GOLD IS GOLD

Investments in gold have yielded higher returns compared to those in equity and real estate in India during the last three years, according to a study. Those who invested in gold between September 2009 and September 2012, have received double returns as the yellow metal has been their first choice for investment, a study released by industry body Assocham said. Presently, price of gold is over Rs 32,000 per 10 grams against around Rs 15,000 per 10 grams about three years ago. Hence, giving more than double the returns on investments, it said.
"Gold has really outdone other asset classes and it is likely to remain an attractive bet as long as uncertainty over the global economy stays" Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said. He added that gold is the safest bet for investments amid uncertainty in other investment avenues. The prices of yellow metal saw a huge jump due to high prices of gold across the world and a weakening rupee. The study said those who invested in property have also seen good returns. However, these are comparatively lower than returns from gold. Investments in real estate have yielded almost double returns in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Gurgaon in the last three years, it said. However, the study said the equity market has been the "worst performer", with investors witnessing erosion in wealth during the period under review.