Investing.com-- Chinese consumer inflation unexpectedly eased in September as private spending remained weak, while a decline in producer inflation worsened, highlighting the need for more stimulus measures in the country.
Consumer price index inflation grew 0.4% year-on-year in September, government data showed over the weekend. The reading was slower than expectations it would remain steady from the 0.6% seen in the prior month.
Month-on-month CPI inflation was flat, missing expectations for growth of 0.4%.
The reading highlighted continued weakness in personal consumption, as worsening economic conditions in the country kept domestic demand under pressure. Excessive domestic investment has also kept a deflationary trend largely in play.
Producer price index inflation shrank 2.8% year-on-year, missing expectations for a fall of 2.5% and worsening from the 1.8% drop seen in the prior month. The reading marked nearly two years of steady declines in factory inflation, as they grappled with weak local demand and sluggish activity.
The dismal inflation readings point to sustained weakness in the world’s second-largest economy, and come just a day after the finance ministry disappointed investors with its plans for fiscal stimulus.
Finance Minister Lan Foan told a press briefing on Saturday that Beijing was planning more “counter-cyclical” measures this year, but did not specify the timing or size of the planned measures.
China had in late September announced its most aggressive round of monetary stimulus yet, including interest rate cuts and lower bank reserve requirements. But investors have called for more targeted, fiscal measures to help offset a sustained deflationary trend.