@Anil Rego ji Namaskar - Intend to invest in gold bond, how should i proceed and which way is better to invest in gold bond ! i intend to invest in paper gold bond rather then purchasing gold physically. plz advise.

Ans: Gold can be a valuable addition to your portfolio. It has always been considered an asset that can hedge against inflation and other economic uncertainties. There are three popular ways to invest in gold.

Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Gold ETFs offer easy liquidity, as they are traded on stock exchanges just like stocks. They provide a direct exposure to the price of gold.
Taxation - Profits on the sale/redemption of Gold ETFs or units of gold saving funds bought after 31st March 2013 will be taxed as short capital gains irrespective of the holding period. So, this will be taxed as per an individual’s current tax slab.

Gold Mutual Funds: Gold mutual funds pool investments from multiple investors and provide professional fund management. They are an excellent choice for those who prefer a diversified approach.
Expense ratios and load fees can vary.
It is advisable to keep the investment in gold within 5% to 10% of one’s total investment portfolio.
Taxability is similar to that of Gold ETFs.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): SGBs are issued by the Government of India and they provide an additional annual interest income. SGBs are suited for long-term investors who are looking for a safe haven asset and are willing to hold on to their investment for at least 5 years, preferably full 8 years to get the tax advantage of Zero capital gains tax on gains made.
The returns on SGBs are not guaranteed, and they depend on the prevailing market price of gold at the time of sale. There is a lock-in period of 5 years, so you cannot exit your investment before then.

SGBs may be the right choice. If liquidity and trading flexibility are important, consider Gold ETFs. Gold mutual funds are suitable for diversification, doing SIPs and professional management.