A seemingly persistent decline in Chinese commodity prices amid tepid consumer demand has dampened expectations that corporate profits could revive a flagging stock market.
From electric cars to fast food, companies are waging a battle of promotions aimed at attracting customers spooked by bleak business prospects and who have seen the ongoing real estate slump as hurting wealth creation. Consumer prices fell for the third straight month in December, the longest period since 2009, exacerbating concerns about corporate profits and stock prices.