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Foreign investors have withdrawn nearly Rs 20,000 crore from Indian stock markets in just five trading days (November 4–8), continuing a trend of large-scale selling that began last month. Experts say investors are now moving their money to China, largely due to the high valuations presently prevailing in Indian markets. In early November, FPIs have offloaded as much as Rs 19,994 crore in Indian markets. The month prior, i.e., October, was one of the worst months in terms of foreign outflows, with FPIs making a net withdrawal of Rs 94,017 crore. Before this, Indian markets faced such a situation during the pandemic, when FPIs withdrew Rs 61,973 crore from equities in March 2020. <h2>Why Are Investors Leaving? </h2>According to Himanshu Srivastava of Morningstar Investment Research India, two main factors are driving this exodus. First is China's renewed appeal due to lower stock valuations and new economic stimulus measures. In a bid to nudge the domestic economy and bail state governments, China recently approved a 10-trillion yuan (US $1.4 trillion) package. Per reports, approximately 60% of this stimulus focuses on allowing local governments to refinance the mountain of debt on them. Srivastava explains foreign investors are also flocking to US dollar and Treasury yields, which have appreciated significantly in the recent past, leading FPIs to anticipate a stronger US economy going ahead. Moreover, high valuations in Indian markets are discouraging foreign investors from putting more money in the economy. As a result, over the past week, the selling pressure eroded Rs 74,563 crore in market value for Reliance Industries, while Bharti Airtel and ICICI Bank lost Rs 26,274 crore and Rs 22,254 crore, respectively. The combined market valuation of six of the top 10 most-valued firms dipped by Rs 1,55,721.12 crore last week. <h2> Silver linings</h2>Despite the ongoing outflux of funds since last month, November also saw unprecedented applications of about 40–50 new FPI registrations, which are eyeing to enter the Indian market. This was due to markets SEBIs recent relaxation to NRIs, permitting them to participate up to 100% and announcing measures for ease of entry and operations in India. On the other hand, FPIs invested Rs 599 crore in the debt general limit and Rs 2,896 crore in the debt voluntary retention route (VRR) during the period under review. So far this year, FPIs have invested Rs 1.06 lakh crore in the debt market. <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"></li>Going ahead, investors will be looking for certain macroeconomic cues, which include corporate earnings reports, India's inflation (CPI) and industrial production (IIP) data on November 12, the US inflation report on November 13, and wholesale price index (WPI) data on November 14.

FPIs withdraw nearly Rs 20,000 crore from equities in the last 5 trading sessions, make a beeline for China and US

