Core Insights - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October showed a month-on-month increase of 0.2% and a year-on-year increase of 0.2%, marking a recovery from the previous value of -0.3% [2] - The core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 1.2% year-on-year, the highest increase since March 2024, indicating a sustained upward trend for six consecutive months [2] - Key factors contributing to the improvement in price data include better food prices, rising gold prices, and robust travel consumption during the holiday season [2] Food Prices and Consumer Behavior - Food prices showed a notable improvement, with actual prices rising by 0.3% in October, contrary to the expected decline of 0.4% based on high-frequency wholesale prices [2] - The increase in gold jewelry prices contributed approximately 0.06 percentage points to the month-on-month CPI [2] - The demand for travel during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival led to significant price increases in accommodation (8.6%), air tickets (4.5%), and tourism (2.5%) [2] Weakness in Certain Price Segments - Despite the overall CPI recovery, certain segments like pork and tobacco prices remain weak, with pork prices declining by 2.5% month-on-month, impacting CPI by approximately 0.03 percentage points [4] - Tobacco and alcohol prices also experienced negative growth, both decreasing by 0.1 percentage points, reflecting limited demand for non-essential consumer goods due to unhealed consumer sentiment [4] Durable Goods Demand - Reports indicate that the demand for durable consumer goods is not strong, with transportation tools showing a consistent year-on-year decline of 1.9% for three consecutive months [4] - The year-on-year growth rates for household appliances and communication tools have also decreased, indicating a slowdown in consumer spending [4] Urban vs. Rural Price Trends - There is a divergence in price trends between urban and rural areas, with urban CPI increasing by 0.3% year-on-year while rural CPI decreased by 0.2% [4] - The higher weight of food expenditure in rural consumption leads to a more pronounced impact from food price deflation, resulting in a weaker rural price index [4] Future Outlook - The increase in holiday-related consumption is seen as a temporary spike, and fluctuations in gold prices are expected in November [5] - For sustained improvement in CPI, ongoing policy support will be necessary, as the current factors driving CPI are not expected to be long-lasting [5]

Core Viewpoints - The inflation rebound in October is primarily driven by factors other than the anti-involution effect, with significant contributions from commodity price increases [2][60] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 0.2% year-on-year, up from -0.3% in the previous month, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) decreased by 2.1% year-on-year, showing a slight improvement from -2.3% [9][59] Group 1: Factors Influencing Inflation - Factor 1: The anti-involution effect led to an increase in coal prices, but its impact on downstream PPI was limited. In contrast, copper prices, which were less affected by anti-involution, saw a significant increase, contributing 0.2% to the PPI [2][10][60] - Factor 2: The CPI's rise above zero was attributed to a low base and reduced supply in certain food categories, with pork prices remaining low despite the anti-involution effect. The food CPI increased by 1.5 percentage points to -2.9% year-on-year [2][17][61] - Factor 3: Core CPI continued to rise, supported by improved travel demand and rising gold prices. The core CPI increased to 1.2% year-on-year, with significant price increases in accommodation and travel services due to the overlapping National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival [3][24][61] Group 2: Future Outlook - The price increases in bulk commodities are expected to continue influencing inflation, but the impact of anti-involution on downstream prices may take time to materialize. The PPI is projected to remain around -2.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter [4][37][62] - Although the low base, steady improvement in service consumption demand, and high gold prices may support core CPI, the limited rebound in CPI for the year is anticipated due to the tapering of national subsidies and slow recovery in downstream PPI [4][37][62] Group 3: Regular Tracking - The CPI showed an overall increase, with contributions from both food and non-food items. The food CPI rose by 1.5 percentage points to -2.9% year-on-year, with significant increases in fresh vegetables and fruits [5][43][63] - Non-food items such as household appliances and communication tools saw a decline in CPI, with household appliances dropping to 5.0% and communication tools to 1.2% [5][48][63] - The overall service CPI increased, with core service CPI performing better than seasonal trends, rising to 0.8% year-on-year [7][52][63]

Group 1: Inflation Data Overview - In September, the CPI year-on-year improved from -0.4% to -0.3%, while the core CPI rose to 1%[2] - The PPI remained flat month-on-month, with a year-on-year decline narrowing from -2.9% to -2.3%[2] - The GDP deflator index is expected to improve from -1.2% to -0.9% in Q3, aiding nominal growth stabilization[2] Group 2: Core CPI Analysis - The core CPI has been rising monthly, reaching 1% in September, the first time since March of the previous year[3] - Core goods prices increased significantly, with a year-on-year rise of 1.8% in September, the highest since 2021[4] - The contribution to the core CPI increase from core goods, rent, and core services is estimated at 0.61, 0.05, and 0.11 percentage points respectively[4] Group 3: Price Trends and Influences - Household appliance prices surged from -3.4% to 5.5%, marking a record high since 2002, driven by consumption policies[4] - Gold jewelry prices increased by 42.1%, contributing approximately 0.2 percentage points to the core CPI[4] - The prices of medical services rose by 1.9%, reflecting ongoing reforms in the healthcare sector[21] Group 4: Risks and Future Outlook - The effectiveness of consumption policies is expected to continue influencing price trends, with potential fluctuations as funding phases out[5] - The recovery of rent prices is crucial for the mid-term upward adjustment of the core CPI[5] - Uncertainties regarding the implementation of unified market policies pose risks to the inflation outlook[5]

