International News
US NRF forecasts total holiday sales to cross $1 trillion; Clothing , jewellery are second most-wished-for gifts
The US National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts strong consumer spending on gifts, including jewellery, for the 2025 Christmas season, projecting overall holiday retail sales growth of 3.7% to 4.2%. While the NRF doesn’t provide a specific forecast for jewellery, it notes that clothing and accessories (including jewellery) are highly desired gifts, and younger shoppers are particularly likely to purchase jewellery, often finding inspiration on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Key NRF holiday forecast details
- Overall sales: NRF forecasts total holiday sales to grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over last year, reaching over $1 trillion for the first time.
- Consumer spending: The forecast is driven by strong underlying consumer fundamentals, with shoppers prioritizing spending on gifts for loved ones.
- Shopping habits: Shoppers are starting early to manage budgets, avoid crowds, and take advantage of promotions. Online shopping remains the top method, followed by grocery stores and department stores.
Jewellery-specific insights
- High-demand gift: Clothing and accessories (including jewelry) are the second most-wished-for gifts, after gift cards.
- Younger shoppers: Consumers aged 18-24 are especially likely to purchase jewellery, and they find gift ideas on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
International News
Significant Upside Trajectory In The Metals Sector
Precious Metals Surge on Geopolitical Optimism as Gold and Silver Rally, While Crude Oil Faces Downward Pressure Amid Ongoing US–Iran Developments
Gold rates and silver rates in India will be driven by global trends, as the Indian market is closed. Trading in commodities, including gold and silver, will be closed for half a day on April 14 at MCX.
We are seeing a significant upside trajectory in the metals sector, driven by recent geopolitical synergies:
- Gold Asset Class: Spot prices have achieved a value-add recovery, scaling past the $4,760/oz threshold.
- Silver Asset Class: Currently experiencing a high-growth phase, surging approximately 2% to reach a target density near $77/oz.
- Market Bandwidth: While the MCX interface is currently undergoing a scheduled half-day service window on April 14,
- Energy Sector Headwinds
Conversely, the energy vertical is facing downward scalability issues:
- Crude Oil Index: Both US WTI and Brent Crude are failing to gain leverage, currently underperforming by 2% and hovering around the $98/bbl mark.
Geopolitical Synergy & Risk Mitigation
The recent bullish momentum in precious metals is a direct byproduct of strategic bilateral engagement between the US and Iran. Key stakeholders are currently deep-diving into negotiations to extend the current truce framework.
- US Perspective: President Trump has acknowledged a proactive outreach from Tehran following the implementation of a naval blockade.
- Iranian Alignment: President Pezeshkian has signaled readiness to move the needle on peace discussions, provided all deliverables remain within the compliance framework of international regulations.
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