Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent adjustments made by the State Taxation Administration regarding the withholding and prepayment of individual income tax for platform workers in the internet sector, allowing for cumulative withholding methods to ease the tax burden on these workers [1][6]. Group 1: Tax Withholding Methods - The new announcement allows internet platform companies to use cumulative withholding methods for tax prepayment, which is a change aimed at reducing the burden on platform workers [1]. - There are two categories for labor remuneration reporting: one that applies cumulative withholding and one that does not [1]. Group 2: Non-Cumulative Withholding - Non-cumulative withholding applies to general labor remuneration, categorized as one-time income or continuous income within a month [3]. - For non-cumulative withholding, if the income does not exceed 4,000 yuan, a deduction of 800 yuan is allowed; if it exceeds 4,000 yuan, a deduction of 20% of the income is applied [3]. Group 3: Cumulative Withholding - Cumulative withholding is applicable to specific groups, including full-time students earning income from internships and certain commission-based roles such as insurance agents and securities brokers [4]. - For cumulative withholding, a monthly deduction of 5,000 yuan is allowed, and tax rates range from 3% to 45% based on a seven-tier progressive rate system, replacing the previous three-tier system [5][6]. Group 4: Types of Income - Platform workers typically earn labor remuneration through various services provided via internet platforms, including live streaming, education, medical services, delivery, and more [5]. - The adjustments in tax withholding methods are expected to significantly lower the prepayment tax amounts for platform workers [6].

Core Insights - The primary focus should be on expanding domestic demand, particularly consumer demand, as a priority for economic growth [1] - The main contradiction in China's economic operation has shifted from the supply side to the demand side, making effective demand expansion crucial for stable economic growth [1] - Current weak consumer demand is attributed to both short-term shocks and long-term structural issues, with insufficient social security and unstable consumer expectations being the main factors [1] Summary by Sections Economic Strategy - Zhang Jun's emphasis on prioritizing consumer demand is essential for achieving dynamic balance in total supply and demand at a higher level [1] - A stable and sustainable economic growth environment is necessary to address issues such as technological innovation, green transformation, and risk mitigation [1] Consumer Demand - The current state of consumer demand is weak due to various factors, including insufficient social security and low consumer confidence [1] - Service consumption is lacking, which is linked to both inadequate support levels and supply-side capabilities [1] Policy Recommendations - Policies to effectively release consumer potential should focus on three areas: counter-cyclical consumption policies, optimizing support for commodity consumption, and enhancing support for service consumption [2] - Increased subsidies in sectors like education, healthcare, elderly care, and childbirth are recommended to boost consumer willingness and capacity [2]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Industrial Securities highlights significant volatility in global risk assets due to concerns over tightening overseas liquidity and discussions surrounding an "AI bubble" [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - Global risk assets have experienced substantial fluctuations this week, influenced by a lack of economic data, frequent hawkish statements from the Federal Reserve, and rising liquidity pressures in the money market due to government shutdown and fiscal constraints [1] - The strong dollar has suppressed global stock markets and commodity prices, with technology-heavy indices like Nikkei 225, Korean stock index, and Nasdaq leading the decline [1] Group 2: Future Outlook - The probability of overseas liquidity tightening evolving into systemic risk is low, as solutions from the Federal Reserve and bipartisan negotiations to reopen the government are progressing, which may gradually alleviate external disturbances on risk appetite [2] - If the U.S. government shutdown ends as expected in mid-November and more economic data is released, market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts will be recalibrated, potentially creating a window for global recovery [3] Group 3: AI Industry Analysis - The current discussions around the "AI bubble" have caused some disturbances in the domestic AI industry chain, but Industrial Securities believes that AI's empowerment of traditional industries is still in its early stages, making it incomparable to the internet bubble of 1999-2000 [4] - The development logic of the AI industry is clear, with major global tech companies continuously defining their AI strategies, and the fundamentals of leading companies in the U.S. stock market remain strong due to ongoing R&D investments and capital expenditures [4] Group 4: Investment Strategies - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes AI as a key driver for national competition and technological innovation, indicating that the AI industry chain will be a focus area with favorable prospects next year [5] - The year-end market is seen as an important window for positioning in sectors expected to perform well in the coming year, with a focus on cyclical sectors such as steel, chemicals, construction materials, and new consumption [6][7] - High-growth sectors expected to see net profit growth of over 30% next year include AI hardware, new energy, and military industries, while sectors with expected growth of 10%-30% include pharmaceuticals and AI downstream applications [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on November 5, showcasing Macau's participation and its efforts to promote local