张瑜：终端需求政策需加力——8月经济数据点评

Core Viewpoint - The necessity for policy reinforcement has increased due to declining economic indicators in August, particularly in demand and supply metrics, suggesting a potential need for counter-cyclical policy measures [2][4][6]. Group 1: Policy Trigger Conditions - Historical data indicates that policy reinforcement has been triggered four times since 2007 when cyclical demand faced downward pressure, with August's cyclical demand growth dropping to 2.2%, significantly below the nominal GDP growth of Q2 [4][11]. - The composite PMI output index has also shown five instances of policy reinforcement when it reached local lows, with the average for July and August at 50.3%. A further decline in September could indicate a similar need for policy action [4][11]. Group 2: Direction of Policy Reinforcement - Given the current low price levels, policy reinforcement should focus on stimulating terminal demand rather than increasing future industrial supply. Potential directions include promoting service consumption and pre-positioning major projects from the 14th Five-Year Plan [5][13]. - The construction sector's order growth has historically been better in the first three years of a five-year plan, suggesting that major projects from the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan could be advanced [5][17]. - Service consumption, particularly in sectors like dining, education, and healthcare, requires enhancement, as evidenced by declining growth rates in these areas [5][21]. Group 3: August Economic Data Overview - In August, supply-side growth slowed, with industrial output growth at 5.2% and service sector production index at 5.6%. The GDP growth for Q3 is projected around 4.8% [6][27]. - On the demand side, retail sales growth was 3.4%, down from 3.7%, while exports fell to 4.4% from 7.2%. Real estate sales area decreased by 10.6%, and fixed asset investment saw a decline of 7.1% [6][27][28]. - Price metrics showed a slight recovery in housing prices, with second-hand home prices down 5.5% year-on-year, and PPI at -2.9% while CPI was -0.4% [27][28]. Group 4: Employment and Consumption - The urban survey unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in August, reflecting seasonal trends, while the consumption sector saw a slight recovery in dining growth to 2.1% after lower rates in previous months [30][31]. - Retail sales growth for durable goods, particularly in home appliances, decreased significantly, indicating a mixed recovery in consumer spending [31]. Group 5: Real Estate Sector Analysis - The real estate sector showed a slight decline in the prosperity index, with sales area down 10.6% year-on-year and investment growth at -19.9% [33][34]. - Funding sources for real estate also saw a decline, with domestic loans showing a slight increase, but personal mortgage loans dropped significantly [34]. Group 6: Industrial Growth Insights - Industrial output growth was recorded at 5.2%, with high-tech manufacturing showing strong performance, particularly in sectors like aircraft manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals [39][40]. - The overall manufacturing sector's growth was 5.7%, with consumer goods manufacturing expected to remain weak [40][45].