Richemont sales unexpectedly jumped by a double-digit percentage during the holiday shopping season as consumers splurged on Cartier jewelry, lifting shares across the luxury-goods sector on hopes of a rebound.

Richemont reported better-than-expected quarterly sales, triggering a rally in luxury stocks, after its core jewelry division bucked a downturn in demand for high-end goods.

European luxury shares soared on Thursday as Cartier owner Richemont's third-quarter sales beat revived optimism for the battered sector. Francis Maguire reports. Could AI-assisted program help badminton players with training?