Group 1: CPI Analysis - In September, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.1% month-on-month and decreased by 0.3% year-on-year, with the core CPI (excluding food and energy) rising by 1% year-on-year, marking the first return to this level in 19 months [1][4] - The year-on-year decline in CPI was primarily due to a "tail effect," with food prices dropping by 4.4%, significantly impacting the overall CPI [4][5] - The increase in core CPI is attributed to the effects of consumption promotion policies and rising prices in appliances and mobile phones, which offset the decline in food prices [4][5] Group 2: PPI Analysis - The Producer Price Index (PPI) remained flat month-on-month in September, with a year-on-year decline of 2.3%, a reduction in the decline by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month [6][7] - The flat PPI reflects weak domestic demand despite stable international oil prices and rising copper prices, with certain export-heavy industries facing price pressures [6][7] - Future PPI trends are expected to remain flat in October, with a year-on-year decline projected to be around 2.2%, indicating challenges in turning positive by year-end [6][7]

Inflation Data - September CPI year-on-year decline narrowed by 0.1 percentage points to -0.3%, remaining at a low level since the beginning of the year[3] - Core CPI improved by 0.1 percentage points to 1.0%, the highest since March 2024, driven by rising gold prices and effective fiscal subsidies for durable goods[3] - Food CPI fell by 4.4% year-on-year, with fresh vegetable and fruit prices rising by 6.1% and 1.7% respectively, while pork prices continued to decline due to ample supply[4] Producer Price Index (PPI) Insights - September PPI year-on-year decline narrowed significantly by 0.6 percentage points to -2.3%, influenced by low base effects and anti-involution measures[3] - PPI recovery is expected to be gradual due to weak domestic investment demand, with upstream industrial prices stabilizing as anti-involution progresses[5] - International oil price fluctuations led to a 2.0% month-on-month decline in oil and gas extraction, while coal mining increased by 2.5% month-on-month[5] Economic Outlook - The inflation data indicates a synchronized improvement in core CPI and PPI, with fiscal subsidies continuing to boost durable goods consumption[6] - Uncertainties in the fourth quarter and into 2026 are anticipated due to potential export pressures from cooling external demand and ongoing adjustments in the real estate market[6] - The central government may increase consumption subsidies and effective investment budgets if export declines are significant, with a potential for a small interest rate cut of 10 basis points[6]

Core Viewpoint - The August CPI turned negative at -0.4% year-on-year, primarily driven by a decline in food prices, influenced by high base effects from the previous year [2][3] - Core CPI continues to improve, reaching 0.9% year-on-year, supported by rising prices of gold and platinum jewelry, as well as services [4][5] CPI Analysis - The food price index fell by 4.3% year-on-year, with fresh vegetables, fruits, and pork contributing significantly to the decline [3][4] - The drop in vegetable and pork prices may not be sustained due to high base effects from last year, where prices surged due to extreme weather conditions [3][4] - The core CPI's increase is attributed to a 37.1% rise in gold jewelry prices and a 27.3% rise in platinum jewelry prices, contributing 0.31 percentage points to the core CPI [5][6] PPI Analysis - The PPI ended its downward trend, remaining flat month-on-month, with a year-on-year decline of 2.9%, a narrowing of the drop by 0.7 percentage points from the previous month [8][9] - The "anti-involution" effect is beginning to show, but its impact on prices is limited, with various industries experiencing reduced price declines [8][9] - Predictions indicate that the PPI may have reached its bottom in July, with future declines expected to narrow, although a positive trend in the next year remains challenging [9][10] Consumer Goods and Services - Prices of durable goods are showing improvement, with household appliances increasing by 4.6% year-on-year and communication tools by 0.8% [6][7] - The automotive sector is experiencing a reduction in price declines due to improved competition management, with fuel vehicle prices decreasing by 2.3% year-on-year [6][7] - Despite the rise in consumer prices for certain goods, the PPI for related industries has not improved, indicating a potential slowdown in demand [6][7]

