Sovereign gold bond (SGB): A Secure Investment Option

1.Safety and Security:

SGBs are backed by the Government of India, making them a safe investment option. Unlike physical gold, they eliminate concerns related to storage, security, and theft risk.

2.Fixed Interest Income:

SGBs provide investors a fixed interest income paid semi-annually. This additional income stream enhances the overall returns from the investment.

3.Capital Appreciation:

Like physical gold, SGBs offer the potential for capital appreciation. Investors can benefit from the rise in the market price of gold during the bond’s tenure.

4.Liquidity:

SGBs are listed on stock exchanges, ensuring high liquidity. Investors can buy and sell these bonds in the secondary market, providing an exit option before maturity.

5.Tax Efficiency:

SGBs offer tax benefits compared to physical gold. The capital gains on redemption of SGBs held until maturity are exempt from capital gains tax for individuals.

What is Tranche in Sovereign gold bond (SGB)?

Tranche refers to a specific period during which a new series or issue of Sovereign gold bonds is made available for subscription. The government periodically opens tranches to allow investors to invest in SGBs.

Upcoming Sovereign gold bond( SGB)Tranche: The upcoming SGB Series 1,2023-2024, announced by the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India, is from 19th June 2023- 23rd June 2023 and Series 2 from 11th September 2023 to 15th September 2023. Investors can stay updated by checking the official websites of these institutions or contacting their respective banks or brokers.

How to Invest in Sovereign gold bond (SGB)?

Investing in Sovereign gold bonds involves the following steps:

1.Eligibility:

Individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, and charitable institutions can invest in SGBs.

2.Application:

Investors can apply for SGBs through scheduled commercial banks, designated post offices, stock exchanges, or online platforms during the specified subscription period.

3.KYC Documentation:

Completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) process is necessary, which involves submitting identity and address proof documents.

4.Investment Amount:

Investors can purchase SGBs in multiples of grams, with a minimum investment of one gram. The government sets the maximum limit of subscriptions per fiscal year.

5.Payment:

The investment amount can be paid through online transfer.

6.Holding and Redemption:

Why do we need a Demat Account for Sovereign gold bond (SGB)?

A demat account is necessary for investing in Sovereign gold bonds due to the following reasons:

1.Safe and Convenient:

Holding SGBs in a demat account ensures the safety of the investment and eliminates the risk of physical damage, loss, or theft.

2.Seamless Transaction:

Demat accounts enable easy buying, selling, and transferring SGBs. Investors can conveniently transact through online platforms or their brokers.

3.Record Keeping:

Demat accounts maintain a detailed transaction history, providing investors a consolidated view of their investment portfolio. This helps in monitoring and tracking the performance of SGBs.

4.Secondary Market Trading:

A demat account allows investors to trade SGBs on stock exchanges, providing liquidity and the possibility of capital gains by selling before maturity.

Comparison between Sovereign gold bond (SGB) and Physical Gold:

SGBs offer several advantages over physical gold. They eliminate storage and security concerns, provide fixed-interest income, and are easily tradable. In contrast, physical gold requires safe storage, incurs additional costs for security, and may have challenges in selling at a fair price. SGBs also offer tax benefits on capital gains, which physical gold lacks. However, physical gold provides immediate possession and can be advantageous during extreme economic uncertainty when there is a higher demand for physical assets.

Conclusion:

Sovereign gold bonds (SGB)present a secure and convenient investment avenue for individuals seeking gold. With their government backing, fixed interest income, and potential for capital appreciation, SGBs offer attractive benefits. A demat account is essential for investing in SGBs as it ensures safety, enables seamless transactions, and provides liquidity. Compared to physical gold, SGBs offer superior convenience, tax benefits, and ease of trade. Whether as a long-term investment or for diversification purposes, Sovereign gold bonds can play a significant role in an investor’s portfolio.