Core Viewpoints - In May, US inflation data showed a lower-than-expected month-on-month increase, with CPI rising by 0.1% compared to market expectations of 0.2% [3][4] - The core CPI also increased by 0.1% month-on-month, below the expected 0.3%, indicating a cooling in energy, core goods, and core services prices [3][4] - The impact of tariff policies is contributing to the current inflation dynamics, with businesses absorbing tariff costs and consumer demand showing signs of weakening [3][4][5] Inflation Data Summary - In May, the CPI year-on-year increased to 2.4% from 2.3%, while the core CPI remained stable at 2.8% for three consecutive months [2][4] - Food prices saw a month-on-month increase of 0.3%, while energy prices dropped by 1.0% due to OPEC+ production increases and trade concerns [5][6] - Core services prices decreased, with notable declines in accommodation, airfare, and entertainment services, reflecting reduced consumer discretionary spending [5][6] Sector-Specific Insights - Certain categories, such as appliances and healthcare products, have seen mild price increases, indicating a gradual response to tariff impacts [6] - The overall inflationary pressure is expected to manifest more significantly in the second half of the year as tariff effects become more pronounced [6][7] - The resilience of non-farm data suggests that the Federal Reserve may maintain a patient approach, with the first rate cut anticipated in September [7] Federal Reserve Outlook - The Federal Reserve is likely to remain observant in the short term, with the potential for rate cuts later in the year as inflationary pressures are deemed manageable [7] - Current market expectations indicate two rate cuts by the end of the year, with the first expected in September [7]

Group 1: CPI Overview - The US CPI for April decreased slightly to 2.3% year-on-year, down from 2.4%, below Bloomberg's expectation of 2.4%[1] - Core CPI remained stable at 2.8%, matching Bloomberg's forecast[1] - CPI month-on-month increased by 0.2%, lower than the expected 0.3%[1] Group 2: Structural Analysis of CPI - Food prices fell from 0.4% to -0.1% month-on-month, reducing its contribution to CPI from 0.06 percentage points to -0.01[2] - Energy prices rose from -2.4% to 0.7%, contributing 0.04 percentage points to CPI, up from -0.15[2] - Core goods prices increased from -0.1% to 0.1%, contributing 0.01 percentage points to CPI, up from -0.02[3] Group 3: Federal Reserve's Stance - The inflation performance supports the Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, as the economy shows no signs of stagflation[4] - The Fed is unlikely to cut rates until there is clear evidence of deteriorating employment or consumer spending data[5] - Current market expectations suggest the first rate cut may occur in September, with a total of two cuts anticipated for the year[5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in the US Consumer Price Index (CPI), highlighting that the CPI has been slightly below market expectations for two consecutive months, indicating a potential easing of inflationary pressures [2][5][9]. CPI Overview - In April, the CPI year-on-year decreased from 2.4% to 2.3%, below Bloomberg's expectation of 2.4%, while the core CPI remained steady at 2.8% [2][9]. - The CPI and core CPI have reached their lowest levels since the second quarter of 2021 [2][9]. - Month-on-month, the CPI increased by 0.2%, lower than the expected 0.3%, and the previous value of -0.1% [2][9]. Structural Analysis of CPI - The month-on-month increase in CPI was primarily influenced by low base effects, with energy, core goods, and super core services prices shifting from decline to increase [3][12]. - Food prices saw a significant drop, with a month-on-month change from 0.4% to -0.1%, largely due to the fading impact of avian influenza, leading to a 12.7% decrease in egg prices [3][12]. - Energy prices rebounded from -2.4% to 0.7%, driven by a 3.7% increase in gas service prices, despite a slight decrease in gasoline prices [3][12][13]. - Core goods prices shifted from -0.1% to 0.1%, with contributions from furniture, medical supplies, and entertainment goods [4][13]. - Rent growth remained stable, with primary residence rent unchanged at 0.3% [4][13]. - Super core services prices increased from -0.24% to 0.21%, with significant contributions from hotel accommodations and car rentals [4][14]. Federal Reserve's Stance - The current economic fundamentals in the US appear healthy, with no evident signs of stagflation, and private sector consumption