China's consumer price index (CPI), one of the main gauges of inflation, will peak in August at about 3.41 percent, exceeding July's 3.3 percent, China Business News reported, citing 18 chief economists. Most of them believe the CPI is likely to surpass 3.4 percent; with the highest estimate at 3.7 percent, and the lowest 3.2 percent.

According to the data, the estimated average annual growth rate of the industrial added-value is expected to reach 12.9 percent in August, lower than July's 13.4 percent. The estimated highest-growth rate is 13.7 percent and the lowest is 12.2 percent. This will be the fifth consecutive fall since April.

The estimated growth rate of investment in fixed assets was 24.37 percent in August; lower than July's 24.9 percent. This index slowed in August, according to the consensus reached by economists.

The estimated total volume of retail sales of social consumer goods averaged 17.92 percent in August, with highest at 18.4 percent and lowest 17.5 percent.

China's business press carried the story above on Monday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.