Investing in gold and SIP are two popular investment options for many investors. Both investments have their own unique features and benefits, which makes them attractive to different types of investors. In this article, we will discuss SIP and gold investments and compare the two to determine which one is a better investment option.
SIP or Systematic Investment Plan is a popular investment option that helps investors to invest in mutual funds in a systematic and disciplined manner. Under SIP, investors can invest a fixed amount of money in mutual funds at regular intervals. SIP offers various benefits such as rupee-cost averaging, disciplined investing, and long-term wealth creation. SIP allows investors to invest small amounts of money regularly, which helps in building a large corpus over time. Check here for a lumpsum calculator
Gold, on the other hand, is considered a safe haven investment and a hedge against inflation. Gold has been a popular investment option for centuries and is known to provide good returns during times of economic uncertainty. Gold can be purchased in various forms such as coins, bars, jewelry, and ETFs.
Now let’s compare SIP and gold investments based on certain parameters:
Returns: SIP investments offer higher returns in the long run as compared to gold investments. Over the past decade, equity mutual funds have given an average return of around 12-15%, while gold has given an average return of around 7-8%. However, gold has given higher returns during periods of economic uncertainty or market volatility. Check here for a lumpsum calculator
Liquidity: SIP investments are more liquid as compared to gold investments. Mutual funds can be easily bought and sold online, and the redemption process is also quick and hassle-free. On the other hand, selling gold can be time-consuming, and it may not always fetch a fair price.
Safety: Gold is considered a safe investment option as it is not affected by market volatility or economic uncertainty. However, gold is also susceptible to theft and damage, which can lead to losses. SIP investments, on the other hand, are relatively safe as mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers and are regulated by SEBI. Check here for a lumpsum calculator
Taxation: SIP investments are more tax-efficient as compared to gold investments. Long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds are tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh, while gold investments attract a capital gains tax of 20% if sold within three years.
Diversification: SIP investments provide better diversification as compared to gold investments. Mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, which helps in reducing the overall risk of the portfolio. On the other hand, gold investments are concentrated in a single asset class, which makes them less diversified. Check here for a lumpsum calculator
Based on the above parameters, it can be concluded that SIP investments are a better option for long-term wealth creation and financial planning. However, gold investments can be a good option for short-term investment and as a hedge against inflation. It is important to understand your investment goals and risk appetite before choosing an investment option. A well-diversified investment portfolio should ideally include both SIP and gold investments to provide optimal returns and safety.