Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the July inflation data, highlighting the unexpected performance of PPI and CPI, and suggests that PPI may have reached its bottom with potential for recovery in the coming months [3][6][11]. Group 1: PPI Analysis - PPI in July decreased by 3.6% year-on-year, which was below market expectations, primarily due to the impact of "anti-involution" policies and a lag in response to high-frequency price increases [3][11]. - The decline in PPI was influenced by seasonal factors and international trade uncertainties, which affected prices in several industries, leading to a 0.24 percentage point drag on PPI [5][34]. - The article anticipates that the PPI year-on-year decline cycle, which began in October 2021, may have ended, with a potential second recovery phase starting next month due to favorable low base effects from last year [6][16][18]. Group 2: CPI Insights - CPI showed a year-on-year growth of 0% in July, aligning with the five-year average, while core CPI increased by 0.8% [4][22]. - Key contributors to CPI included a seasonal increase in housing rental demand, with rents rising by 0.1%, and improvements in durable goods prices, particularly in transportation and household appliances [4][25]. - The core service prices rose approximately 1.1%, driven by increased travel and medical service costs during the summer season [4][27]. Group 3: Economic Indicators - The economic cycle indicator, "the difference in growth rates between corporate and household deposits," has been rising for six consecutive months, suggesting improved consumer sentiment and economic recovery, which may positively influence PPI [7][17]. - The article notes that while PPI may not turn positive this year, the ongoing "anti-involution" policies are expected to gradually improve market conditions and pricing [8][19]. Group 4: Price Trends and Market Dynamics - The proportion of CPI items experiencing price increases rose seasonally, indicating a recovery in price dynamics [38]. - The proportion of industries with rising PPI prices slightly increased, reflecting a gradual improvement in market conditions [39][42]. - The article emphasizes that the ongoing optimization of domestic market competition is contributing to a narrowing of price declines in several sectors, including coal, steel, and solar energy [5][35].