Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the stagnation of CPI and PPI in July, highlighting the need for effective investment to stimulate economic growth and address supply-demand imbalances [1][5][6]. Group 1: CPI and PPI Analysis - In July, the CPI showed a year-on-year growth of 0%, which was higher than the expected -0.1%, while the PPI remained at -3.6%, lower than the anticipated -3.4% [1][6]. - The simulated deflation index, calculated using PPI and CPI, was -1.44%, slightly lower than the previous two months' -1.38%, marking the lowest since February 2024 [1][6]. - The decline in price levels since the fourth quarter of last year is attributed to insufficient local fixed asset investment affecting the supply-demand ratio [1][6]. Group 2: Sector-Specific Insights - The PPI's underperformance in July was influenced by high-frequency data discrepancies, particularly in the black metallurgy, automotive, and electrical machinery sectors [2][9]. - Despite rising prices in raw materials for black metal smelting and automotive manufacturing, the final PPI figures showed a decrease of 0.3% in both sectors [2][9]. - Prices for lithium carbonate and polysilicon saw significant increases in July, impacting the photovoltaic industry positively, although the electrical machinery sector still faced a PPI decline of -0.2% [2][10][11]. Group 3: Future Expectations - Looking ahead to August, the PPI decline is expected to narrow to below 3%, with the simulated deflation index likely to bottom out and rise [3][12]. - Initial data for August indicates a neutral trend in industrial prices, with significant increases in domestic coal and coke prices compared to the end of July [3][12]. - The stability of automotive retail and wholesale prices will be crucial to monitor in the coming weeks [3][12]. Group 4: CPI Positive Signals - Positive signals in July were primarily observed in the CPI sector, with core CPI (excluding food and energy) rising by 0.4% month-on-month, reaching a year-on-year high of 0.8% [4][13]. - Notable price stability was seen in automotive retail, with both fuel and new energy vehicle prices stabilizing after a prolonged decline [4][13]. - Household appliances showed a significant month-on-month increase of 2.2%, driven by rising raw material costs, indicating a potential positive trend in consumer spending [4][14]. Group 5: Policy Implications - The article emphasizes the ongoing challenges in achieving a favorable overall price level, necessitating continued policy efforts [5][16]. - Recent government meetings have focused on regulating competition in key industries, including the new energy vehicle sector and the pig farming industry, which may influence future price dynamics [5][16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in CPI and PPI, highlighting a significant decline in February 2025, with CPI at -0.7% and PPI at -2.2%, indicating a notable pullback after a previous recovery [1][4][5]. Group 1: CPI and PPI Trends - February 2025 CPI decreased by 0.7% year-on-year, lower than the previous value of 0.5%, while PPI was -2.2%, slightly better than the prior -2.3% [5]. - The simulated deflation index, based on the weighted contributions of CPI and PPI, was approximately -1.3%, marking a significant retreat from the recovery seen since October 2024 [4][5]. - The decline in CPI was primarily influenced by a seasonal effect related to the timing of the Spring Festival, which affected food prices and overall inflation metrics [6][7]. Group 2: Factors Influencing CPI - The Spring Festival's timing caused a high base effect, leading to a significant drop in CPI; without this effect, CPI would have shown a slight increase of 0.1% [6][7]. - The prices of fuel and new energy vehicles fell by 5.0% and 6.0% respectively, contributing approximately 0.16 percentage points to the CPI decline [7]. - Historical data indicates that the transportation component of CPI has consistently shown negative year-on-year growth, with a notable increase in the rate of decline since 2023 [7][8]. Group 3: PPI Structural Analysis - PPI showed a mixed performance across sectors, with oil extraction and non-ferrous metallurgy experiencing month-on-month increases, while sectors like black metallurgy and coal mining saw declines [8]. - New industry products, such as photovoltaic equipment and semiconductor materials, experienced year-on-year price drops of 13.0% and 9.7% respectively, continuing to exert downward pressure on overall prices [8]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Policy Signals - The low base effect in March 2025 is expected to provide some relief, with preliminary estimates suggesting a CPI increase of 0.1% and a PPI decrease of -2.2% [9]. - The government has signaled a commitment to addressing low price levels, with a target inflation rate set at around 2%, indicating a proactive policy approach to stimulate moderate price increases [10][11]. - Proposed measures include enhancing macroeconomic policy adjustments, boosting consumption, and stabilizing the real estate and stock markets to foster a positive economic environment [11].