管涛 | 立方大家谈专栏作者 年初政府工作报告将今年居民消费价格指数（CPI）预期涨幅设定在2%左右，较往年下调了1个百分 点，并强调通过各项政策和改革共同作用，改善供求关系，使价格总水平处在合理区间。今年以来，央 行也多次强调把促进物价合理回升作为货币政策的重要考量。至今，尽管国内物价依然维持低位运行， 但出现了一些积极变化，反映了供给侧"反内卷"的初步成效。只是稳物价依然任重道远，需要进一步综 合施策。 "反内卷"助力物价改善 今年前8个月，我国CPI累计同比下降0.1%，剔除食品和能源的核心CPI增长0.5%，工业生产者出厂价格 指数（PPI）下降2.9%；上半年国内生产总值平减指数下降1.0%，已连续9个季度同比下降。从这些指 标看，今年要实现年初制定的通胀预期目标难度不小。 但同时也要看到，国内物价运行边际上出现了一些积极变化：一是月度核心CPI自今年5月以来连续4个 月同比增速环比回升，8月份升至0.9%；二是8月份PPI同比下降2.9%，但月度同比降幅在经历连续5个 月环比扩大后首次回落，幅度达到0.7个百分点。 物价长期低位运行是当前我国经济面临的主要挑战之一，也是导致宏微观体感温差的主要原因 ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes that supply-side "anti-involution" will be an important policy tool to improve the supply-demand relationship and stabilize prices, with a CPI target set at around 2% for the year [1][2] - The CPI has shown a cumulative year-on-year decline of 0.1% in the first eight months, while the core CPI, excluding food and energy, has increased by 0.5% [2][3] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) has decreased by 2.9%, but the monthly decline has narrowed for the first time after five months of expansion, indicating some positive changes in price dynamics [2][3] Group 2 - The "anti-involution" measures are aimed at curbing excessive competition that distorts market mechanisms and harms consumer interests, which has contributed to the long-term low price levels in China [4][5] - The government has implemented various policies to regulate local government behavior, enhance industry self-discipline, and standardize market practices to combat "involution" [5][6] - The focus on quality competition and innovation is emphasized, encouraging companies to improve competitiveness through technological advancements and brand building [6][7] Group 3 - The current "anti-involution" approach differs from the previous supply-side structural reforms, as it encompasses both upstream and downstream sectors, traditional and emerging industries, and emphasizes market-based and legal measures [7][8] - The demand side also needs to be strengthened to promote price recovery, as the current "anti-involution" measures have a limited impact compared to the previous "capacity reduction" efforts [8][9] - The analysis indicates that the correlation between PPI and commodity indices has reversed, highlighting the need for demand-side support to enhance overall price recovery [8][10] Group 4 - Employment is highlighted as a critical issue, with a focus on policies to promote job creation for key groups such as recent graduates and migrant workers [11] - The government is encouraged to relax consumption restrictions and increase public procurement to stimulate consumer spending [11][12] - Investment expansion is identified as a key area for boosting domestic demand, with potential in infrastructure and private sector investment [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of reading as a pathway to growth and understanding, inspired by the thoughts of renowned investors like Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett [2][3][6]. Summary by Sections Reading and Interaction - The publication aims to encourage continuous reading and interaction with its audience through book reviews, lists, and excerpts [4][5]. - Readers are invited to engage in discussions on selected themes, with opportunities to receive books based on the quality of their comments [6][11]. Featured Book: "Money and Government" - The highlighted book is "Money and Government" by Robert Skidelsky, which explores Keynesian economics and its relevance in modern times [9][10]. - The book discusses the limitations of economics as a social science, emphasizing that economic theories cannot be permanently validated or invalidated due to the changing nature of human behavior and societal ideas [12][13]. Keynesian Economics - Keynesian thought emerged during the Great Depression, focusing on the role of government in stabilizing the economy and addressing issues like insufficient effective demand and unemployment [13][14]. - Despite facing criticism and challenges from neoliberalism, Keynesian policies remain relevant during economic crises, as they provide tools for counter-cyclical measures [16][17]. Role of Money and Government - The book argues that both money and government are essential tools for managing uncertainty in economic activities, with money serving as a means to maintain value over time [15][19]. - It highlights the concept of liquidity preference traps, where individuals hoard cash during downturns, leading to insufficient demand [15][16]. Critique of Mainstream Economics - The author critiques mainstream economic theories that downplay the role of money and government, arguing that these theories fail to address real-world economic challenges [18][19]. - The discussion includes the historical context of economic events and the ideological biases that shape economic thought, advocating for a reevaluation of the roles of money and government in economic policy [19].