International News
Gold near fresh all-time highs ahead of US trading session
Gold’s price (XAU/USD) is seeing gains tick up trading near $2,952 at the time of writing, fueled by a weaker US Dollar (USD) and softening US yields in a reaction to the recent German federal election outcome. Although the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained 20% of votes, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) is comfortable in the lead with 208 seats against AfD’s 152. US yields dropped off and the CME Federal Reserve (Fed) Futures are now favoring a 25 basis points (bps) rate cut in June, where last week odds were rather for no rate cut in June.
Meanwhile, traders will watch the US Gross Domestic Product (GBP) release for the fourth quarter of 2024 later this week. Given the recent slowdown in US activity and economic data (for example, the softer Services Purchase Managers Index (PMI) reading on Friday), another drop in US yields could be triggered, with markets anticipating the Federal Reserve lowering its monetary policy rate to boost the economy and demand. The US dollar weakened after several reports and economic data points last week revealed that US business activity slowed and consumer confidence waned, with expectations for inflation surging and markets pricing in more rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year.
International News
Platinum Jewellery Gains Share Amid Record Gold Prices, PGI Reports Q4 2025 Market Shifts
Momentum key Regions In The Q4 Validates Platinum’s Growing Relevance In Today’s Jewellery Market.
The Platinum Guild International (PGI) today released its Q4 2025 Platinum Jewellery Business Review (PJBR), highlighting varying regional performance trends, with platinum’s value proposition remaining supportive in key markets against a backdrop of record-high gold prices and evolving trade dynamics.


Tim Schlick, CEO of Platinum Guild International, Said:

“The momentum we observed across key regions in the fourth quarter validates platinum’s growing relevance in today’s jewellery market. With gold prices remaining elevated, platinum continues to offer a premium yet accessible alternative that appeals to value-conscious consumers and luxury buyers alike. Looking ahead, PGI remains committed to partnering with the trade to capitalise on this favourable price dynamic—driving innovation, supporting strategic marketing initiatives, and reinforcing platinum’s enduring value in bridal, fashion, and other key segments.”
Regional Market Highlights
China
China’s platinum fabrication softened further in Q4 after a strong first half, but still recorded a 56% annual increase for 2025. The slowdown was driven by a combination of slower inventory turnover and elevated metal prices, which diverted retailer capital towards gold and dampened restocking sentiment. Wholesalers liquidated generic stock to realise capital gains, while retailers prioritised operational resilience. Despite significant challenges, PGI’s retail partners outperformed the broader market, achieving a 7% year-over-year increase in platinum jewellery sales volume during the last quarter of 2025.
India and the Middle East
In India, platinum jewellery continued to outperform the broader market, with strategic partners’ retail sales growing 10% year-over-year. Overall jewellery demand saw a marginal uptick, supported by the festive season and a shift toward lightweight purchases, though volume growth was constrained by a high comparison base and sharp gold price increases. Promotional efforts for brands such as Men of Platinum reinforced platinum’s value amidst price volatility.
PGI continued expanding its UAE presence by onboarding new retailers, bringing the total to 174 stores at the end of 2025.
Japan
Japan’s jewellery market saw value recover in Q4 due to sustained price increases, while platinum jewellery unit sales recorded a notable 1.5% year-on-year recovery. This upturn was partly supported by substitution away from gold amid extreme price volatility. For the full year, platinum’s share of unit sales rose, whilst white gold’s share declined.
United States
In the U.S., platinum jewellery sales reflected a clear divergence between declining unit volumes and strong value growth, with dollar sales significantly outpacing volumes. Record-high gold prices cooled volume demand across the broader industry, but platinum’s price—remaining less than half that of gold—bolstered its appeal. Despite tariff-related headwinds, the shift from white gold to platinum accelerated, with strategic partners reporting double-digit revenue growth.
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