CKGSB: China Business Conditions Index Rises to 51.1 in September

The China Business Conditions Index (BCI), released by CKGSB on Thursday, registered 51.1 in September, up from 46.7 in August. The index is composed of four sub-indices calculated as an arithmetic average. Three of the four sub-indices increased this month, while one declined. The Corporate Sales Outlook Index rose to 60.9 from 47.0 last month. The Corporate Profit Outlook Index showed a significant increase, reaching 48.3 this month compared to 41.0 last month. The Corporate Financing Environment Index experienced a slight increase, standing at 47.6 this month versus 46.4 last month. The Corporate Inventory Outlook Index was 47.7 this month, down from 53.4 last month.

In addition to the aforementioned four indices, CKGSB's survey inquired about companies' expectations regarding costs and prices. The Corporate Labor Cost Outlook Index saw a slight increase this month, rising to 62.9 from 58.4 last month. The Consumer Goods Price Outlook Index recorded a substantial increase, climbing to 47.9 from 36.5 last month. The Intermediate Goods Price Outlook Index showed a modest increase, reaching 38.0 this month compared to 35.5 last month.