Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Economics** sector, specifically analyzing inflation trends in September 2025. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **CPI Trends**: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed continued weakness in food prices, stabilizing at **0.7% MoM SAAR** after a sharp decline in July and August. A rebound in vegetable and fruit prices offset weaker pork prices due to slower supply adjustments meeting soft demand [2][3] 2. **Core CPI Performance**: Core CPI was supported by a base effect and gold prices, but month-over-month (MoM) figures softened notably. Home appliance prices decreased to **4.4% MoM SAAR** from a year-to-date strength of **9%**, while auto prices declined by **3% MoM SAAR** [3][11] 3. **PPI Analysis**: The Producer Price Index (PPI) MoM turned slightly negative, averaging **0%** for midstream PPI. Stronger non-ferrous metals prices offset weaker steel products, while downstream PPI softened to **-0.2% MoM** led by food and durables [4][11] 4. **Outlook for Core CPI and PPI**: Core CPI is expected to improve slightly in October due to holiday impacts and gold prices, but a higher comparison base will constrain further upside in year-over-year (YoY) figures starting in November. PPI MoM averaged **0%** in 4Q24, indicating steady yet soft demand [5][11] Additional Important Insights 1. **Gold's Contribution**: Gold consumption accounts for **0.8%** of the core CPI basket, contributing approximately **0.3pp** to the **1.0% YoY** core CPI recorded in September [11] 2. **Comparison Base Shift**: The comparison base for core CPI and PPI is expected to shift from a tailwind to a headwind in 4Q25, which may impact future inflation metrics [11] 3. **Inflation Metrics Summary**: The summary table indicates that the YoY CPI was **-0.3%** in September, with food prices showing a significant decline of **-4.4%** MoM. The PPI YoY was reported at **-2.3%**, reflecting broader economic trends [7][11] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the current state of inflation in China and its implications for the economy.