Jiangxi [3][5]. Group 3: Liability Cost Management - The continuous narrowing of net interest margins has become a common challenge for the banking industry, leading to a focus on managing liability costs more effectively [4][6]. - The People's Bank of China has called for further reductions in overall bank liability costs to alleviate pressure on net interest margins, which has led to recent adjustments in deposit rates [5][6]. Group 4: Targeted Deposit Strategies - Banks are increasingly adopting differentiated deposit strategies for specific customer segments, particularly for older clients, offering higher interest rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds [7]. - This approach not only optimizes the liability structure but also helps in acquiring stable long-term funds while reducing liquidity management pressure [7].

Core Viewpoint - The interest rates for large time deposits in state-owned and joint-stock banks have dropped to the "1" range after multiple rounds of interest rate cuts, with some banks removing large time deposits with terms longer than three years [1][2] Group 1: Current Market Conditions - Large time deposits with interest rates above 2% are rarely found, primarily in regional and internet banks [1] - Internet banks are offering higher interest rates on large time deposits, but these products often have limited availability and require reservations, leading to waiting times of one week to several months [1][5] - The starting amount for large time deposits is generally 200,000 yuan, with rates slightly higher than regular fixed deposits, and they are included in the deposit insurance scheme [1] Group 2: Specific Bank Offerings - WeBank offers two types of "large time deposit+" products with interest rates of 3% and 2.1%, respectively, but the former is currently unavailable for reservations [1][2] - MyBank has a two-year large time deposit with a listed interest rate of 1.6% and a dedicated transfer area for high-interest deposits [2] - Citic Baixin Bank limits the issuance of high-interest large time deposits to new customer benefits, with a current rate of 2.1% for two-year deposits [2] Group 3: Financial Performance and Strategies - Internet banks are experiencing a narrowing net interest margin, with private banks' net interest margin decreasing from 4.11% at the end of last year to 3.91% by mid-year, although still higher than most traditional banks [5] - WeBank's net interest margin is projected to decline from 6.04% at the end of 2023 to 5.71% by mid-2024, while MyBank's is expected to rise slightly from 3.34% to 3.48% in the same period [5] - Internet banks are implementing various measures to control funding costs, including promoting the transfer of maturing fixed deposits to bank wealth management products and reducing fixed deposit rates [5][6]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" indicating a positive outlook for the sector compared to the overall market performance [5]. Core Insights - The new regulations on dividend insurance aim to enhance sustainable operating levels while controlling liability costs, with specific guidelines for determining dividend levels based on asset allocation and investment returns [3][4]. - The focus on managing liability costs is crucial for mitigating interest spread loss risks, with the expected adjustment of the predetermined interest rate in Q3 2025 [5]. - The competitive landscape in the life insurance market remains intense, with customer return performance being a key factor influencing product selection [4]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Changes - New regulations on dividend insurance were issued on June 18, 2025, emphasizing sustainable dividend levels and dynamic management mechanisms [3]. - Insurers must justify the necessity and sustainability of proposed dividend levels under certain conditions, including historical performance metrics [3]. Market Dynamics - The core objective of transforming dividend insurance is to meet customer savings needs while reducing rigid liability costs [4]. - Major insurers have successfully increased sales of dividend insurance products, with significant contributions from individual and bank insurance channels [4]. Financial Projections - The expected predetermined interest rate for life insurance products is projected to decrease to 2.13% in Q1 2025, which is lower than the current rate of 2.5% [5]. - The insurance sector is expected to attract more attention post the implementation of new public fund regulations, with a notable underweight position compared to the market index [5]. Company Valuations - Key companies in the insurance sector have varying valuations, with China Life Insurance having a market cap of 96.34 billion RMB and a PEV of 0.74 for 2025 [9].

Core Viewpoint - The recent trend shows that medium to long-term large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) are being quietly withdrawn from sale by several major banks, with a focus on three-year and five-year terms, leading to a significant drop in interest rates for these products [1][2][4]. Group 1: Market Changes - Major banks such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and China Merchants Bank have removed five-year large-denomination CDs from their offerings, with some also discontinuing three-year CDs [2][4]. - Currently, most banks are only offering large-denomination CDs with a maximum term of two years, and the availability of three-year CDs is limited or restricted to select clients [2][4]. Group 2: Interest Rate Trends - The interest rates for available large-denomination CDs have collectively dropped to the "1" range, with specific rates for different terms: for example, ICBC offers rates of 0.9% for one month and 1.55% for three years [3][4]. - The overall interest rates for two-year and shorter large-denomination CDs are concentrated between 0.9% and 1.4%, while three-year rates range from 1.55% to 1.75% [3]. Group 3: Bank Strategies - Banks are increasingly focusing on managing their funding costs, which has led to the withdrawal of medium to long-term large-denomination CDs as a strategy to stabilize net interest margins [4]. - The banking sector is under pressure to reduce funding costs, especially in a declining interest rate environment, which affects their willingness to attract long-term deposits at higher costs [4].