Ramsdens raises profit outlook on gold price strength

Ramsdens raised its full-year profit guidance after first-half pretax profit more than doubled, driven by sustained strength in gold (XAU/USD). Management now expects FY2026 profit before tax of £30–33m after reporting H1 pretax profit of £16.7m (up 173%), with revenue rising 62% as gold buying and jewellery sales surged. The precious-metals division saw a 130% jump in gross profit, prompting a higher interim dividend and a special dividend. The piece signals positive market impact for gold-linked businesses and underscores how elevated gold prices are boosting retail and pawnbroking volumes, though the company warned geopolitical uncertainty could dent travel and FX-related sales.