Core Viewpoint - The fiscal data for August 2025 indicates a slowdown in both revenue and expenditure growth, reflecting a need to boost domestic demand. Attention should be paid to the release of "quasi-fiscal" functions following the implementation of policy financial tools and the early allocation of new special bond quotas [1][3]. Revenue Summary - In the first eight months of 2025, national general public budget revenue grew by 0.3% year-on-year, with August's growth at 2%, down from 2.6% in July. The narrowing decline in PPI has alleviated the drag on tax revenue, while the income from securities transaction stamp duty has provided notable support. The internal growth momentum of the economy still needs enhancement, and macro policies require further strengthening [1]. - Corporate income tax revenue saw a significant rebound, primarily due to a low base from the previous year. Personal income tax and consumption tax revenue growth slowed, although personal income tax still performed well, while consumption tax remained at a low level. The high growth in securities transaction stamp duty revenue is linked to recent stock market activity. Additionally, vehicle purchase tax and land value-added tax revenues showed significant declines, while export tax rebate revenue growth rebounded, indicating a need to boost domestic demand [1]. Expenditure Summary - In the first eight months of 2025, national general public budget expenditure increased by 3.1% year-on-year, with August's growth at 0.8%, down from 3% in July, likely constrained by revenue. Expenditure in the livelihood sector continued to grow significantly, while infrastructure spending remained low. Social security, employment, and education expenditures maintained high growth rates, while spending on energy conservation, environmental protection, and transportation saw a substantial rebound, mainly due to a low base from the previous year. Expenditures in urban and rural communities, as well as agriculture, forestry, and water resources, experienced a widening decline [2]. Government Fund Summary - In the first eight months of 2025, national government fund budget revenue decreased by 1.4%, with August's growth at -5.7%, down from 8.9% in July. This decline is attributed to the pressure on the land market due to adjustments in the real estate market. Conversely, government fund budget expenditure grew by 30.0% year-on-year, driven by accelerated issuance and utilization of bond funds by various levels of government. In August, government fund budget expenditure increased by 19.8%, down from 42.4% in July, but still showed strong performance [2]. Policy Focus - Moving forward, it is essential for fiscal policy to continue to strengthen. The implementation of policy financial tools is expected to release "quasi-fiscal" functions, which may support the expansion of domestic demand. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has indicated the early allocation of part of the new local government debt limit for 2026, aiming to utilize debt capacity proactively and address existing hidden debt [3].