National News

WGC India gold market update: Investment upheld amid seasonal lull

Global factors supported prices early in June, but investor risk appetite limited gold’s rally

Published

3 months ago

July 27, 2025

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Gold prices lost momentum toward the end of June, closing the month with modest gains of 0.3% at US$3,287/oz. Earlier in the month, prices were supported by a weaker dollar, heightened geopolitical tensions, softer US Treasury yields, and increased inflows into gold ETFs. However, growing risk-on sentiment among investors capped any further upside.

Leading listed gems and jewellery companies delivered a strong performance in the April–June quarter, reporting a y/y revenue growth between 18% and 31%. This growth was largely price-led even as volumes remained flat or moderated. A ~32% y/y rise in gold prices during the quarter and key festivals and wedding demand during April-May boosted sales revenue.

Festive season is anticipated to drive a recovery in jewellery demand from mid-August, while investment buying is expected to remain steady.

Highlights:

Seasonal weakness weighs on jewellery sales; investment buying gains ground
Gold extends gains in July, remains top performer with y-t-d gains of 28%.
Listed jewellers post double-digit revenue growth in April -June quarter despite flat or lower volumes
Gold ETFs record second-highest monthly inflows in June
After a two-month pause, RBI makes a modest gold purchase in June
Gold imports drop to a 14-month low in June.

National News

Kalyan Jewellers to expand in non-South markets via franchise model

Published

1 hour ago

November 8, 2025

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Kalyan Jewellers said it will accelerate the rollout of franchise-owned company-operated (FOCO) showrooms to drive expansion in India and overseas. Nearly half its revenue now comes from franchised stores, and most new openings in FY26 will follow the capital-light FOCO model as the company focuses on improving returns and reducing debt.

Thrissur-based jewellery retailer Kalyan Jewellers plans to sharpen its focus on franchise-owned company-operated (FOCO) showrooms as it scales both in India and overseas, according to its Q2FY26 earnings investor presentation. The jeweller said future incremental expansion will be driven largely through capital-light franchise formats, aimed at improving returns and reducing balance sheet leverage.

The company, which has 174 FOCO showrooms in India as of September 30, 2025, has signed letter of intents (LOIs) for 89 new FOCO outlets to be opened in FY26. Its digital-first brand Candere will also expand primarily through the FOCO route, with 54 such showrooms already in place. Internationally, Kalyan said calibrated expansion in the Middle East and entry into the US market will similarly rely on franchise-led stores.

The shift is part of a broader strategy towards capital-efficient growth. The company aims to use 40-50% of profits to repay debt and invest in shareholder returns. Since April 2023, Kalyan has repaid Rs 6,461 crore in working capital loans in India and declared a dividend payout of over 20% for FY25.

The jeweller reported about 31% revenue growth in Q2FY26, supported by 16% same-store sales growth and continued strong new customer additions, which accounted for over 38% of sales. Nearly 49% of quarterly revenue came from franchised showrooms. Margin gains were driven by improved procurement efficiencies and operating leverage.