Inflation Data Summary - July CPI year-on-year growth is 0%, exceeding the expected -0.1% and matching the previous month's 0.1%[1] - July CPI month-on-month growth is 0.4%, up from -0.1% in the previous month and down from 0.5% year-on-year[1] - Core CPI year-on-year growth is 0.8%, slightly above the previous value of 0.7%[1] PPI Analysis - July PPI year-on-year decline is -3.6%, worse than the expected -3.4% and unchanged from the previous month[1] - PPI month-on-month change is -0.2%, an improvement from -0.4% in the previous month[1] - The decline in PPI is primarily driven by weak demand, with upstream industry price declines narrowing more significantly[2] Sector Contributions - Service and industrial consumer goods support CPI growth, contributing over 60% to the total CPI increase[2] - Food prices decreased by 0.2%, underperforming compared to the seasonal average decline of 0.7%[2] - Upstream industries like coal mining and black metal smelting show reduced price declines, indicating some recovery in these sectors[3] Future Outlook - To achieve a positive year-on-year PPI by year-end, the average month-on-month growth over the next five months needs to reach at least 0.42%[3] - The "anti-involution" policy effects are beginning to show, but full transmission may take time[3] - The current inflation data suggests a moderate environment, supporting a loose monetary policy stance[3]

Inflation Data Summary - July CPI decreased by 0.1 percentage points year-on-year to 0.0%, primarily due to weak food prices[3] - Core CPI improved for the third consecutive month, rising by 0.1 percentage points to 0.8%, driven by higher gold prices and strong service consumption[3] - July PPI remained at a near 23-month low, with a year-on-year decline of -3.6%[3] Food Prices Impact - July food CPI fell by 0.2% month-on-month, significantly below seasonal levels by 0.9 percentage points[4] - Year-on-year food CPI dropped by 1.6%, influenced by a high base from the previous year[4] - Fresh vegetable and meat prices increased by 1.3% and 0.4% month-on-month, respectively, but were still below seasonal averages[4] Core CPI Drivers - Service prices remained stable at 0.5% year-on-year, with significant increases in travel-related costs: airfares up 17.9%, hotel stays up 6.9%[5] - Gold and platinum jewelry prices surged by 37.1% and 27.3% year-on-year, respectively, due to rising gold prices[5] - Transportation fuel prices saw a reduced decline of 1.8 percentage points to -9.0% year-on-year[5] PPI Trends - PPI's month-on-month decline narrowed by 0.2 percentage points, reflecting the impact of "anti-involution" measures[6] - International oil prices increased, contributing to a 3.0% rise in oil and gas extraction month-on-month[6] - Investment demand remains weak, limiting PPI recovery to a gradual improvement[6]

Core Viewpoint - The inflation data for June shows a divergence between CPI and PPI, with CPI rising slightly while PPI continues to decline, indicating a complex interplay of commodity prices and domestic demand [2][8][69]. Group 1: Divergence in Commodity Prices - In June, PPI fell by 0.3 percentage points to -3.6% year-on-year, primarily due to falling prices of upstream commodities like coal and steel, while CPI rose by 0.1% year-on-year, supported by strong food prices and precious metals [2][9][69]. - The decline in PPI was influenced by oversupply in sectors such as steel, cement, and coal, which contributed to a 0.4% month-on-month drop in PPI, while rising international oil prices provided some support [2][9][69]. - Food prices, particularly fresh vegetables and beef, saw significant increases, with fresh vegetable prices rising by 7.9 percentage points to -0.4% year-on-year, contributing positively to CPI [12][47][69]. Group 2: Core Commodity PPI and CPI Trends - Core commodity PPI remains at historical lows, reflecting the impact of tariffs and low capacity utilization in domestic industries, with a slight recovery of 0.4 percentage points to -1% year-on-year [3][21][70]. - The decline in prices for industries with high export ratios, such as computer communications and electrical machinery, indicates ongoing price pressures [21][70]. - Conversely, core commodity CPI increased by 0.3 percentage points to 0.6% year-on-year, driven by consumer stimulus policies, with notable price increases in durable goods and household textiles [27][70]. Group 3: Service CPI and Housing Market - Service CPI remained stable at 0.5% year-on-year, with core service CPI also holding steady at 0.8% [30][61][71]. - The rental component of the service CPI showed weakness, with a month-on-month increase of only 0.1%, below the historical average [30][71]. - The overall stability in service demand contrasts with the weaker performance of housing-related costs, indicating potential challenges in the housing market [30][71]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The combination of policy measures and recovery in domestic demand is expected to alleviate inflationary pressures, although significant downward pressure on commodity prices is anticipated in the second half of the year [35][70]. - Factors such as tariff disruptions, low global oil inventories, and weakened investment in real estate and manufacturing are likely to constrain commodity prices further [35][70]. - The low capacity utilization in downstream sectors poses challenges for PPI recovery, suggesting that PPI will likely remain weak compared to CPI in the coming months [35][70].

