Core Viewpoint - The trend of small and medium-sized banks discontinuing long-term deposit products is highlighted, with the recent announcement from Meizhou Commercial Bank regarding the cessation of five-year fixed deposits and automatic renewal services marking a significant shift in the banking landscape [1][2]. Group 1: Discontinuation of Long-term Deposit Products - Meizhou Commercial Bank announced the discontinuation of its five-year fixed deposit product due to policy adjustments, affecting customers who can no longer benefit from automatic renewal services [2]. - Several small and medium-sized banks have also removed five-year fixed deposits from their offerings, with notable examples including the announcement from Tuyuqi Mengyin Village Bank, which explicitly stated the cancellation of five-year fixed deposits [7]. - A total of seven banks, including Meizhou Commercial Bank and Zhongguancun Bank, have removed five-year fixed deposits from their platforms, with some banks also discontinuing three-year fixed deposits [8]. Group 2: Interest Rate Adjustments - In response to pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks have begun a new round of interest rate cuts, with significant reductions observed in deposit rates since October [9]. - For instance, Pingyang Pudong Village Bank reduced its three-year and five-year fixed deposit rates from 2.1% and 2.15% to 1.3% and 1.35%, respectively, marking a drop of 80 basis points [9]. - The overall trend indicates that small banks are aligning their deposit rates with larger banks, leading to a flattening of what were previously higher interest rates [10]. Group 3: Market Implications - The ongoing adjustments in deposit products and interest rates reflect the challenges faced by small and medium-sized banks in managing their funding costs while trying to attract deposits [10]. - Analysts suggest that the current low net interest margins may lead to further reductions in loan rates if the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) is cut again, which would subsequently drive down deposit rates [11][12]. - The banking sector is under pressure to balance deposit attraction with cost management, especially as the year-end approaches and banks seek to optimize their funding structures [10].

Core Insights - The announcement from Inner Mongolia's Tongyu County Mengyin Village Bank regarding the cancellation of 5-year fixed deposits has drawn market attention, marking the first instance of such a move by a bank [1] - Many banks are suspending or have already removed 5-year specialty fixed deposit products, while 3-year specialty fixed deposits are becoming competitive and require prior reservation to secure [2][3] - The phenomenon of long-term deposit rates being lower than short-term rates has become commonplace, with several banks offering lower rates for 5-year deposits compared to 3-year deposits [4][5] Summary by Sections Deposit Rate Adjustments - Mengyin Village Bank has reduced its 5-year fixed deposit rate to 1.9%, which is only 0.5% higher than its 3-year fixed deposit rate before adjustments [1] - Other banks, including China Merchants Bank, have also suspended their 5-year specialty fixed deposit products, offering only standard fixed deposits at lower rates [2][3] Market Trends - The trend of long-term deposit rates being lower than short-term rates is evident, with banks like China Merchants Bank and SPDB offering 5-year fixed deposits at rates below 1.4% [4][5] - The average rate for 3-year specialty fixed deposits can reach up to 1.75%, making them more attractive compared to 5-year options [4] Future Outlook - Industry experts predict that deposit rates will continue to decline, leading banks to adjust their deposit products and strategies to manage costs effectively [6][7] - The narrowing of net interest margins across the banking sector is a significant concern, prompting banks to reconsider their long-term deposit offerings [8]