International News
U.S. gold prices decline on geopolitical and economic developments
By Steve Fernandes
U.S. gold prices have experienced a notable decline, falling from a recent high of $3,509 to $3,310. This $199 drop can be attributed to a combination of geopolitical and economic developments that have reduced market demand for safe-haven assets.

Key Factors Driving the Decline
- Stability in U.S. Monetary Policy
Investor concerns over potential instability in U.S. monetary policy were mitigated following former President Donald Trump’s remarks reaffirming his support for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. By ruling out any intention to replace Powell, Trump contributed to a sense of continuity and stability in monetary leadership, reducing speculative demand for gold. - Positive Signals in U.S.-China Trade Relations
Sentiment was further boosted by optimistic statements from Trump regarding ongoing trade negotiations with China. His characterization of the discussions as “progressing positively” and his expressed confidence in achieving a mutually beneficial agreement have lowered immediate fears of trade disruptions, easing the flight to gold. - Geopolitical Easing in Eastern Europe
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to initiate talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised hopes for a ceasefire agreement. This development has encouraged a shift in investor sentiment toward riskier assets, further weakening gold’s appeal as a safe haven.
Contrasting Forecast: Bullish Outlook from JP Morgan
Despite the current decline, JP Morgan has issued a bullish long-term outlook, projecting that gold prices could exceed $4,000 per ounce by Q2 2026. The forecast is driven by concerns over a potential U.S. recession and the impact of renewed trade tensions stemming from Trump-era tariffs.
The recent decline in gold prices underscores the complexity and volatility of today’s economic landscape. While current developments have encouraged a risk-on sentiment, longer-term forecasts suggest persistent uncertainty could reignite demand for gold. In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, forecasting commodity movements remains inherently challenging.
International News
Van Cleef & Arpels Gives Its Iconic Alhambra a Pink Enamel Makeover
The Maison Introduces Five New Alhambra Creations Featuring Translucent Pink Enamel and Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled a vibrant new chapter for its iconic Alhambra collection, introducing translucent pink enamel to the signature four-leaf clover motif for the first time. The new creations combine the Maison’s emblem of luck with yellow gold, bringing a fresh, contemporary expression to the enduring design.
The new five-piece selection comprises a Vintage Alhambra pendant, five-motif bracelet, 10-motif necklace, 20-motif long necklace and Magic Alhambra two-motif earrings. The earrings additionally feature guilloché yellow gold, adding texture and contrast to the pink enamel.



The distinctive pink is the result of several years of research at Van Cleef & Arpels’ enamel workshops. Inspired by the historic 17th-century “gold-ruby” technique, the colour is created using fine particles of gold rather than traditional pigments. Carefully controlled particle size, shape and concentration produce the desired translucent hue.
Adding to its visual depth, the enamel contains tiny bubbles, giving each Alhambra motif a distinctive character while creating subtle variations as the surface catches and reflects light. The motifs are framed by the Maison’s signature gold beaded contours, further enhancing the interplay between the pink enamel and yellow gold.
Since its debut in 1968, Alhambra has continually evolved through different stones, materials and colours while retaining its instantly recognisable four-leaf clover silhouette. The introduction of enamel marks another significant step in that evolution, bringing together heritage craftsmanship, technical innovation and contemporary colour.
With its new pink interpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to reinvent one of jewellery’s most recognisable motifs, demonstrating how traditional savoir-faire can give a familiar icon an entirely new expression.
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