Core Viewpoint - Multiple banks in China have recently announced reductions in RMB deposit rates, affecting various types of deposits, with the highest cut reaching 20 basis points [1][2][3] Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Jiangsu Bank has lowered its 3-year personal fixed deposit rate from 1.85% to 1.75%, effective from August 20, while other terms remain unchanged [2] - Shen Zhou Rui Feng Village Bank has announced comprehensive rate cuts for personal fixed deposits, with 3-month rates dropping to 0.8% and 5-year rates to 1.3%, with reductions ranging from 10 to 20 basis points [2][3] - Jilin Longtan Huayi Village Bank has adjusted its rates, with the 3-month and 6-month rates down to 1.15% and 1.35% respectively, and 3-year and 5-year rates down to 1.75% and 1.7% [3] Group 2: Reasons for Rate Cuts - The primary motivation for small and medium-sized banks to lower deposit rates is to alleviate the pressure from narrowing net interest margins and optimize their liability cost structure [4] - The Loan Prime Rate (LPR) has been reduced multiple times, leading to a decline in loan yields, while deposit rates have lagged behind, creating a "margin squeeze" effect [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - The banking sector's net interest margin was reported at 1.42% as of the end of Q2, down 0.01 percentage points from Q1, indicating ongoing downward pressure on deposit rates [5] - Experts predict that the downward trend in deposit rates will continue in the short term, as banks seek to stabilize net interest margins and improve overall profitability [5] - Strategies for small and medium-sized banks to enhance core competitiveness include product innovation, refined asset-liability management, digital transformation, and focusing on local markets [6]