CRI听力:Expert Analyses July's CPI and PPI in China

A slew of economic data has been released.

First, China has recorded mild consumer inflation. The data, posted on Saturday, is well below the target for July.

The National Bureau of Statistics says the consumer price index, or CPI, held steady at 2.3 percent, year-on-year, in July.

Analysts attribute the flat CPI to sliding prices for fresh fruit and vegetables, offsetting gains in other categories.

The producer price index, or PPI, fell almost 1 percent, dropping for the 29th consecutive month. Meanwhile, a separate survey shows that Chinese consumer confidence continues to rebound, gaining in July for the second straight month.

The Bankcard Consumer Confidence Index, compiled by Xinhua News Agency and China UnionPay, edged up slightly from June, reaching 85.33 points in July.

For more on the situation, we are joined on the line by Mike Bastin, Visiting Professor at China's University of International Business and Economics.