Core Viewpoint - The economic outlook for August indicates resilience under the easing of external demand pressures and the gradual withdrawal of extraordinary internal policies, with highlights in exports, production, and service consumption, while manufacturing investment, infrastructure investment, and durable goods consumption may continue to weaken due to policy rhythms [2][4]. Exports - It is expected that August dollar-denominated exports will grow by approximately 7% year-on-year, while imports will increase by around 2%. Key observations include a significant year-on-year increase of 9% in port container throughput and a manufacturing PMI average of 50.88% among major economies [4][14][15]. Production - The industrial growth rate for August is projected to be around 6.0%. High-energy-consuming industries are expected to remain stable, with a recovery in crude steel production growth. However, downstream consumption production may be relatively weak, as indicated by a PMI of 49.2% in the consumer goods sector [5][13]. Service Consumption - August is expected to see improved resident travel conditions, with increases in the business activity index and new orders in the railway and aviation sectors, likely boosting dining, accommodation, and entertainment consumption [5][21]. Social Financing and Investment - New social financing in August is anticipated to reach 2.1 trillion, an increase of 780 billion compared to the same period last year. The stock growth rate of social financing is expected to decline to around 8.7% [6][22]. - Fixed asset investment growth is projected to fall to around 1.0%, with manufacturing investment at 5.3% and real estate investment at -12.5% [6][18]. Price Levels - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to decline to around -0.5% year-on-year, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) is projected to recover from -3.6% to approximately -2.9% year-on-year [7][11][12]. Durable Goods Consumption - The "old-for-new" policy is being reintroduced with refined subsidy arrangements, but durable goods consumption growth may slow. Retail sales growth is expected to be around 3.8%, with automotive sales declining by 3.5% [6][20]. Real Estate Sales - Real estate sales area growth is expected to be around -8.0%, with significant declines in sales figures for major property companies [19]. Financial Sector - The government bond issuance and corporate bond issuance in August are projected to be around 1.2 trillion, with a decrease in net financing for government bonds and corporate bonds compared to the previous year [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article analyzes the supply-side reform period from 2015 to 2018, highlighting the impact on asset performance and PPI, and contrasts it with the current anti-involution policies, providing insights for future investment opportunities and risks [2]. Group 1: Asset Review During Supply-Side Reform - The introduction of supply-side reform in November 2015 marked a bottoming out of coal and steel prices, leading to a relative outperformance against the market [3]. - In the early stages of the policy (end of 2015 to mid-2016), there was significant volatility in related assets due to the clash between "strong expectations" and "weak realities" [3]. - The trend of rising coal and steel prices began around June 2016, following the breakdown of local capacity reduction targets and improvements in economic fundamentals [3][4]. - The sustainability of the market rally was primarily driven by demand, with profitability in the coal and steel sectors improving due to rising prices, which were largely supported by demand [4][31]. Group 2: PPI Review During Supply-Side Reform - From the introduction of supply-side reform to the PPI turning positive, it took 10 months, with coal, steel, and non-metallic building materials contributing 49% to the PPI recovery [5][53]. - The recovery of PPI was also supported by improvements in the global economy, with oil and non-ferrous metals contributing 36% to the PPI rise during the same period [5][53]. - After PPI turned positive, the breadth of price increases across industries significantly improved, with the proportion of industries experiencing price increases remaining high [5][54]. Group 3: Differences Between Current Anti-Involution and Supply-Side Reform - The macroeconomic context and policy objectives differ significantly between the current anti-involution measures and the supply-side reform, with the latter focusing on reducing ineffective supply and expanding effective supply [7]. - The current anti-involution policies are expected to have a more gradual impact on prices compared to the rapid effects seen during the supply-side reform [7]. - The methods of capacity governance differ, with supply-side reform relying more on administrative measures, while anti-involution emphasizes legal and market-based approaches [7]. Group 4: Future Insights on PPI and Anti-Involution Related Assets - PPI is expected to enter a recovery cycle starting in August, but the timing for it to turn positive may be longer than in 2016, likely extending beyond the first quarter of next year [8]. - The performance of anti-involution related assets will depend on overall macro demand improvement, with key indicators such as manufacturing sector ROE, capacity utilization, and actual inventory growth showing no significant improvement yet [10]. - Active equity funds have a relatively low allocation to key anti-involution sectors, indicating that the momentum from fund reallocation may be weaker than during the supply-side reform period [11].

