Rapaport Reports


January 2012 Research Report
Treading Carefully

Polished prices were basically stable with a slight downtrend in January as global markets remained soft and traders were cautious. While retailers in the U.S. reported a relatively satisfactory holiday season, and expressed some intention to start buying again, Asian buyers lacked any urgency to build inventory.

   Download the January 2012 Report (PDF) 




Rapaport Diamond Price Statistics Annual Report 2011

Certified polished diamond prices rose in 2011 spurred by strong buying in the first half of the year. However, global economic uncertainties and tight liquidity in the cutting centers caused prices to soften in the latter half. While confidence has improved since January 1, following a period of relative price stability and a satisfactory U.S. holiday season, concerns remain whether current price levels are sustainable. 



Additional information about the state of the global diamond market is available in the Rapaport Diamond Price Statistics Annual Report 2011 which can be purchased by contacting: service@diamonds.net.

November 2011 Research Report
Signs of Stability

Diamond manufacturers and dealers regained some confidence in November as prices showed signs of stability following the monthly declines that took effect since July. Polished buyers continued to exert caution and avoided large-scale purchases ahead of the holiday but suppliers held firm on prices.

   Download the November 2011 Report (PDF) 




October 2011 Research Report
Waiting & Hoping

Polished trading was slow and rough trading weak during October as buyers continued to push for deeper discounts. Confidence in the trade was impacted by tight liquidity, mainly in India, and lingering concerns about the global economic recovery. Many took advantage of the Jewish holiday and Diwali festival periods by taking extended vacations during the month to help wait out the uncertainty.

   Download the October 2011 Report (PDF) 




September 2011 Research Report
Third Quarter Jitters

Trends that emerged indicate that demand is being driven almost exclusively by retailers buying to fill existing orders, with very little dealer trading taking place. The same is true in the rough market where dealer activity remains unnervingly quiet. Even if traffic in Hong Kong was low, relative to past shows, the underlying Chinese demand continues to drive growth.

   Download the September 2011 Report (PDF) 





August 2011 Research Report
Tentative Trading, Seeking Stability

Diamond trading slowed in August as the market grew cautious about prospects for the global economic recovery. Traders in Belgium and Israel took their summer breaks as the bourses in those countries were closed, while dealers in India faced new liquidity challenges.

   Download the August 2011 Report (PDF) 





July 2011 Research Report
Quiet in Perspective

The polished market was relatively quiet as wholesalers in the U.S. took their traditional summer break and as retail inventories in the U.S. and the Far East were sufficiently large following the trade show season in May and June. As a result, buyers displayed some resistance to sellers’ high asking prices.

   Download the July 2011 Report (PDF) 





Special Report - June 2011
US Market: Where is it Going?

Topping the important issues facing luxury retailers today is not just whether the recession is over, but how long its inhibiting effect on consumer spending will linger. From the low-end of the economic strata to the upper levels, shoppers’ attitudes toward what they spend money on, how much and how often, have changed. And even with a return to positive economic forecasts, they are not planning to return to the way they lived and shopped before. This is not your prerecession shopper!

   Download the US Market Report (PDF) 




June 2011 Research Report

 

Half Way There

The diamond market concluded another strong month in June ending a significant first half of 2011 in positive mood. Attention was focused on the JCK Las Vegas shows during the month which signaled an optimistic outlook for polished demand. The show was less about U.S. buying power and more about the changing demographics affecting the industry. U.S. buyers were forced to accept higher asking prices if they wanted to secure orders to fill their inventories, or lose their orders to Chinese or Indian competitors.

   Download the June Report (PDF) 




May 2011 Research Report

 

Where the Buck Stops?

A number of factors influenced the diamond trade, which remained upbeat in May. Indian diamond cutters and dealers took their annual summer vacations, which impacted trading and manufacturing levels. Still, activity in the trading centers was strong, with many gearing up for the JCK Las Vegas show that took place in early June.

   Download the May Report (PDF) 



April 2011 Research Report
Positive & Cautious

The diamond market remained in a positive mood during April despite a drop-off in the high level of activity seen in the previous month. Polished and rough dealers, recognizing that demand and prices did not reflect consumer needs, appeared to exert some caution that the market may have overheated in March. In addition, political turmoil in the Middle East and lingering economic uncertainties fueled their concerns.

   Download the April Report (PDF) 




March 2011 Research Report 
March Madness

March saw buoyant polished demand and significant price increases driven by consumer demand in the Far East and India, coupled with strong dealer activity at the trading centers.

   Download the March Report (PDF) 

There is very positive sentiment in the market following the recent increases in polished prices. The rise in rough prices, however, means that cutting profit margins are still tight. Further pressure on these margins is anticipated, given that demand for rough remains strong, keeping prices on the uptrend.

Average prices of certified polished diamonds rose 1.6 percent in January, continuing the uptrend seen toward the end of 2010. Increases were most apparent in 1-carat sizes, where the average price rose 3.1 percent during the month.