International News
Modest decline in US gold price on profit booking
There was a modest decline in gold prices during the early European trading session on Friday. Following a sharp rally that saw the precious metal reach an all-time high of $3,358 per ounce, the price of gold has edged lower, largely attributed to profit-taking behavior by investors ahead of the long Easter weekend.
Despite this short-term dip, several underlying factors continue to reinforce gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Foremost among these is the growing uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy, particularly with regard to import tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. Additionally, broader concerns about a potential recession and persistent geopolitical tensions add to investor unease, prompting many to maintain positions in historically secure assets like gold.
Meanwhile, the trajectory of U.S. monetary policy remains a key influence on gold prices. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has recently adopted a more hawkish tone, signaling diminished prospects for a rate cut in June. This shift suggests a tightening of monetary policy, which could strengthen the U.S. dollar and, in turn, place downward pressure on gold, which is priced in USD. Powell’s comments also underscore the challenging balance the Fed faces: while inflation remains elevated, economic growth appears to be softening—conditions that could give rise to a stag-flationary scenario.
International News
Kering Invests in China’s Gold Jewelry Surge as Laopu’s Explosive Growth Reshapes Market
Heritage-gold brands Borland and Lamchiu secure major funding amid soaring demand, fueled by Laopu’s meteoric rise and China’s booming 24-karat segment.
A wave of investor interest is sweeping through China’s gold jewelry sector as the rapid rise of Laopu Gold Co. galvanizes confidence in the country’s high-end heritage gold market. The latest beneficiary is Borland, a Hangzhou-based jeweler known for its traditional filigree craftsmanship, which this week announced more than 100 million yuan ($14 million) in new funding.
The investment round includes contributions from Kering Ventures, the startup arm of luxury group Kering SA, and Shunwei Capital, co-founded by Xiaomi chairman Lei Jun. Kering noted that its minority stake enables participation in the “rapid development of a particularly buoyant 24-karat gold jewelry segment,” reflecting growing appetite for culturally rooted premium gold pieces.
Meanwhile, Dayone Capital has made a separate investment exceeding 100 million yuan in Lamchiu, a Lanzhou-based maker of handcrafted bespoke gold jewelry. The firm will support Lamchiu in expanding distribution and reinforcing the brand’s supply-chain capabilities.
The surge of capital follows the remarkable ascent of Laopu, which has become one of China’s breakout jewelry success stories. The company reported 12.4 billion yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025 — a year-on-year increase of over 250%, building on 168% growth from the previous year. Laopu’s momentum has outpaced Western luxury houses struggling with softer China demand.
Heritage gold jewelry — deeply rooted in Chinese aesthetics and traditional techniques like filigree — is attracting a new generation of luxury consumers. Brands like Laopu, which operate in top-tier malls, increasingly compete with global maisons such as Hermès and Cartier for clientele.
Despite strong digital followings, newer brands still face distribution gaps. Borland operates only three mall stores, while Lamchiu, despite amassing more than 1 million followers on Douyin, runs just one physical outlet in Lanzhou. Both companies plan to use their fresh funding to accelerate expansion and strengthen operational infrastructure.
The latest investments signal rising confidence that China’s heritage-gold renaissance is evolving from a trend into a long-term luxury category shaping the future of the jewellery market.
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