Core Viewpoint - The construction of a unified national market requires the regulation of local investment attraction behaviors and the elimination of local protectionism, with tax incentive policies being a key measure to break local protectionism [2][4][5]. Tax Competition Indicators - Two tax competition indicators have been established: the provincial tax competition index, which indicates the intensity of tax competition and the attractiveness of tax policies to enterprises, and the tax refund rate for listed companies in each province, which measures the proportion of tax exemptions for listed companies [6][7][8]. - The current tax competition index is close to its highest value in the past 30 years, reflecting the necessity of a unified national market [7][23]. Four Types of Competition Models - The 31 provinces can be categorized into four competition models based on the tax competition index and the tax refund rate for listed companies: 1. **Free Type**: Low tax competition index and low refund rate (e.g., Beijing, Tianjin) indicating minimal local protectionism [15]. 2. **Strong Type**: Low tax competition index and high refund rate (e.g., Jiangxi, Zhejiang) focusing on attracting large enterprises [15]. 3. **Depressed Type**: High tax competition index and low refund rate (e.g., Henan, Jilin) indicating high overall tax policy attractiveness but low emphasis on listed companies [15]. 4. **Preferential Type**: High tax competition index and high refund rate (e.g., Hunan, Shandong) indicating the highest local protectionism and urgent need for a unified market [15]. Tax Competition Index Analysis - The tax competition index has been rising since 2010, with a projected average of 0.88 for 2024, nearing the maximum value of 0.9 observed in the past 30 years [23][24]. - The highest tax competition indices are found in Central and Northeast China, while the lowest are in South and North China [24]. Tax Refund Rate for Listed Companies - The national tax refund rate for listed companies has been around 5% to 10% over the past 30 years, with a significant increase to 15% in 2024, reflecting a higher level of tax relief compared to historical averages [28][29]. - The highest tax refund rates for listed companies are observed in Jiangxi (38.2%), Zhejiang (36.7%), and Hunan (35.6%), while the lowest are in Shanxi (1.6%) and Guizhou (2.4%) [29].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in the RMB exchange rate, highlighting similarities with the macroeconomic context of late 2018 to mid-2019, including low domestic PMI, rising RMB assets, and improved expectations for Sino-US relations [2][8]. Group 1: Main Line, Trading Factors, and Policy Push - The RMB exchange rate trend is primarily driven by fundamental economic data, particularly exports and PMI [4][15]. - Currently, there is marginal improvement in the net settlement rate, but the domestic manufacturing PMI remains low, indicating a need for further confirmation of trend improvement [5][15]. - Two uncertain factors that may amplify exchange rate fluctuations are identified: the potential release of accumulated settlement and the emotional changes stemming from Sino-US interactions [6][21]. Subgroup: Accumulated Settlement Release - The estimated accumulated settlement as of July is approximately between $743.3 billion and $892.6 billion, with a median of around $818 billion [22][23]. - The average weighted exchange rate cost of these accumulated settlements is estimated to be between 7.02 and 7.17, with significant amounts concentrated around the 6.9 to 7.2 range [23]. - The exchange rate of 7.0 is highlighted as a critical threshold, where approaching this level may lead to accelerated settlement and increased volatility [23]. Subgroup: Emotional Changes from Sino-US Contact - The recent strengthening of the RMB is supported by improved expectations