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
De Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
The company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
De Beers Group today released its operational and sales performance update for the second quarter and first half of 2026. Driven by strong recovery efforts and strategic access to higher-grade ore bodies, the company reported a significant increase in production volume while maintaining its full-year production target of 21 to 26 million carats.
Despite market pressures stemming from broader macroeconomic volatility, the company continues to advance operational streamlining and cost-optimization initiatives to ensure long-term resilience.
Key Highlights & Operational Summary
- Q2 Production Surge: Production jumped 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats in the second quarter, bringing total H1 output to 14.9 million carats (+46% YoY).
- Volume Growth: Consolidated H1 sales volume expanded 13% to 12.4 million carats (total sales volume up 20% to 14.8 million carats).
- Full-Year Guidance Reaffirmed: Full-year output remains targeted at 21–26 million carats, with second-half production planned to balance out via scheduled maintenance and a temporary operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Resilient High-Value Demand: While entry-level categories faced broader pricing shifts, pricing for higher-value natural diamonds remained firm, providing baseline support to the overall index.
Market Dynamics & Strategic Response
Trading conditions during the first six months of 2026 reflected ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainties and regional conflicts that weighed on general consumer sentiment. Additionally, lower-value natural categories experienced continued pressure from lab-grown alternatives.
In response, De Beers actively adjusted its sales strategies, utilizing its inventory mix to meet existing market demand. While lower-value inventory sales shifted the average realized price to $105 per carat for H1, the company noted that underlying value indices for premium, higher-grade natural goods remained stable throughout the period.
Outlook & Portfolio Optimization
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, De Beers will align production output directly with global demand signals. The anticipated surge from H1 will be offset by:
- The previously announced two-year operational pause at the Venetia mine.
- Planned facility maintenance at the Orapa and Jwaneng operations in Botswana.
Anglo American continues to execute its operational transformation and strategic divestment plans for De Beers, ensuring capital discipline and long-term organizational value.
-
National News2 days agoAkoirah by Augmont Celebrates The Family We Choose With A Thoughtfully Curated Friendship Day Gifting Edit
-
New Premises6 hours agoGUZEMA Fine Jewelry Opens First U.S. Boutique In New York’s SoHo
-
International News10 hours agoDe Beers Group Reports H1 2026 Production Surge
-
International News10 hours agoCanada Faces 50% US Import Tariffs; Gemstone Exemption Under Review
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.