GOLD ETFS VS. SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS FOR INDIAN INVESTORS

This study undertakes a thorough quantitative analysis of the historical returns and volatility of Gold Exchange Traded Funds (Gold ETFs) and Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) within the Indian market. As investors increasingly transition from physical gold to digital alternatives, understanding the comparative performance of these two prominent investment instruments becomes crucial for informed decision-making. The research employed a descriptive and comparative design, utilizing monthly data from November 2015, the inception of SGBs, to June 2025. Key performance metrics, including Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), standard deviation of returns, and risk-adjusted measures like the Sharpe Ratio, were calculated and analyzed for a representative sample of Gold ETFs and all issued SGB series. The analysis quantifies absolute returns, inherent risks, and riskadjusted performance, and also examines the impact of SGBs’ unique features, such as their fixed interest component and tax benefits upon maturity. Preliminary findings indicate distinct risk-return profiles: Gold ETFs are expected to closely track market gold prices with potentially higher shortterm volatility, offering liquidity for active trading. Conversely, SGBs, with their fixed interest payments and capital gains exemption at maturity, are hypothesized to offer a more stable and potentially superior risk-adjusted return, especially for long-term investors prioritizing income and tax efficiency. This study provides valuable, data-driven insights for individual investors, financial advisors, and policymakers navigating India's evolving gold investment landscape, contributing to a nuanced understanding of "paper gold" as a strategic asset class.