While China consumer prices rose just 0.8% YoY (less than expected), producer prices continue to soar, pressuring margins and threatening any hope for further credit impulses from PBOC. February PPI rose a staggering 7.8% year-over-year – the most since September 2008.
After four and a half years of deflation, factory prices are now starting to appear out of control…
The biggest drivers of the surge are Fuels (+18.7% YoY) and Ferrous Metals (+21.4%).
Notably, just as with last night’s crazy trade data, the data are distorted by the week-long Chinese New Year holiday, which started in February last year, driving up food prices as families prepare for gatherings, whereas it fell in late January this year, when CPI climbed to a 2 1/2 year high of 2.5 percent.
The most notable reaction is offshore yuan extending its losses from the day-session against the dollar…
