For a long time, gold and real estate have been the most important assets for Indians to invest in, especially when the investment landscape is turbulent. While both assets have their distinct benefits, their utility as a hedge often differs with the economic cycle, inflation tactics, and investor objectives.
While gold is predominantly viewed as a relic, it provides a safe refuge for investment during turbulent financial periods. In India, gold has been statistically a strong hedge for losing positions on equities throughout moderate and severe economic downturns. During world crises like the 2020 pandemic and other geopolitical events, gold prices have been proven to have less volatility when compared to other assets, and sale prices tend to increase when equities fall. In the last forty years, the price volatility of gold has remained consistently lower than that of large-cap equities, and the value of gold tends to increase significantly during periods of financial stress.
“Gold investing is especially important to Indians because, unlike false currencies, it has an enduring value that survives times of political and economic turmoil. It is much more than just an asset, it’s an insurance policy against uncertainty, inflation and ever-changing currencies,” summarizes an opinion from Siddharth Maurya, Founder & Managing Director of Vibhavangal Anukulakara Private Limited.
In comparison, real estate is the least volatile amidst fluctuations for investment assets. It provides an inflation hedge which is not achievable with stocks and bonds. Investing in real estate generates relatively stable returns that are not prone to frequent and sharp changes in values. In India, multifamily and commercial property real estate offer equitably growing value over extended time periods, consistent passive income through rent, and great tax benefits. Rents and property values also increase with inflation, giving investors purchasing power and the ability to surpass inflation during this. From 2000 to 2020, rent and house prices in most areas rose faster than the rate of inflation, making it clear that there are benefits and investment properties during rising inflation rates.
LC Mittal, Director, Motia Group states the potential of wealth accumulation through real estate. He says, “The real estate sector in India will capture true wealth by the year 2025. It will provide long-term stability and consistent returns. Rental income from residential and commercial properties brings cash flow, while long-term appreciation in value makes it a cornerstone of lasting financial security.”
The aforementioned statements capture the value of properties in India. Gold, on the other hand, comes at a lower cost. This asset can be easily converted to liquid cash, which makes it flexible for tactical portfolio adjustments.
Real estate investments, by comparison, come with the features of passive income and inflation protection. They value long-term investments, which reward loyal investors with equity. Unlike publicly traded assets, properties work on a different timeline based on local fundamentals.
Considering strong volatility in the markets, many Indian investors can reap benefits from a dual strategy of allocating funds to both gold and property, protecting them against market instability throughout different phases of economic cycles. Aligning gold with property aids in creating long-term wealth. It all boils down to how much risk one can afford to take, gold providing immediate access and protection in times of crisis while property maintains sustained value throughout, making gold and real estate advantageous in hedging policies.
