China's consumer price inflation rose 0.8% year-on-year in December, up from 0.7%, the highest level since February 2023. The read came in line with market expectations. As in November, the acceleration in inflation remains primarily attributable to rising food prices. Food inflation picked up to a 1.1% pace YoY, a 14-month high. Fresh vegetable and fresh fruit prices saw the largest month-on-month upticks -- up 18.2% and 4.4% YoY, respectively. Pork prices continued to fall, but saw a slightly smaller drag in year-on-year terms, rising 0.4pp to -14.6% YoY. The YoY level has risen for three consecutive months. We ... (full story)