稳物价有待供需两端进一步发力｜宏观经济

Core Viewpoint - The long-term low price levels in China pose a significant challenge to the economy, necessitating both supply-side and demand-side measures to stimulate economic activity and improve price levels [2][5][12]. Supply-Side Measures - The government has implemented a series of "anti-involution" policies aimed at regulating local government behavior, enhancing industry self-discipline, and improving market order to combat excessive competition [9][10][11]. - Key actions include the release of guidelines to standardize local government practices, the promotion of industry standards, and the revision of laws to curb unfair competition and price manipulation [10][11]. - The focus is on optimizing production capacity and encouraging quality competition rather than merely reducing capacity, which is a shift from previous supply-side reforms [11][12]. Demand-Side Initiatives - There is a pressing need for further demand-side efforts to support price recovery, as the current supply-side measures alone may not suffice [12][13]. - Suggestions include increasing government procurement to employ unemployed graduates and relaxing consumption restrictions to stimulate spending [16][17]. - The government aims to enhance service consumption and infrastructure investment to boost overall demand, with a focus on maintaining policy flexibility and responsiveness to economic conditions [15][17]. Economic Indicators - As of August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has shown a cumulative year-on-year decline of 0.1%, while the core CPI has increased by 0.5% [4][5]. - The Producer Price Index (PPI) has decreased by 2.9%, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving inflation targets set at around 2% for the year [3][4]. - The government emphasizes the importance of improving the supply-demand relationship through comprehensive policy measures to stabilize price levels [3][4]. Employment and Investment - Employment remains a critical focus, with high youth unemployment rates prompting calls for targeted job creation initiatives [16]. - Investment in infrastructure and private sectors is seen as vital for expanding domestic demand, with recent data indicating a slowdown in investment growth [15][17].