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
GJEPC Showcases India’s Craftsmanship, Innovation and Design At JCK Las Vegas 2026 Through The India Pavilion and India Design Gallery
India Pavilion Was Inaugurated By Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Hon’ble Consul General Of India To Los Angeles
Marking its 21st consecutive participation at JCK Las Vegas, the India Pavilion brings together 33 premier exporters, showcasing India’s innovation, craftsmanship and design prowess. The India Design Gallery complements the showcase with 26 exceptional creations from the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026, celebrating India’s growing influence in design-led jewellery innovation.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) marks a defining milestone this year, celebrating its 21st consecutive participation at JCK Las Vegas, the world’s premier jewellery trade event. From May 29th to June 1st, 2026, at The Venetian Expo, the India Pavilion will serve as a global stage for 33 of India’s most visionary member exporters. Spanning 3,900 sq. ft., the pavilion represents the “Brilliant Bharat” initiative, showcasing a transition from a manufacturing powerhouse to a global trendsetter that blends centuries-old hand skills with a sophisticated, design-first approach for the international market.

The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Hon’ble Consul General of India, Los Angeles, in the presence of Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Exhibitions, GJEPC; Ashish Borda, Convener – Promotions, Marketing & Business Development (PMBD), GJEPC; Mital Doshi, Convener – Banking, Insurance & Taxation Committee (BITC), GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
The pavilion’s architecture across two strategic levels is designed to guide international buyers through a curated journey of Indian excellence. On Level One’s Passport Section, the narrative begins with the timeless elegance of natural diamonds and the intricate artistry of studded and plain gold jewellery, reflecting India’s deep-rooted connection to precious metals. The experience continues at Level Two, which serves as a specialised hub for high-end natural diamonds and couture jewellery collection. The collections speak the refined language of global aesthetics.

Another standout is the India Design Gallery at level 1-105, a showcase of specially crafted one-off jewels presented under the overarching theme, Quantum Couture. Curated by Paola De Luca, a globally recognised jewellery trend forecaster, the pieces reimagine India’s rich artisanal heritage through a modern lens. The India Design Gallery spans three narratives, namely, Embroidery, Micro Painting, and Poetic Layers, each translating heritage techniques into bold, future-facing expressions of design.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:

“For over two decades, GJEPC has maintained a strong presence at JCK Las Vegas, and our 21st year marks a significant evolution in how we present Indian craftsmanship to the world. With 33 exporters across 3,900 sq. ft., we are not just showcasing products; we are showcasing India’s capability as a design-led manufacturing powerhouse. By blending our ancestral savoir-faire with modern innovation, we have ensured that the India Pavilion offers a vision of jewellery that is innovative, market-ready, and deeply rooted in excellence, reinforcing our position as the world’s preferred sourcing destination.”
“The India Design Gallery reflects the creative evolution of Indian jewellery, where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary design thinking. By showcasing exceptional creations from the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026, we are presenting India’s growing capabilities as a global hub for design-led jewellery innovation.” added Bhansali.
Commenting on GJEPC’s recently announced membership of the Natural Diamond Council, Bhansali, noted: “The Natural Diamond Council plays a vital role in promoting the desirability and enduring value of natural diamonds among consumers worldwide. Our membership reflects GJEPC’s commitment to supporting collective industry efforts in category marketing, consumer education and storytelling, ensuring that natural diamonds continue to resonate with a new generation of consumers across global markets.”
India’s gem and jewellery industry today stands as one of the world’s most diversified and integrated ecosystems, with strengths spanning natural diamonds, coloured gemstones, gold jewellery, studded jewellery, silver jewellery, platinum, and the rapidly growing lab-grown diamond segment. Backed by a vast network of skilled artisans, advanced manufacturing capabilities, design innovation, and a strong supply chain, India has emerged as a preferred global sourcing destination, serving leading international brands and retailers with quality, scale, and craftsmanship.
India’s global rise in the gem and jewellery sector is also driven by sustained industry-building and international engagement initiatives led by GJEPC. The Council continues to strengthen India’s position on the world stage through active participation in key global industry forums including the World Diamond Council, World Federation of Diamond Bourses, and Kimberley Process, advocating ethical sourcing, transparency, sustainability, and responsible growth across the global value chain.

As part of its international outreach strategy, GJEPC provides Indian exporters access to key global markets through participation in leading international trade exhibitions and Buyer-Seller Meets across regions including Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Singapore, Italy, London, Sydney, Dubai, Bahrain, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Flagship engagements include renowned platforms such as Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong, JCK Las Vegas, VICENZAORO, Jewellery Arabia, HKTDC Hong Kong Shows, JGT Dubai, and International Jewellery Tokyo, alongside focused Buyer-Seller Meets and initiatives such as IGJS Jaipur and SAJEX. These initiatives continue to expand market access, facilitate business opportunities, and strengthen India’s position as a trusted global jewellery hub.
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