International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
Precious Metals Rebound As Fed Rate Fears Ease
Recent Volatility In Technology Stocks Pushed Investors To Seek Shelter In Traditional Safe-Haven Assets
Gold and silver surged on Saturday, June 27, building on recent gains after cooler US inflation data alleviated worries about potential Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. This rebound follows a sharp downturn last week, which had dragged bullion down to its lowest levels since November 2025.
Spot Gold: Advanced 1.6% to settle at $4,089.80 per ounce in New York. Spot Silver: Climbed 2.2% to reach $59.15 per ounce. Other Metals: Platinum and palladium also posted gains.
Beyond the macroeconomic data, broader market anxiety fueled the rally. Recent volatility in technology stocks—largely driven by shifting sentiment around Artificial Intelligence (AI)—pushed investors to seek shelter in traditional safe-haven assets. Despite a 1.7% intraday surge on Friday, gold remains on track for its fourth consecutive weekly decline, marking its longest weekly losing streak since August 2023.
Meanwhile, Indian domestic retail prices held steady on Saturday, maintaining their elevated positions. In Mumbai, prices closely mirrored national trends: 24K Gold: Rs. 1,44,300 per 10 grams.999 Fine Silver: Rs. 2,22,850 per kilogram
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