Richemont , the owner of Cartier jewellery, on Thursday fuelled hopes of a revival for the beaten down luxury goods industry, with end-of-year sales that exceeded expectations, sending shares higher across the sector.

Richemont reported better-than-expected sales, up 10% compared with the prior-year period, in the midst of a downward trend in demand for luxury goods that is weighing on most high-end brands.

Cartier owner Richemont on Thursday reported a 10% increase in third quarter sales even as China demand weighed.