Ah, <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword>! The shiny metal that's been making humans lose their minds since time immemorial. And yet, from King Midas to our neighbourhood aunty and even our moms (and secretly dads), everyone seems to have a super soft spot for the bullion. But here's the kicker: right now, gold prices are breaking all records on their upward trajectory! As of today, prices of 24k carat gold have passed the Rs 80,000 mark per 10 grams. And if experts are to be believed, this train isn't stopping anytime soon! So, as shiny as gold might look, adding even a bit of its glitter as we start decking up for the festive season might not be so easy on your pockets. But let's admit it—we love our gold and can't live without it. No wonder India is the second-largest consumer of the yellow metal in the world, only behind <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="China" source="Orion">China</keyword>. Such is our fondness for the metal that the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-gold-council" source="keywords">World Gold Council</keyword> had to up our 2024 annual demand forecast to 850 tonnes, up from the previously estimated 750 tonnes. However, our love for gold isn't just about looking fabulously embellished and blinding people with its bling. Indians also see gold as a long-term, trusty investment, supporting our other hard-earned assets, especially when high <keyword id="22195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Inflation" source="Orion">inflation</keyword> rates pull our returns down. After all, while inflationary pressures generally weaken the purchasing power of our regular paper money, gold is built differently. When the world is buckling to inflation, gold gains value during these times. This is also why it is considered a solid hedge against inflation. With Diwali and Dhanteras knocking at our doors, the inflation demon continued to bother India like a guest who refused to leave. Just last month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 5.49%, much higher than the anticipated levels. Moreover, the diverging policy stances among central bankers worldwide, growing geopolitical tensions, tough job markets, and extreme weather events are only adding to the uncertainty. In such economically uncertain times, what should your gold strategy be this festive season? To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Well, let’s get to it. <h2><keyword id="20050894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-etfs" source="keywords">Gold ETFs</keyword> to the rescue</h2>See, buying physical gold jewellery is certainly a flex, but also a financial fuss. First, you pay a heavy amount to buy gold. Not to mention all those extra, hefty jewellery-making charges. And then you pay even more money to keep it safe in a bank locker, lest it get stolen. But what if we tell you that you can own pure <keyword id="3311599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="24K-gold" source="Orion">24k gold</keyword>, minus all these frills? Welcome, Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Simply put, gold ETFs are like the cool cousins of your traditional gold investments. Instead of stashing gold bars under your mattress like those maniac millionaires we see in Bollywood films, you can now invest and trade in gold through the stock market. It's basically buying units of an ETF on the stock exchange that directly mirror the ongoing domestic prices of gold. Generally, gold ETFs are equivalent to 99.5% pure physical gold bars, and each ETF unit denotes actual, one gram of gold. And let's face it, who would not want that golden glow in their lives? Gold ETFs have witnessed an over seven-fold surge in their AUM (assets under management) in just the last five years. From Rs 5,613.22 crore in September 2019 to Rs 39,823.50 crore in September 2024, gold ETFs seem to be in-thing. Inflows in gold ETFs have shot up by a whopping 2,695% over the last 5 years. In September 2019, gold ETFs had garnered a mere Rs 44.11 crore. Compare that to the inflows worth Rs 1,232.99 crore gold ETFs received last month. Talk about growing, or glowing popularity! In fact, in just 2024, inflows in gold ETFs have surged by nearly 88% since the beginning of this calendar year. From Rs 657.46 crore in January 2024 to Rs 1,232.99 crore in September 2024, good old gold is never out of season. <h2>So, how do these ETFs work? Should I invest in them now?</h2>All you need is a Demat account. Log into your account, choose the gold ETF scheme you want to invest in, and voila! You’re now a bullion-aire! All your gold ETF units will be stored in this account. Then, you can buy and sell gold ETFs just like you buy shares—in real-time. So, if gold prices inch upwards, which is where gold is currently going, the value of your ETF units will also rise in lockstep. Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Data at ICRA Analytics, says that of late, gold ETFs have been increasingly gaining popularity among investors due to the liquidity, safety and transparency they offer. "With the escalating global geopolitical tensions boosting the ‘safe-haven’ appeal of the bullion, investors are preferring to park their funds in gold ETFs as compared to investing in physical gold, as there is no hassle of storing it. The heightened activity in gold ETFs is also driven by the prospects of an imminent further interest rate cut by the <keyword id="20078761" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="u-s-federal-reserve" source="keywords">U.S. Federal Reserve</keyword> in the coming months,” he added. “Investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon may consider investment through gold ETFs. A buy-on-dips strategy here may help investors capitalise on a temporary correction in prices. Also, given the current market dynamics where equities are showing mixed trends, a modest, 5-10% allocation to gold may serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, which may help you balance risks in an optimum manner,” Kumar noted. <h2> Wait, there is no dearth of options</h2>But if ETFs make you go WTF, there’s always digital gold. You can invest in the yellow metal without actually physically holding it for as low as Rs 1. The best part? You can buy or sell this gold 24 X7 seamlessly via multiple apps without having to pay storage costs. On your behalf, your gold is stored in insured vaults by the seller. But remember, digital gold continues to remain unregulated territory in the country, where you venture at your own risk. In 2021, market watchdog SEBI had even asked its members to desist from selling digital gold. Then there are gold mutual funds and the Sarkari SGBs, or sovereign gold bonds. While gold mutual funds invest primarily in gold ETFs, SGBs are issued by the <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> and are also a reliable substitute for holding physical gold. However, with the RBI currently putting brakes on issuing SGBs, investing in them is out of the question. Plus, you should only get your hands on SGBs if you're in for the long haul. Apart from a 2.5% p.a. interest, you don't have any yearly earnings from them. Moreover, no premature redemption is allowed before 5 years, and you'll have to wait a good 8 years to maximise your returns. <h2> Okay, tell me about returns</h2>In contrast, the seventeen gold ETF schemes currently present in the market offer an average one-year return of 29.12%. Stay with it a little longer, and you can end up with returns worth 16.93% and 13.59% over a 3 and 5-year period, respectively. If you look at it, these returns are comparable with the returns delivered by actual, physical gold. Data from Value Research indicates that gold, as a commodity, has delivered returns worth 27.24%, 16.53%, and 14.18% over a 1, 3, and 5-year period, respectively. So, worth investing, right? <h2>What are the risks?</h2>See, stock markets are as unpredictable as monsoons in Mumbai. One significant market correction can wash away your returns, and one sunny day or an upswing can leave you wallowing in wealth. Since your gold investments are directly linked to these markets, you should steel yourself up for some volatility. Plus, international gold prices are in dollars. So, if our rupee decides to take a nosedive, your returns might look a bit tarnished. Also, know that your ETF might not always perfectly mirror gold prices, which is also known as a tracking error. It's like expecting your Zomato-ordered food to look exactly like the picture on the menu—it's close, but not quite. Then there’s the taxation bit. The budget this year brought down the <keyword id="20552259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ltcg" source="keywords">LTCG</keyword> (long-term capital gains tax) on gold ETFs from the previous 20% to 12.5% (sans indexation). LTCG is what you pay if you sell your ETF units after 12 months. If you sell your gold ETF units within a year and make handsome returns, the tax you’ll have to pay will be equivalent to your income tax slab rate. <h2>Is gold just for old?</h2>A survey by fintech firm Moneyview thinks otherwise. Per their findings, over 85% of the 3,000 respondents it talked to considered gold to be a valuable asset for wealth preservation, with its intrinsic value and historical performance continuing to drive consumer confidence. Particularly, young investors in the age group of 25–40 years are also investing in gold via both physical and digital ways to build wealth for retirement and other long-term goals. So, young or old, everyone’s going for gold. So, this festive season, with gold prices going north, investing in gold can add that much-needed glitz to your financial attire. But remember, don't go overboard since gold isn't exactly a high-return-yielding asset. But whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify or a newbie trying to make their way in the markets, investing in gold offers you a glittering safety cushion. Just remember, while gold can make your portfolio shine, it's your smart investment decisions that truly make you golden. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified, and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

The United States has invested significantly in expanding its strategic partnership with <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> and is pursuing a robust agenda to deepen the bilateral cooperation, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt <keyword id="20428643" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="campbell" source="keywords">Campbell</keyword> has said. Addressing the ongoing India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit in California on Monday, Campbell said successive administrations in Washington and New Delhi have invested time and political capital to bring the partnership to greater heights. "But in the last year, I like to say, our partnership has reached 'escape velocity'," he said. "The United States has invested significantly in expanding our strategic partnership with India, and we are pursuing a robust agenda to deepen cooperation for the rest of the year - not only diplomatically, but also through iCET ( initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology)," Campbell said. The third edition of the two-day INDUS-X summit began on Monday. It is organised by the <keyword id="20263494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-india-strategic-and-partnership-forum" source="keywords">US India Strategic and Partnership Forum</keyword> (<keyword id="20252677" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="usispf" source="keywords">USISPF</keyword>) at Stanford University in California. "Our defence establishments, research institutions, private industry, and startups possess a deep bench of talent and mutual thirst for innovation, which is why INDUS-X was designed to create the necessary ecosystem and partnerships for new ideas, research, and development to flourish," the top American diplomat said. Asserting that the two countries are "more closely aligned than ever before" today, Campbell said the US and India have pursued an "ambitious agenda" of summits, joint challenges, and exchanges in over a year since the launch of the INDUS-X. INDUS-X, which stands for enhanced strategic and defence partnership between India and the US, was launched on June 21 last year by the <keyword id="20331010" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-department-of-defence" source="keywords">US Department of Defence</keyword> and the <keyword id="22082092" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-ministry-of-defence" source="keywords">Indian Ministry of Defence</keyword> during Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>'s state visit to Washington, DC. "I expect these efforts will continue, given the deep bonds that tie our countries together and the strategic challenges we both face. INDUS-X is now, and will be, a cornerstone of our continuing efforts to advance the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology - iCET," Campbell said. The iCET was launched by Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the QUAD summit in Tokyo on May 24, 2022. Observing that technological leadership is increasingly at the heart of the strategic competition, Campbell said it is the great differentiator in the US foreign policy approach. "And India is in a very small group of countries with whom we work most intimately on tech. The iCET, which places technology at the very heart of the US-India partnership, has greatly accelerated our strategic cooperation," he said. Talking about the second iCET meeting that took place between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in June, Cambell said it "showed the immense progress we are making across a range of sectors including space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy". "Deepening defence cooperation is also a key pillar of iCET," said the top American diplomat. "Our work together driving innovation and developing cutting-edge technologies will help us maintain a critical advantage for our armed forces. We've taken unprecedented steps to increase operational coordination, information sharing, and defence industrial cooperation, including co-production," he said. "In fact, we've authorised an unprecedented level of technology transfer as part of the GE engine co-production arrangement, and our two governments have just finalised a Security of Supply Arrangement to reinforce our supply chain resilience," he said. Last year, GE Aerospace and <keyword id="19998363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindustan-aeronautics-limited" source="keywords">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL) inked a pact to jointly produce fighter jet engines for the <keyword id="19992067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="keywords">Indian Air Force</keyword>'s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk-II - Tejas. "Under INDUS-X, the US and Indian governments have also announced: awards of USD 1.2 million in seed funding to ten US and Indian companies under Joint IMPACT 1.0 Challenges; our intent to launch two additional joint challenges in other domains, including space; and the launch of a INDUSWERX Testing Consortium of industry, academia, and nonprofit organisations across the US and India to promote our companies' access to testing and experimentation facilities," Campbell said.

