Core Viewpoint - The scarcity of three-year large-denomination certificates of deposit (CDs) is a result of banks' reluctance to issue high-interest long-term deposits due to declining net interest margins and competitive pressures in the interest rate environment [3][9]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Banks are currently facing a historical low net interest margin of 1.42%, making it unprofitable to issue three-year large-denomination CDs at rates around 2.5% [3]. - Major banks have collectively suspended five-year products and are limiting the issuance of three-year CDs to avoid being "trapped" by future interest rate declines [3]. - The demand for large-denomination CDs has surged, with rates of 2.2% being quickly exhausted, creating a cycle of increased competition among savers [3][9]. Group 2: Alternative Investment Options - **Savings Bonds**: State-backed savings bonds offer higher interest rates than large-denomination CDs, with a three-year rate of 2.35%, potentially yielding an additional 900-1800 yuan over three years for a 200,000 yuan investment [4]. - **Low-Risk Bank Wealth Management**: R1 and R2 level low-risk products can yield annualized returns of 2.8%-3.2%, significantly higher than three-year fixed deposits, with a focus on government and financial bonds [5]. - **Pure Bond Funds**: These funds, which invest solely in bonds, have shown an average increase of over 3.5% in the past year, with some products yielding up to 4%, providing a potential annual return of 7,000-8,000 yuan on a 200,000 yuan investment [6]. - **Bank Specialty Deposits**: Some banks offer specialty deposits with lower entry thresholds and competitive rates of 2.1%-2.3%, comparable to large-denomination CDs, without the need for competitive purchasing [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy Recommendations - It is advised to avoid "pseudo-deposits" from non-bank institutions that lack deposit insurance, as they carry significant principal risk [8]. - Diversification is recommended, with no more than 500,000 yuan deposited in a single bank, and spreading investments across 2-3 institutions for wealth management and funds [8]. - Caution is advised regarding products promising returns exceeding 4%, as they may carry hidden risks [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a trend among banks where the interest rates for three and five-year fixed deposits are either flat or inverted, leading to a decline in five-year fixed deposit offerings and a shift towards higher-yielding financial products [1]. Group 1: Interest Rate Trends - Some banks are experiencing a phenomenon where the interest rates for three-year fixed deposits are equal to or higher than those for five-year fixed deposits [1]. - For instance, Minsheng Bank's "Anxin Deposit" product offers an annualized return of 1.7%, surpassing the yield of five-year fixed deposits [1]. - Agricultural Bank of China reports that most customers prefer three-year fixed deposits, as the yield difference with five-year deposits is only 0.05 percentage points [1]. Group 2: Shift to Alternative Products - Despite most banks maintaining their five-year fixed deposit offerings, there is a noticeable trend of discouraging long-term deposits and guiding customers towards alternative products such as insurance [1]. - A staff member from Agricultural Bank of China mentioned that for customers seeking longer-term investment options, they would recommend fixed-income insurance products [1]. - China Construction Bank promotes a new insurance product with an annualized rate of up to 1.75%, along with an additional average dividend of around 1% [1].