China’s consumer price growth cools as inflation outlook remains unclear

China’s consumer prices rose for the fourth consecutive month in January – although at a slower pace – while the decline in factory-gate prices continued to narrow, in a tentative sign that deflationary pressures in the Chinese economy may be starting to let up. But analysts said a clearer picture of the outlook for inflation would only emerge in the coming months due to distortions caused by the Lunar New Year holiday, which typically brings a surge in demand that drives up prices. The national...