US invested significantly in expanding strategic partnership with India: Kurt Campbell

<div type="image" title="Save yourself the trouble of buying physical gold this Diwali, and instead, go digital with Gold ETFs!" height="900" width="1200" msid="114507055" hostid="261" sizebytes="439216" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Save yourself the trouble of buying physical gold this Diwali, and instead, go digital with Gold ETFs!&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Ah, <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword>! The shiny metal that's been making humans lose their minds since time immemorial. And yet, from <keyword id="23657519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="king-midas" source="keywords">King Midas</keyword> to our neighbourhood aunty and even our moms (and secretly dads), everyone seems to have a super soft spot for the <keyword id="6384667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bullion" source="Orion">bullion</keyword>. But here's the kicker: right now, gold prices are breaking all records on their upward trajectory! As of today, prices of 24k carat gold have passed the Rs 80,000 mark per 10 grams. And if experts are to be believed, this train isn't stopping anytime soon! So, as shiny as gold might look, adding even a bit of its glitter as we start decking up for the festive season might not be so easy on your pockets. But let's admit it—we love our gold and can't live without it. No wonder India is the second-largest consumer of the yellow metal in the world, only behind China. Such is our fondness for the metal that the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-gold-council" source="keywords">World Gold Council</keyword> had to up our 2024 annual demand forecast to 850 tonnes, up from the previously estimated 750 tonnes. However, our love for gold isn't just about looking fabulously embellished and blinding people with its bling. Indians also see gold as a long-term, trusty investment, supporting our other hard-earned assets, especially when high <keyword id="22195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Inflation" source="Orion">inflation</keyword> rates pull our returns down. After all, while inflationary pressures generally weaken the purchasing power of our regular paper money, gold is built differently. When the world is buckling to inflation, gold gains value during these times. This is also why it is considered a solid hedge against inflation. With <keyword id="188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali" source="Orion">Diwali</keyword> and <keyword id="4067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dhanteras" source="Orion">Dhanteras</keyword> knocking at our doors, the inflation demon continued to bother India like a guest who refused to leave. Just last month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 5.49%, much higher than the anticipated levels. Moreover, the diverging policy stances among central bankers worldwide, growing geopolitical tensions, tough job markets, and extreme weather events are only adding to the uncertainty. In such economically uncertain times, what should your gold strategy be this festive season? To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Well, let’s get to it. <h2><keyword id="20050894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-etfs" source="keywords">Gold ETFs</keyword> to the rescue</h2>See, buying physical gold jewellery is certainly a flex, but also a financial fuss. First, you pay a heavy amount to buy gold. Not to mention all those extra, hefty jewellery-making charges. And then you pay even more money to keep it safe in a bank locker, lest it get stolen. But what if we tell you that you can own pure 24k gold, minus all these frills? Welcome, Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). Simply put, gold ETFs are like the cool cousins of your traditional gold investments. Instead of stashing gold bars under your mattress like those maniac millionaires we see in Bollywood films, you can now invest and trade in gold through the stock market. It's basically buying units of an <keyword id="19930506" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="etf" source="keywords">ETF</keyword> on the stock exchange that directly mirror the ongoing domestic prices of gold. Generally, gold ETFs are equivalent to 99.5% pure physical gold bars, and each ETF unit denotes actual, one gram of gold. And let's face it, who would not want that golden glow in their lives? Gold ETFs have witnessed an over seven-fold surge in their AUM (assets under management) in just the last five years. From Rs 5,613.22 crore in September 2019 to Rs 39,823.50 crore in September 2024, gold ETFs seem to be in-thing. Inflows in gold ETFs have shot up by a whopping 2,695% over the last 5 years. In September 2019, gold ETFs had garnered a mere Rs 44.11 crore. Compare that to the inflows worth Rs 1,232.99 crore gold ETFs received last month. Talk about growing, or glowing popularity! In fact, in just 2024, inflows in gold ETFs have surged by nearly 88% since the beginning of this calendar year. From Rs 657.46 crore in January 2024 to Rs 1,232.99 crore in September 2024, good old gold is never out of season. <h2>So, how do these ETFs work? Should I invest in them now?</h2>All you need is a Demat account. Log into your account, choose the gold ETF scheme you want to invest in, and voila! You’re now a bullion-aire! All your gold ETF units will be stored in this account. Then, you can buy and sell gold ETFs just like you buy shares—in real-time. So, if gold prices inch upwards, which is where gold is currently going, the value of your ETF units will also rise in lockstep. Ashwini Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Data at ICRA Analytics, says that of late, gold ETFs have been increasingly gaining popularity among investors due to the liquidity, safety and transparency they offer. "With the escalating global geopolitical tensions boosting the ‘safe-haven’ appeal of the bullion, investors are preferring to park their funds in gold ETFs as compared to investing in physical gold, as there is no hassle of storing it. The heightened activity in gold ETFs is also driven by the prospects of an imminent further interest rate cut by the <keyword id="20078761" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="u-s-federal-reserve" source="keywords">U.S. Federal Reserve</keyword> in the coming months,” he added. “Investors with a short- to medium-term investment horizon may consider investment through gold ETFs. A buy-on-dips strategy here may help investors capitalise on a temporary correction in prices. Also, given the current market dynamics where equities are showing mixed trends, a modest, 5-10% allocation to gold may serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, which may help you balance risks in an optimum manner,” Kumar noted. <h2>Wait, there is no dearth of options</h2>But if ETFs make you go WTF, there’s always digital gold. You can invest in the yellow metal without actually physically holding it for as low as Rs 1. The best part? You can buy or sell this gold 24 X7 seamlessly via multiple apps without having to pay storage costs. On your behalf, your gold is stored in insured vaults by the seller. But remember, digital gold continues to remain unregulated territory in the country, where you venture at your own risk. In 2021, market watchdog SEBI had even asked its members to desist from selling digital gold. Then there are gold mutual funds and the Sarkari SGBs, or sovereign gold bonds. While gold mutual funds invest primarily in gold ETFs, SGBs are issued by the RBI and are also a reliable substitute for holding physical gold. However, with the RBI currently putting brakes on issuing SGBs, investing in them is out of the question. Plus, you should only get your hands on SGBs if you're in for the long haul. Apart from a 2.5% p.a. interest, you don't have any yearly earnings from them. Moreover, no premature redemption is allowed before 5 years, and you'll have to wait a good 8 years to maximise your returns. <h2>Okay, tell me about returns</h2>In contrast, the seventeen gold ETF schemes currently present in the market offer an average one-year return of 29.12%. Stay with it a little longer, and you can end up with returns worth 16.93% and 13.59% over a 3- and 5-year period, respectively. If you look at it, these returns are comparable with the returns delivered by actual, physical gold. Data from Value Research indicates that gold, as a commodity, has delivered returns worth 27.24%, 16.53%, and 14.18% over a 1, 3, and 5-year period, respectively. So, worth investing, right? <h2>What are the risks?</h2>See, markets are as unpredictable as monsoons in Mumbai. One significant market correction can wash away your returns, and one sunny day or an upswing can leave you wallowing in wealth. Since your gold investments are directly linked to these markets, you should steel yourself up for some volatility. Plus, international gold prices are in dollars. So, if our rupee decides to take a nosedive, your returns might look a bit tarnished. Also, know that your ETF might not always perfectly mirror gold prices, which is also known as a tracking error. It's like expecting your Zomato-ordered food to look exactly like the picture on the menu—it's close, but not quite. Then there’s the taxation bit. The budget this year brought down the LTCG (long-term capital gains tax) on gold ETFs from the previous 20% to 12.5% (sans indexation). LTCG is what you pay if you sell your ETF units after 12 months. If you sell your gold ETF units within a year and make handsome returns, the tax you’ll have to pay will be equivalent to your income tax slab rate. <h2>Is gold just for old?</h2>A survey by fintech firm Moneyview thinks otherwise. Per their findings, over 85% of the 3,000 respondents it talked to considered gold to be a valuable asset for wealth preservation, with its intrinsic value and historical performance continuing to drive consumer confidence. Particularly, young investors in the age group of 25–40 years are also investing in gold via both physical and digital ways to build wealth for retirement and other long-term goals. So, young or old, everyone’s going for gold. So, this festive season, with gold prices going north, investing in gold can add that much-needed glitz to your financial attire. But remember, don't go overboard since gold isn't exactly a high-return-yielding asset. But whether you're a seasoned investor looking to diversify or a newbie trying to make their way in the markets, investing in gold offers you a glittering safety cushion. Just remember, while gold can make your portfolio shine, it's your smart investment decisions that truly make you golden. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend readers consult certified, qualified, and registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice.

