INVESTING IN GOLD AND OPTIONS FOR THE RETAIL INVESTOR
UNIQUE TIMES|July - August 2020
Whenever the price of gold goes up, the personal fi-nance columns published in various newspapers and periodicals see hectic discussions about how much money an investor should set apart for investing in gold. However, during periods when the price of gold is stable or showing weakness, these very columns tend to be either silent about gold or go the other way and recommend against holding gold in the portfolio. But now that gold price in India is ruling at historic highs, there is a broad consensus that gold should always be a part of our investment portfolio, with a decent share of our total budget (anywhere from 10 to 20 percent) earmarked for the yellow metal. It is therefore time to look at what makes gold an enduring investment and also examine the various avenues available to retail investors who wish to add gold to their portfolio.
Shri V.P.Nandakumar
INVESTING IN GOLD AND OPTIONS FOR THE RETAIL INVESTOR

Gold was historically used as a currency. When paper money came into the picture, it was initially backed by gold to inspire confidence. Gold holds the characteristics of a currency, a financial asset and also has quasi-foreign exchange attributes. After the US came off the gold standard in 1971, there is currently no other national currency in the world backed by gold. With the rise of paper currency, governments acquired great power to print currency at will. It is said that with great power comes great responsibility. However, the record shows that governments around the world have too often shirked the responsibility to exercise this power with due care. And whenever this power was misused, it set off inflationary spirals in the economy, which acted as a check on the power of governments to issue or print currency at will.

Gold is also a rare commodity which ensures its continuing appeal. Every year, fresh mining of gold adds only about 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes to the supply. According to the World Gold Council, the total amount of gold mined over the ages would be around 190,000 tonnes of which India is estimated to hold as much as 35,000 tonnes, and that is nearly 20% of al the global gold ever mined! This should be viewed against India’s share in land area at 2.4%, in population at 17%, and in GDP at 3.9%. Moreover, India’s share in global gold demand is about 22% a year (average annual net gold import of 800 tonnes) against a share of 2% in world trade.

Gold during an Economic Crisis

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July - August 2020 من UNIQUE TIMES.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July - August 2020 من UNIQUE TIMES.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من UNIQUE TIMES مشاهدة الكل
Bhutan: The Enchanting Jewel Of The Himalayas
UNIQUE TIMES

Bhutan: The Enchanting Jewel Of The Himalayas

Majestic snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, verdant forests, centuries-old Buddhist shrines and monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, a serene way of life and folks boasting the best happiness index in the world...this Land of the Thunder Dragon has much more to entice those with wanderlust.

time-read
6 mins  |
October - November 2024
Bail - Emerging Trends In The Context Of Money Laundering Laws
UNIQUE TIMES

Bail - Emerging Trends In The Context Of Money Laundering Laws

The Hon'ble Supreme Court in case of Manish Sisodia Vs Directorate of Enforcement 2024 SCC Online 1920 has upheld certain key propositions that where a trial has not merely been delayed but has not even commenced after a long period of incarceration, the same would be violative of Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

time-read
5 mins  |
October - November 2024
Toyota, Maruti Suzuki Boost Hybrid Vehicle Sales in Uttar Pradesh Amid Tax Waivers, Spark Industry Debate
UNIQUE TIMES

Toyota, Maruti Suzuki Boost Hybrid Vehicle Sales in Uttar Pradesh Amid Tax Waivers, Spark Industry Debate

Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are ramping up marketing efforts for hybrid vehicles in Uttar Pradesh, leveraging new state tax waivers that offer buyers savings of up to $15,800 on luxury models like the Toyota Vellfire.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
Supreme Court Rejects AAP Government's Plea to Expand NRI Quota in Punjab Medical Colleges
UNIQUE TIMES

Supreme Court Rejects AAP Government's Plea to Expand NRI Quota in Punjab Medical Colleges

The Supreme Court rejected the AAP-led Punjab government's plea challenging the High Court's ruling against expanding the ‘NRI quota’ to include distant relatives for medical and dental college admissions.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
USA's Delaware Supreme Court Confirms Byju's Default on $1.2-Billion Loan Amidst Ongoing Insolvency Proceedings
UNIQUE TIMES

USA's Delaware Supreme Court Confirms Byju's Default on $1.2-Billion Loan Amidst Ongoing Insolvency Proceedings

The Delaware Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that edtech firm Byju's defaulted on a $1.2 billion Term Loan B (TLB), validating claims made by US-based lenders.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
India Approves Rs 3,300 Cr Semiconductor Packaging Plant in Gujarat, to Boost Chip Production
UNIQUE TIMES

India Approves Rs 3,300 Cr Semiconductor Packaging Plant in Gujarat, to Boost Chip Production

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 3,300 crore proposal from electronics manufacturer Kaynes to establish a semiconductor packaging plant in Sanand, Gujarat.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
Thar Roxx: Your Perfect Off-Road Companion
UNIQUE TIMES

Thar Roxx: Your Perfect Off-Road Companion

To say that Mahindra knows the Indian customer really well, will be an understatement. Their biggest hits have come in various forms over the years, from the XUV500 to the XUV700 and the Scorpio N in recent times.

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
Exfoliate Your Way to Flawless Skin
UNIQUE TIMES

Exfoliate Your Way to Flawless Skin

Imagine waking up to smooth, glowing skin every day—skin that feels soft to the touch and looks naturally radiant without the need for heavy makeup or filters.

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
The Stinking Rose: Flavourful and Full of Health
UNIQUE TIMES

The Stinking Rose: Flavourful and Full of Health

Garlic, the humble bulb with a pungent aroma and a rich history dating back thousands of years, has earned a reputation not only in culinary delights but also as a powerhouse of health benefits.

time-read
2 mins  |
October - November 2024
Never give up!
UNIQUE TIMES

Never give up!

In the earlier stage of your life, it was someone else who might have been gravely instrumental in shaping your viewpoints. Hence, it is supremely important to re-evaluate what you believe in, when you become an adult.

time-read
4 mins  |
October - November 2024