PM Datanote: Manufacturing PMI, China

In one line: China’s manufacturing PMI slips, as a larger-than-usual post-December festive and pre-LNY demand pullback exposes weak fundamentals.

PM Datanote: Exports, Korea, February

In one line: Korea exports surge in full-month February on global AI investment boom

27 February 2026 China+ Monitor BoK's dot-plot signals no near-term rate changes as stability risk lingers

• The Bank of Korea stood pat in February, and introduced longer-term forward guidance on rate direction.
• Governor Rhee cited persistent financial stability risk and a stronger growth outlook as reasons to hold.
• The newly introduced Fed-style dot-plot suggests no change in policy rate for at least six months.

February 2026 - China+ Chartbook

• - CHINA'S POLICYMAKERS FOCUS ON LONGER-TERM GOALS
• - PM TAKAICHI LIKELY MORE PRAGMATIC THAN FEARED
• - BOK RELIEF AS KRW PRESSURE EASES, FOR NOW

19 February 2026 China+ Monitor Five China themes in 2026: momentum but no boom in the Year of the Horse

• China’s growth will slow as it matures, with speed giving way to stability and structural adjustment.
• Property remains a drag, with sustained producer and consumer reflation unlikely until the market troughs.
• The PBoC is promoting a stronger RMB, while the temporary US trade truce masks a power rivalry.

12 February 2026 China+ Monitor Long and bumpy reflation path for China's households and producers

• China’s consumer inflation fell sharply due to holiday effects, but monthly momentum has strengthened.
• Producer deflation eased unevenly, driven mostly by non-ferrous metals and ‘experience’-related industries.
• The reflation process still has a long way to go and is likely to be choppy, especially for the PPI.

6 February 2026 China+ Monitor China seizes its moment to unveil financial ambition blueprint

• China has issued key commentary on its financial future, with RMB reserve-currency status in focus.
• Its ambition goes beyond reserve currency, though, to becoming a major financial power too.
• Structural constraints and other deficiencies limit RMB reserve status, despite its progress in global usage.

China+ Datanote: Industrial Profits, China, December

In one line: China industrial profits 2025: first positive turn in four years, but the path forward remains challenging

China+ Datanote: BoJ Decision, Japan, January

In one line: BoJ stands pats in January, but inflation momentum keeps tightening chances intact.

China+ Datanote: Flash PMIs, Japan, January

In one line: Japan’s PMIs jump in January, pointing to firmer labour demand, especially in manufacturing.

China+ Datanote: National CPI, Japan, December

In one line: Japan CPI slump driven by energy and fresh food; underlying inflation remains sticky

China+ Datanote: 20-Day Exports, Korea, January

In one line: Korea’s 20-day exports rebound buoyed by base effects; monthly momentum actually slowed in January.