International News
Signet Jewelers to close stores, reduce staff amid declining sales

Signet Jewelers Ltd. is planning to revamp its business following a disappointing fourth-quarter and fiscal year. Signet announced plans to close, renovate, and relocate stores and reduce it senior leadership by 30 percent after reporting a 7 percent drop in annual sales. The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
The jewelry giant’s plans include a new turnaround plan that encompasses leadership changes, store closures and renovations, and a focus on brand loyalty.It will focus on creating a clear distinction between brands to attract new and loyal customers that see themselves reflected in the DNA of each brand.
Its three largest brands, Kay, Zales, and Jared, have high consumer awareness, but growth has been “elusive” so the company will work on building brand loyalty.The company plans to add more design-focused jewelry into its assortment to promote gifting and self-purchasing while also expanding its position in the bridal market, which has been struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy will require a reorganization, including reducing the ranks of its senior leadership by 30 percent.The company also said that it will be evaluating 150 underperforming stores, primarily in malls, over the next two years and decide whether they should be closed or improved.There are also plans to renovate 200 locations and possibly relocate another 200.
For the quarter ended Feb. 1, Signet’s overall sales totaled $2.35 billion, down 6 percent year-over-year and below its expectations.same-store sales slipped 1 percent.For the full year, sales totaled $6.7 billion, down 7 percent year-over-year and also falling short of expectations.Same-store sales fell 3 percent

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

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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