International News
Chow Tai Fook Posts Soft Earnings as China’s Gold Tax Shift Clouds Outlook
Flat profits and tighter margins signal rising pressure on China’s biggest jewellery retailer after Beijing ends a key gold tax rebate.
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group reported a muted performance for the first half of the fiscal year, with profits landing just below expectations as the industry braces for the impact of China’s recent policy change on gold taxation. The retailer posted HK$2.5 billion in net income, marginally short of analyst forecasts of HK$2.6 billion, according to its latest filing.
While gross margin eased to 30.5%, the company noted that stronger sales of higher-margin fixed-price jewellery and the appreciation of gold helped offset the pressure. In mainland China, average selling prices for fixed-price gold pieces continued to rise, supported by Chow Tai Fook’s ongoing premiumisation strategy amid fierce competition from domestic rivals such as Laopu Gold.

The jewellery giant has been navigating a tough landscape shaped by volatile gold prices, softer consumer sentiment, and a fast-evolving competitive environment. Despite these challenges, the company said it remains optimistic about sustaining momentum through the second half of FY2026.
However, uncertainty looms after China eliminated a long-standing tax rebate on gold imports on Nov. 1, a move aimed at shoring up government revenues. The change is expected to raise gold acquisition costs and could squeeze retailer margins further if passed on to consumers.
Chow Tai Fook has already revised certain product prices to reflect rising gold rates. Even so, its stock has rallied strongly, climbing 127% year to date, signalling investor confidence despite near-term industry turbulence.
International News
Precious Metals Bounce Back As Iran Ceasefire Hopes Rise, But Fed Rate Fears Loom: AUGMONT BULLION REPORT
Gold Remains Under Short-term Pressure from Expectations of Fed Tightening and a Strong Dollar. However, Investor Positioning in Gold Looks Relatively Light After Months of ETF Outflows.
Price Movement – Gold has bounced back from its key support levels near $3960, and Silver has recovered from $55, after an Iranian official reportedly received a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire. The continuing US-Iran standoff has kept investors worried about energy-driven inflation and the possibility of further rate hikes. Markets are now pricing in an 83% chance of a US rate hike in December, up sharply from 73% just a week earlier, based on the CME FedWatch tool.
Geopolitical Tensions – Despite the Houthis announcing fresh military action, both Tehran and Washington appear keen to restart talks and stop the escalating attacks that have nearly destroyed a fragile interim agreement reached last month. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that mediators had proposed a 10-day ceasefire, aimed at rescuing the interim deal and eventually leading to a lasting peace agreement.
Macro-Economic Signals – Gold remains under short-term pressure from expectations of Fed tightening and a strong dollar. However, investor positioning in gold looks relatively light after months of ETF outflows, meaning further price drops may be limited. Strong physical demand, especially from China, along with continued central bank buying, is providing solid support to the gold market.
Technical Triggers
If Gold fails to hold above $4,000 (~Rs.1,41,000), it could slide further to $3,900 (~Rs.1,38,000). But if it manages to stay above $4,200, a fresh rally could take it toward $4,500 (~Rs.1,55,000).
For Silver, a strong move above $63 (~Rs.2,35,000) could push prices toward $70–71 (~Rs.2,51,000–2,55,000). On the other hand, a fall below $55 (~Rs.2,14,000) may drag it down to $50 (~Rs.2,00,000).
Support and Resistance
| International Gold Support Level International Gold Resistance Level Domestic Gold Support Level Domestic Gold Resistance Level | : $3900/oz : $4160/oz : Rs 137,000/10 gm : Rs 147,000/10 gm |
| International Silver Support Level International Silver Resistance Level Domestic Silver Support Level Domestic Silver Resistance Level | : $55/oz : $63/oz : Rs 214,000/kg : Rs 235,000/kg |
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