Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.Read more

Luxury giant LVMH beat expectations in the second quarter as wealthy Americans kept splurging on Louis Vuitton handbags, Tiffany jewelry and Dior fashion despite global economic uncertainty.

The French luxury powerhouse behind Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari and Moët & Chandon said Tuesday that second-quarter sales rose 3% on an organic basis to €19.5 billion ($22.2 billion), driven largely by booming demand in the United States.

Sales in the U.S. jumped 6%, doubling the pace of the previous quarter, as LVMH said a wave of new wealth fueled by the artificial intelligence and technology boom continued to boost spending on high-end luxury goods.

People stand in line in front of a Louis Vuitton luxury goods store during the Christmas shopping season on December 13, 2025People stand in line in front of a Louis Vuitton luxury goods store during the Christmas shopping season on December 13, 2025 (Getty Images)

“Wealth is created, consumer appetite for luxury and for our products in particular is strong,” Chief Financial Officer Cécile Cabanis told analysts.

The strongest growth came from LVMH’s watches and jewelry division, where sales climbed 11%. Tiffany and Bulgari posted mid-teen gains as wealthy shoppers continued snapping up expensive jewelry despite broader economic headwinds.

LVMH’s key fashion and leather goods division, home to Louis Vuitton and Dior, returned to growth for the first time in two years, posting a 1% increase. The company said strong U.S. demand offset weaker spending in Europe, where tourism slowed after the Iran war dampened travel.

Bernard Arnault Chairman and CEO of LVMH arrives with Helene Mercier Arnault a Canadian pianist before a state dinner organised in honor of the King and Queen of the Kingdom of ThailandBernard Arnault Chairman and CEO of LVMH arrives with Helene Mercier Arnault a Canadian pianist before a state dinner organised in honor of the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand (AFP/Getty)

Executives said the conflict in the Middle East shaved about one percentage point off growth in the fashion business.

Dior also showed fresh momentum under new creative director Jonathan Anderson, who recently made headlines after designing Taylor Swift’s wedding dress.

The results offer fresh evidence that the world’s wealthiest consumers continue to spend freely even as many households cut back on discretionary purchases.

Still, investors questioned whether the modest growth is enough to signal a full recovery for the roughly $400 billion luxury industry after two difficult years.

Dior also showed fresh momentum under new creative director Jonathan Anderson, who recently made headlines after designing Taylor Swift's wedding dressDior also showed fresh momentum under new creative director Jonathan Anderson, who recently made headlines after designing Taylor Swift’s wedding dress (AP)

“We wonder if this could be good enough to sustain the share price and get investors to stand up and pay attention,” Bernstein analysts said.

LVMH’s U.S.-listed shares fell about 1.6% following the results, while the company’s Paris-listed stock has dropped roughly 28% this year, making it one of Europe’s worst-performing large-cap companies.

RBC analysts struck a more optimistic tone, calling the results “reassuring” because of stronger-than-expected profit margins, while cautioning that tougher comparisons later this year could make it harder to maintain the momentum.

For the first six months of the year, LVMH reported organic sales growth of 2%. Operating profit fell 4% to €8.7 billion, although its operating margin remained steady at 22.5%.

The earnings come as investors await results from rivals Kering and Hermès later this week, which will offer a clearer picture of whether the luxury sector’s long-awaited recovery is finally gaining momentum.