Market Stagnating Towards End of Summer?

The wholesale market is stable but relatively quiet as suppliers in Israel and Belgium slowly return from vacation. There is good demand for bread and butter rounds below 2.99-carats, in better qualities, while demand for 3.00-carat-plus stones has softened slightly. There has been a slight uptick in demand for smaller commercial goods. Retailers report increased traffic and better sales than expected for August. Demand for bridal stones is steady with 1.00- to 2.00-carat, G+, SI+ center stones being the most popular among consumers.