Simply put: Can investing in gold this festive season add the much-touted Midas touch to your investments?

India could see a shift in foreign direct investment (FDI) trends in the second term of Donald Trump (Trump 2.0) as President of the United States, says a research report by the State Bank of India. The report highlighted that under his first term, Trump 1.0, the Trump administration made sweeping regulatory changes aimed at attracting investments back to the U.S., which impacted FDI inflows globally, including India. It added that if similar policies are reintroduced in Trump 2.0 also, it could create challenges for emerging markets like India, which rely on FDI as a significant driver of economic growth. Notably, a recent Kotak report highlighted that a complete Republican control over all arms of the US government would mean increased US earnings via corporate tax cuts, higher tariffs on imports into the US and greater US fiscal deficits. The first two could spell doom for emerging markets like India and China, since foreign investors will make a beeline for investing more money in the US markets, which will come at the cost of intense selloff in emerging markets. However, higher fiscal deficits will eventually lead to the dollar weakening after the initial euphoria dies down. "India may see shifts in foreign direct investments (FDIs) during Trump 2.0. The Trump 1.0 administration saw significant regulatory changes aimed at attracting investments back to the US," the SBI report stated. However, given that India has been gradually diversifying its sources of FDI (foreign direct investments), this trend could serve as a buffer against any potential decline. Moreover, domestic institutional investors have been stepping up big time, maintaining some balance to the massive exodus of FIIs over the past month. So far in November 2024, FIIs have withdrawn Rs 19,849 crores from the cash segment in Indian markets, while DIIs have poured in Rs 14,014.18 crores as of November 10th, 2024. "India is no longer dependent on the traditional sources of FDI inflows... unlike the recent past, FDI is now coming in many new sectors," noted the SBI report. Unlike a decade ago, when most FDI inflows came from a limited number of traditional sectors, India is now attracting investment in a wide array of industries, including renewable energy, sea transport, medical devices, and surgical appliances. Data suggests over the last 24 years, i.e., between April 2000 and June 2024, FDIs have poured in $1,013.4 billion in the Indian economy. Out of this, 67%, i.e., $689.88 billion, has come in just the last 10 years. The report added there are up to 12 emerging sectors showing strong FDI interest, which could help offset any loss of inflows in conventional sectors if there is a shift in global investment patterns under another Trump administration. In the last financial year, the top 5 sectors that have received the highest quantum of FDI inflow include the services sector (finance, banking, insurance, and business) which makes up about 16% of the inflows. This is followed computer software &amp; hardware, which constitute around 15% of total FDI flows. Trading and telecommunications follows with a share of 6% each, and Automobile Industry comes next with a 5% share. In the short term, the potential for increased U.S. tariffs, more restrictive H-1B visa policies, and a stronger dollar could bring some volatility to India's trade and investment landscape. However, in the long term, these challenges might also encourage India to expand its manufacturing capabilities, diversify export markets, and focus on becoming economically more self-reliant. Notably, India has maintained a merchandise trade surplus with the U.S. despite tariffs imposed during Trump's first term. This indicates that Indian exports have remained resilient, and there is potential to strengthen this trade relationship further by capitalizing on emerging sectors and reducing dependency on traditional industries. Suman Chowdhury, Executive Director &amp; Chief Economist, Acuité Ratings &amp; Research Limited cautions that in the medium to long term, the trade relationship with the US may see a structural improvement. "Higher tariff and trade restrictions in the US with China should translate into better opportunities for exports of manufactured goods from India", he adds.

