Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have emerged as popular investment vehicles in India, allowing investors to gain exposure to the gold market without the hassle of owning physical gold. In recent years, the interest in ETFs has surged among Indian investors seeking to diversify their portfolios. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of What is Gold ETFs, including their advantages and risks, tailored to the Indian stock market.
Gold ETFs, or Gold Exchange-Traded Funds, are investment funds traded on stock exchanges and backed by physical gold bullion. In simpler terms, they are like baskets of gold held by big companies that manage them. These companies ensure that a small amount of actual gold is stored safely somewhere for every share of the ETF you own.
In India, ETFs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which is like a watchdog that ensures everything is fair and safe for investors. Various mutual fund companies offer ETFs to investors who want to put their money in gold without buying and storing physical gold.
The goal of Gold ETFs is to follow the price of gold as closely as possible. So, if the price of gold goes up, the value of your ETF shares should increase, too, and vice versa. This way, investors can benefit from the movement of gold prices without the hassle of buying and storing gold bars or coins.
Several mutual fund companies in India offer Gold Exchange traded funds, providing investors various options based on their investment objectives and preferences.
Apart from list, here is the Best 5 Gold ETFs in India:
| ISSUER | NAME | SYMBOL |
|---|---|---|
| Canara Robeco MF | Canara Robeco Gold Exchange Traded Fund | CANGOLD |
| Axis Mutual Fund | Axis Gold Exchange Traded Fund | AXISGOLD |
| Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund | Birla Sun Life Gold Exchange Traded Fund | BSLGOLDETF |
| HDFC Mutual Fund | HDFC Gold Exchange Traded Fund | HDFCMFGETF |
| ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund | ICICI Prudential Gold Exchange Traded Fund | IPGETF |
| IDBI AMC | IDBI Gold Exchange Traded Fund | IDBIGOLD |
| Kotak Mutal Fund | Kotak Gold Exchange Traded Fund | KOTAKGOLD |
| Quantum Mutual Fund | Quantum Gold Fund (an ETF) | QGOLDHALF |
| Reliance Mutual Fund | Reliance Gold Exchange Traded Fund | RELGOLD |
| Religare Mutual Fund | Religare Gold Exchange Traded Fund | RELIGAREGO |
| Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management Limited | Reliance ETF Gold BeES | GOLDBEES |
| UTI Mutual Fund | UTI GOLD Exchange Traded Fund | GOLDSHARE |
Investing in Gold ETFs offers several advantages for Indian investors:
While Gold ETFs offer several advantages, they also come with certain risks that investors should be aware of:
You can invest in Gold ETFs without any hassle in easy steps using the below instructions:
Step 1: To begin, connect with a stockbroker to establish an online trading and DEMAT Account, the initial and most critical step. ( Click here to get your free demat )
Step 2: Then, utilise your Login ID and Password to access your account via the broker's online trading portal website.
Step 3: In the subsequent step, search for the ETF you wish to invest in. You can make a lumpsum investment or invest regularly through systematic SIPs. Additionally, you can explore Mutual Funds that include inherent gold exchange traded funds.
Step 4: Order a buy order for specific ETF units.
Step 5: Upon completion, expect to receive a confirmation message via your designated Phone number or Email Address.
Step 6: The web system will automatically debit a small fee from your linked Savings Account.
Yes, Investors can do swing trading and intraday trading in Gold ETFs like trading on equity. Since ETFs are traded on stock exchanges daily, investors can use short-term price movements to buy and sell ETF units for potential profits. Swing traders may capitalise on medium-term price trends, while intraday traders seek to profit from price fluctuations within a single trading day. However, it's important to note that trading in ETFs involves market risks, and investors should conduct thorough analysis and risk management before engaging in swing or intraday trading activities.
Price action analysis can be applied to Gold ETFs like any other financial instrument traded on the stock market. Price action analysis studies price movements, patterns, and trends without relying on indicators or other external factors.
Factors such as supply and demand dynamics, investor sentiment, macroeconomic conditions, and geopolitical events can influence price movements when trading ETFs. Therefore, understanding price action patterns and interpreting them in broader market conditions can be valuable. Still, it's also essential to consider other factors, such as fundamental analysis, market sentiment, and risk management techniques, to make well-rounded trading decisions in ETFs.
Choosing Gold ETFs for Investment or Trading purposes depends on your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy:
If you have a short-term outlook and are comfortable with taking on higher levels of risk, then trading ETFs may be suitable. Traders aim to profit from short-term price movements by buying and selling ETF units based on technical analysis, market trends, and trading signals. However, trading requires active monitoring of market conditions, disciplined risk management, and the ability to make quick decisions.
It is more suitable for investors with a long-term perspective who seek to diversify their portfolios, hedge against inflation, or preserve wealth over time. Investors hold onto ETF units for an extended period, benefiting from the potential appreciation of gold prices over time. Investing in Best Gold ETFs can provide exposure to the long-term benefits of gold as an asset class while offering liquidity, transparency, and cost-effectiveness compared to physical gold ownership.
Here's a comparison between Gold ETFs, Sovereign Gold Bonds, and Physical Gold:
| Aspect | Gold ETFs | Sovereign Gold Bonds | Physical Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Method | Traded on stock exchanges | Issued by the government | Purchased as bars or coins |
| Nature of Investment | Fund-holding gold assets | Bond issued by the government | Physical possession of gold |
| Liquidity | Highly liquid, traded like stocks | Tradable on exchanges | Less liquid requires selling |
| Cost | Brokerage fees and management fees | No entry or exit charges | Premiums and making charges |
| Storage | No physical storage is needed | No physical storage is needed | Requires safe storage |
| Returns | Reflect gold prices, dividends possible | Interest and capital gains | Directly linked to gold prices |
| Risk | Market and liquidity risks | Interest rate and credit risks | Security and theft risks |
| Convenience | Easy buying and selling | Paperless transactions | Requires physical handling |
| Tax Treatment | Capital gains tax applicable | Tax benefits on redemption | Capital gains tax applicable |
Indian investors can adopt various strategies for investing in ETFs based on their investment goals and risk tolerance:
Gold Exchange traded funds have emerged as popular investment options for Indian investors looking to gain exposure to the gold market. By understanding the types, advantages, and risks associated with Gold ETFs, investors can make informed investment decisions that align with their financial goals and risk appetite. However, investors must conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before investing in ETFs to maximise their investment returns and minimise risks.
Gold ETFs typically do not pay dividends as they are designed to track the price of gold rather than generate income. Instead, investors may benefit from capital appreciation when the price of gold rises.
Yes, They are subject to taxation in India. Long-term capital gains on this ETFs over three years are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
Gold ETFs offer high liquidity, lower transaction costs, and eliminate storage concerns. Physical gold provides direct tangible asset ownership but may involve higher storage costs and security risks.
Here is the list of Best Gold ETFs in India to invest in 2024.
It serve as a convenient and cost-effective way for investors to gain exposure to the price movements of gold without the need for physical ownership. They offer a means of diversifying investment portfolios, hedging against inflation and currency devaluation, and providing stability during market volatility.
They are suitable for a wide range of investors, including those looking to diversify their investment portfolios, hedge against economic uncertainty, and preserve wealth over the long term. Investors with a moderate to high-risk tolerance seeking exposure to the potential benefits of gold as an asset class may find ETFs valuable to their investment strategy.
Whether an ETF is a good investment depends on individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Gold ETFs offer advantages such as liquidity, cost-effectiveness, and transparency. However, they also carry risks like any investment, including price volatility and potential losses. Investors should carefully evaluate their financial goals and conduct thorough research before investing in ETFs.
