Weekly Barometer: National policies, stock markets, international situation—these signals you need to understand

Intensive Implementation of Domestic Policy Developments

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that the CPI for 2025 will remain flat compared to the previous year, but the month-on-month increase in December has expanded to 0.8%—what does this signal imply? Price pressures are slowly accumulating. Meanwhile, the healthcare and finance departments announced that the scope of employee medical insurance personal accounts has officially expanded from within the province to nationwide. This is a major adjustment to the medical insurance system, directly affecting every worker’s wallet.

Regulatory authorities are acting frequently. The State Administration of Radio and Television has taken steps to curb the “adultization” trend in children’s micro-dramas, strictly prohibiting inappropriate content portrayed by children; the official launched an investigation into the takeout industry, with Meituan, Taobao Flash Sale, and JD.com Takeout collectively expressing cooperation. This wave of “involution-style” competition rectification is worth noting. Another trending topic is—officially clarifying that dowries cannot be regarded as freely retractable “investments,” which is a regulation of traditional customs.

Signals from the Financial Market

There are signs of cooling in the banking sector: some banks’ short-term large-denomination deposit rates have entered the “0” range, making them comparable to regular fixed deposits. Experts predict that the downward trend may continue. In contrast, the stock market is booming—Shanghai Composite Index has once again surpassed 4100 points after ten years, setting a 16-day consecutive positive record, with trading volumes across the two markets exceeding 3 trillion yuan. What does this reflect? Market sentiment is shifting.

Another detail worth noting: starting April 1, the export VAT refund for products like photovoltaics will be canceled, and the impact on related industrial chains will need time to verify.

Several Battles on the International Stage

A United Nations report forecasts that the global economic growth rate in 2026 will be 2.7%, slightly lower than 2.8% in 2025, indicating a continued slowdown in global economic growth. Tensions between the US and the UN are escalating over billing disputes— the US owes the UN over $3 billion, and a UN spokesperson stated that if the “arrears” continue, the US may lose its voting rights in the General Assembly.

The Trump administration’s actions are ongoing: claiming to have canceled the second wave of sanctions against Venezuela, with oil companies investing at least $100 billion; simultaneously, threatening Iran again over unrest, stating that further casualties will lead to severe retaliation. Iran accuses the US and Israel of orchestrating chaos. Regarding the Russian military, it claims to have used “Hedgehog” missiles and other large-scale strikes against key Ukrainian facilities in retaliation for the attack on Putin’s residence.

Daily Golden Quote

In the arena of life, there’s no need to fuss over gains and losses in the short term. What matters is how we will continue to grow in the future—whether it’s responding to economic cycle fluctuations or finding our rhythm amid market changes, all challenges are opportunities for growth.