Core Viewpoint - A new wave of interest rate cuts is occurring among banks, particularly affecting deposit rates, with many commercial banks, especially private and rural banks, leading the reductions [2][8]. Group 1: Interest Rate Cuts - Several commercial banks, including Ping An Bank and Hengfeng Bank, have recently lowered their deposit rates, with Ping An Bank reducing its 3-year deposit rate from 2.05% to 1.65%, a decrease of 40 basis points [2][3]. - Over half of the private banks have cut their deposit rates in April, indicating a trend towards lower rates across the sector [2][7]. - Hengfeng Bank has also adjusted its deposit rates, with 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year rates now at 1.65%, 1.8%, and 2.15%, respectively, down from 1.8%, 1.95%, and 2.35% in February [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The adjustments in deposit rates are attributed to several factors, including insufficient effective demand for credit, which pressures banks to manage their funding costs more effectively [8]. - The expectation of further monetary easing, including potential rate cuts, is influencing banks to adopt more proactive deposit pricing strategies [8]. - The competition among banks, particularly private banks, is intensifying as they seek to attract deposits while managing profitability, leading to varied responses in rate adjustments [10]. Group 3: Customer Impact - Customers are experiencing confusion due to the rapid and sometimes unexpected changes in deposit rates, with some high-yield products being quickly withdrawn from the market [3][4]. - Banks are advising customers to consider longer-term deposits to lock in current rates before further declines occur [6].