demand remains strong [5][16]. - The Federal Reserve is likely to maintain a "wait and see" approach, as inflation has been stable and slightly below expectations for two months [5][16][17]. - Despite a significant reduction in tariffs between the US and China, the overall tariff rate remains high at nearly 41%, creating uncertainty in future negotiations [5][16][17]. - Market expectations for interest rate cuts have been adjusted, with the first anticipated cut now pushed to September [17]. Market Reactions - Following the Geneva talks between the US and China, a "risk on" mode was observed in the market, although caution is advised regarding the optimism surrounding tariff negotiations [6][17]. - The CPI report has led to stable market expectations for interest rate cuts, with the futures market slightly adjusting the anticipated number of cuts for the year [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the pressure on CPI due to insufficient consumer demand, predicting a low CPI in the first three quarters of 2025, with a significant rebound expected in Q4 2025 [1][6]. Group 1: CPI Core Parameters - Parameter 1: Food - Pork and beef are expected to face downward price pressure in 2025, with pork prices projected to drop from 17 CNY/kg in 2024 to around 15 CNY/kg, shifting from a positive to a negative contribution to CPI [2]. - Parameter 2: Oil - Oil prices are under downward pressure due to OPEC+ production increases and a weakening U.S. economy, with Brent crude oil prices expected to fall to the range of 70-75 USD/barrel in 2025, negatively impacting CPI [3]. - Parameter 3: Core Goods - The "old-for-new" policy is not expected to suppress core goods CPI, which is anticipated to rise moderately supported by further consumption promotion policies [4]. - Parameter 4: Core Services - The stabilization of rental prices is crucial, as rental prices have negatively impacted CPI since 2022, with a projected drag of approximately 0.03 percentage points in 2024 [5]. Group 2: CPI Forecasts - In a neutral scenario, the estimated CPI year-on-year averages for Q1 to Q4 of 2025 are -0.1%, -0.3%, -0.2%, and 0.8%, respectively, indicating a notable recovery in Q4 [6]. Group 3: Macro Economic Tracking - Recent PMI data shows a recovery compared to the previous month, but remains below the five-year average, indicating a decline in manufacturing sentiment, while non-manufacturing sectors have also seen a decrease [7].

Core Conclusion - This year remains a year where "price is more important than quantity," with a focus on CPI trends. The report highlights that due to base effects and the influence of food and energy prices, the CPI year-on-year may differ from current market expectations, but this does not imply increasing price pressure. Core CPI is expected to recover moderately [2][12]. Factors Influencing CPI Factor 1: Initial Monthly Changes Impacting New Price Increases - The initial monthly changes have a significant impact on new price increases for the entire year. For instance, the average monthly CPI for the first quarter is expected to be lower than last year, leading to lower new price increases compared to previous years [3][15]. Factor 2: Caution in Using Historical Seasonality for Food Prices - Recent fluctuations in food prices, particularly outside of pork, necessitate caution in applying historical seasonality to predict current trends. For example, vegetable prices may be affected by abnormal weather patterns, and pork prices are expected to remain lower than last year due to increased supply [4][16][17]. Factor 3: Potential Decline in Oil Prices - Oil prices are expected to decrease, which will directly affect transportation fuel prices. A 10% change in international oil prices could impact CPI by approximately 0.2 percentage points. Current forecasts suggest a significant drop in oil price averages compared to last year [8][24]. Factor 4: Moderate Recovery of Core CPI - Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, is anticipated to recover slowly. Factors influencing this include rental prices, core goods, and core services. The recovery of rental prices is contingent on improvements in employment and income levels [9][25][26]. Outlook for CPI Trends - The CPI trend for the latter part of the year is expected to be weak. Factors contributing to this include a continued loose supply of pork, potential weakness in food prices outside of pork, and a likely decrease in oil prices. Core CPI is expected to recover moderately, contingent on significant economic recovery [12][30].