Group 1 - The "618" shopping festival lasted nearly 40 days, making it the longest in history, with a significant increase in the use of interest-free installment payments, which grew by 19% year-on-year [1] - The four key themes during the "618" period were discounts, national subsidies, consumption vouchers, and interest-free installments [1] - The most active regions for interest-free installment consumers were Guangdong, followed by Zhejiang and Jiangsu [1] Group 2 - Domestic brands are becoming the dominant trend in consumption, with the popularity of domestic electric vehicles boosting the auto parts industry and the rise of Labubu driving the anime and toy sector [3] - Interest-free installment orders during "618" showed a shift in consumer preferences, with auto parts, educational supplies, electric vehicles, and anime toys experiencing the fastest growth alongside traditional electronics [3] - The transaction amount for electric vehicles saw a 30% year-on-year increase, with one in five transactions made using interest-free installments [3] Group 3 - The interest-free installment model is seen as a win-win for consumer finance, meeting the needs of consumers for rational planning and efficient fund usage while lowering decision-making barriers for merchants [4]

Core Viewpoint - The "618" shopping festival this year features significant changes, with installment interest-free options becoming popular among consumers, particularly the younger demographic, as a means to stimulate consumption in the context of economic recovery [2][3][4]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly inclined to purchase high-value, practical goods while feeling pressure from large expenditures, leading to a preference for installment payment options to ease financial burdens [2][3]. - A survey indicates that 85% of consumers would choose interest-free installments even when they can afford to pay in full, highlighting a shift in payment preferences [5]. - Younger consumers view installment payments as a way to maintain cash flow and financial security, rather than a sign of financial distress [6][7]. Group 2: Financial Institutions' Strategies - Financial institutions are leveraging interest-free installment plans as a tool to enhance customer loyalty and engagement, which can lead to increased usage of credit cards and other financial products [8][9]. - Banks are adopting a comprehensive approach to offering interest-free services, balancing the potential loss of interest income with the benefits of attracting more customers and increasing transaction volumes [8][9]. - Risk assessment is a critical component for banks when offering installment plans, ensuring that they maintain asset quality and profitability while providing these services [9]. Group 3: Promotional Activities - Various financial service providers, such as Haier and Ping An, are launching promotional campaigns during the "618" festival, offering interest-free periods and discounts to encourage consumer spending [3][4]. - Credit card companies are also implementing interest-free installment options and incentives to boost consumer spending during the promotional period [4][5]. Group 4: Market Impact - The introduction of interest-free installment options is expected to significantly boost sales across various sectors, including electronics and home appliances, as evidenced by a 70% increase in interest-free installment orders on major e-commerce platforms compared to the previous year [5]. - The competitive landscape among financial institutions is intensifying as they seek to capture a larger share of the consumer finance market through innovative payment solutions [8].