FDIs may shift to US under Trump 2.0 but it is unlikely to severely impact FDIs inflow to India, says SBI Report

Post the Fed's 50 basis point interest rate cut in September, the yellow metal has been scaling record highs every day. And per a recent <keyword id="22362020" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UBS-report" source="keywords">UBS report</keyword>, its glitter is not going down anytime soon, with gold potentially touching $2,750 by the end of this year, and as much as $2,900 by the third quarter of 2025. Treasury yields, or interest rates have always had an inverse relationship with gold, which is why the metal's demand witnesses a notable uptick, every time the Fed slashes rates. This is because an interest rate cut reduces the yields i.e. returns that investors earn by way of having funds in government treasury bonds. As a result, investors tend to withdraw their money, weakening the dollar, thereby making the yellow metal a lucrative investment option. Going ahead, the markets are anticipating that the Fed will further bring down interest rates again, by around 75-100 basis points by the end of this year. As the CME FedWatch Tool indicates, there is now a 62.2% chance that the Fed will cut down interest rates by another 50 basis point during its meeting in November. This is also why <keyword id="19910265" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gold-prices" source="keywords">gold prices</keyword> have been seeing a healthy growth in both domestic and international markets. According to a report by Angel One, the demand of safe-haven gold is only set to go up in the months to come. Apart from Fed's rate cuts and the upcoming <keyword id="20585365" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-elections" source="keywords">US elections</keyword>, there are tensions brewing globally on the geo-political front, with militant group Hezbollah's leader <keyword id="22445260" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sayyed-hassan-nasrallah" source="keywords">Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah</keyword> killed in a powerful airstrike in Beirut. This has dealt a heavy blow to the Iran-backed group, as it reels from an escalating campaign of Israeli attacks. "In such times, zero-yield bullion tends to be a preferred investment, more likely so in a low-interest rate environment and also, during geopolitical turmoil", the note added. <h2>Momentum set to continue </h2>The bullion recently touched an all-time high price of $2,670 on September 24th, 2024, and has rallied as much as 10% during the past 6 months. Closer home, we are approaching the festive season, as India gears up to celebrate festivals like Diwali (Dhanteras) and Akshaya Tritiya in October. These have long been associated with heightened gold purchases in the country. Particularly, Dhanteras sees a surge in gold buying as it is considered an auspicious time to acquire new assets, majorly gold. As the UBS report states, "the metal's current elevated starting point provides increased scope for gains in the coming months, particularly as ETF demand accelerates. We recommend gold as a strategic hedge within a diversified portfolio, suggesting a 5% allocation to the precious metal". Alekh Yadav, Head of Investment Products at Sanctum Wealth, also advises making some allocation to gold in your portfolio, since gold has a negative correlation with equities; whenever equity markets correct, gold typically performs better. Given that US markets are currently at elevated valuations, gold can serve as a hedge against potential global equity corrections, he explains. "In conclusion, we believe that some allocation to gold, even at current levels, makes sense as a hedge against global risks", he continues. As a thumb rule, you should always have anywhere between 5-10% allocation to gold via digital gold, gold bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) etc., since it serves as an effective hedge against inflation, and declining yields. Note that your allocation to gold should not be arbitrary or as a lumpsum, but rather in sync with your overall financial goals, and also, should be increased gradually, via SIPs. However, during prevailing economic conditions, increasing your investments in gold might not be a bad idea as well. But remember to consult with your financial planner over this. Over-investing in gold is also not advisable, since the asset class does not generate high-returns, which means a significant potion of your money could be stuck in a non-yield generating asset, when it could have been in equities or other assets, which generate comparatively more returns.

Is this a good time to invest in gold? Here's what experts are saying

Who does not love to travel? Most of us would give anything to take a long break from our regular work life and travel the world! And if the vacation rental behemoth <keyword id="19900375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airbnb" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Airbnb" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Airbnb">Airbnb</keyword> is to be believed, Indians are taking to traveling with renewed vigor. When it comes to international travel right now, most Indians are traveling to Tokyo, largely to witness the momijgari (red leaf hunting), or the autumn tradition where leaves turn red, which makes for a breathtaking sight. For those seeking a little peace and quiet, the Amalfi Coast, off the Mediterranean Sea is in vogue. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are also being increasingly making their way on the travel wish list of most Indian travellers. Per Airbnb, other countries on this list include Montenegro, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia. Closer home, the bustling city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh is amongst the top travel destination for most Indians, along with the tropical Lakshadweep. People are also flocking to Ujjain and the hilly, quaint town of Munsiyari in Uttarakhand to take a well deserved break from their hectic lives. Says Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO, Niyo, a travel banking platform"India’s growing middle class and increasing incomes are driving the rise in outbound travel. Additionally, India’s soft power diplomacy is shaping global travel industry trends. According to the Henley Passport Index, there are 62 countries where Indian passport holders can travel visa-free". "Niyo has seen a 60% growth in international travel over the past year. 55% among leisure travelers, 70% in student travel, and 25% in business travel. Interestingly, 40% of the customers we onboarded were first-time international travellers”, he continued. <h2>Be financially prepared</h2>But while it is great to travel, or take that dream vacation or overseas trip, setting aside money for the same can certainly be a herculean task. That's why, the key to a stress-free getaway, irrespective of it being a short break or an extended adventure, lies in making strategic investment choices. Here are some ways in which you can create a healthy corpus for your travelling, all from your savings: Creating a Vacation Budget Establish a comprehensive budget that covers expenses such as travel, currency exchange rates, time off from work, and the number of travelers. Conducting in-depth research on your destination, the best time to visit, and other relevant details can also lead to significant savings. A good idea is to plan in advance the number of vacations you wish to take each year. Deciding and booking your tickets ahead of time can help you save costs. Also, having a dedicated <keyword id="23343124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Fund" source="keywords">travel fund</keyword>, separate from your daily expenses, helps you stay focused. Consider using a fixed deposit or a liquid mutual fund to watch your money grow faster. Per Swati Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro, building a travel fund not only allows you to experience your dream vacation, but also fosters healthy financial habits that prevents debt and maximizes the value of your hard-earned money. Short-term Gains for Quick Access Says Bhuvan Rustagi COO &amp; Co-founder of Per Annum, "By exploring options such as recurring deposits, liquid funds and short-term bonds, individuals can enhance their financial flexibility, which can also help them plan any spontaneous adventures". Don't let your travel fund sit idle in a savings account. You can invest it in various short-term instruments, depending on your risk appetite. In case you want to play it safe, a recurring deposit or liquid funds are a good option. For people willing to take on more risk, P2P lending can also be a good option. Automate your way By setting up recurring transfers from your primary account to a dedicated travel savings account, you can ensure that a portion of your income is automatically saved each month. This disciplined approach will eliminates the temptation to spend impulsively, and will also help you stay committed to your travel goals. During the festive season, which will set in from next month, most online platforms, websites, and aggregators abound with enticing discounts on flights and hotels. Keep a keen eye on these deals, and you can significantly reduce travel expenses and plan your trip more efficiently. During the sales, travel portals often offer exclusive discounts tied to specific banks or release flash sales. That is also a great way to maximize your savings on travel. Many Indians are also turning to <keyword id="23343125" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cashback-Platforms" source="keywords">cashback platforms</keyword> to maximize their savings on travel bookings. According to reports, the travel sector sees an average cashback rate of 8%, the highest of all sectors. Further clubbed with credit cards you save a lot more on your hotels &amp; flights. No wonder, travel credit cards emerged as the frontrunners, experiencing a remarkable 27% YoY growth in 2023. "For those planning a festive season getaway, combining multiple offers can lead to substantial savings, making your dream destination more affordable”, continues Bhargava So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next travel destination now. With smart investments and budgeting, it might happen for you, sooner than you think!

