Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the inflation trends in May, highlighting a slight decrease in CPI and a more significant drop in PPI, with implications for future economic conditions and policy responses [1][10]. Group 1: CPI Inflation - May CPI inflation was reported at -0.1% year-on-year, matching the previous value and exceeding market expectations of -0.2% [1][2]. - Energy prices have significantly dragged down CPI inflation, while core CPI showed slight upward support [2][6]. - Food prices experienced a mild decline, with a 0.2% drop month-on-month, which is less than the average decline of 1.4% over the past five years [5]. - Core CPI inflation rose slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 0.6% year-on-year, although month-on-month momentum has weakened [6][7]. - Service prices remained resilient, with travel prices increasing by 0.8% month-on-month, surpassing the five-year average of 0.2% [6]. Group 2: PPI Inflation - May PPI inflation was reported at -3.3% year-on-year, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from the previous month, and -0.4% month-on-month, which is weaker than the historical average since 2017 [10][12]. - The decline in PPI is attributed to weak oil prices affecting the entire industrial chain and a slowdown in the construction sector due to adverse weather conditions [10][12]. - Despite the overall decline, there are signs of recovery in prices related to exports and new growth sectors, with textile prices narrowing their decline and some electronic prices turning positive [12][15]. Group 3: Forward Outlook - Looking ahead, energy prices are expected to remain weak, with Brent crude oil projected to fluctuate between $60 and $70 [9]. - The overall pace of CPI recovery is anticipated to be slow, influenced by policies aimed at boosting domestic demand and consumption [16]. - For the second quarter, CPI inflation is expected to stabilize around 0%, while PPI inflation may drop to approximately -3.0% [16].

Group 1: CPI Inflation - The CPI inflation for April is -0.1% year-on-year, which is in line with the previous value and higher than market expectations of -0.3% [1] - Core CPI inflation remains stable, with a month-on-month increase of 0.2%, while year-on-year it holds steady at 0.5% [8] - Food prices have turned from decline to increase, with a month-on-month rise of 0.2% and a year-on-year decline narrowing by 1.2 percentage points to 0.2% [5][6] Group 2: PPI Inflation - The PPI inflation for April is -2.7% year-on-year, down 0.2 percentage points from the previous month, and -0.4% month-on-month, which is weaker than the historical average since 2017 [12] - The decline in PPI inflation is primarily due to tariff impacts, with energy prices being suppressed and some industries facing export obstacles [15] - New momentum industries show resilience, with prices in sectors like computer and electronic equipment manufacturing improving [15] Group 3: Forward Outlook - Looking ahead, the implementation of a package of financial policies on May 7 is expected to support consumption and stabilize the real estate market, potentially leading to a stabilization and gradual recovery of core CPI inflation [11] - The PPI inflation is projected to face downward pressure due to ongoing tariff uncertainties, but the recent financial policies may alleviate some of this pressure [20] - The expected CPI inflation midpoint for Q2 is around 0.2%, while the annual midpoint is projected at 0.4%; for PPI, the Q2 midpoint may drop to around -2.5%, with an annual midpoint of -2.4% [21]

Group 1: CPI Inflation Analysis - February CPI inflation recorded at -0.7%, significantly lower than the previous value of 0.5% and market expectation of -0.4% [1] - The decline in CPI is primarily attributed to the high base effect from the Spring Festival and weak post-holiday demand, particularly in food prices, which fell by 0.5% month-on-month and saw a year-on-year decrease of 3.7 percentage points to -3.3% [2][4] - Core CPI inflation ended a four-month rise, dropping to -0.1%, the lowest level for the same period since 2015, with service prices declining significantly due to reduced demand post-holiday [4][5] Group 2: PPI Inflation Analysis - February PPI inflation stood at -2.2%, showing a slight recovery of 0.1 percentage points, while month-on-month it decreased by 0.1% [6] - The slow resumption of work post-holiday has led to weak prices for finished goods, with production materials and living materials prices remaining stable [6][7] - The outlook for PPI inflation suggests potential recovery as construction project funding pressures ease, which may accelerate project progress [8] Group 3: Forward-Looking Insights - The February inflation data fell short of expectations due to high base effects and slow resumption of work, with the government setting a CPI inflation target of around 2% for 2025, indicating ongoing pressure for price recovery [6][8] - The expected CPI inflation midpoint for the first quarter is around 0.2%, with an annual midpoint projected at 0.5%, while PPI inflation is anticipated to rise to around -2.0% in the first quarter and converge towards -1.6% for the year [8]