Despite high prices and subdued jewellery demand, a gold demand recovery is expected with the upcoming festive season. Investment demand remains strong, supported by sustained investor interest in physical gold and gold-linked products. India’s gold reserves have reached a record high, comprising a significant portion of foreign exchange reserves, even as imports decline.

Gianfranco D’Attis will leave Prada at the end of this month. Andrea Guerra will take over as brand CEO on an interim basis. The luxury fashion industry is witnessing leadership changes. Kering appointed Luca de Meo as its new CEO. Top luxury houses are betting on new design directions. Dior appointed Jonathan Anderson to head womenswear designs.

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL) commenced trading on the BSE and NSE following its demerger from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL). Motilal Oswal initiated coverage with a Neutral rating, anticipating revenue growth driven by retail expansion and emerging brands.

Zen Diamond, a diamond jewellery brand, is aggressively expanding its presence in India with plans to establish 100 stores by 2030, primarily in high-quality malls. The company has already invested Rs 100 crore and is exploring various funding options, including franchises, to support its ambitious growth strategy.

Gold prices declined as investors favoured the dollar after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Spot gold fell 0.2% to $3,362.29 an ounce, influenced by the dollar’s rise amid safe-haven buying. President Trump hinted at regime change in Iran, while Iran vowed to defend itself. Asian shares slipped, and oil prices rose. The Federal Reserve’s report indicated elevated U.S.

New Zealand’s apparel imports dipped slightly to $417.44 million in January–April 2025, down from $422.98 million a year earlier.
Imports from China also declined to $252.42 million, with its market share easing to 60.47 per cent.
In 2024, total apparel imports stood at $1.18 billion, down from $1.19 billion in 2023 and $1.27 billion in 2022.

H&M has been commended for its Scope 3 targets, supplier financing for clean energy, and policy advocacy.
The brand is providing low-cost loans for new energy to suppliers in Asia.
Aim is to become net zero by 2040 across its supply chain.
Only three out of 42 brands cutting emissions fast enough to align with 1.5°C targets.
Most peers lag, with 40 per cent increasing emissions since baseline years.

LA houses the largest cut and sew apparel base in the US.
ICE raids on LA garment factories have disrupted the immigrant-driven US apparel sector, exposing the contradiction in promoting ‘Made in USA’ while cracking down on its workforce.
With immigrants comprising nearly one-third of garment workers, the crackdown threatens domestic production, exports, and the very revival tariffs aim to support.

Vanguard Group acquired a 1.1 per cent stake in Vishal Mega Mart for Rs 655 crore. Vishal Mega Mart shares then experienced a rise. Samayat Services LLP divested a significant stake in the company earlier. Hill Fort Capital sold shares in Westlife Foodworld. HDFC Mutual Fund purchased shares in Westlife Foodworld.

A Rebound Returns survey of over 5,000 consumers in the US shows rising demand for sustainable returns, with 18 per cent willing to pay extra—rising to 32 per cent among 16–24-year-olds.
While cost remains a barrier, most want greener options.
Interest in circularity is also strong: 67 per cent want electronics recycling and 60 per cent want fashion donation services.