World Tourism Day: Here's where India is travelling to, and how you too, can join the bandwagon

New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): <keyword id="21790772" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indias-data-centre-industry" source="Orion">India's data centre industry</keyword> to attract an investment of USD 5.7 billion by 2026 amid the growing demand for <keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword> (<keyword id="107950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="Orion">Artificial Intelligence</keyword>), says a report by real estate and investment management company, JLL. The report highlights that India's <keyword id="13391374" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-centre-industry" source="Orion">data centre industry</keyword> will add 791 MW capacity by 2026 and this expansion will lead to a demand of 10 million sq. ft of real state space. "The <keyword id="126804" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-centre" source="Orion">Data Centre</keyword> (DC) industry in India is set to witness remarkable growth, with projections of adding 791 MW capacity by 2026. This expansion will drive demand for 10 million sq. ft. of real estate space, attracting investments worth USD 5.7 billion" said the report. A data center is a facility that centralises an organisation's IT operations and equipment to store, process and transfer data and applications. The report highlights that growth in computing power and the resulting new applications are expected to drive strong demand for DC industry over the medium term. The expected demand of the Indian data centre industry to reach 650-800 MW during 2024-26. The surge in demand for data centres is primarily fuelled by the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The report points out that Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), who essentially offer IT infrastructure systems primarily for data storage and computing power accessible through the Internet, have realigned their requirements to factor in AI-led demand. The CSPs have also announced higher investments to scale up AI-led growth. "The exponential growth in processing power and data volumes, driven by AI, necessitates the development of new data centres capable of meeting energy, processing, and cooling needs. The anticipated expansion and progression of diverse AI disciplines are projected to create additional demand for data centres, expanding their capacity requirements and advancing their capabilities" said Rachit Mohan, Head, Data Centre Advisory, India, JLL. According to the report in the second half of 2023, there was a 12 per cent increase in absorption to 81 MW compared to 72 MW during the same period last year. This growth can be attributed to cloud service providers (CSP) gaining momentum after a brief hiatus during the first half of 2023. In Mumbai, absorption nearly doubled during this period as CSPs renewed their pace of absorption. "India is poised to be the third-largest economy, with a projected USD 5 trillion GDP by 2027 with digital economy contribution of around 20 per cent. This digital expansion is anticipated to propel the growth of India's data centre industry, projected to increase from 853 MW in 2023 to 1,645 MW by 2026," said Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research &amp; REIS, India, JLL. There was a lower supply addition of 75 MW during H2 2023 as the available supply from the first half was utilised to meet the demand, resulting in tighter vacancy levels of 5.5 per cent. With a large user market, talented workforce, and thriving startup ecosystem, India presents a significant opportunity to emerge as a global data hub, driven by sustainable practices. The country's DC sector expanded from 350 MW in 2019 to 854 MW in 2023, in line with the increasing digital usage trends.

Amid growing demand for AI, India's Data Centre boom to drive USD 5.7 billion investments by 2026: JLL

