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Gold, Silver Prices Cool After Record Highs; Jewellery Sales Jump 35–40% During Dhanteras

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Gold, Silver Prices Cool After Record Highs; Jewellery Sales Jump 35–40% During Dhanteras


Mumbai: Gold and silver prices fell on Tuesday as investors booked profits after both metals hit record highs in the previous session, even as festive jewellery sales during Dhanteras jumped 35–40 per cent across India.  

Silver Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), which had delivered stellar one-year returns of around 65–70 per cent, also saw a sharp correction as global prices cooled following improved physical supply and easing safe-haven demand.

Silver had turned hot earlier this month when global spot prices surged past $40 an ounce amid concerns of a physical shortage. The rally extended further, crossing $50 in mid-October.

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However, by the end of last week, prices began to retreat as easing trade tensions reduced safe-haven demand. On October 17, silver prices in the US fell by over 6 per cent, and the correction soon spilled over into Indian markets.

According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), silver prices in India fell 7 per cent on October 20, slipping from Rs 1,71,275 per kg to Rs 1,60,100 per kg. The decline directly impacted silver ETFs, which mirror domestic silver prices.

Data from Ace MF shows that silver ETFs logged steep single-day losses, with most funds dropping up to 7 per cent on October 20.

Analysts noted that the ETFs are now trading at or below fair value — a sign that investor demand has started to cool after months of heavy inflows.

Meanwhile, in the international market, gold prices also softened after touching record highs on Monday. Spot gold was down 0.3 per cent at $4,340.29 per ounce as of 0248 GMT, after hitting an all-time high of $4,381.21 in the previous session.

US gold futures for December delivery eased 0.1 per cent to $4,356.40 per ounce, as investors booked profits amid expectations of further interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will also observe special Muhurat trading today, October 21, with a pre-open session from 1:30 p.m. to 1:44 p.m., followed by the Muhurat trading window from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Despite the short-term correction, festive demand for gold and silver remains strong. The All India Gem & Jewellery Promotion Council, said that around 50 to 60 tonnes of jewellery were sold nationwide over the two days of Dhanteras, generating nearly Rs 85 crore in sales.

It added that while the sales volume was similar to last year, the overall value grew by 35–40 per cent due to higher prices and rising consumer interest.

“Silver, in particular, has seen a remarkable surge, with sales nearly doubling this season. With Dhanteras coinciding with the weekend and followed by Diwali and Bhau Beej, the five-day festive period is expected to deliver exceptional results,” it mentioned.

“We anticipate total jewellery sales reaching 100 to 120 tonnes, valued between Rs 1 lakh crore and Rs 1.35 lakh crore,” they said.



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Netflix strikes ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ toy deals with both Mattel and Hasbro

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Netflix strikes ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ toy deals with both Mattel and Hasbro


Still from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters.”

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Netflix is partnering with both Hasbro and Mattel to bring “KPop Demon Hunters” toys to shelves.

The animated film, which debuted on the streaming service in June, has become Netflix’s most popular film of all time, with more than 325 million views worldwide. Its popularity has spurred Netflix to release it twice in theaters — once in August for a two-day weekend event and again next week around Halloween.

Partnering with Mattel and Hasbro will allow Netflix to offer a suite of consumer products based around the film.

Mattel will handle dolls, action figures, accessories and playsets, while Hasbro will focus on plush, electronics, roleplay items and board games, the companies announced Tuesday. There will likely be some overlap in product categories between the two toy makers, however.

Mattel is currently taking pre-orders for a three-pack of dolls featuring Rumi, Mira and Zoey, the members of the fictional KPop trio HUNTR/X. And Hasbro’s first product is a “KPop Demon Hunters” themed Monopoly Deal game.

Merchandise and toys from both companies will be available at retail in spring 2026.

“Netflix, Mattel and Hasbro joining forces on this first-of-its-kind collaboration means fans can finally get their hands on the best dolls, games, and merchandise they’ve been not-so-subtly demanding on every social platform known to humanity,” said Marian Lee, Netflix’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement Tuesday.



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Planning For Retirement? EPFO’s 5 Major Changes Will Impact Your Pension

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Planning For Retirement? EPFO’s 5 Major Changes Will Impact Your Pension


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These reforms highlight EPFO’s attempt to modernise pension services and make retirement planning more secure, transparent and flexible

EPFO has revised pension calculation based on average salary of last 5 years.

EPFO has revised pension calculation based on average salary of last 5 years.

In a move that could significantly impact the retirement savings of millions of salaried employees, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced five changes to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). These revisions are intended to simplify pension access, increase benefits, and improve portability for members across the country.

