Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the stagnation of CPI and PPI in July, highlighting the need for effective investment to stimulate economic growth and address supply-demand imbalances [1][5][6]. Group 1: CPI and PPI Analysis - In July, the CPI showed a year-on-year growth of 0%, which was higher than the expected -0.1%, while the PPI remained at -3.6%, lower than the anticipated -3.4% [1][6]. - The simulated deflation index, calculated using PPI and CPI, was -1.44%, slightly lower than the previous two months' -1.38%, marking the lowest since February 2024 [1][6]. - The decline in price levels since the fourth quarter of last year is attributed to insufficient local fixed asset investment affecting the supply-demand ratio [1][6]. Group 2: Sector-Specific Insights - The PPI's underperformance in July was influenced by high-frequency data discrepancies, particularly in the black metallurgy, automotive, and electrical machinery sectors [2][9]. - Despite rising prices in raw materials for black metal smelting and automotive manufacturing, the final PPI figures showed a decrease of 0.3% in both sectors [2][9]. - Prices for lithium carbonate and polysilicon saw significant increases in July, impacting the photovoltaic industry positively, although the electrical machinery sector still faced a PPI decline of -0.2% [2][10][11]. Group 3: Future Expectations - Looking ahead to August, the PPI decline is expected to narrow to below 3%, with the simulated deflation index likely to bottom out and rise [3][12]. - Initial data for August indicates a neutral trend in industrial prices, with significant increases in domestic coal and coke prices compared to the end of July [3][12]. - The stability of automotive retail and wholesale prices will be crucial to monitor in the coming weeks [3][12]. Group 4: CPI Positive Signals - Positive signals in July were primarily observed in the CPI sector, with core CPI (excluding food and energy) rising by 0.4% month-on-month, reaching a year-on-year high of 0.8% [4][13]. - Notable price stability was seen in automotive retail, with both fuel and new energy vehicle prices stabilizing after a prolonged decline [4][13]. - Household appliances showed a significant month-on-month increase of 2.2%, driven by rising raw material costs, indicating a potential positive trend in consumer spending [4][14]. Group 5: Policy Implications - The article emphasizes the ongoing challenges in achieving a favorable overall price level, necessitating continued policy efforts [5][16]. - Recent government meetings have focused on regulating competition in key industries, including the new energy vehicle sector and the pig farming industry, which may influence future price dynamics [5][16].

Group 1: Economic Performance - In the first half of 2025, the cumulative profit of national industrial enterprises decreased by 1.8% year-on-year, compared to a previous decline of 1.1%[3] - Cumulative operating revenue increased by 2.5% year-on-year, slightly down from 2.7% in the previous period[3] - In June, the monthly revenue growth was approximately 1.6%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points from the previous month[4] Group 2: Profitability Insights - The profit decline in June narrowed to -4.3%, improving by 4.8 percentage points compared to May[4] - The contributions to June's profit growth from industrial value added, PPI, and profit margin year-on-year were +6.4, -3.6, and -6.9 percentage points, respectively[4] - Investment income is expected to contribute more significantly to profits, with June's cost, expenses, and investment income per 100 yuan of revenue being 85.2, 8.8, and 0.0 yuan, respectively[4] Group 3: Sector Analysis - In June, the profit growth of anti-involution industries improved by 3.3 percentage points to -8.0%, while non-anti-involution industries declined by 0.9 percentage points to -2.1%[5] - The profit share of midstream industries increased to 39.5%, while upstream and downstream shares were 28.6% and 21%, respectively[5] - Specific sectors like black metallurgy and automotive saw significant profit improvements, with increases of 1815.9 and 15.5 percentage points, respectively[5] Group 4: Inventory and Market Dynamics - In June, nominal inventory decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 3.1%, while actual inventory saw a slight decline of 0.1 percentage points to 6.7%[7] - The inventory turnover ratio remained high, indicating ongoing challenges in inventory management despite the nominal decrease[7] - The report highlights that the initial effects of anti-involution are beginning to show, with structural improvements in enterprise profits[7]

Group 1 - Citi Group projects that China's GDP growth target for the year is achievable, with a revised forecast of 5% growth for 2023 [1] - The bank emphasizes the need for nominal growth recovery in the second half of the year while maintaining actual growth momentum [1] - Export performance is identified as the biggest surprise factor for growth this year, with expectations of moderate growth despite a slowdown in the second half due to higher base effects [1][2] Group 2 - Three main factors are driving the continued outperformance of exports: the peak of US tariff policies, overestimation of "export grabbing" effects, and the resilience of China's export sector [2][3] - The potential reduction of tariffs on fentanyl and other goods following US-China negotiations could further benefit Chinese exports [2] - The competitiveness of Chinese products remains strong, with a shift towards intermediate goods and capital goods in export composition [3] Group 3 - The "Artificial Intelligence +" sector is expected to generate an additional investment of approximately 500 billion yuan, contributing about 0.4 percentage points to GDP growth [4] - New consumption trends, particularly in service sectors, are emerging, with inbound tourism expected to contribute 0.2 percentage points to GDP growth [4] - Investment in new sectors is thriving, despite uncertainties in traditional sectors like real estate and exports [4] Group 4 - The bank anticipates that domestic demand growth will face marginal weakening, leading to accelerated implementation of incremental policies [5] - Fiscal policies will focus on enhancing existing measures rather than increasing budget or bond issuance, with a projected scale of 100 billion yuan for childcare subsidies [6] - Monetary policy is expected to maintain a "light total, heavy structure" approach, with anticipated rate cuts and liquidity support for key projects [6] Group 5 - The focus on "supply-side structural reform" and measures to combat low-price competition are highlighted as essential for improving supply-demand dynamics [7] - Proposed measures include stricter regulations on production standards and financial oversight to ensure orderly market conditions [7] - Successful implementation of these reforms, combined with demand-side stimulus, could lead to a moderate rebound in Producer Price Index (PPI) data [7]

Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided on the report industry investment rating. Core Viewpoint - In June, the year-on-year CPI turned from a decline to an increase of 0.1%, ending a four-month consecutive decline. The core CPI year-on-year increase of 0.7% reached a 14-month high. The CPI as a whole presented the characteristics of "energy drag, food differentiation, and dual drivers of industrial products and services". The risks of pork overcapacity and the transmission of PPI industrial deflation to the consumer side need to be vigilant. [3] - In June, the year-on-year decline of PPI widened to 3.6%, and the month-on-month decline was 0.4%. The PPI presented the characteristics of "deepening drag from weak domestic demand, intensified differentiation between old and new driving forces, and effective policy support". Attention should be paid to the marginal improvement effects of high-tech production capacity release and infrastructure investment on raw material demand. [3] Summary According to the Directory 6-month CPI Recovery and PPI Pressure PPI - The year-on-year decline of PPI widened. In June 2025, PPI decreased by 3.6% year-on-year (compared to -3.3% in May), and decreased by 0.4% month-on-month. The purchase price decreased by 4.3% year-on-year and 0.7% month-on-month. The cumulative PPI decline in the first half of the year was 2.8%. [7] - The supply and demand of energy and raw materials became more relaxed. The prices of coal mining and washing, coal processing, and power and heat supply industries decreased. The prices of black metal smelting and non-metallic mineral products industries decreased, with the month-on-month decline widening. [7] - Export-dependent industries were under pressure. The prices of export-related industries such as computer and communication equipment manufacturing, electrical machinery manufacturing, and textile industries declined. [7] - The international input pressure was adjusted. Although the domestic gasoline price turned from a decline to an increase month-on-month due to the rebound of international oil prices in June, there was still lagging pressure in the energy and chemical industry chain. The price of gold jewelry increased year-on-year, partially offsetting the downward pressure on energy. [7] - Some areas showed positive marginal changes. High-tech manufacturing industries showed enhanced resilience, and the demand for consumption and equipment manufacturing was released. The price of means of subsistence stabilized. [8] - The PPI data in June highlighted three characteristics: weakening of domestic demand seasonally, deepening differentiation between old and new driving forces, and initial effectiveness of policy transmission. [9][17] - In the future, attention should be paid to the disturbances of external geopolitics to the supply chains of crude oil and non-ferrous metals, the progress of internal high-tech industry production capacity release, and the pulling effect of infrastructure investment on raw material demand. [10] CPI - The CPI turned from a decline to an increase. In June, the CPI increased by 0.1% year-on-year (compared to -0.1% in May), ending a four-month consecutive decline. The core CPI increased by 0.7% year-on-year, reaching a new high in nearly 14 months. [21] - The decline of food prices narrowed but still dragged down the CPI. The prices of fruits and aquatic products increased, while the prices of pork and eggs decreased. [21] - The drag of energy weakened, and the price turned from a decline to an increase month-on-month. The price of gasoline increased month-on-month, driving the energy price to turn from a decline to an increase. [21] - The service price increased steadily, and the policy effect was prominent. The service price increased by 0.5% in June. Affected by the "trade-in" policy, the prices of cultural and entertainment durable consumer goods, household textiles, and household appliances increased. The price decline of automobiles narrowed. [23] - The CPI in June highlighted the following characteristics: the turning of the CPI to an increase marked the emergence of a short-term inflection point, but the recovery foundation was still unstable. The core CPI continued to rise, the drag of industrial products weakened, and the resilience of service consumption was strengthened. Attention should be paid to the risks that the continuous weakness of food prices may suppress the recovery of rural consumption, and the lagging effect of the transmission to CPI under the pressure of industrial demand. [23] Appendix: CPI and PPI Data for June 2025 - In June 2025, the national consumer price increased by 0.1% year-on-year and decreased by 0.1% month-on-month. The prices of food and consumer goods decreased, while the prices of non-food and services increased. [36] - In June, the prices of food and tobacco increased by 0.1% year-on-year and decreased by 0.3% month-on-month. Other seven major categories of prices showed six increases and one decrease year-on-year and three increases, two stabilizations, and two decreases month-on-month. [37][38] - In June 2025, the ex-factory price of industrial producers decreased by 3.6% year-on-year and 0.4% month-on-month. The purchase price of industrial producers decreased by 4.3% year-on-year and 0.7% month-on-month. [38] - In June, among the ex-factory prices of industrial producers, the