National statistics indicate that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth expanded while the decline in the Producer Price Index (PPI) continued to narrow in February 2026. Net purchases via the southbound Stock Connect program for Hong Kong stocks set a new single-day record.

Former President Trump hinted that US military engagement with Iran could conclude soon, leading to significant volatility in international oil prices on March 9.

A report on the work of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress indicates that this year's legislative agenda will focus on establishing a high-standard socialist market economy. Planned laws include a state-owned assets law, with amendments to the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, Tax Collection and Administration Law, Law on State-owned Assets of Enterprises, Certified Public Accountants Law, Bidding Law, Government Procurement Law, Pricing Law, Trademark Law, and Urban Real Estate Management Law. To accelerate the building of a strong financial sector, legislation will include a financial law and a financial stability law, alongside amendments to the Law on the People's Bank of China and the Banking Supervision and Administration Law.

Minister of Transport Liu Wei stated on March 9 during the second "minister's channel" session of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress that charging facilities now cover 98.8% of national expressway service areas. This year's focus is on enhancing high-power charging capabilities to alleviate difficulties in finding available chargers and long waiting times.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun announced on the same occasion that after years of effort, particularly since the implementation of the seed industry revitalization action in 2021, China primarily uses domestic seeds for staple grains, with key varieties for vegetables, livestock, and aquatic products also secured domestically. A batch of high-yield, high-quality, and multi-resistant breakthrough varieties have been developed, with the next step being to accelerate a new round of variety upgrades.

The National Bureau of Statistics released CPI and PPI data for February 2026 on March 9. Dong Lijuan, Chief Statistician of the Urban Department, stated that influenced by the Lunar New Year holiday, the CPI rose 1.0% month-on-month and 1.3% year-on-year. The core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, increased 1.8% year-on-year. Affected by rising international commodity prices, rapid demand growth in certain domestic sectors, and the continued effects of macroeconomic policies, the national PPI increased 0.4% month-on-month but decreased 0.9% year-on-year, with the rate of decline narrowing for consecutive months.

Data from the State Post Bureau shows that the China Express Development Index reached 374.1 in the first two months of the year, a 1.5% increase year-on-year. A bureau representative stated that the express delivery market operated steadily during this period, with effective holiday season support, marking a positive start for the industry.

The Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange announced that, pursuant to relevant regulations, starting from the settlement on March 9, 2026, the trading margin requirement for the caustic soda futures 2604 contract will be adjusted to 15%, with the price fluctuation limit adjusted to 13%. For the 2605 and 2606 contracts, the margin will be 12% and the price limit 10%.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, due to recent increases in international oil prices and following the current refined oil pricing mechanism, domestic gasoline and diesel prices will increase by 695 yuan and 670 yuan per ton respectively starting from March 9. This marks the fourth consecutive price increase for domestic refined oil products in 2026. On average, the price per liter of 92-octane gasoline, 95-octane gasoline, and 0-grade diesel increased by 0.55 yuan, 0.58 yuan, and 0.57 yuan, respectively. Filling a 50-liter tank with 92-octane gasoline will now cost approximately 27.5 yuan more.

On March 9, net purchases via the southbound Stock Connect reached approximately 37.2 billion Hong Kong dollars, setting a new single-day record. Since the beginning of 2026, southbound flows have shown net buying, with cumulative net purchases exceeding 180 billion Hong Kong dollars for the year.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) reported 2025 revenue of 423.702 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 17.04%, and a net profit of 72.201 billion yuan, up 42.28% year-on-year. The company plans a cash dividend of 69.57 yuan per 10 shares (before tax). To optimize its debt structure and reduce financing costs, CATL also plans to register and issue bonds not exceeding 40 billion yuan.

Former US President Donald Trump suggested in a phone interview on the afternoon of March 9 that US military involvement with Iran could end shortly.

International oil prices experienced extreme volatility on March 9. Influenced by the ongoing US-Iran-Israel situation, international crude futures prices broke above $100 per barrel at the start of the new trading week on the evening of March 8, briefly surging above $119 per barrel. However, during the North American trading session on March 9, prices retreated significantly from their highs. West Texas Intermediate crude fell to a low of $81.18 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped to $83.66 per barrel, representing intraday swings exceeding 30%.

Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov stated on the evening of March 9 that President Vladimir Putin held a scheduled phone call with former President Trump, primarily discussing international issues including the situations in Iran and Ukraine. Putin proposed suggestions for promptly ending the conflict surrounding Iran through political and diplomatic means.

Finance ministers from G7 member states held a video conference with the International Energy Agency on March 9 to discuss a potential coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves if necessary to mitigate the oil price surge caused by Middle East conflicts. French Minister of Economy and Finance Roland Lescure stated that participants believed there is currently no risk of supply shortages and that "it is not yet time to act."

Following the breach of $100 per barrel on March 9, the South Korean government announced it would implement measures, including an "oil price cap system," to stabilize domestic fuel prices.

According to British media reports on March 9, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to find ways to de-escalate the current tensions with Iran, warning that the longer the conflict persists, the greater the economic impact will be.

The Croatian government announced on March 9 the implementation of a two-week price cap on gasoline and diesel, effective until March 23. A statement on the government's official social media account specified that the new measure takes effect on March 10, setting a maximum retail price of 1.50 euros per liter for regular gasoline and 1.55 euros per liter for diesel.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry stated on March 9 that it has requested domestic petroleum reserve bases to prepare for a potential release of reserves.

The Eurozone Sentix investor confidence index for March registered at -3.1, compared to the previous reading of 4.2.