Pension To Be Calculated On Average Salary

The most crucial change concerns the method of pension calculation. Earlier, the pension was determined based on the employee’s last drawn salary. Under the revised rule, it will now be calculated on the average salary of the last 60 months of employment. This ensures a fair and realistic computation, especially for employees whose salary increased gradually over time. Though this provision has been in effect since September 1, 2014, EPFO has now issued a clear clarification for its implementation.

Pension Ceiling Raised To Rs 15,000 Per Month

In a major relief for pensioners, EPFO has doubled the maximum pension limit from Rs 7,500 to Rs 15,000 per month. This step follows a Supreme Court directive and is expected to benefit retirees whose pensions were earlier capped despite higher contributions and earnings. With this revision, eligible pensioners will receive the actual calculated amount without any upper limitation.

Minimum Pension Age Lowered To 50 Years

Responding to the needs of employees seeking financial assistance earlier than retirement, the minimum age for drawing pension has been reduced from 58 to 50 years. Members can now opt for early pension from the age of 50. However, EPFO has clarified that choosing an early pension may lead to a marginal reduction in the monthly payout. The flexibility could prove useful in cases of health issues, employment loss, or personal emergencies.

Faster Pension Claims Through Digital Platforms

In an effort to cut down processing time and enhance transparency, EPFO has strengthened its digital services. Pension claim forms, supporting documents, and approval processes can now be completed online via the EPFO website or mobile app. What earlier took months is now expected to be resolved within weeks. This shift gained momentum during the pandemic, when digital transactions became essential.

Seamless Pension Portability For Job Changers

To facilitate employees who frequently change jobs, EPFO has simplified pension portability. Under the new system, service periods from previous and current employers will be automatically consolidated while calculating pension benefits. This prevents loss of service years and ensures continuity. The unified portal enables smooth transfer of EPS data, benefiting employees in dynamic sectors like startups, IT, and freelancing.

These reforms highlight EPFO’s attempt to modernise pension services and make retirement planning more secure, transparent and flexible. The changes are applicable to EPS members earning up to Rs 15,000 per month. Those earning higher salaries may explore voluntary pension contributions through the EPFO portal. Members are advised to log in to their accounts regularly to review their pension status and contributions.

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Donald Trump tariffs: US 40% trans-shipment levy intended for China could end up hitting Asean supply chains including India; Moody’s flags risks – The Times of India

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Donald Trump tariffs: US 40% trans-shipment levy intended for China could end up hitting Asean supply chains including India; Moody’s flags risks – The Times of India


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The 40 per cent trans-shipment tariff recently announced by the United States is expected to create significant compliance challenges for companies in India and the ASEAN region, particularly in sectors such as machinery, electrical equipment and semiconductors, Moody’s Ratings said on Tuesday.In July, US President Donald Trump imposed the tariff on goods deemed to have been transshipped, adding to broader country-level tariffs. Moody’s noted that the administration has yet to clarify the precise definition of trans-shipment, though the measures appear aimed at products originating in China and routed through third countries with lower duties, as per news agency PTI.“The lack of clarity around the trans-shipment tariff poses risks to ASEAN economies. If the US maintains a narrow interpretation—targeting only minimally processed Chinese goods re-exported to the US—the impact may be limited. However, a broader approach, covering goods with any significant Chinese input, could damage the Asia-Pacific supply chain,” the report said.Moody’s highlighted that private sector exporters will likely face heightened due diligence and certification requirements, needing to prove “substantial transformation” of goods to avoid penalties. The sectors most exposed include machinery, electrical equipment, semiconductors, and consumer optical products, with trans-shipped goods concentrated in intermediate inputs rather than final consumer items.Trans-shipment, a legal practice involving the transfer of goods through hubs such as ports and rail terminals, supports logistical efficiency and supply chain flexibility. However, it can also be used to obscure product origin to evade tariffs—a concern the US seeks to address with this new measure.While Moody’s indicated that Asean’s manufacturing competitiveness will largely remain intact, noting lower labour costs and ongoing “China+1” diversification strategies, the rating agency warned that the tariff could disrupt regional supply chains and increase operational costs for companies heavily reliant on Chinese inputs.Countries most exposed include Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, given their deep integration with Chinese supply chains, with key sectors facing potential credit pressures spanning electronics, solar energy, automotive, machinery, and semiconductors.India could face similar compliance and operational challenges in sectors such as machinery, electrical equipment and consumer optical products, including semiconductors.The move signals the US administration’s increased scrutiny of global trade flows, especially concerning tariff evasion, and may compel companies to reassess sourcing, certification, and logistical arrangements across Asia-Pacific markets.





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