1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the document. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the second half of 2025, the economic growth rate may not decline significantly, and structural issues such as prices are expected to improve trend - wise [6] - The allocation between stocks and bonds will continue to shift, with bond yields and the stock market expected to rise continuously [6] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Price Data Overview - On October 15, the National Bureau of Statistics released the price data for September 2025. In September, CPI rose 0.1% month - on - month and fell 0.3% year - on - year; core CPI was flat month - on - month and rose 1.0% year - on - year; PPI was flat month - on - month and fell 2.3% year - on - year [3] 3.2 Resident - end Price Analysis 3.2.1 CPI Analysis - CPI rose from flat to an increase month - on - month. Affected by the decline in service and energy prices, the month - on - month increase was slightly lower than the average of September in the past five years. Food and tobacco prices rose 0.5% month - on - month, and other seven major categories of prices showed four increases, one flat, and two decreases [4] - CPI decreased year - on - year, mainly due to the carry - over effect. Food prices decreased 4.4% year - on - year, and energy prices decreased 2.7% year - on - year, which were the main factors affecting the year - on - year decline of CPI [4] 3.2.2 Core CPI Analysis - Core CPI rose 1.0% year - on - year, with the increase expanding for the fifth consecutive month, and the increase returned to 1% for the first time since March 2024. The year - on - year increase in the prices of industrial consumer goods excluding energy continued to expand [4] 3.3 Industrial - end Price Analysis 3.3.1 PPI Analysis - PPI was flat month - on - month, and the year - on - year decline narrowed for two consecutive months. The year - on - year decline in production materials prices was 2.4%, and the year - on - year decline in living materials prices was 1.7% [5] - The supply - demand structure improvement led to a significant stabilization of prices in some industries, such as coal, photovoltaic, and lithium - battery industries [5] 3.4 Market Performance - The market was still insensitive to fundamental data. After the price data was released on October 15 at 9:30, in a low - interest - rate environment, the market was more concerned about the trends of the equity and commodity markets. The bond market trading might still be affected by the performance of the equity market and the implementation of regulations related to fund redemption fees. The intraday trend of long - term yields showed an "N" shape [5]

Group 1: Inflation Data Overview - In September, the CPI year-on-year improved from -0.4% to -0.3%, while the core CPI rose to 1%[2] - The PPI remained flat month-on-month, with a year-on-year decline narrowing from -2.9% to -2.3%[2] - The GDP deflator index is expected to improve from -1.2% to -0.9% in Q3, aiding nominal growth stabilization[2] Group 2: Core CPI Analysis - The core CPI has been rising monthly, reaching 1% in September, the first time since March of the previous year[3] - Core goods prices increased significantly, with a year-on-year rise of 1.8% in September, the highest since 2021[4] - The contribution to the core CPI increase from core goods, rent, and core services is estimated at 0.61, 0.05, and 0.11 percentage points respectively[4] Group 3: Price Trends and Influences - Household appliance prices surged from -3.4% to 5.5%, marking a record high since 2002, driven by consumption policies[4] - Gold jewelry prices increased by 42.1%, contributing approximately 0.2 percentage points to the core CPI[4] - The prices of medical services rose by 1.9%, reflecting ongoing reforms in the healthcare sector[21] Group 4: Risks and Future Outlook - The effectiveness of consumption policies is expected to continue influencing price trends, with potential fluctuations as funding phases out[5] - The recovery of rent prices is crucial for the mid-term upward adjustment of the core CPI[5] - Uncertainties regarding the implementation of unified market policies pose risks to the inflation outlook[5]

