Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of banks lowering deposit interest rates has become a norm, particularly among small and medium-sized banks, with significant reductions in long-term deposit rates due to strong market expectations for future interest rate cuts [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Multiple banks, especially small and medium-sized ones, have recently announced reductions in deposit rates, with the most significant cuts observed in three-year and five-year deposit rates, decreasing by 15 to 40 basis points [1][3]. - Shanghai Huari Bank reduced its three-year fixed deposit rate from 2.3% to 2.15%, marking its seventh rate cut this year, with similar actions taken by other small banks [3][4]. - The overall trend shows that national banks have seen their three-year and five-year fixed deposit rates drop to the 2% range, with some even falling to the 1% range [5][6]. Group 2: Reasons for Rate Cuts - The primary reasons for the recent deposit rate cuts include the need to address net interest margin pressures and the desire of small banks to narrow the gap in funding costs compared to larger banks [5][6]. - Analysts suggest that the continuous narrowing of net interest margins has compelled small banks to lower deposit rates to alleviate funding costs [5][6]. Group 3: Interest Rate Inversion - A notable phenomenon is the frequent occurrence of interest rate inversion, where long-term deposit rates are lower than short-term rates, contrary to typical expectations [7]. - For instance, Shanghai Huari Bank's three-year deposit rate is 2.15%, while the five-year rate is slightly lower at 2.1%, indicating this inversion trend [7]. - Analysts believe that banks are strategically lowering long-term deposit rates to optimize their liability structure and manage the costs associated with long-term deposits [7].