As the global economy grapples with uncertainties, especially due to the measures taken by the Trump 2.0 administration in the United States, gold continues to shine as a safe haven. International gold prices hit a record high of $2,906 as Trump's decision to impose fresh tariffs raised concerns of a global trade war. MCX gold contracts expiring on April 4 also jumped to a new record high of ₹85,880 per 10 grams.
While investors across the world are betting big on gold, driving prices higher, in India the government has discontinued one of the most popular gold investment instruments.
- Buy Listed Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
While new SGBs won’t be issued, you can still buy from 67 listed tranches on NSE and BSE via your demat account. They offer capital appreciation, tax benefits, and a fixed 2.5% annual interest, making them a great alternative to holding physical gold.
- Invest in Digital Gold
Platforms like SafeGold and Digigold allow investors to buy and store gold online with as little as ₹1. You can convert digital gold into physical gold anytime, but ensure you choose a reputed platform, as storage costs and credibility risks exist.
- Trade in Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
Gold ETFs mirror live gold prices and are traded on the stock exchange, making them liquid and secure. Since these ETFs are backed by physical gold and stored with custodians, they eliminate the hassle of storage while providing easy entry and exit options.
- Consider Gold Mutual Funds
If you prefer professional management, gold mutual funds invest in gold ETFs and provide diversification. Unlike ETFs, their pricing is NAV-based and disclosed at the end of the trading day, making them ideal for long-term investors.