Core Viewpoint - The inflation data for June shows a divergence between CPI and PPI, with CPI rising slightly while PPI continues to decline, indicating a mixed economic environment influenced by various commodity prices [2][8][69]. Group 1: Divergence in Commodity Prices - In June, PPI fell by 0.3 percentage points to -3.6% year-on-year, primarily due to declining prices of upstream commodities like coal and steel, while CPI increased by 0.1% year-on-year, supported by rising food prices and platinum [2][9][69]. - The decline in PPI was driven by oversupply in sectors such as steel, cement, and coal, which contributed to a 0.4% month-on-month decrease, while international oil prices provided some support to PPI, contributing positively from oil and copper prices [2][9][69]. Group 2: Core Commodity PPI and CPI Trends - Core commodity PPI remains at historical lows, reflecting the impact of tariffs and low capacity utilization in domestic downstream industries, with a slight recovery of 0.4 percentage points to -1% year-on-year [3][21][70]. - In contrast, core commodity CPI increased by 0.3 percentage points to 0.6% year-on-year, driven by consumer stimulus policies that have bolstered domestic demand, particularly in durable goods and household items [3][27][70]. Group 3: Service CPI Performance - Service CPI remained stable at 0.5% year-on-year, with core service CPI also holding steady at 0.8%, while rental prices showed weakness, with a month-on-month increase of only 0.1% [4][30][61]. - The overall demand for services has remained stable, but the rental component, which is a significant part of the service CPI, has not performed as well compared to previous years [4][30][61]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The combination of policy measures and recovery in domestic demand is expected to alleviate inflationary pressures, but significant downward pressure on commodity prices is anticipated in the second half of the year, with PPI expected to underperform CPI [4][35][70]. - Factors such as tariff disturbances, low global oil inventories, and weakened investment in real estate and manufacturing are likely to constrain commodity prices, while low capacity utilization in downstream sectors will continue to suppress PPI recovery [4][35][70].

Group 1: Inflation Data Overview - In June, the CPI increased by 0.1% year-on-year, compared to a previous value of -0.1% and an expectation of 0%[8] - The PPI decreased by 3.6% year-on-year, down from a previous value of -3.3% and below the expected -3.2%[8] - Month-on-month, the CPI fell by 0.1%, while the PPI decreased by 0.4%[8] Group 2: Price Divergence Analysis - Commodity prices for upstream coal and steel fell, negatively impacting the PPI, while food and platinum prices rose, supporting the CPI[2] - The core PPI remains at historical lows, reflecting tariff impacts and low capacity utilization in downstream industries, with a core PPI of -1%[21] - Core CPI rose by 0.3 percentage points to 0.6%, driven by consumer stimulus policies and increased domestic demand[3] Group 3: Service Sector Insights - The service CPI remained stable at 0.5% year-on-year, with core service CPI unchanged at 0.8%[50] - Rent CPI showed weakness, with a month-on-month increase of only 0.1%, below the historical average of 0.2%[25] Group 4: Future Outlook - Policy measures and recovery in domestic demand are expected to alleviate inflationary pressures, but commodity prices may face downward pressure in the second half of the year[27] - The PPI is anticipated to underperform compared to the CPI due to ongoing low capacity utilization and external factors such as tariffs and global oil supply constraints[27]

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 Analysis - In May, China's CPI decreased by 0.1% year-on-year, slightly better than the expected decline of 0.2%[4] - The month-on-month CPI fell by 0.2 percentage points, aligning with seasonal trends observed over the past five and ten years[6] - Energy prices significantly impacted CPI, with a month-on-month decline of 1.7%, contributing approximately 0.13 percentage points to the overall CPI decrease[6] Group 2: PPI Analysis - China's PPI decreased by 3.3% year-on-year in May, a larger decline than the previous month's 2.7%[4] - The month-on-month PPI fell by 0.4%, consistent with the previous month, indicating continued weak performance[26] - Production material prices were under pressure, with a year-on-year decline of 4.0%, affecting the overall industrial producer price level by about 2.98 percentage points[30] Group 3: Sector Performance - Service prices showed stronger recovery compared to consumer goods, with service prices rising by 0.5% year-on-year, while consumer goods continued to decline[9] - Transportation and communication prices experienced significant month-on-month declines, with transportation fuel prices dropping by 3.7%[11] - Core CPI, excluding energy, saw an increase, indicating a recovery in non-energy consumer goods and services driven by policy support and holiday effects[25]

