Gold prices surged by Rs 550, reaching Rs 97,350 per 10 grams, driven by global market trends. The rise occurred ahead of the US Fed’s FOMC meeting, influencing market sentiment. Silver prices, however, experienced a slight dip, decreasing by Rs 400 to Rs 96,700 per kg.

India’s cotton yarn sector anticipates significant revenue growth. Crisil Ratings projects a 7-9% increase this fiscal year. This growth is driven by rebounding exports, especially to China. Domestic demand also plays a crucial role. Stable cotton availability and prices will boost profitability. Credit profiles are expected to remain stable. Select players will undertake capital expenditure.

Jaipur Watch Company is growing its presence. It has launched franchise outlets in Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Surat. The expansion uses a FOCO model. The company plans eight more stores in Hyderabad and Bangalore. It targets Rs 20 crore revenue from these outlets by FY26. Franchise retail may contribute 50% of overall revenue. The stores are located in premium malls.

V-Mart Retail shares experienced a decline of 6.2% despite positive financial news. The company reported a net profit of Rs 19 crore for the March 2025 quarter, a significant improvement from the previous year. Revenue also increased by 17%. The board approved a 3:1 bonus share issue. However, the board did not recommend dividend.

Ammarzo, an Indian direct-to-consumer sleepwear brand, is aiming for a significant revenue surge, targeting Rs 40 crore by FY28. Founder Chahatt Khanna outlines the strategy, which includes venturing into premium offline stores by 2026, expanding into international markets like the UAE and UK this year, and introducing high-margin accessories.

Japan’s apparel imports from China fell for the fourth consecutive year, dropping 7.61 per cent to $11.232 billion in 2024.
Volumes also declined across garment types.
Jerseys remained the top import at over 21 per cent of the total, followed by trousers, shirts, innerwear, and T-shirts.
The trend reflects a consistent shift since 2021, when imports stood at nearly $13.9 billion.

In spite of a December 2023 Bangladesh government order asking RMG units to raise minimum wages, 32 per cent have failed to do that, a study conducted between September and December 2024 revealed.
All non-compliant units are located outside the export processing zones.
The wage hike has put the factories under financial pressure, but most have received no help from buyers or the government.

Egypt’s apparel exports rose by 27 per cent YoY to $262 million in March, the Apparel Export Council of Egypt said.
It aims at doubling exports by 2031 to $12 billion by expanding to African and Asian markets, leveraging Egypt’s trade agreements, enhancing value-added production and modernising manufacturing lines.
Two dedicated textile-garment cities will be launched in Fayoum and Minya.

Columbia Sportswear has reported net sales of $778.5 million in Q1 2025, up 1 per cent YoY, led by strong growth in LAAP and EMEA regions.
Gross margin rose to 50.9 per cent, while operating income grew 4 per cent to $46.5 million.
Amid US tariff uncertainties, the company withdrew its full-year forecast but projects Q2 sales between $575–$600 million, reflecting 1–5 per cent growth.

Priority Jewels Ltd has filed papers with Sebi for an IPO of 54 lakh equity shares to raise funds. The Mumbai-based jewellery company will use Rs 75 crore from the IPO to pay off debt and for general corporate purposes.