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WGC REPORT :Portfolio resiliency-Gold’s role amid economic crosscurrents

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Since the publication of our Why gold in 2025? A cross-asset perspective report earlier this year, much has happened on the policy front and in the broader economy. Uncertainties and vulnerabilities remain across geopolitical, fiscal, and trade domains. Investors are particularly concerned about growth and inflation, creating a challenging situation for policymakers as the dual policy goals of the Federal Reserve are in direct conflict. With persistent fears of stagflation, gold has once again stepped into the spotlight, rising more than 50% this year.1 Importantly, the core reasons for considering alternative assets such as gold, as outlined in our May report, remain largely unchanged.

First, equities appear complacent. US equities have posted remarkable gains in recent months, reigniting concerns about valuation excess and concentration risk. Indeed, investors face a market that feels euphoric on the surface but remains fragile underneath. Should economic pressures mount  , investors may increasingly seek refuge in safe-haven assets, with gold standing out as a historically resilient option, as outlined in our mid-year outlook.

Second, bond markets remain uncertain. The Fed officially resumed its easing cycle in September, cutting the federal funds rate by 25 basis points in response to a cooling labour market (Chart 1) – an action widely anticipated by markets. However, US long-term yields could face renewed upward pressure if tariffs and reshoring efforts drive domestic costs higher, complicating the Fed’s inflation target. At the same time, long-term treasuries remain exposed to concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence and the US government’s sizeable fiscal funding needs.

Against this backdrop, gold’s appeal as a hedge against both equity and bond market instability is growing – though risks exist. As we discussed in our recent blog, gold’s rapid ascent could prompt rebalancing and profit taking. For example, from a technical standpoint, the monthly Relative Strength Index (RSI) is above 90 and gold is sitting more than 20% above its 200-day moving average. These factors could lead to short-term reversals. In addition, the sharp increase in the gold price could dampen consumer demand while global trade normalisation and a pick-up in GDP growth could revive risk appetite further. 

In summary, maintaining a diversified approach and remaining vigilant to shifting market dynamics is essential. Amidst a growing investor base, secular US dollar weakness and continued geoeconomic uncertainty, gold’s enduring resilience and diversification benefits remain as relevant as ever.

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JB Insights

From Rare to Reachable: The Changing Face of the Diamond Industry

How diamonds moved beyond tradition to become a part of everyday style, personal milestones, and modern living.

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Diamonds have always been symbols of love, celebration, and timeless beauty. But the journey behind these sparkling stones has changed significantly over the years. The diamond industry today looks very different from what it once was — more open, more transparent, and more focused on the modern consumer.

How Diamonds Were Seen Earlier

In the past, diamonds followed a very traditional path. They were considered rare and special, usually bought only for weddings or major life events. The diamond industry was controlled by a few large companies, which meant limited choices and fixed perceptions around price and value.

Jewellery shopping happened mostly offline, often guided by family tradition rather than information. Buyers relied on trust, as details about quality, origin, and pricing were not always clear.

What Changed Over Time

As global markets opened up and technology improved, the diamond industry began to change. More countries entered the diamond trade, competition increased, and innovation reshaped the entire supply chain.

Diamonds slowly moved from being “rare and unreachable” to becoming more accessible. Marketing also evolved — diamonds were no longer just about marriage but also about personal milestones, style, and self-expression.

India’s Big Role in the Diamond Story

India plays a major role in today’s global diamond industry. Cities like Surat have become global centres for cutting and polishing diamonds, handling a majority of the world’s stones.

Skilled craftsmanship combined with modern technology has helped India shape diamonds worn across the world. This growth has also benefited Indian consumers, offering better designs, competitive pricing, and international-quality jewellery.

The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the rise of lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are created in controlled environments but look identical to natural diamonds.

They offer the same sparkle and certification, often at a more affordable price. Many consumers today choose lab-grown diamonds for their value, sustainability, and flexibility in design.

How Diamond Buying Feels Today

Buying diamonds today is easier and more transparent than ever before. Certifications clearly explain quality, while online and offline stores offer wide design options.

Diamonds are now worn daily, gifted for celebrations, and purchased as self-rewards. Lightweight designs, trendy styles, and digital shopping tools have changed how people connect with jewellery.

Why Diamonds Mean More Today

Modern buyers care about more than just sparkle. They want to know where their diamonds come from, how they are made, and whether they align with their values.

Design, comfort, trust, and storytelling now play a big role in choosing diamond jewellery. Diamonds today represent individuality and conscious luxury, not just tradition.

Then vs Now: A Quick Look

Earlier, diamonds were mostly linked to weddings, had limited design choices, and involved traditional buying experiences.

Today, diamonds are part of everyday fashion, available in multiple price ranges, and backed by clear information and certification.

The industry has moved from being exclusive to inclusive

The diamond industry has transformed from something complicated and distant into something personal and approachable. Today, diamonds are about choice, confidence, and self-expression — made for every moment, not just one.

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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