Core Viewpoints - The improvement in consumer demand stabilizes the core CPI, but supply-side factors significantly suppress inflation readings [2][68] Group 1: Characteristics of Core CPI Stabilization - Characteristic 1: Core commodity PPI shows a notable rebound, primarily due to improved demand and a lack of further tariff impacts. In May, the core commodity PPI increased by 0.3 percentage points to -1.4%. This is attributed to the sustained effects of consumption-boosting policies and a moderation in tariff impacts on prices [2][68] - Characteristic 2: Consumption promotion policies combined with rising gold prices lead to an increase in core commodity CPI. In May, the core commodity CPI rose by 0.1 percentage points to 0.2%, supported by increased consumer demand and a 40.1% rise in gold jewelry prices [3][18] - Characteristic 3: The increase in holiday days in May allowed for more substantial service demand release, positively impacting core service CPI, which rose by 0.2 percentage points to 0.5% [3][21] Group 2: Future Outlook - The combination of policy reinforcement and recovery in domestic demand is expected to alleviate inflationary pressures, although supply-side changes may still impose constraints on price readings [4][32] - The focus on boosting service consumption is likely to improve core service CPI further, while the ongoing "old-for-new" policy may provide significant support to core commodity CPI and PPI [4][70] Group 3: Regular Tracking - The overall CPI in May was -0.1%, slightly better than market expectations, with food supply showing a mixed performance. Fresh fruit and fish prices increased due to supply reductions, while seasonal vegetables saw a price drop [5][26] - Non-food CPI showed improvement in transportation and communication, while fuel prices for transportation saw a significant decline [50][71] - Service CPI in May reflected a recovery in demand, with core service CPI performing better than in previous years, indicating a positive trend in the service sector [58][71]

Inflation Data Summary - May CPI year-on-year decreased by 0.1%, better than the expected decline of 0.2% and consistent with the previous month[1] - Month-on-month CPI fell by 0.2%, compared to a rise of 0.1% in the previous month[1] - Core CPI excluding food and energy remained flat month-on-month, down from a 0.2% increase in the previous month[1] Energy and Commodity Prices - Energy prices significantly impacted CPI, with a 1.7% decrease in energy prices contributing approximately 0.13 percentage points to the CPI decline[1] - Brent crude oil prices fell by 5.2% month-on-month, with a cumulative decline of 18.9% from February to May[1] - Transportation fuel prices dropped by 3.7%, with a total decline of 9.2% from March to May[1] Service and Food Prices - Service prices were flat month-on-month, down from a previous increase of 0.3%, indicating weakened support for CPI[2] - Food prices decreased by 0.2%, a smaller decline compared to historical averages of -1.1% and -0.9% for the same period[3] - Fresh vegetable prices fell by 5.9%, while fresh fruit prices increased by 3.3% due to drought conditions in northern regions[3] Producer Price Index (PPI) Trends - PPI remained unchanged month-on-month at -0.4%, consistent with the previous two months[5] - The rolling three-month average for PPI is -0.4%, marking a seven-month low, with an annual rate of -4.7%[5] - The mining and raw materials sectors saw PPI declines of -2.5% and -0.9%, respectively, while the manufacturing sector decreased by -0.3%[5] Market Implications - The weak inflation data suggests continued pressure on industries sensitive to economic cycles, while technology sectors may perform relatively better[8] - Defensive dividend stocks are recommended for consideration, although attention should be paid to potential market disruptions from dividend-related trading in June and July[8]

Group 1: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Insights - In May, the CPI decreased by 0.2% month-on-month and 0.1% year-on-year, indicating a marginal improvement in consumer prices due to consumption-boosting policies [1][4] - Food, tobacco, and alcohol prices increased by 0.1% year-on-year, contributing approximately 0.02 percentage points to the CPI increase, while energy prices fell by 6.1%, impacting the CPI decline by about 0.47 percentage points [4][5] - Core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 0.6% year-on-year, with the growth rate expanding by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month, reflecting a recovery in consumer demand [5][6] Group 2: Producer Price Index (PPI) Insights - In May, the PPI fell by 3.3% year-on-year, with the decline rate widening by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous month, and a month-on-month decrease of 0.4% [1][7] - The decline in PPI is attributed to high base effects from the previous year and international input factors affecting domestic prices, particularly in the oil and gas sectors [7][9] - Certain industries, such as arts and crafts, footwear, and computer manufacturing, saw price increases, indicating a recovery in some sectors driven by consumer demand [7][9]