Written by Ruta Patil

Pune ’s festive economy has entered the Diwali season with unusual calm. The introduction of GST 2.0 earlier this year, expected to shake up trade and pricing structures, has instead left the markets largely untouched.

Across sectors, from gold and sweets to clothing and decoration, the sentiment is the same with steady prices and consistent demand-the difference here being that the annual rise in prices (barring gold, of course!) is missing, leading to an intrinsic relief for buyers and buoying spirits.

Gold: High rate, stable demand

At Ranka Jewellers on Laxmi Road, business continues at a familiar pace.

“The GST rates don’t impact gold as it comes under a separate category of 3 per cent. It’s Diwali season, people are coming to buy gold – no matter the rate,

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