regarding Sino-US relations, with historical parallels drawn to the period from November 2018 to June 2019 [30][31]. - The current macroeconomic context shares similarities with the past, including low PMI and a rebound in A-shares, suggesting potential for further RMB appreciation [31][32]. Subgroup: Policy Intent - The article notes a rare occurrence where the counter-cyclical factor remains significant during a period of RMB appreciation, indicating policy support for the strengthening trend [9][35]. - The counter-cyclical factor shadow has shown significant activity, particularly since the Geneva trade talks, suggesting a policy-driven influence on the exchange rate [35][38]. Group 2: Comprehensive Assessment of RMB Exchange Rate - The current valuation of the RMB against the USD is considered relatively high compared to the fitted midpoints based on Sino-US interest rate differentials, while the CFETS RMB index remains slightly undervalued [40][41]. - The RMB's valuation against a basket of currencies is deemed reasonable, with potential for appreciation based on export competitiveness [40][41]. Subgroup: Three Aspects of the Current Exchange Rate - The bank's customer settlement surplus has expanded, indicating improved settlement fundamentals [48]. - Both resident and enterprise expectations have shown signs of recovery, with residents' expectations reflected in the implied exchange rate of gold and enterprises' expectations indicated by the net settlement rate [50][52]. - Trading volumes in the onshore foreign exchange market have increased, suggesting heightened market sentiment and potential for RMB appreciation [56]. Subgroup: Policy Impact - The counter-cyclical factor shadow has increased friction on the depreciation side, indicating a policy stance aimed at stabilizing the RMB [59].

Core Viewpoint - The report highlights key indicators to monitor during a bull market, emphasizing macroeconomic metrics, trading activity, capital inflows, and asset valuation comparisons [2][3]. Group 1: Macroeconomic Indicators - Indicator 1: The ratio of market capitalization to GDP is currently at 85.6%, with a change of 18.5% from the start to the end of the current market cycle, indicating room for improvement compared to historical highs [5][16]. - Indicator 2: The ratio of market capitalization to household deposits stands at 73.2%, with a change of 15.7% during the current cycle, suggesting potential for further growth [5][19]. Group 2: Trading Activity - Indicator 3: Trading volume has increased from 1.6 trillion to a peak of 3.19 trillion, indicating a potential for further expansion as historical cycles have shown larger increases [6][22]. - Indicator 4: Trading congestion reached a maximum of 39.3%, up from 27.7%, reflecting a significant increase in trading activity [6][24]. - Indicator 5: The drawdown risk is currently at 5.9%, lower than previous cycles, while the profit-loss ratio is at 2.8, indicating a favorable risk-reward scenario [6][26]. Group 3: Capital Inflows - Indicator 6: Margin financing balance is at 2.24 trillion, a 1.21 times increase from the starting point, with room for growth compared to previous cycles [8][28]. - Indicator 7: The number of new accounts opened has seen limited growth, with a ratio of 1.0 compared to the starting month, indicating potential for future increases [8][30]. - Indicator 8: The issuance of equity funds has a ratio of 1.1 compared to the starting month, which is relatively low compared to historical data [8][32]. Group 4: Asset Valuation Comparisons - Indicator 9: The equity risk premium (ERP) has decreased by 1.58% during the current cycle, which is a lower decline compared to previous cycles [10][34]. - Indicator 10: The difference between equity yields and bond yields has decreased by 1.08%, but remains at a relatively high level compared to historical averages [10][36].