Index Performance - The Hang Seng Index (HSI) closed at 25,911, up 1.8% for the day and 29.2% year-to-date[2] - The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI) rose 1.9% to 9,251, with a year-to-date increase of 26.9%[2] - The MSCI China index increased by 1.9% to 87, reflecting a year-to-date growth of 33.8%[2] Commodity Price Performance - Gold prices reached $4,207 per ounce, up 1.6% for the day and 60.3% year-to-date[3] - Brent Crude oil remained stable at $62 per barrel, showing a year-to-date decline of 13.1%[3] - The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) stood at 2,144, unchanged for the day but up 115.0% year-to-date[3] US Economic Indicators - Initial jobless claims in the US were reported at 218,000, lower than the consensus of 230,000[4] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand showed a year-over-year increase of 2.6%[4] - New privately owned housing units started decreased by 8.5% month-over-month[4] China Economic Indicators - In September, new loans in China totaled RMB 1.29 trillion, down RMB 300 billion year-over-year[9] - The growth of outstanding social financing moderated to 8.7% in September, down from 9% in July[9] - Core CPI growth in China reached 1.0% in September, the highest in 19 months, despite a 0.3% decline in overall CPI[6][8]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles indicates that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a slight increase in September, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) continued to decline, reflecting mixed trends in the economy [1][2][3] - In September, the CPI increased by 0.1% month-on-month, while the year-on-year CPI decreased by 0.3%, with the decline narrowing by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month [1] - The core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, rose by 1.0% year-on-year, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth and the first time in nearly 19 months that the growth rate returned to 1% [1][2] Group 2 - The decline in the CPI was primarily influenced by a drop in food prices, which fell by 4.4%, contributing significantly to the year-on-year decrease [1] - The PPI remained flat month-on-month for two consecutive months, with a year-on-year decline of 2.3%, but the rate of decline narrowed by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month [2][3] - Positive changes in various industries, such as coal processing and metal smelting, have led to a reduction in the downward pressure on the PPI, with specific industries showing improved price stability [3]

Group 1: CPI Analysis - In September 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 0.3% year-on-year, a narrowing of the decline by 0.1 percentage points from the previous month[3] - The core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 1.0% year-on-year, marking a continuous increase for five months and reaching a 19-month high[4] - Month-on-month, the CPI increased by 0.1%, transitioning from flat to positive growth, although this increase is below the historical average over the past decade[4] Group 2: PPI Analysis - The Producer Price Index (PPI) fell by 2.3% year-on-year in September, with the decline narrowing by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month[3] - The year-on-year decline in PPI is primarily attributed to a low base from the previous year, with production material prices decreasing by 2.4% and living material prices down by 1.7%[4] - Month-on-month, the PPI remained flat for two consecutive months, indicating a reduction in downward price pressure[4] Group 3: Future Outlook - The current low price levels are expected to persist, with pork prices continuing to decline; however, policies aimed at stimulating consumption may lead to a slight increase in CPI growth in October[4] - The real estate market remains weak, and infrastructure investment is below expectations, which may continue to exert pressure on industrial product prices[4] - The PPI is anticipated to continue its year-on-year decline, with a slight narrowing expected in October, but it is unlikely to turn positive within the year[4] Group 4: Risks - Potential risks include policy uncertainties, unexpected changes in macroeconomic fundamentals, and geopolitical risks from abroad[4]

Group 1: Price Trends - Food prices have been in negative territory for several months, but consumer goods are driving a rebound in CPI, marking the first divergence since food prices turned negative[1] - In September, the PPI for non-ferrous, black, and energy sectors all saw year-on-year increases, with black PPI showing the largest rise[1] - The core CPI reached a new high for the year at 1%, indicating potential structural policy tools may be more effective moving forward[1] Group 2: Financial Data Insights - The divergence between social financing (社融) growth and loan balance growth that began in December 2024 appears to have ended, suggesting a return to synchronized growth[1] - The M2-M1 spread has narrowed further, indicating an increase in the liquidity of funds, which historically correlates with positive stock market performance[1] - In September, M2 growth slowed while M1 growth increased, reflecting a more active financial environment[1] Group 3: Economic Policy Implications - Current inflation levels are under pressure, necessitating a continuation of loose monetary policy, as both CPI and PPI remain in negative territory[1] - The government's CPI target for 2025 is set at around 2%, the lowest since 2003, indicating a cautious approach to inflation management[1] - The ongoing anti-involution policies are expected to support PPI recovery, with potential for CPI to turn positive in Q4 2025[1] Group 4: Risk Factors - Geopolitical risks and unexpected increases in international oil prices are highlighted as potential threats to economic stability[1]