<keyword id="19895045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Singapore" source="keywords">Singapore</keyword>, September 5 (ANI): <keyword id="2504197" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-and-Singapore" source="Orion">India and Singapore</keyword> elevated their <keyword id="20009959" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bilateral-relations" source="keywords">bilateral relations</keyword> to the level of <keyword id="20564653" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Comprehensive-Strategic-Partnership" source="keywords">Comprehensive Strategic Partnership</keyword>, on Thursday, during the visit of <keyword id="19898052" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi" source="keywords">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword>. Prime Minister Modi and Singapore PM <keyword id="20610066" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lawrence-Wong" source="keywords">Lawrence Wong</keyword> met at the Parliament House in Singapore on Thursday. The two leaders, along with their delegations, held the bilateral meeting. Following this, the two sides exchanged four MoUs in the areas of digital technology, semiconductor, skill development and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi invited PM Lawrence Wong to visit India, which he accepted. At their talks, both leaders reviewed the progress of India - Singapore bilateral relations. "Given the breadth and depth of bilateral ties and immense potential, they decided to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This would also give a major boost to India's Act East Policy," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Taking stock of the robust progress in <keyword id="20900218" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-ties" source="keywords">economic ties</keyword>, the leaders called for further expanding <keyword id="20344229" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trade-and-investment" source="keywords">trade and investment</keyword> flows between the two countries. Prime Minister highlighted that Singapore, with an investment of around USD 160 billion in the Indian economy, is a leading economic partner for India. He further noted that rapid and sustained growth in India has opened up immense investment opportunities for Singaporean entities. The two leaders also reviewed existing cooperation in the fields of defence and security, maritime domain awareness, education, AI, Fintech, new technology domains, science and technology, and knowledge partnership. They further called for strengthening connectivity between the countries to enhance economic and people-to-people ties. They also called for acceleration in green corridor projects. PM Modi and PM Wong also discussed the outcome of the 2nd India - Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held in Singapore in August 2024. "Noting that the Ministerial Roundtable is a unique mechanism, the leaders appreciated the work done by senior ministers from both sides in deliberating and identifying a new agenda for bilateral cooperation. The leaders called for accelerated action under the pillars of cooperation identified during the Ministerial Roundtables - Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalisation, Healthcare &amp; Medicine, Skills Development and Sustainability," the release stated. The leaders underscored that the cooperation under these pillars, particularly in the areas of semiconductors and critical and emerging technologies, opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, making our ties future-orientated. The discussion also covered celebration of 60th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2025. Highlighting that cultural connect between the two countries is an important component of these ties, Prime Minister announced that India's first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre would be opened in Singapore, the release added. The leaders also exchanged views on important regional and global issues of mutual interest, including India - ASEAN relations and India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Terming Singapore an "important anchor" of India's Act East Policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the elevation of ties. He further emphasised that the two nations are connected by shared belief in democratic value, and also appreciated the increased cooperation in the field of skilling, defence, connectivity. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi stated, "The discussions with my friend, PM Lawrence Wong continued today. Our talks focused on boosting cooperation in areas like skilling, technology, healthcare, AI and more. We both agreed on the need to boost trade relations." <div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="narendramodi" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1831541591275651268"></div> Speaking at the meeting, PM Modi, "Singapore is also an important anchor of our Act East policy. Shared belief in democratic values connects us to each other. I am happy that I have got the opportunity to visit Singapore at the beginning of my third term." The Prime Minister highlighted that the trade between the two countries has more than doubled in the last 10 years. He also noted that 17 satellites of Singapore have been launched from India in last 10 years. "A decade of our strategic partnership is being completed. Our trade has more than doubled in the last ten years. Mutual investment has increased almost three times to cross USD 150 billion. Singapore was the first country with which we launched the Person to Person payment facility of UPI," PM Modi said. "In the last ten years, 17 satellites of Singapore have been launched from India. Our cooperation has gained momentum from skilling to defence sector. The agreement between Singapore Airlines and Air India has strengthened connectivity. I am happy that today we are together giving our relations the shape of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he added.. Recalling age-old ties between the two nations, PM Modi thanked Singapore for the respectful treatment of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. He added that the bilateral ties will complete 60 years in 2025. "The 3.5 lakh people of Indian origin living in Singapore are the strong foundation of our relations. We are forever grateful to the whole of Singapore for the place and respect that Subhash Chandra Bose, Azad Hind Fauj and Little India have received in Singapore. Our relations are going to complete 60 years in 2025. To celebrate this with pomp and show, work should be done to create an Action Plan in both the countries," the Prime Minister said. He also announced that India's first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre will be opened in Singapore soon, while appreciating the teachings of Saint Thiruvalluvar. "I am very happy to inform you that India's first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre will soon be opened in Singapore. The great saint Thiruvalluvar has given guiding thoughts to the world in the most ancient language, Tamil. His composition Tirukkural was written almost 2 thousand years ago, but the ideas given in it are still relevant today. He has said, 'Nayanodu nnnri purinnd payanudaiyar panbu parattum ulagu', that is 'The world praises those who are known for justice and service to others'. I believe that millions of Indians living in Singapore are also inspired by these ideas and are contributing to strengthening the relationship between the two countries," he further stated. PM Modi said that the two nations will continue to work together for regional peace, stability and prosperity.

India and Singapore elevate relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; Agree to expand trade, investment

If <keyword id="6354484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump" source="Orion">Donald Trump</keyword> wins US Presidential election it would be beneficial for India says a <keyword id="35145" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-market" source="Orion">global market</keyword> research by Nomura. The report says India is likely to benefit from <keyword id="19906203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Trump" source="keywords">Trump</keyword> policies. "We see India as a relative beneficiary, due to its domestic demand-driven growth model and benefits from lower commodity prices, supply chain shifts and on foreign policy." The report however adds that "India and the US share deep economic and strategic interests that are unlikely to be compromised, irrespective of the election outcome. The US also sees India as a strategic counterweight to China on foreign policy. India is a large, domestic demand-driven economy, so the economic fallout of weaker US <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword> should be limited." Any frictions on trade and immigration under Trump Presidency will be offset by the gains accruing to India from the ongoing supply chain shifts, as de-risking from China will gather momentum. The economic impact on India should also be limited. India's economy is largely driven by domestic demand, so the potential fallout from weaker US growth will likely to be contained and the negative growth spill over should be limited. On the contrary, lower commodity prices owing to the hit to China's growth and lower oil prices, due to a greater push towards fossil fuels, will be beneficial for India. The report says India's large forex reserve and fiscal disciple can handle any volatility. "We also believe that India is well-prepared to handle any volatility stemming from US policies, amid its large FX reserves buffer, stable growth-moderate inflation mix, high real rates, fiscal discipline and a continued focus on reforms" Trade friction between India and the US may resurface under Trump's Presidency, as India runs a trade surplus with the US, which could draw scrutiny. India's merchandise trade surplus, which stood at around USD 32 billion in 2023, may face challenges if Trump reinstates tariffs or takes punitive measures. India's high tariffs on certain goods have been flagged before, and these issues may re-emerge. However, these frictions are likely to be outweighed by the medium-term benefits of supply chain relocation. As companies move away from China, India remains at the forefront, attracting investments and reshoring efforts due to its large consumer base, manufacturing policies, and economic reforms. One area where India could face challenges is immigration. Indian nationals make up over 72 per cent of the H-1B work visas issued by the US, and any tightening of immigration policies could impact Indian professionals. While Trump's focus has largely been on illegal immigration, changes to legal immigration processes could also pose difficulties for Indian IT companies and professionals. Despite this, Indian firms have already adapted by reducing their reliance on H-1B visas and hiring more domestic workers in the US, potentially softening the blow of any immigration policy changes. On the foreign policy front, India is expected to benefit under a Trump presidency. With less emphasis on human rights and democratic values, India could see fewer clashes with the US over sensitive issues. Additionally, Trump's softer stance towards Russia could align with India's interests, given its ties with Moscow. India's strategic importance as a counterweight to China will continue to strengthen under Trump, ensuring that the partnership between the two nations remains robust in the defence, security, and economic domains. However, the report adds, India and the United States share deep-rooted economic and strategic interests, which are expected to remain strong, regardless of the US election outcome. As the US sees India as a key counterweight to China, India's large domestic demand-driven economy ensures it remains insulated from the potential negative impacts of a weaker US economic growth.

