China: Inflation Rate Slightly Below Estimates.

China’s annual inflation edged up to 0.9% in September 2026 from August’s 0.8%, less than market expectations of 1%. It was the highest reading since June, as non-food prices rose at a steeper rate (1.5% vs 1.2% in August). On the food side, prices declined for the sixth straight month (-1.7% vs -1.4%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.2%, falling short of forecasts of 0.3% and slowing from a 0.4% increase in August, which marked the highest monthly reading since February.