Report Investment Ratings - Aluminum: Consolidating with oscillations [1] - Alumina: Profit compression [1] - Cast aluminum alloy: Following the trend of electrolytic aluminum [1] Core Views - The report provides updated fundamental data for aluminum, alumina, and cast aluminum alloy, including prices, trading volumes, open interests, spreads, cost - profit situations, and inventory levels in both the futures and spot markets [1]. - It also presents macro - economic data such as China's September CPI, PPI, and new social financing, and analyzes their implications [3]. - The trend intensities for aluminum, alumina, and aluminum alloy are 0, - 1, and 0 respectively [3]. Summary by Related Catalogs Futures Market Electrolytic Aluminum - The closing price of the SHFE aluminum main contract was 20,910, with a night - session closing price of 20,885. The LME aluminum 3M closing price was 2,745 [1]. - Trading volume and open interest of the SHFE aluminum main contract decreased compared to previous periods. The LME aluminum 3M trading volume also showed changes [1]. - The LME canceled warrant ratio was 19.50%, and the LME aluminum cash - 3M spread was 6.66 [1]. - The spread between the near - month and the first - continuous contract was - 55, and the cost of the near - month long and first - continuous short inter - delivery spread arbitrage was 70.58 [1]. Alumina - The closing price of the SHFE alumina main contract was 2,797, with a night - session closing price of 2,780 [1]. - Trading volume and open interest of the SHFE alumina main contract had different trends compared to previous periods [1]. - The spread between the near - month and the first - continuous contract was 7, and the cost of the near - month long and first - continuous short inter - delivery spread arbitrage was 22.15 [1]. Aluminum Alloy - The closing price of the aluminum alloy main contract was 20,410, with a night - session closing price of 20,425 [1]. - Trading volume and open interest of the aluminum alloy main contract changed compared to previous periods [1]. - The spread between the near - month and the first - continuous contract was - 45, and the spot premium was 30 [1]. Spot Market Electrolytic Aluminum - The pre - baked anode market price, aluminum rod processing fees, and aluminum ingot scrap - refined spread showed different changes [1]. - Electrolytic aluminum enterprises' profit was 4,748.93, and the import profit and loss of aluminum spot and 3M had different values [1]. - The domestic social inventory of aluminum ingots was 64.20 million tons, and the LME aluminum ingot inventory was 49.90 million tons [1]. Alumina - The domestic average price of alumina was 2,974, and the alumina prices at Lianyungang in different units had different trends [1]. - Alumina enterprises in Shanxi had a loss of - 42, and the prices of imported bauxite from different regions changed slightly [1]. Aluminum Alloy - The theoretical profit of ADC12 was 180, and the price of Baotai ADC12 was 20,600 [1]. - The difference between Baotai ADC12 and A00 was - 320, and the total inventory of three regions was 49,125 [1]. Caustic Soda - The price of Shaanxi ion - exchange membrane liquid caustic soda (32% converted to 100%) was 2,830 [1]. Macroeconomic Data - In September, China's CPI year - on - year decline narrowed to 0.3%, core CPI returned to 1% for the first time in 19 months, and PPI year - on - year decline narrowed to 2.3% [3]. - China's new social financing in September was 3.53 trillion yuan, new RMB loans were 1.29 trillion yuan, and the M2 - M1 gap reached a new low of 1.2 percentage points [3].

