International News
US jewellery sector continues contraction, sees 3.4% yoy decline:JBT

The US jewelry sector continues its contraction, registering a 3.4% year-on-year decline in the total number of retail, wholesale, and manufacturing businesses, according to the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT). The sector has shown a consistent quarterly decline since at least Q3 2024, suggesting persistent structural challenges. Notably, the sharpest reduction in Q1 2025 was seen among manufacturers, while retailers and wholesalers also reported significant drops despite new business openings.
Key Findings–Overall Business Contraction:The total number of businesses fell by approximately 800 to 22,330 — a 3.4% decrease year-on-year.
Previous quarters reported similar declines:Q3 2024: -3.3%,Q4 2024: -3.2%
Despite the overall decline, 68 new retail jewelers opened during Q1 2025, showing some resilience and entrepreneurial activity in pockets of the sector.
The US jewelry sector is in a state of managed decline — not a collapse, but an ongoing reduction driven by structural changes in production, distribution, and consumer behavior. The steady quarterly decline suggests that without substantial adaptation, the number of businesses will continue to shrink.

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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