prices of means of production and means of subsistence decreased. Among the purchase prices of industrial producers, the prices of most categories decreased, while the prices of non-ferrous metal materials and wires increased. [40][41] National Bureau of Statistics Chief Statistician Dong Lijuan's Interpretation of June 2025 CPI and PPI Data - The CPI increased year-on-year after a decline, and the core CPI continued to rise. The increase of CPI year-on-year was mainly affected by the recovery of industrial consumer goods prices. The decline of food prices narrowed slightly, and the service price increased steadily. The core CPI reached a new high in nearly 14 months. The CPI decreased month-on-month, with the decline narrowing. The decline of food prices was less than the seasonal level, the price of industrial consumer goods turned from a decline to an increase, and the service price increased steadily. [43][44][45] - The month-on-month decline of PPI was the same as last month, and the prices of some industries showed a trend of stabilization and recovery. The reasons for the decline of PPI month-on-month included the seasonal decline of domestic raw material manufacturing prices, the decline of energy prices driven by the increase of green electricity, and the pressure on the prices of some export-oriented industries. With the implementation of various macro policies, the prices of some industries showed a trend of stabilization and recovery due to the promotion of the construction of a unified national market, the implementation of consumption-boosting policies, and the accumulation of new driving forces. [46][47][48]

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions on "anti-involution" are driven by policy guidance and market expectations, with a focus on promoting product quality and orderly competition while addressing low-price chaos in various industries [2] Group 1: Impacted Industries - The industries most affected by the current "anti-involution" include upstream raw materials related to real estate and infrastructure (such as coal, steel, and cement), equipment manufacturing overlapping with new productive forces (including automotive, electrical machinery, and electronic device manufacturing), and certain downstream consumer goods sectors (such as pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing) [3] - Emerging industries may experience a greater impact from "anti-involution," as recent government reports emphasize the need to cultivate new and future industries while addressing homogeneous competition in sectors like new energy vehicles and photovoltaics [4] Group 2: Policy Implementation and Observations - The consensus is that the approach to "anti-involution" will be moderate, considering the significant presence of private enterprises in affected industries, with many sectors having a high proportion of private companies [6] - Employment concerns are also crucial, as the new industries most affected by "involution" employ a substantial number of workers, making abrupt capacity reductions potentially harmful to job stability [6] - The market is currently in a wait-and-see mode regarding the form and intensity of "anti-involution" policies, with future market movements dependent on clearer policy signals [7] Group 3: Need for Comprehensive Policy Support - High-intensity capacity reduction may require comprehensive policy support, balancing social stability and the specifics of capacity overhang, including timelines for exit and risk mitigation strategies [8] - Observations should not only focus on supply-side changes but also on demand-side updates, as changes in supply structure are necessary but not sufficient for industry recovery [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the weak performance of CPI and PPI in May 2025, highlighting a deflationary trend and the factors contributing to this situation, including energy and food prices, as well as the broader economic implications for GDP growth and investment opportunities [1][4][11]. CPI Analysis - In May 2025, the CPI year-on-year was -0.1%, unchanged from the previous value, while the PPI year-on-year was -3.3%, lower than the previous -2.7% [1][4]. - The simulated deflation index, based on CPI and PPI weights of 60% and 40%, was -1.38%, the lowest in the past 16 months [1][4]. - The decline in CPI is attributed to a 1.7% month-on-month decrease in energy prices, which negatively impacted CPI by approximately 0.13 percentage points, primarily due to the transmission of commodity price declines influenced by tariffs [6][7]. - Food prices also saw a month-on-month decrease of 0.2%, contributing to a 0.04 percentage point drag on CPI, with weak demand in the restaurant sector being a significant factor [6][7]. PPI Analysis - The PPI decline was exacerbated by two main factors: a decrease in global pricing raw materials and weak domestic construction product pricing [8][9]. - The oil extraction, processing, and chemical industries experienced expanded declines due to falling oil prices, with year-on-year price drops of -17.3% for oil extraction and -14.7% for oil processing [8][9]. - New industry products made a slight positive contribution to PPI, with some sectors like automotive and electronics showing a slight narrowing in their year-on-year decline [8][9]. Future Price Trends - Looking ahead, there is a potential for a slight narrowing of PPI declines in June due to recent rebounds in oil and copper prices, indicating a possible improvement in global pricing factors [10]. - However, to significantly alter the low PPI situation, prices in the construction and emerging industries need to exit the negative growth range, which requires effective local government investment strategies [10]. Economic Outlook - The macroeconomic environment since the "924" policy has shown signs of stabilization, with actual GDP growth expected to remain above 5% in the second quarter of 2025, despite pressures from exports to the U.S. [11]. - The current economic challenges are primarily related to low prices and nominal GDP, leading to high real interest rates and a heavier debt burden, which could affect investment and consumption opportunities [11].