Likely to bring relief to many, today's news that China's rate of inflation has cooled will provide respite to the country's policymakers as its economy continues to roar ahead.
Annual consumer inflation dipped to 6.1% in September, in line with a poll of economists' forecasts, relieving price pressures while the world's second largest economy is starting to worry about the prospect of slower growth.
China's rapid economic growth slowed in the latest quarter to a still robust 9.5%. Beijing's fight against inflation is however far from over as rises in food prices remain stubbornly high, rising 13.4% in the year to September, and non-food prices rose 2.9%, data showed.
Few analysts believe China will soon ease monetary policy as inflation is still close to the three-year peak of 6.5% hit in July.
Data released Thursday indicated China's import and export growth slowed in September, with export growth hitting seven-month lows, as domestic and overseas demand cooled.
China breathes sigh of relief as inflation slows to 6.1% in September
Last updated: 02:32 14 Oct 2011 EDT, First published: 01:32 14 Oct 2011 EDT