With the increasing investment avenues, individuals are looking to diversify their portfolios. And to that matter, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are gaining popularity due to their attractive features and underlying assets. In this blog, we will de into the concept of SGBs, explore their benefits, and address some questions related to this investment option.
What are Sovereign Gold Bonds?
Sovereign Gold Bonds are government securities denominated in grams of gold. SGBs are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. These bonds offer individuals an opportunity to invest in gold without the need for physical ownership. The underlying asset for these bonds is gold, making them an attractive option for those who wish to diversify their investment portfolio and hedge against inflation.
How Do Sovereign Gold Bonds Work?
When an individual invests in Sovereign Gold Bonds, they buy units of gold in the form of bonds. The value of these bonds is linked to the price of gold. The RBI determines the price based on the average closing price of gold of 999 purity, as published by the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA), for the last three business days of the week preceding the subscription period.
Benefits of Sovereign Gold Bonds
Investing in SGBs offers several advantages over traditional gold investments. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Earning Fixed Interest
Sovereign Gold Bonds provide investors with an additional avenue to earn fixed interest on their investment. The current interest rate is 2.50% annually, payable semi-annually on the initial investment amount.
2. Capital Appreciation
As the price of gold fluctuates in the market, investors can benefit from any capital appreciation in the value of their bonds when they decide to sell them.
3. Tax Efficiency
These bonds offer tax advantages over physical gold. The capital gains tax arising from the redemption of these bonds is exempted for individuals, making them a tax-efficient investment option.
4. Liquidity
these bonds can be easily traded on recognised stock exchanges. This gives investors liquidity, allowing them to buy or sell the bonds at market prices.
5. Safety and Security
Being issued by the Government of India, Sovereign Bonds are considered a safe and secure investment option. They eliminate the concerns associated with storing physical gold and the risk of theft or loss.
6. Eligible as Collateral
Sovereign Gold Bonds can be used as loan collateral, offering investors additional flexibility in managing their finances.
How to Invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds?
Investing in SGBs involves a straightforward process. The bonds are issued periodically through scheduled tranches, and interested individuals can apply for them through designated banks, stock exchanges, or authorised post offices. The application process typically involves the following steps:
1. Eligibility Check
Before investing in Sovereign Bonds, individuals should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the RBI. The bonds are open to resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
2. Application Submission
Investors must submit the application form, the necessary documents, and payment to authorised banks, stock exchanges, or post offices. The application forms are available online and can be downloaded from the RBI’s official website.
3. Allotment
Once the subscription period closes, the bonds are issued to the applicants based on the allotment criteria established by the RBI. The allotment details, including the quantity of bonds allocated, are communicated to the investors.
4. Bond Holding
Investors receive a Certificate of Holding as proof of their investment in Sovereign Bonds. The certificate mentions important details such as the bondholder’s name, bond series number, quantity of bonds held, and maturity date.
5. Interest Payments
The interest on Sovereign Gold Bonds is credited to the investor’s bank account semi-annually. The interest payment dates are predetermined and communicated during bond issuance.
Conclusion
Sovereign Gold Bonds allow individuals to invest in gold conveniently and securely. These bonds offer attractive features such as fixed interest, capital appreciation, tax efficiency, and liquidity. By eliminating the need for physical ownership of gold, investors can benefit from the potential upside of the precious metal without the associated risks and storage concerns. Sovereign Bonds are worth considering.