Group 1: Economic Policies and Initiatives - The focus remains on the implementation of previous policies, particularly in the service sector, with measures to enhance service consumption and stabilize employment [2][3] - The government plans to introduce several policies to expand service consumption, utilizing fiscal and financial tools to improve service supply capabilities [2][19] - A large-scale vocational skills enhancement training initiative is set to promote employment among key groups such as college graduates and veterans [3][22] Group 2: Investment and Infrastructure - The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has emphasized increasing investment in infrastructure, particularly in major projects like the Yaxia Hydropower Project and the Sichuan-Tibet Railway [3][17] - The government aims to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence across six key sectors by 2027, with a target of over 70% application penetration for new intelligent terminals [4][17] Group 3: Urban Development and Management - The Central Government has issued guidelines to promote high-quality urban development, focusing on controlling the scale of megacities and optimizing the management of county-level cities [5][20] - A sustainable urban construction and operation financing system is to be established, with an emphasis on reducing local government hidden debts [5][20] Group 4: Social Welfare and Childcare - The government is set to strengthen childcare policies during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, promoting the development of inclusive childcare services at the city level [3][21] - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will support local governments in planning and implementing childcare service development schemes [21][23] Group 5: Artificial Intelligence and Technology - The government has outlined a comprehensive plan to integrate artificial intelligence into various sectors, aiming for significant advancements in smart manufacturing and data services by 2030 [4][18] - Policies will be developed to support the growth of AI-related industries, including financial backing and regulatory frameworks to foster innovation [18][22]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current economic trends in China, highlighting both positive and negative indicators in various sectors, including real estate, trade, and commodity prices, while also addressing the implications of recent legal rulings on tariffs and local government debt issuance. Group 1: Economic Indicators - The Huachuang Macro WEI index has decreased to 6.16% as of August 24, down from 7.14% on August 17, indicating a high-level retreat in economic activity [8] - The sales decline in commercial housing has narrowed, with a reported decrease of -14% in the first 29 days of August compared to -22% in July [12] - The container throughput at Chinese ports has shown a year-on-year increase of 5.9% over the past four weeks, with a slight week-on-week increase of 0.3% [22] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Retail sales of passenger vehicles have slowed, with a growth rate of +6% as of August 24, down from +8% previously [14] - The land premium rate has decreased to 1.62% as of August 24, compared to 6.5% in July, indicating a cooling in the real estate market [12] Group 3: Production Trends - The operating rate of oil asphalt plants has declined for two consecutive weeks, currently at 29.3%, down 1.4% from the previous week [17] - Industrial production indicators show a mixed performance, with coal throughput at Qinhuangdao port increasing by 7.3% year-on-year, but overall industrial production remains weak [20] Group 4: Trade Developments - The recent legal ruling on U.S. tariffs has deemed most global tariff policies illegal, which may impact trade dynamics between the U.S. and China [4] - The number of container ships from China to the U.S. has significantly decreased, with a year-on-year drop of 33.3% in the number of ships [23] Group 5: Commodity Prices - Prices for gold, oil, and copper have risen, with gold reaching $3,475.5 per ounce, up 3%, and oil prices increasing by 0.5% for WTI and 0.6% for Brent [34] - Conversely, prices for "anti-involution" commodities such as coal and steel have declined, with Shanxi thermal coal prices dropping by 2% [35] Group 6: Debt and Interest Rates - The issuance of special bonds has reached 74.6% of the annual target, which is better than in previous years [4] - Long-term interest rates have shown slight adjustments, with the 10-year government bond yield at 1.8379%, reflecting a change of +5.61 basis points from the previous week [57]

Core Viewpoint - The manufacturing PMI showed a slight recovery in August, indicating a stabilization in production and new orders, with high-tech manufacturing sectors demonstrating strong performance [2][4][14]. Group 1: New Momentum Supporting Strong Production - In August, the PMI production index rose to 50.8%, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous month, remaining above the critical point for four consecutive months [9]. - The high-tech manufacturing PMI increased to 51.9%, a significant rise of 1.3 percentage points from the previous value, with the production index reaching around 54% [9][4]. - The manufacturing business activity expectation index improved to 53.7%, up 1.1 percentage points, with optimistic expectations in sectors like general equipment and aerospace [9][4]. - High-tech manufacturing profits turned from a decline of 0.9% in June to a growth of 18.9%, contributing to an overall acceleration in industrial profit growth [9][4]. Group 2: Data on Manufacturing PMI Recovery - The manufacturing PMI for August was reported at 49.4%, slightly up from 49.3% in the previous month [14]. - The new orders index was at 49.5%, and the new export orders index was at 47.2%, indicating continued challenges in demand [14]. - The employment index was at 47.9%, and the supplier delivery time index was at 50.5%, reflecting mixed signals in the labor market and supply chain [14]. - The raw material inventory index was at 48.0%, showing a slight increase in inventory levels compared to the previous month [14]. Group 3: Other Notable Sub-Indices - The service sector's business activity index rose to 50.5%, marking a year-to-date high, with strong performance in capital market services and transportation [17]. - The construction sector's business activity index fell to 49.1%, with new orders dropping to 40.6%, indicating a slowdown in construction activities [17][10]. - The price index for major raw materials increased, with the purchasing price index at 53.3% and the factory price index at 49.1%, suggesting rising costs in certain sectors [3][16].