businesses and services [1][9]. Group 1: Macau's Participation - The Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Ho Iat Seng, attended the opening ceremony and related activities, accompanied by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong [1][3]. - A delegation of 43 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Macau is participating in the expo, with a significant increase in health-related enterprises, totaling six [5][10]. - Approximately one-quarter of the participating companies are first-time exhibitors at the expo [5]. Group 2: Exhibition Highlights - The "Macau and Portuguese-speaking Countries Food and Beverage Pavilion" covers an area of 600 square meters, showcasing products from Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries [7]. - A 60-square-meter "Macau and Portuguese-speaking Countries Professional Services Pavilion" is also set up, offering services in education, legal, tax consulting, and product processing [7]. - The Macau Investment Promotion Agency is promoting the "Support for Macau's First Store Economic Development Plan" during the expo, aiming to attract eligible foreign brands to establish their first stores in Macau [10].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government aims to enhance its market attractiveness for foreign enterprises by lowering market access barriers and focusing on service sector openness [3]. Group 1: Market Opportunities - The Chinese market is positioned as a significant opportunity for global businesses, emphasizing that foreign companies are considered part of the family rather than outsiders [3]. - The Ministry of Commerce plans to implement measures that prioritize speed and efficiency in reducing market entry thresholds [3]. Group 2: Sector Focus - The service industry will be a key area for future openness, with plans to expand pilot programs in value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals [3]. - There will be a gradual expansion of self-directed openness in education and cultural sectors [3]. Group 3: Support for Foreign Enterprises - The Ministry of Commerce will continue to optimize services for foreign enterprises, including organizing roundtable meetings to transform companies' needs into actionable service plans [3]. - The initiative aims to enhance the "Invest in China" brand, ensuring that foreign businesses are willing to enter, stay, and thrive in the Chinese market [3].

Core Viewpoint - Stimulating consumption is essential not only for short-term demand management but also for optimizing China's economic growth model and investing in human capital in the long term, while avoiding new capacity overcapacity [3][12]. Group 1: Economic Growth and Consumption - The urgency of policies to boost consumption is increasing as major macroeconomic indicators in China show a significant decline in year-on-year growth rates [3]. - Increasing the proportion of consumption in GDP is necessary for optimizing China's economic growth model and enhancing residents' well-being [4][7]. - The current consumption level in China is significantly lower than that of major global economies, indicating a lack of perceived economic growth benefits among residents [7]. Group 2: Investment and Human Capital - Investment should focus on enhancing future output and consumption, with a higher return on investment achievable through support for education, healthcare, and child-rearing [8]. - The macroeconomic return on educational investments is higher than that of material capital investments, suggesting that investing in human capital is more beneficial for economic growth [8]. Group 3: Capacity Overcapacity and Economic Structure - The reliance on government-led infrastructure investment has often resulted in ineffective supply and overcapacity, which does not align with market demand [10][11]. - Stimulating consumption can help reduce dependence on government investment and alleviate overcapacity pressures, leading to a more balanced economic structure [10][12].

Core Insights - The province has achieved a significant increase in urbanization rate, rising from 55.43% in 2020 to 59.22% in 2024, with an addition of 2.87 million urban residents and 38 new cities since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan [1] Group 1: Urbanization Strategy - The province is implementing a people-centered new urbanization strategy, prioritizing high-quality urban development in urbanization construction [1] - Various plans have been introduced, including new urbanization construction and Zhengzhou metropolitan area development, to ensure the successful achievement of urbanization rate targets set in the 14th Five-Year Plan [1] Group 2: Metropolitan Area Development - The focus is on enhancing the comprehensive strength, core competitiveness, and regional influence of the Zhengzhou metropolitan area, promoting coordinated development with surrounding cities [2] - The province aims to strengthen urban integration and collaboration among cities within the metropolitan area, facilitating cross-regional administrative processes [2] Group 3: Town Development Potential - The province has cultivated 20 new-type urbanization pilot counties and identified 84 potential counties, with nearly 70% showing urbanization rate growth above the provincial average [2] - Future efforts will include supporting infrastructure development, industrial transfer, and collaborative projects to accelerate industrial upgrades and population concentration in potential areas [2] Group 4: Urban Development Projects - The province plans to initiate more key urban renewal projects, including the renovation of underground pipelines and old urban communities, while seeking additional funding support [2] - There will be a focus on investing in human capital, particularly in education, healthcare, and elderly care, to enhance urban livability and overall capacity [2]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that Chinese consumers are adapting to a new normal, moving away from the mindset of waiting for