Pantheon Publications

China+ Datanote: Loan Prime Rates, China, January

In one line: China’s LPR on hold in January; targeted structural rate cuts unclog credit supply and hopefully induce more loan demand.

CHINA+ DATA WRAP 09 January 2026: China inflation was firmer in December, but sustained reflation remains challenging

In one line: China inflation was firmer in December, but sustained reflation remains challenging

China+ Datanote: BoK Decision, Korea, January

In one line: Bank of Korea drops its easing bias as currency stability takes priority

China+ Datanote: Exports, China, December

In one line: Diversification keeps China exports float in 2025; December export upticks largely support by ASEAN & BRICS demand

China+ Datanote: PPI, China, December

In one line: China’s PPI sees firmer monthly momentum, but sustained reflation remains challenging

19 January 2026 China+ Monitor Bank of Korea drops its easing bias as currency stability takes priority

• The Bank of Korea cited excessive KRW volatility as its reason for holding last week, while growth is improving.
• Rising upside risks to growth and inflation, plus FX volatility, are driving a return to a neutral policy stance.
• We still expect a final rate cut in H2, due to uncertainty over global trade policy and the AI cycle.

15 January 2026 China+ Monitor China executed its trade strategy well in 2025 and kept exports afloat

• China’s successful diversification kept its exports afloat in 2025, with the amount exported reaching USD3.77T.
• The record trade surplus masks exceptionally weak imports, which reflect feeble domestic demand.
• China’s export strategy will face rising challenges in 2026 as non-US trade protectionism escalates.

12 January 2026 China+ Monitor China's inflation firms in December, but sustained reflation still tricky

• China’s PPI improved on the back of a better supply-demand balance and rising non-ferrous metal prices.
• December’s CPI pick-up was due to transient factors such as food, offset by falling energy prices.
• Sustained reflation momentum will be difficult to maintain as economic fundamentals remain weak.

China+ Datanote: Foreign Reserves, China, December

In one line: China’s FX reserves rise on currency valuation gains as dollar weakens in December

China+ Datanote: Mfg PMIs, China, December

In one line: China’s manufacturing PMIs edges back into expansion, but sustainability remains in question

CHINA+ DATA WRAP 1 January 2026: China's manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMIs rebound, but momentum looks fragile

In one line: China's manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMIs rebound, but momentum looks fragile

6 January 2026 China+ Monitor China's services firms optimistic despite cooling in demand

• The December RatingDog services PMI points to slowing demand but a marked revival in sentiment.
• Firms are reluctant to hire though, and services inflation pressure is muted.
• China has provided more funds for consumer subsidies, though less than this time last year.

December 2025 - China+ Chartbook

• - CHINA SIGNALS 'STEADY AS SHE GOES' POLICY APPROACH
• - JAPAN'S STEADY WAGE-HIKE OUTLOOK SHOULD NUDGE BOJ
• - BOK HOPING FOR RESPITE IN KRW PRESSURE

11 December 2025 China+ Monitor China's inflation print mixed; feeble demand the common thread

• China’s inflation outturn was a mixed bag, with CPIrising but PPI reflation seeming to lose momentum.
• A closer look reveals the CPI jump was due to transient factors, while PPI was dragged down by base effects.
• Weak domestic demand persisted in November, with all eyes on the CEWC for hints on future policy direction.

5 December 2025 China+ Monitor Weak demand keeps Chinese manufacturers' profits from recovering

• China’s industrial-profit recovery stalled in October after emerging from the trough in the summer.
• The deterioration was broad-based, but the slowdown was led primarily by weakness in manufacturing.
• Two of the three industrial-profit drivers worsened, and feeble demand failed to create more revenue.

PM Datanote: Industrial Profits, China, November

In one line: China’s industrial profit recovery stalled as growth driver weaken in October

China+ Datanote: BoK Decision, Korea, November

In one line: Bank of Korea stand pats on better growth prospects, higher inflation trend due to the weak won

China+ Datanote: Flash PMIs, Japan, November

In one line: Japan’s services and manufacturers face worsening inflation dynamics.

PM Datanote: 20 Day Export, Korea, November

In one line: Korea’s WDA 20 day export growth moderates in November despite headline rebound.

PM Datanote: National CPI, October, Japan

In one line: Japan’s inflation and currency backdrop favours policy normalisation, but politics cloud a near-term BoJ hike.