International News
CIBJO SPECIAL REPORT-PRECIOUS METALS
While gold retains its investment edge, other metals drive industrial and jewellery demand
The global economy displayed resilience in 2024, expanding by 3.2 percent despite persistent inflation, geopolitical instability, and uneven regional performance. The IMF projects continued steady growth at 3.3 percent in 2025, with inflation moderating to 4.2 percent. The United States held robust growth at 2.8 percent, while China’s 4.7 percent fell short of expectations due to weak consumption. In this context of uncertainty, precious metals — especially gold — reaffirmed their role as both financial safe havens and critical industrial resources.
Gold
Gold marked a landmark year in 2024, averaging a record USD 2,386/oz, with peaks above USD 2,600. Driven by central bank purchases, geopolitical risks, and investor demand, prices soared further in early 2025, surpassing USD 3,500. Supply rose modestly due to increased mine production and recycling, while demand surged from central banks, retail investment in Asia, and industrial applications, though jewellery consumption fell sharply under record-high prices.
Platinum
Platinum, though range-bound for much of 2024, showed resilience with stable demand across jewellery and green technologies, and surged in 2025, surpassing USD 1,400. Supply increased slightly, while jewellery fabrication in India, Japan, and China rebounded strongly, aided by platinum’s price advantage over gold. Platinum’s role in hydrogen energy and clean technologies further reinforced its ESG profile.
Palladium
Palladium remained pressured, with 2024 prices averaging USD 983/oz, down 27 percent, weighed by declining automotive demand and substitution by platinum. Supply increased marginally but is expected to contract in 2025, while demand challenges persist.
Silver
Silver, meanwhile, saw renewed investor interest, averaging its strongest performance since 2012 with prices climbing to USD 32/oz by late 2024. Supply grew slightly, led by recycling, while industrial demand — particularly photovoltaics and electronics linked to AI and EVs — surged. Jewellery and silverware demand was mixed, with India leading recovery while Western markets weakened.
ESG
Across precious metals, ESG principles gained prominence. Gold, platinum, and silver advanced responsible sourcing, traceability, and sustainability-linked practices. Blockchain-enabled tracking, decarbonization commitments, and alignment with international standards underscored the industry’s pivot to ethical and sustainable operations.
International News
MCX Gold, Silver Rise Despite Global Weakness; US Data, Iran Tensions Keep Bullion Markets On Edge
While Domestic Gold and Silver Prices Edged Higher On MCX, International Spot Gold Slipped Amid Uncertainty Over US-Iran Negotiations, Inflation Concerns
Gold and silver prices witnessed mixed momentum on May 28, with domestic futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) trading marginally higher even as international spot gold prices remained under pressure. The divergence reflects cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, uncertainty surrounding US-Iran peace negotiations, and expectations of tighter monetary policy in the United States.
MCX gold futures for June delivery rose modestly by Rs. 215 to Rs. 1,57,898 per 10 grams, while silver futures for July delivery gained Rs. 2,000 to trade at Rs. 2,72,628 per kilogram in early trade. The domestic uptick was supported by weakness in the US dollar and cautious positioning ahead of key macroeconomic developments.
However, global spot gold prices extended losses for a second consecutive session as investors remained wary of the inflationary impact of elevated energy prices and the possibility of prolonged geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Analysts noted that fading hopes of a near-term diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran have revived concerns around oil supply disruptions, higher crude prices, and inflation risks — factors that continue to influence precious metals.
According to market experts, gold has struggled to regain strong upside momentum despite its safe-haven appeal, as rising US bond yields and a firmer dollar have reduced investor appetite for non-yielding assets like bullion. Silver, meanwhile, remained under pressure globally after recent military developments in southern Iran weakened expectations of an immediate resolution to regional tensions.
Investors are now closely watching key US macroeconomic indicators, including ADP employment figures, GDP growth data, and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. These data points are expected to offer fresh direction on the Fed’s interest rate trajectory, which remains a crucial driver for gold and silver prices.
With geopolitical risks still elevated and inflation concerns persisting, bullion markets are expected to remain volatile in the near term as traders await clearer signals on both diplomacy and monetary policy.
-
National News8 hours agoGJC Delegation Meets RBI Deputy Governor, Makes GMS Presentation
-
BrandBuzz7 hours agoPuducherry CM, Raashi Khanna Inaugurate Challani Jewellery Mart Flagship Showroom In Puducherry
-
New Premises11 hours agoMarli New York Unveils Madison Avenue Flagship Boutique
-
National News11 hours agoFather’s Day Gift Guide – Reia Diamonds: Timeless Diamonds For The Man Who’s Always Been Your Constant
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.