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Hong Kong luxury  jewellery, watches sales slip in May

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In May 2025, Hong Kong witnessed a nuanced retail landscape: while total retail sales rebounded modestly, rising 2.4% year on year to HKD 31.32 billion ($3.99 billion), sales of luxury goods—specifically jewelry, watches, clocks, and other valuable gifts—contracted by 3.2% to HKD 3.87 billion ($493.1 million). This divergence offers critical insights into the shifting dynamics of consumer behavior, external macroeconomic pressures, and sector-specific challenges.

Several interrelated factors contributed to the luxury segment’s decline. First, surging gold prices significantly dampened consumer appetite for jewelry purchases, as higher costs discouraged discretionary spending on big-ticket items. Second, demand for luxury products on the Chinese mainland softened, reducing the influx of high-spending tourists traditionally pivotal to Hong Kong’s retail sector. Lastly, increased outbound tourism encouraged local consumers to shop abroad, further eroding domestic sales.

From January to May 2025, hard-luxury sales dropped by 9% to HKD 20.27 billion ($2.58 billion), while overall retail sales fell 4% to HKD 155.05 billion ($19.75 billion). These figures highlight a broader recalibration within Hong Kong’s retail environment, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and economic headwinds.

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Gold continues upward march;Bank of America forecasts  $5,000/oz for 2026

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Gold prices in India saw a modest rise on Wednesday today Oct 15, mirroring an uptick in international markets as renewed US-China trade tensions and expectations of further US interest rate cuts bolstered demand for safe-haven assets.24k gold traded at Rs.1,28,360/10gm after gaining ₹10 in early trade, while silver prices increased by Rs.100 to Rs.1,89,100 per kilogram.

Gold prices surged to a record high of $4,179.48 per ounce on October 14, 2025.  Investors flocked to safe-haven metals amid trade tensions and Fed rate-cut expectations. U.S. December gold futures jumped 57% year-to-date.  Bank of America raised its 2026 gold forecast to $5,000 per ounce, warning of possible near-term corrections.

Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $4,179.48 per ounce on October 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the yellow metal. The rally comes as investors worldwide seek safety in hard assets amid a turbulent global economic backdrop marked by escalating trade tensions, slowing growth, and expectations of further interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The sharp surge in bullion prices has been driven by a combination of macroeconomic uncertainty and aggressive monetary easing. As inflation pressures remain sticky and central banks pivot toward dovish policies, gold has reasserted its role as a hedge against both currency debasement and market volatility.

In futures trading, U.S. December gold contracts have skyrocketed nearly 57% so far this year, underscoring the strength of investor demand across both institutional and retail segments. Analysts note that central bank buying—particularly from emerging markets—has added further momentum to the rally, with several countries diversifying reserves away from the U.S. dollar.

Reflecting this bullish sentiment, Bank of America has raised its 2026 gold price forecast to $5,000 per ounce, citing continued monetary easing, geopolitical instability, and robust central bank accumulation. However, the bank also cautioned that short-term corrections are likely, given the rapid pace of the recent run-up and potential bouts of profit-taking.

Overall, gold’s meteoric rise underscores a broader shift toward safe-haven assets, as investors navigate a world increasingly defined by economic fragmentation, shifting interest rate cycles, and persistent geopolitical risks.

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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.

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