economic growth to return to previous levels and instead focusing on practical consumption planning [4][6][26] Group 1: Consumer Behavior Trends - The first trend indicates that consumers are embracing a new normal, becoming more rational and proactive in planning their consumption [4][6] - The second trend highlights a clear segmentation in consumer confidence and behavior, with different demographic groups exhibiting varying levels of optimism [7][14] - Rural consumers, particularly the elderly, show increased confidence due to rural revitalization policies and income growth, while urban Z-generation consumers remain relatively optimistic despite facing challenges [9][11][12][13] Group 2: Spending Priorities - The third trend reveals that consumers are increasingly prioritizing personal achievements in their spending, focusing on categories that provide clear value and satisfaction [16][26] - Education emerges as the category with the highest expected spending growth at 5.7%, as consumers seek to invest in skills and knowledge for future security [17][18] - Health-related expenditures, including health products and services, are also on the rise, with expected growth rates of 2.7% and 2.4% respectively, reflecting a growing emphasis on well-being [19][20] - Travel spending is expected to grow by 1.9%, indicating a continued desire for cultural experiences and personal enrichment through travel [22] - Wealthy urban consumers are willing to invest in tangible goods like home renovations and automobiles, which signify an enhancement of their quality of life [23] Group 3: Market Opportunities - The article suggests that businesses should reassess their product strategies and communication methods based on the nuanced understanding of different consumer segments [14][24] - Companies operating in sectors aligned with the identified trends are positioned favorably, while those outside these areas may need to adapt their offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations [24][26]

Core Insights - Croatia's consumer price index (CPI) increased by 4.1% year-on-year in August, with a slight month-on-month rise of 0.1% [1] - The largest price increases were observed in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which rose by 8.1% year-on-year, followed by restaurants and hotel accommodation (+7.5%) and non-alcoholic beverages (+6.3%) [1] - The harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) in Croatia rose by 4.6% year-on-year in August, with an average month-on-month increase of 0.2% [1] Price Changes by Category - Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels: +8.1% year-on-year [1] - Restaurants and hotel accommodation: +7.5% year-on-year [1] - Non-alcoholic beverages: +6.3% year-on-year [1] - Education: +5.9% year-on-year [1] - Medical services: +5.1% year-on-year [1] - Transportation: -1.3% year-on-year [1] - Clothing and footwear: -0.6% year-on-year [1] - Communication services: -0.4% year-on-year [1] Additional Insights - Service prices increased by 6.4% year-on-year in August [1] - Food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products saw a year-on-year price increase of 6.2% [1] - Energy prices rose by 2.5% year-on-year, while non-food industrial goods (excluding energy) increased by 0.5% year-on-year [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that Chinese consumers are adapting to a new normal and are no longer fixated on returning to past economic growth levels [5][6][7] - It highlights three key trends in consumer behavior that reflect changing spending patterns and priorities [4] Group 1: Consumer Adaptation - Consumers are no longer waiting for economic recovery but are actively planning their spending in a more rational and positive manner [5][6][7] - This shift in mindset is crucial as it sets the stage for understanding subsequent trends in consumer behavior [8] Group 2: Consumer Confidence and Behavior Segmentation - There is a noticeable segmentation in consumer confidence and spending behavior among different demographic groups [9][10] - Rural consumers, particularly the elderly, show increased confidence due to rural revitalization policies and income growth [11] - In contrast, urban Z-generation consumers face challenges such as high youth unemployment and lower income growth expectations, leading to a decline in their confidence [12][13] - Wealthy urban elderly consumers have seen a 20% drop in confidence, likely due to asset depreciation and poor corporate performance [14] - The most pessimistic group is low-income millennials in lower-tier cities, concerned about job stability and rising living costs [15] - Understanding these segments is essential for businesses to tailor their product strategies and communication effectively [16] Group 3: Shifts in Spending Priorities - Consumers are increasingly focusing on personal achievements and value-driven spending [18] - The highest expected spending growth is in education, with a 5.7% increase, as consumers seek to enhance their skills and knowledge for future security [19] - The health sector also sees significant growth, with expected spending increases of 2.7% on health products and services, and 2.4% on medical services, reflecting a prioritization of health and quality of life [20][21][22] - Travel spending is expected to grow by 1.9%, indicating a continued desire for cultural experiences and personal enrichment [23] - Wealthy urban consumers are also willing to invest in tangible assets like home renovations and automobiles, which signify improvements in quality of life [24] - Businesses should consider how their products and services can help consumers achieve their personal goals and enhance their sense of fulfillment [25] Conclusion - The article concludes that the primary challenge for businesses is not a declining market but rather the need to adapt to the evolving consumer logic and preferences [26] - Chinese consumers are still spending, but their spending logic has shifted towards valuing real benefits and addressing specific needs [27][28]