Core Insights - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September showed a year-on-year decline of 0.3% and a month-on-month increase of 0.1%, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) saw a narrowing of its year-on-year decline [1][2][5] - The core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose to 1.0%, marking the first increase in nearly 19 months, driven by improvements in related industry prices [3][4] CPI Analysis - In September, major food prices experienced seasonal increases, particularly in eggs and fresh fruits, contributing to a 0.1% month-on-month rise in CPI [2] - The year-on-year decline in CPI was primarily influenced by a high base from the previous year, with food prices dropping by 4.4%, notably pork, fresh vegetables, and eggs [2][3] - The core CPI's increase was supported by rising prices in household appliances and mobile phones, alongside a significant rise in gold jewelry prices due to international gold price increases [3][4] PPI Analysis - The PPI decreased by 2.3% year-on-year in September, but the decline was less severe than in previous months, indicating a potential stabilization in certain industries [4][5] - The narrowing of the PPI decline is attributed to improvements in supply-demand structures and the effects of macroeconomic policies, with specific industries like coal and black metal showing price increases [4][5] - The recent government measures aimed at regulating market prices and promoting fair competition are expected to further support price stability in various sectors [5][6]

Group 1: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Insights - In September, the national consumer price index (CPI) showed a year-on-year decline of 0.3%, with a month-on-month increase of 0.1% [1][2] - The core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose to 1.0%, marking the first increase in nearly 19 months, driven by improvements in related industry prices [1][3] - Major food prices experienced seasonal increases, particularly in eggs and fresh fruits, while service prices declined due to the end of summer and the timing of the Mid-Autumn Festival [2][3] Group 2: Producer Price Index (PPI) Insights - The PPI decreased by 2.3% year-on-year in September, with the decline narrowing by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month, slightly better than market expectations [4][5] - The industrial producer purchase prices also saw a year-on-year decline of 3.1%, with a narrowing drop of 0.9 percentage points from the previous month [4][5] - Factors contributing to the stabilization of PPI include improvements in supply-demand structure and the impact of macroeconomic policies, leading to price increases in certain industries [6][7] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The "anti-involution" trend is seen as a factor supporting price improvements in related industries, with measures introduced to maintain fair market competition [7] - Despite the positive signs in PPI, there are concerns regarding insufficient domestic investment and consumer demand, which continue to exert pressure on prices in export-oriented sectors [7][8] - The necessity to boost consumer confidence and expand domestic demand remains urgent, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the economic landscape [8]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Economics** sector, specifically analyzing inflation trends in September 2025. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **CPI Trends**: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed continued weakness in food prices, stabilizing at **0.7% MoM SAAR** after a sharp decline in July and August. A rebound in vegetable and fruit prices offset weaker pork prices due to slower supply adjustments meeting soft demand [2][3] 2. **Core CPI Performance**: Core CPI was supported by a base effect and gold prices, but month-over-month (MoM) figures softened notably. Home appliance prices decreased to **4.4% MoM SAAR** from a year-to-date strength of **9%**, while auto prices declined by **3% MoM SAAR** [3][11] 3. **PPI Analysis**: The Producer Price Index (PPI) MoM turned slightly negative, averaging **0%** for midstream PPI. Stronger non-ferrous metals prices offset weaker steel products, while downstream PPI softened to **-0.2% MoM** led by food and durables [4][11] 4. **Outlook for Core CPI and PPI**: Core CPI is expected to improve slightly in October due to holiday impacts and gold prices, but a higher comparison base will constrain further upside in year-over-year (YoY) figures starting in November. PPI MoM averaged **0%** in 4Q24, indicating steady yet soft demand [5][11] Additional Important Insights 1. **Gold's Contribution**: Gold consumption accounts for **0.8%** of the core CPI basket, contributing approximately **0.3pp** to the **1.0% YoY** core CPI recorded in September [11] 2. **Comparison Base Shift**: The comparison base for core CPI and PPI is expected to shift from a tailwind to a headwind in 4Q25, which may impact future inflation metrics [11] 3. **Inflation Metrics Summary**: The summary table indicates that the YoY CPI was **-0.3%** in September, with food prices showing a significant decline of **-4.4%** MoM. The PPI YoY was reported at **-2.3%**, reflecting broader economic trends [7][11] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the current state of inflation in China and its implications for the economy.