International News
Gold declines and investors opt for dollar, prioritize liquidity
Gold, often considered the quintessential safe-haven asset, witnessed a notable retreat on Monday, slipping over 2% from last week’s record highs. This downturn came as investors, rattled by escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, shifted their focus towards the U.S. dollar and other safe-haven currencies like the Swiss Franc and Japanese Yen. The move reflects a broader market recalibration in the face of renewed economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Spot gold prices fell by 2.4%, settling at $2,963.19 an ounce by early afternoon ET. During the session, the precious metal touched a near four-week low of $2,955.89. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures also closed 2% lower at $2,973.60. This decline follows an all-time high of $3,167.57 reached just last Thursday, underscoring the volatility gripping the commodities market.
Investor sentiment shifted in favor of the U.S. dollar, which rebounded from a six-month low. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, putting downward pressure on its price. This change in preference indicates that, during times of acute uncertainty, investors may prioritize liquidity and ease of access — qualities traditionally associated with the dollar — over long-term value storage like gold.
The gold market is currently experiencing significant stress, largely driven by liquidity concerns and speculative activity. According to Bart Melek, head of commodity strategies at TD Securities, margin covering by traders — the need to cover losses on leveraged positions — has added to gold’s downward pressure. This phenomenon typically accelerates declines as investors sell assets to raise cash.
The primary catalyst for the market turmoil is the intensification of the U.S.-China trade conflict. President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of imposing a 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing fails to roll back its own retaliatory tariffs. Meanwhile, speculation that the U.S. administration might pause tariffs for 90 days on all nations except China was dismissed by the White House as “fake news,” adding to the confusion and uncertainty.
Despite the short-term dip in gold, the broader macroeconomic backdrop continues to support a bullish outlook for the precious metal. Futures markets are now pricing in approximately 120 basis points of rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve by the end of the year. The probability of a rate cut as early as May has also risen to 37%. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, thereby boosting their attractiveness.
Analysts remain optimistic about gold’s long-term potential. The metal continues to benefit from robust central bank demand and remains a favored hedge during periods of financial instability and geopolitical strain. The recent correction may be seen more as a pause or consolidation phase rather than a reversal of trend, particularly given the fragile state of the global economy.
International News
Mark Raksha Bandhan With The Art Of Gifting By Lotus Arts De Vivre
Indinoor Brings South Indian Heritage To Life With A Contemporary Temple Jewellery Edit Curated By Shanaya Kapoor
Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of a bond unlike any other. One shaped by cherished traditions and countless moments over the years. This festive season, Lotus Arts de Vivre brings a distinctive approach to gifting with a selection of jewellery, accessories and objets d’art created to be cherished well beyond the occasion.
Bringing together rare natural materials, exceptional artistry and centuries-old techniques from around the world, each creation tells a story of its own. From intricate Japanese lacquer and Cloisonné to luminous mother-of-pearl, abalone and fine marquetry, the edit offers thoughtful gifts for those looking to mark Raksha Bandhan with something truly distinctive.
Marquetry Clutch Bag with Carved Abalone Bird
A statement accessory rooted in an age-old decorative technique, the Marquetry Clutch Bag is created using imported European rye straw, which is soaked, split, sun-dried and ironed before being meticulously arranged into intricate patterns.

At its centre sits a delicately carved abalone bird with a diamond-set eye, complemented by silver and gold-plated detailing. Mother-of-pearl flower motifs with peridot centres and diamond accents along the bamboo-inspired detailing add another layer of intricacy. Taking over three months to create with more than six craftsmen involved at various stages, the clutch makes for a memorable gift that brings together art, nature and fashion.
Japanese Garden Inspired Lacquer Bangle with Diamond and Red Stone

The piece features diamonds and red stones set in 18-karat gold against a deep lacquer surface. Its creation draws upon the centuries-old Japanese Maki-e technique, where gold or silver powder is carefully applied with brushes to build intricate decorative compositions. Requiring approximately six months and the expertise of more than seven designers and craftsmen, the bangle is a wearable piece of art steeped in Japanese tradition.
Created by acclaimed Japanese lacquer artisan Kita Hama from Japan’s Noto region and embellished by Lotus Arts de Vivre, this sculptural bangle draws inspiration from the serenity and beauty of a Japanese garden
Cloisonné Necklace with Turquoise, Pearl, Red Lacquer and Cord
For a sibling drawn to jewellery with colour and character, the Cloisonné Necklace brings together turquoise beads, pearls, red lacquer and black beads around an intricately enamelled central pendant.

The necklace celebrates Cloisonné, a centuries-old decorative technique in which fine metal wires are shaped into delicate compartments and filled with layers of coloured enamel. The addition of red lacquer brings another historic Asian art form into the design, resulting in a striking interplay of colour, texture and traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility.
Mother-of-Pearl Canapé Plate with Silver Birds

For those who appreciate beautiful objects for the home, the Mother-of-Pearl Canapé Plate transforms the natural iridescence of mother-of-pearl into an elegant serving and decorative piece.
Sourced from Southeast Asia, the mother-of-pearl is accented with intricately detailed sterling silver birds. Equally suited to serving hors d’oeuvres and desserts or displayed as an object on a coffee table or desk, the piece brings a touch of nature into the home. Taking approximately two months to complete, it passes through the hands of more than six craftsmen and designers from design to production.
Abalone Shell Bowl with Birds
Celebrating the beauty of materials in their natural form, the Abalone Shell Bowl uses a Mexican abalone shell distinguished by its luminous, iridescent colours and organic markings. Sterling silver birds perched along the shell introduce a whimsical signature detail.

Designed to work as both a serving piece and a decorative object, the bowl can hold flowers, desserts or small bites, or simply be displayed on its own. Each shell carries its own natural variations, making every piece inherently individual. The creation takes approximately one and a half months to complete, with several designers and craftsmen involved across its various stages.
This Raksha Bandhan, Lotus Arts de Vivre offers gifts that feel considered rather than conventional pieces shaped by rare materials, artistic traditions and meticulous handwork, chosen to celebrate a bond that is equally one of a kind.
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