Core Viewpoint - The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 50.1% in December 2025, indicating a return to the expansion zone after eight months, driven by policy support, increased external demand, and a later Spring Festival in 2026 [2][3]. Group 1: Policy Support and Investment Recovery - Policy measures have effectively promoted investment stabilization, with the central economic work conference emphasizing the need to "promote investment stabilization and stimulate private investment vitality" [2][3]. - The National Development and Reform Commission announced a plan for early 2026 construction projects and a central budget investment plan totaling approximately 295 billion yuan [2][3]. - The production index increased to 51.7% and the new orders index rose to 50.8%, indicating a rebound in production and orders due to fiscal support [3]. Group 2: External Demand and Export Orders - The new export orders index increased by 1.4 percentage points to 49%, reflecting a significant rise in export orders driven by strong external demand [4]. - Global monetary easing and fiscal stimulus have bolstered external demand, with manufacturing PMIs in France and the UK rising to expansion zones, and the US PMI remaining above 52% since August [4]. - Container throughput increased by 7.2% year-on-year in December, indicating a positive trend in export activities [4]. Group 3: Impact of the Spring Festival Timing - The later timing of the 2026 Spring Festival (February 17) resulted in less disruption to December's physical workload compared to previous years [5]. - The production index in December rose by 1.7 percentage points, contrasting with the historical trend of decline in December production indices [5]. Group 4: Price Trends and Inventory Adjustments - The PMI output price index rose by 0.7 percentage points to 48.9%, indicating a recovery in output prices, although they remain in a contraction zone [5]. - The inventory index saw an increase, with procurement volume, raw material inventory, and finished goods inventory rising due to increased production and orders [6]. - Various industries, including electrical machinery and pharmaceuticals, showed signs of inventory replenishment, although the sustainability of this trend requires further data support [6].