Demand-Side Analysis - In August, the growth rate of cyclical demand dropped to 2.2%, significantly lower than the nominal GDP growth rate of Q2, indicating a potential need for policy support[3] - The composite PMI output index averaged 50.3% in July and August, suggesting a possible policy response if it continues to decline in September[3] Policy Direction - Current low inflation suggests that policy measures should focus on boosting terminal demand without increasing future industrial supply[4] - Possible directions include promoting service consumption and advancing major projects from the 14th Five-Year Plan[4] Economic Data Overview - In August, industrial production growth was 5.2%, while the service sector's production index was 5.6%[5] - Retail sales growth year-on-year was 3.4%, down from 3.7% in the previous month[5] - Fixed asset investment saw a year-on-year decline of 7.1%, compared to a previous decline of 5.3%[5] Real Estate Sector - Real estate sales area decreased by 10.6% year-on-year in August, worsening from a 7.8% decline in July[5] - Real estate investment in August fell by 19.4% year-on-year, indicating ongoing sector challenges[5] Employment and Inflation - The urban survey unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in August, reflecting seasonal trends[26] - CPI was down 0.4% year-on-year, while PPI decreased by 2.9%, indicating deflationary pressures[24]

Core Viewpoint - The necessity for policy reinforcement has increased due to declining economic indicators in August, particularly in demand and supply metrics, suggesting a potential need for counter-cyclical policy measures [2][4][6]. Group 1: Policy Trigger Conditions - Historical data indicates that policy reinforcement has been triggered four times since 2007 when cyclical demand faced downward pressure, with August's cyclical demand growth dropping to 2.2%, significantly below the nominal GDP growth of Q2 [4][11]. - The composite PMI output index has also shown five instances of policy reinforcement when it reached local lows, with the average for July and August at 50.3%. A further decline in September could indicate a similar need for policy action [4][11]. Group 2: Direction of Policy Reinforcement - Given the current low price levels, policy reinforcement should focus on stimulating terminal demand rather than increasing future industrial supply. Potential directions include promoting service consumption and pre-positioning major projects from the 14th Five-Year Plan [5][13]. - The construction sector's order growth has historically been better in the first three years of a five-year plan, suggesting that major projects from the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan could be advanced [5][17]. - Service consumption, particularly in sectors like dining, education, and healthcare, requires enhancement, as evidenced by declining growth rates in these areas [5][21]. Group 3: August Economic Data Overview - In August, supply-side growth slowed, with industrial output growth at 5.2% and service sector production index at 5.6%. The GDP growth for Q3 is projected around 4.8% [6][27]. - On the demand side, retail sales growth was 3.4%, down from 3.7%, while exports fell to 4.4% from 7.2%. Real estate sales area decreased by 10.6%, and fixed asset investment saw a decline of 7.1% [6][27][28]. - Price metrics showed a slight recovery in housing prices, with second-hand home prices down 5.5% year-on-year, and PPI at -2.9% while CPI was -0.4% [27][28]. Group 4: Employment and Consumption - The urban survey unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in August, reflecting seasonal trends, while the consumption sector saw a slight recovery in dining growth to 2.1% after lower rates in previous months [30][31]. - Retail sales growth for durable goods, particularly in home appliances, decreased significantly, indicating a mixed recovery in consumer spending [31]. Group 5: Real Estate Sector Analysis - The real estate sector showed a slight decline in the prosperity index, with sales area down 10.6% year-on-year and investment growth at -19.9% [33][34]. - Funding sources for real estate also saw a decline, with domestic loans showing a slight increase, but personal mortgage loans dropped significantly [34]. Group 6: Industrial Growth Insights - Industrial output growth was recorded at 5.2%, with high-tech manufacturing showing strong performance, particularly in sectors like aircraft manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals [39][40]. - The overall manufacturing sector's growth was 5.7%, with consumer goods manufacturing expected to remain weak [40][45].