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Ramalingam Kalirajan |7707 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 01, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more

Question by Arvind on Mar 02, 2024Hindi

Hello Sir, Which investment is better for long term, Shares or Gold. Kindly suggest

Ans: When considering investments for the long term, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each asset class based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Here's a comparison between shares (equities) and gold:

Shares (Equities):

Potential for Growth: Historically, equities have provided higher returns over the long term compared to other asset classes such as gold. Investing in shares allows you to participate in the growth of businesses and economies.
Higher Risk: Equities are more volatile than gold and are subject to market fluctuations, economic conditions, and company-specific factors. However, over the long term, the risk of investing in diversified equity funds can be mitigated through proper asset allocation and diversification.
Dividend Income: Many companies distribute dividends to shareholders, providing additional income in the form of dividends.
Inflation Hedge: Equities can serve as a hedge against inflation as companies have the potential to increase prices and earnings over time.
Gold:

Safe Haven Asset: Gold is often considered a safe haven asset during times of economic uncertainty or market turmoil. It tends to retain its value and may even appreciate during periods of market volatility.
Diversification: Adding gold to a diversified investment portfolio can help reduce overall portfolio risk, especially when other asset classes such as equities are experiencing downturns.
Lack of Income: Unlike equities, gold does not generate income in the form of dividends or interest. Its value primarily depends on supply and demand dynamics and investor sentiment.
Limited Growth Potential: While gold can serve as a store of value, its long-term growth potential may be lower compared to equities.
In summary, both shares (equities) and gold have their place in a well-diversified investment portfolio. For long-term wealth accumulation, investing in diversified equity funds offers the potential for higher returns, albeit with higher volatility. It's essential to assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals before making investment decisions.

When considering long-term investments, diversified equity mutual funds are generally preferred over both individual stocks and gold for several reasons:

Diversification: Equity mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks across different sectors and market capitalizations. This diversification helps spread risk and reduces the impact of volatility compared to investing in individual stocks.

Professional Management: Equity mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who conduct in-depth research and analysis to select and manage the portfolio of stocks. Their expertise can potentially lead to better investment decisions compared to individual investors.

Liquidity: Mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing investors to buy or sell units at net asset value (NAV) on any business day. This liquidity makes it easy to enter or exit investments, providing flexibility based on changing financial goals or market conditions.

Cost-effective: Investing in equity mutual funds is cost-effective compared to directly investing in individual stocks, especially for small investors. Mutual funds spread transaction costs and management fees across a large investor base, resulting in lower overall expenses.

Risk Management: Mutual funds typically offer different categories based on risk profiles, such as large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, or multi-cap funds. Investors can choose funds that align with their risk tolerance and investment objectives, allowing for effective risk management.

Regulatory Oversight: Mutual funds are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), providing investors with regulatory oversight, transparency, and investor protection measures.

Considering these factors, investing in well-managed diversified equity mutual funds is generally considered a more prudent approach for long-term wealth creation compared to investing in individual stocks or gold. It's essential to select funds that align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals, and regularly review your portfolio's performance to ensure it remains in line with your objectives. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and investment needs.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.