Core Viewpoint - The core constraint on the development of China's sports economy lies not in consumer willingness but in income levels and industrial structure [3][4]. Group 1: Consumption Potential - Income is the decisive factor for sports consumption, with China's sports consumption as a percentage of income comparable to developed countries at approximately 0.84% in 2020, while per capita sports spending is less than $40, which is 1/6 of the average in major developed countries [3][5]. - There is a strong correlation between regional income levels and sports consumption, with a correlation coefficient of 0.88 across 23 sample provinces and cities, indicating that higher income leads to increased sports spending [5][15]. - Japan's experience shows that sports consumption rises during economic upturns and declines during stagnation, emphasizing that income is a critical determinant of sports spending [18][20]. Group 2: Consumption Structure - China's sports consumption is heavily weighted towards physical goods, with over 60% of sports spending on tangible products in 2020, significantly higher than the EU's 35% and close to the U.S. in 2005 [6][23]. - Service consumption in sports, particularly for viewing and fitness, is low at only 11%, compared to about 20% in the U.S. in 2005, indicating a need for a shift towards service-oriented spending [7][23]. - Even in high-income regions like Beijing and Xiamen, physical goods dominate sports spending, suggesting untapped potential for service consumption [25]. Group 3: Event Economy - Currently, the economic impact of sports events in China is limited, contributing approximately 0.1% to GDP, which is lower than the 0.4%-0.5% seen in Europe and the U.S. [8][29]. - The supply side of sports events in China lacks the scale and quality seen in the U.S., where top leagues generate billions in revenue, while Chinese leagues like CBA and CSL are significantly smaller [34][36]. - Employment absorption in the sports industry is low, with only 0.15% of the workforce engaged in sports-related jobs, compared to about 0.5% in the U.S. and U.K., indicating room for growth in this sector [9][38].

Core Viewpoint - Small and micro enterprises are a significant part of the economy, but their statistical data is limited, making it challenging to assess their profitability accurately [2][4]. Group 1: Definition of "Small and Micro Enterprises" - Three perspectives are used to define small and micro enterprises: 1. Observing enterprises below a certain scale, with industrial enterprises defined as those with annual main business income of 20 million yuan or more classified as large-scale [4][13]. 2. Classifying enterprises into large, medium, small, and micro based on the "Statistical Classification of Large, Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises" [4][15]. 3. Considering individual businesses, which, while not classified as legal entities, are still crucial to the economy, with 180 million individuals employed in this sector [5][17]. Group 2: Profitability of Small and Micro Enterprises - For industrial small and micro enterprises, the estimated profit margin is around 4.6% for 2023, based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics [6][21]. - In the service sector, the estimated profit margin for 11 small and micro enterprises is approximately 7.7%, excluding the impact of the wholesale and retail industry [7][26]. - A comprehensive survey indicates that the average profit margin for small and micro enterprises across all industries is projected to be 4.9% in 2024, with a slight decline to 4.5% expected in 2025 [8][27].