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Should You Buy an SGB (Sovereign Gold Bond) this Diwali? | 2023

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July 24, 2023

Summary

What’s Inside

The Soveriegn Gold Bonds (SGB) scheme, which is run by the Regulatory Authority on behalf of the government, has been around for seven years and seven months.

It was introduced as an alternative to buying physical gold in 2015. There has been an average subscription of 1.72 tonnes. In June 2023, people bought gold at a price of ₹5,926 per gramme, which is the highest price since the beginning of SGBs. This is almost 10% more than the December 2022 series, which had a price of ₹5,409 per gramme. Remember, the SGB prices don't include the 3% goods and services tax (GST) on gold.

What is a Sovereign Gold Bond?

  • A Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) is a bond issued by the Indian government that allows investors to invest in gold without physically owning it. 
  • The bond is denominated in grams of gold and is issued in multiple tranches (portions or sections) throughout the year. 
  • The bond has a maturity of eight years and offers a fixed interest rate of 2.5% per annum. 
  • The interest is paid semi-annually, and the final interest payment is made along with the principal amount at maturity. 
  • The bond can be traded on stock exchanges, and the price is linked to the prevailing market price of gold.

How Is a SGB Different from a Gold Mutual Fund?

The stock market's benchmark index, called Nifty, has gained 6% from January to June in 2023, reaching 19,189.5 points. However, in 2022, gold performed better than stocks and became the top financial asset class with a return of 13%, from an issue price of ₹4,791 per gram in December 2021 to ₹5,409 in December 2022. In comparison, Nifty only returned 4.3% last year, reaching 18,105 points.

SGBs and gold mutual funds both have pros and cons. SGBs offer interest and tax-free capital gains after eight years, but have limitations such as no redemption before the fifth year. Gold mutual funds have professional management and a diverse portfolio, making them great for investors with little knowledge of the markets. 

How to Decide Whether or Not You Should Buy a Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) This Diwali? 

Deciding whether or not to invest in a SGB this Diwali, depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Gold as an Investment: SGBs allow you to invest in gold in a paperless and dematerialized form. Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset and can be a part of a diversified investment portfolio.
  • Returns: SGBs offer an interest rate in addition to the potential for capital appreciation based on the prevailing gold prices.
  • Lock-in Period: SGBs have a lock-in period of 5 years, after which you can sell or trade them in the secondary market. Consider whether you can invest for this duration.
  • Tax Benefits: SGBs are exempt from capital gains tax if held until maturity. However, interest income is taxable.
  • Gold Price Outlook: Assess the current and future outlook for gold prices, as they can influence the returns on your SGB investment.
  • Liquidity: While SGBs can be sold in the secondary market, they may not be as liquid as physical gold.
  • Risk Tolerance: Understand that the value of gold can be volatile, and your investment may be subject to market fluctuations.

It's advisable to consult with a financial advisor to determine if purchasing SGBs aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, consider your overall investment strategy and how gold fits into your portfolio before making a decision.

Subscription for Sovereign Gold Bonds 2023

  • On June 19, 2023, the Indian government opened the first tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGB) 2023-24 at an issue price of ₹5,926 per gram of gold. 
  • You had until June 23 to purchase the bonds, and the money was given on June 29. If you used digital payment to buy the bonds online, you got an additional ₹50 discount.
  • The Regulatory Authority pays a fixed interest rate of 2.5% per year on the gold bonds, and you receive interest payments twice a year. The final interest payment is paid when the bond matures.
  • The second part of this year's sovereign gold bonds was available from September 11 to 15.

Conclusion 

Investing in a Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) can be a good option for those who want to invest in gold without physically owning it. The SGB scheme has been around for several years and has had a good subscription rate. The interest rate and tax benefits make it an attractive investment option. However, it is important to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation before deciding between SGBs and other gold investment options, such as gold mutual funds or ETFs. It is advisable to consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Sovereign Gold Bond a good investment?

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) offer a fixed interest rate of 2.5% per year and tax-free capital gains after eight years, making them a viable option for investing in gold without physically owning it. However, before choosing between SGBs and other gold investment options like gold mutual funds or ETFs, it is important to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Consulting a financial advisor is recommended before making any investment decisions.

2. What happens after investing in an SGB for 8 years?

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) provide a fixed interest rate of 2.5% per year and tax-free capital gains after eight years. When the SGBs mature after 8 years, the interest and redemption proceeds will be deposited into your bank account.

3. Is a Sovereign Gold Bond better than an FD?

FDs offer less returns than SGBs, but are safer. Choose based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer

Investment and securities are subject to market risks. Please read all the related documents carefully before investing. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell securities, mutual funds, or any other financial products.
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