XICUI TRADE INTELLIGENCE
XCTI Methodology
How the XICUI China Trade Index is constructed, updated, and attributed.
What XCTI Measures
The XICUI China Trade Index (XCTI) is a trade intelligence benchmark designed to track changes in Chinese sourcing, supplier activity, market confidence, logistics and cross-border commerce. XCTI V1 is a benchmark-linked series that mirrors the normalized movement of the primary external benchmark. It is not a proprietary composite index.
Data Sources
The current XCTI V1 series incorporates published Yiwu China Commodity Index / market activity data as its primary benchmark. XICUI does not claim ownership of third-party source data. Source attribution is preserved and displayed on all public interfaces.
Update Frequency
XCTI updates when the underlying official source benchmark publishes new data. The Yiwu China Commodity Index publishes on a monthly basis. XCTI does not invent second-by-second movement if the source itself updates monthly. Chart data points remain monthly — no interpolation of fake daily values between monthly observations.
Normalization
XCTI V1 preserves source benchmark values where appropriate. For V1, the normalized value equals the source value. Future versions (XCTI V2) may apply a composite weighting methodology incorporating XICUI network data, payment activity, and external benchmarks.
Revision Policy
If the official source revises historical data, XCTI stores both the original and revised values, along with the revision date and source reference. Historical values are never overwritten silently. The dashboard uses the latest valid source value while maintaining a full audit history.
Index Versions
XCTI V1 — Benchmark-Linked: mirrors the primary external benchmark. XCTI V2 (future): a proprietary composite index incorporating external benchmarks, XICUI verified trade data, payment activity, supplier activity, buyer activity, and logistics signals. Version changes are published with full methodology documentation.
Limitations
XCTI V1 is dependent on the availability and accuracy of the primary external benchmark. Monthly data means the index reflects conditions as of the last published observation, not real-time market conditions. XCTI is a trade activity index — it is not a financial market price and should not be used as an investment recommendation.
Source Data vs. XICUI Proprietary Indicators
Source data: values derived from external published benchmarks (e.g. Yiwu China Commodity Index). XICUI network data: indicators derived from XICUI platform activity (verified trades, payment volume, supplier activity). Estimated/Nowcast: forward-looking estimates clearly labeled as XICUI Estimate — NOT OFFICIAL SOURCE DATA. All three types are clearly labeled on the dashboard.
XICUI does not claim ownership of third-party source data. Source attribution and methodology are provided for transparency.
View Data Sources →