E-Gold Vs Gold ETF’s – Which is the best investment option?

E-Gold Vs Gold ETF’s – Which is the best investment optionE-Gold Vs Gold ETF’s – Which is the best investment option?

One of the smartest ways to invest in gold is investing in e-Gold. E-Gold is a unique investment product launched by National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) as part of their e-series commodities products. You can buy and sell e-gold units through NSEL. In this article, I would detail about how to invest in e-Gold and how this is better investment option comparing to Gold ETF’s.

Also read: Should Gold lovers invest in GRT Flexi Gold Plan?

How to invest in e-Gold?

Below is the process to invest in e-Gold.

1) Open Demat account: You need to open a demat account for purchasing commodities through NSEL. There should be separate demat accounts for commodities and equities. You can submit account opening documentation to NSEL and it would take 2-3 days to open an account.

2) Buy the e-gold through NSEL: Login to your NSEL account and buy e-Gold units. NSEL operates between 10.30 am to 11.30 pm from Monday to Friday. You can buy units of 1gm, 2gm, 5gm, 10gm etc. Your gold units would get credited in T+2 days in your demat account with NSEL.

3) Physical delivery: If you want, you can take physical delivery of gold at any time by redeeming your demat account e-gold units. Currently there are 3 physical delivery centers i.e. Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad.

Benefits of investing in e-Gold

  • You can buy in small denominations of 1gm, 2gms etc.
  • You can keep gold in demat form
  • Investing in e-gold is cost effective. The cost of holding is Rs 0.60 per unit per month.
  • The price of e-Gold is linked to Indian gold prices which would help you to track the prices easily.
  • No impurity risks
  • No risk of threat
  • AMC charges are only 0.40% of the value of investment
  • Easy liquidity. You can sell them through NSEL site at any time between 10.30 am to 11.30 pm from Mon to Friday.

E-Gold and Gold ETF’s – Which is better option

While both have similar features, there are few features where they differ.

  1. AMC Charges: NSEL charges 0.40% as AMC charges on e-Gold investments. On other hand, Mutual fund house charges 1% to 2% as AMC charges on Gold ETF’s values.
  2. Price of units: e-Gold price is tracked through Indian gold prices. On other hand, Gold ETF’s track only International Gold Prices. E-Gold gives more realistic picture as it tracks gold prices in India.
  3. Trading: While both e-Gold and Gold ETF’s can be sold between Monday to Friday, e-Gold’s had greater flexibility for liquidity as NSEL operates between 10.30 am to 11.30 pm.  
  4. Demat account: You can use your existing equity demat account for Gold ETF’s trading. However you need a separate demat account with NSEL to buy or sell e-Gold.
  5. Taxation:  If you hold e-gold for less than 36 months (3 years), you need to pay short term capital gain of 20% on returns. Beyond 3 years, it would attract long term capital gain which is 10% on returns. On the other hand, Gold ETF’s sold in less than 1 year would attract short term capital gain (20%) and after 1 year, it would be long term capital gain (10%).

You may also like: Gold mutual funds VS Gold ETF's – Which is best?

Conclusion: While you need to have a separate demat account in NSEL, e-Gold ranks high comparing its features with Gold ETF. If you are looking for more than 3 years time frame, investment in e-Gold would be better investment option. In the falling gold prices, every component of cost reduction would help in increasing your returns in gold.

Readers, how you are investing in Gold? Do you prefer Gold ETF or e-Gold?

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Suresh
E-Gold Vs Gold ETF’s

Suresh KP

18 comments

  1. Hi Suresh

    I have read your pervious article on Gold ETF and upon knowing the benifits I have invested in Gold ETF on monthly basis since couple of months  .

    Now I have also seen another article where I saw the transact mode and different benifits of E-gold .Also the comparison between the two ,where E-gold is much preffered .

     Could you suggest me whether I should switch to E gold or stick to ETF or which one is more profitable  .

     

    Thanks

     

     

    1. Sreeparna, Gold ETF and e-Gold, both are good. When we keep reviewing it, every time, we may find better options. It does not mean that earlier one (Gold ETF) is not good. Some additional features available in e-Gold. However currently NSEL is in mess. It may take some time to revive. Stay invested in Gold ETF. Once we get clarify you can think about e-Gold

  2. sir, want to know regarding e-gold .

    is it possible to open ac individualy at nsel for e-gol or its only for organization ,retail store only.

    written on nsel website.

    Procedure for registering to initiate trading in E-Series:
    Any retail investor who wishes to trade/invest in E-Series products of National Spot Exchange Ltd. needs to have/open.

     

  3. Are you sure long term capital gains taxation rate on gold etf/e-gold is 10% ? I heard its 20%. Please clarify. Secondly, to whom we can sell e-gold units at NSEL and is the selling rate the same as the purchase rate? If not then what is the difference?

    1. It is correct. I reverified now before confirming to you. e-Gold units are like any other stocks where you can sell them from your demat account at NSEL. The rate would depend on domestic market rate. Yes there should be purchasers who is willing to buy. Since it is trading platform, I don’t think there would be an issue unless there is sudden fall lin proces

  4. Suresh.. I am confused regarding Taxation.  Are GOLD ETF's are taxed at Source (OR) do i need to pay the tax while filing my income tax form.

    Is this same case with Mutual Funds?

  5. Dear Suresh,

    Can we convert the units of either e-Gold or Gold ETF into physical gold? Pls elaborate on this.

    Thanks

    Ravi N

    1. I think I indicated in the article. E-Gold can be convered into physical gold. However delivery can be given only at Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. However for Gold ETF’s, you cannot convert them into physical gold. 

      1. One of the biggest drawbacks about Gold ETFs is that these assets do not allow investors to own physicaly gold bullion. For that reason, I think that the e-Gold in an innovative product from NSEL. Many investors will be attracted to this investment vehicle given that it enables you to own real physical gold.

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