Core Insights - The article highlights the gradual improvement in supply-demand relationships due to policies aimed at expanding domestic demand, countering excessive competition, and developing new growth drivers [1][2]. CPI Analysis - In August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a flat month-on-month change and a year-on-year decline of 0.4%, influenced by falling food and energy prices [4]. - Food prices were weaker than seasonal trends, with a month-on-month increase of 0.5%, below the historical average of 1.5%. Pork prices fell by 0.5%, while egg prices rose by 1.5%, both lower than historical averages [4]. - Energy prices decreased due to lower international oil prices, with transportation fuel prices down by 0.9% month-on-month and 7.1% year-on-year [4]. - Core CPI improved, remaining flat month-on-month and increasing by 0.9% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth [4]. PPI Analysis - The Producer Price Index (PPI) showed signs of recovery, with a month-on-month change from a decline of 0.2% to flat, and a year-on-year decline of 2.9%, narrowing by 0.7 percentage points [12]. - Prices for production materials improved, with a month-on-month increase of 0.1% and a year-on-year decline of 3.2%, also narrowing by 1.1 percentage points [12]. - Specific industries saw price increases, such as coal processing prices rising by 9.7% month-on-month, indicating a positive trend in domestic market competition [13]. Future Outlook - The outlook suggests a moderate recovery in prices, driven by the continued effects of domestic demand expansion policies and improved market competition [14]. - CPI is expected to reflect a trend of "food and energy prices declining while core inflation rises," with seasonal factors likely to support a decrease in food prices [15]. - PPI may enter a recovery phase, supported by ongoing policy measures against excessive competition and improvements in export structures [15].

Group 1 - The consumer market in August showed overall stability, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) remaining flat month-on-month and decreasing by 0.4% year-on-year, while the core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased by 0.9% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth [1] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) month-on-month ended an eight-month decline, stabilizing after a 0.2% drop in the previous month, with a year-on-year decrease of 2.9%, which is a narrowing of 0.7 percentage points from the previous month [2][3] - The improvement in supply-demand relationships in certain industries has contributed to the stabilization of PPI, with energy and raw material prices showing signs of recovery [2][3] Group 2 - The "old-for-new" consumption policy has been expanded, providing significant support for prices of covered goods, with transportation tool prices stabilizing month-on-month and the year-on-year decline narrowing from 2.1% to 1.9% [2] - Service prices have shown a continuous upward trend since March, with a year-on-year increase of 0.6% in August, indicating the release of service consumption potential [2] - The overall low price level since the beginning of the year is expected to continue, providing ample space for future growth-stabilizing policies [3][4]

Group 1 - The overall consumer market in August remained stable, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unchanged month-on-month and down 0.4% year-on-year, while the core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 0.9% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of increase [2] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) month-on-month ended an eight-month decline, stabilizing after a 0.2% drop in the previous month, while the year-on-year decline was 2.9%, narrowing by 0.7 percentage points compared to the previous month [3][4] - The improvement in supply-demand relationships in certain industries has positively influenced prices, with some energy and raw material sectors experiencing price increases month-on-month [3][4] Group 2 - The "old-for-new" consumption policy has been strengthened, providing significant support for prices of covered goods, with transportation tool prices stabilizing month-on-month and the year-on-year decline narrowing from 2.1% to 1.9% [3] - Service prices have shown a continuous upward trend since March, with household services, medical services, and educational services leading the increase, indicating the ongoing release of service consumption potential [3] - The overall low price level since the beginning of the year is expected to continue, providing ample space for future growth stabilization policies [5]

Core CPI and Consumer Demand - In August, China's CPI remained flat month-on-month and decreased by 0.4% year-on-year, while the core CPI rose by 0.9%, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth in its year-on-year increase [1] - The continuous improvement in core CPI indicates a moderate recovery in consumer demand, driven by policies aimed at expanding domestic demand and promoting consumption [1][5] - Prices of durable goods such as household appliances, vehicles, and communication tools showed a month-on-month increase above historical averages, reflecting the positive impact of consumption policies [1] Industrial Product Prices - In August, the year-on-year price of industrial consumer goods, excluding energy, increased by 1.5%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous month [2] - Jewelry prices, including gold and platinum, rose significantly, contributing approximately 0.22 percentage points to the CPI increase [2] - Service prices also saw a year-on-year increase of 0.6%, with transportation and tourism costs rising by 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively [2] Food Prices and CPI Impact - Food prices increased by 0.5% month-on-month but decreased by 4.3% year-on-year, with significant declines in pork, eggs, and fresh fruit prices [3] - The year-on-year decline in food prices had a greater negative impact on CPI than the overall CPI decline, with a downwards influence of approximately 0.51 percentage points [3] - The weakening of food prices is attributed to high comparison bases from the previous year and lower seasonal price increases this month [2][3] PPI Trends - The PPI ended an eight-month decline, remaining flat month-on-month and decreasing by 2.9% year-on-year, with a narrowing decline of 0.7 percentage points from the previous month [3][4] - Improvements in PPI are linked to effective supply-demand adjustments and policy impacts, particularly in key industries such as coal, metals, and new energy vehicles [4] - Emerging industries and high-tech sectors are experiencing rapid growth, contributing positively to PPI data [5] Future Outlook - The overall price trend in August indicates a recovery, with expectations for a moderate rebound in prices as domestic demand policies take effect [5][6] - The CPI structure may reflect a decline in food and energy prices while core CPI continues to rise, suggesting a potential recovery phase for PPI [5][6]