Activity indicators in Q1 so far evidenced that public investment strengthened, partly offsetting weakness in the private sector.
Industrial production grew 5.4% YoY in Q1 so far, down from previous 5.9% gains.
Retail sales growth slowed to 10.2% YoY in Q1 so far, while Fixed asset investment increased 10.2% YoY in the same period.
China’s exports in RMB terms dropped sharply by 20.6% YoY (-25.4% in USD) in February, from 6.6% drop in January (-11.2% in USD).
Imports in RMB terms dropped 8.0% YoY terms (-13.8% in USD) from 14.4% drop previously (-18.8% in USD).
As a result, trade surplus narrowed notably to RMB209.5bn (USD32.59bn) in February.
The CPI picked up to 2.3% YoY in February, from 1.8% in January, largely pumped up by the 5.8% YoY surge in food, tobacco and liquor.
The PPI fell 4.9% YoY in February, from 5.3% drop in the prior month.
Foreign exchange reserves fell USD28.57bn to USD3.2trn in February, the lowest level since December 2011, however, the decline was smaller than the monthly drop of USD99.5bn in January.
Although CNY gaining from last two months, the above mentioned narrow trade surplus and as a result of domestic consumption (import bills likely increase) which would likely cause upside traction in USDCNY during Q2, hence we like to remain long in mid month futures on hedging grounds.


U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Elon Musk’s Empire: SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI Merger Talks Spark Investor Debate
FxWirePro- Major Crypto levels and bias summary
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns
JPMorgan Lifts Gold Price Forecast to $6,300 by End-2026 on Strong Central Bank and Investor Demand




