Group 1 - The People's Bank of China conducted a 3,820 billion yuan reverse repurchase operation with a rate of 1.40%, maintaining the previous level, resulting in a net injection of 2,275 billion yuan after 1,545 billion yuan of reverse repos matured on the same day [1] - The overnight Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate (Shibor) decreased by 5.90 basis points to 1.5060%, while the 7-day Shibor increased by 2.70 basis points to 1.5790%, ending the previous inversion [1][2] - In the interbank pledged repo market, overnight rates fell, while 7-day and 14-day rates rose, with R007 and R014 showing inversion [4] Group 2 - The weighted average rates for DR001 and R001 decreased by 5.4 basis points and 6.3 basis points, respectively, with transaction volumes increasing by 16.7 billion yuan and 94.8 billion yuan [4] - The issuance of interbank certificates of deposit was active, with 109 certificates issued on May 26, totaling 315.51 billion yuan [10] - The secondary market for certificates of deposit showed a fluctuating upward trend, with the 1-year rate for major banks actively priced at 1.70%, leading to a relatively subdued market sentiment [11]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that several banks in China have announced a reduction in RMB deposit rates, following a trend initiated by major state-owned banks, which is linked to the recent decrease in the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) [1][4][5] Group 2 - On May 20, six state-owned banks and several others, including China Merchants Bank and China Everbright Bank, announced a reduction in RMB deposit rates, with the adjustment range being 5 to 25 basis points [1] - Following this, on May 21, seven additional banks, including Ping An Bank and CITIC Bank, also announced similar reductions, with the new rates for demand deposits set at 0.05% and various fixed-term deposit rates adjusted accordingly [1][2] - The new fixed-term deposit rates for three months, six months, one year, two years, three years, and five years are 0.7%, 0.95%, 1.15%, 1.20%, 1.30%, and 1.35% respectively [1] - The recent LPR adjustments include a decrease in the 5-year LPR to 3.5% and the 1-year LPR to 3%, both down by 0.1% from the previous month [4] - The reduction in deposit rates is expected to lead to an overall decrease in deposit rates by approximately 0.11 to 0.13 percentage points, which may help stabilize banks' net interest margins [4][5] - As of the first quarter of 2025, the net interest margin for commercial banks was reported at 1.43%, a decrease of 0.09 percentage points, marking a historical low [5]

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment of deposit rates by major banks marks the seventh round of rate cuts, significantly lowering the cost of bank liabilities and stabilizing profit margins, which is expected to enhance the banks' internal growth capabilities and maintain sound operations [4][7]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - As of May 21, nine joint-stock banks have announced adjustments to their deposit rates, following the lead of the six major state-owned banks [5]. - The new rates include a 5 basis point reduction in demand deposit rates and a 15-25 basis point reduction in time deposit rates, with the one-year fixed deposit rate falling below 1% [3][5]. - The current demand deposit rate is now close to zero, and the one-year fixed deposit rate has been set at 1.15% for most banks [5][6]. Group 2: Impact on Banking Sector - The reduction in deposit rates is expected to lower banks' funding costs, thereby stabilizing net interest margins and enhancing their ability to support the real economy [8][12]. - Analysts suggest that the ongoing low interest rate environment may lead to a shift in deposits from large banks to smaller banks, which could affect the competitive landscape [8][12]. - The overall banking sector is entering a low interest rate and low spread cycle, with net interest margins for various types of banks showing a downward trend [10][12]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The adjustments in deposit rates are anticipated to lead to a decrease in overall deposit rates by approximately 0.11-0.13 percentage points, which may help stabilize banks' net interest margins [13]. - Despite the downward pressure on net interest margins, it is expected that the decline will not continue indefinitely, as measures to control funding costs are taking effect [12][13]. - The shift in deposit rates may also influence the allocation of bank assets towards bonds, potentially increasing demand in the bond market [8][13].