India is likely to benefit if Trump wins US elections, per Nomura Global Research

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The price of gold hit all-time highs this week.</li><li>Falling interest rates and rising geopolitical tensions boost gold's appeal as a safe haven asset.</li></ul>The price of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/gold-price">gold</a> has soared this year.The precious metal hit a record high of $2,772 per troy ounce this week and has risen in six of the past seven weeks.With year-to-date gains of about 33%, gold returns have outpaced the broader stock market, including the tech-heavy <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/nasdaq_100">Nasdaq 100</a>, by about 10 percentage points.And since the bull market in stocks began in October 2022, gold has outpaced equity gains, returning 67% compared to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/s&amp;p_500">S&amp;P 500's</a> return of about 63%, according to data from YCharts.Those superior returns make the metal one of the world's hottest investments.The largest gold ETF, the SPDR Gold Shares, has $78 billion in assets under management and has seen about $5 billion of inflows in the past six months, according to data from ETF.com.Physical gold is also having a moment. Costco has consistently sold out of gold bars when they become available on their website and Wells Fargo estimates that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-gold-bars-silver-coins-monthly-sales-wells-fargo-bullion-2024-4">Costco sells up to $200 million in gold bars</a> and silver coins to its members each month.It's been a perfect storm for the yellow metal, and the outlook suggests more gains ahead. Here's what's going on.<h3 id="5edb3548-699e-4d4d-ba18-d306c30fcf12">Demand from central banks</h3>Global central banks have been on a gold-buying spree over the past few years.According to the World Gold Council, central banks purchased a record 483 tons of gold in the first half of the year. Central banks from Turkey, India, and China topped the list of the biggest buyers.Part of the surge in demand is from countries that want to diversify their holdings away from the US dollar. "We believe that the tripling in central bank purchases since mid-2022 on fears about US financial sanctions and US sovereign debt is structural and will continue," <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-price-outlook-buy-continued-rally-next-year-2025-goldman-2024-9">Goldman Sachs said</a> in a note last month.This dynamic has been on display since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, as America sought to inflict maximum economic damage on Russia via sanctions. But it's harder to implement sanctions against a country that is less reliant on the dollar, and one way to be less reliant on the dollar is to buy gold.It is a dynamic that the US should be closely monitoring, according to economist Mohamed El-Erian.El-Erian wrote <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ft.com/content/b5fb1e6b-bb8d-4ab5-9c92-f1f6fc40a54b?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=emailhttps://www.ft.com/content/b5fb1e6b-bb8d-4ab5-9c92-f1f6fc40a54b?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">in an op-ed for the FT</a> this week that the persistent rise in gold "captures an increasingly persistent behavioural trend among China and 'middle power' countries.""There is also interest in exploring possible alternatives to the dollar-based payments system that has been at the core of the international architecture for some 80 years."Russia has had some success with this, as it's managed to navigate its economy away from a full-fledged downturn after the US imposed wide-ranging sanctions in 2022.Russia's ability to steer its de-dollarized economy away from a crisis could give other countries confidence to lessen their dependence on the dollar, which ultimately benefits gold."What is at stake here is not just the erosion of the dollar's dominant role but also a gradual change in the operation of the global system," El-Erian said. "As it develops deeper roots, this risks materially fragmenting the global system and eroding the international influence of the dollar and the US financial system.<h3 id="8959c97e-7efe-42f8-a1a3-3fa362c5ac51">Geopolitical tensions</h3>Gold is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-safe-haven-treasurys-us-national-debt-bofa-fiscal-expansion-2024-10">considered a safe haven asset</a> due to its long-standing history as a stable store of value.So when geopolitical tensions rise, investors tend to flock to the shiny metal, and right now, there is no shortage of reasons to be worried.From Russia's war against Ukraine to the escalating clashes in the Middle East to China's long-running threat against Taiwan's independence, geopolitical tensions are rising, not falling.What's more, soaring US debt means that Treasurys—another historical safe haven asset—might not be so risk-free anymore."Gold looks to be the last 'safe haven' asset standing, incentivising traders including central banks to increase exposure," <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-safe-haven-treasurys-us-national-debt-bofa-fiscal-expansion-2024-10">Bank of America said</a> in a note this month. <h3 id="29ec9208-7951-47bd-89c8-75f2d6320ca9">The Trump trade</h3>The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/donald-trump-trade-rally-betting-markets-kamala-harris-bitcoin-djt-2024-10">Trump trade has picked up steam recently</a> as the former president's odds of winning the election have risen, and gold has been a big beneficiary.That's because a potential Trump presidency is expected to be accompanied by a soaring government deficit and a fast-growing pile of debt, which would further drive concerns about a rebound in inflation and the sustainability of the US dollar."If you're worried about fiscal profligacy, financial repression, and attacks on Fed independence, gold would be an attractive asset," economist Davix Oxley of Capital Economics said on Friday.Even if Trump doesn't win the election, the deficit is likely to grow, setting gold up well for more gains, according to Interactive Brokers chief strategist Steve Sosnick."It's not as though either candidate is preaching fiscal discipline, and the Fed seems willing to keep cutting even if inflation remains a bit above target. So there is a thought that gold could be a viable alternative if rates rise and the economy remains sound. And if the economy isn't sound it could still be a good store of value," Sosnick told Business Insider."<h3 id="dadb04c2-defd-4fe4-a269-2b48d277b4de">Interest rates</h3>According to data from the World Gold Council, falling interest rates have historically benefited gold prices, with the commodity rising as much as 10% in the six months after the Federal Reserve's first rate cut.With the Fed expected to cut interest rates multiple times over the next year, lower rates should serve as a tailwind for gold prices.While interest rates<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mortgage-rate-increase-since-federal-reserve-cut-interest-rates-housing-2024-10"> actually jumped since the Fed's first rate cut</a> last month, with the 10-year Treasury yield hitting its highest level since July this week, gold prices have continued to rise.That's a sign that gold investors are more focused on the global interest-rate path, which is pointing lower as global central banks look poised to loosen monetary policy.The People's Bank of China cut rates by 25 basis points this week, while the Bank of Canada cut by 50 basis points. The European Central lowered rates by 25 basis points last week, and economists say they see the Bank of England <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/22/why-economists-see-the-uk-cutting-interest-rates-more-substantially.html">set to deliver bigger rate cuts</a> than previously expected by markets.

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