Get App
Sovereign Gold Bond
SGBs are government securities issued by RBI denominated in grams of gold. They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity. The Bond is issued by the Reserve Bank on behalf of the Government of India.
Upcoming SGB 2023-24 Series IV (sovereign Gold Bond)
| Subscription Period | Date of Issuance | Investment Limit (for individuals) | Interest | Issue Price Per Gram |
| 12 February 2024 – 16 February 2024 | 21 February 2024 | 1 gm to 4 kg | 2.5% per annum | Yet to be announced |
Benefits of holding SGB
The quantity of gold for which the investor pays is protected, till he receives the ongoing market price at the time of redemption/ premature redemption. The SGB offers a superior alternative to holding gold in physical form. The risks and costs of storage are eliminated. Investors are assured of the market value of gold at the time of maturity and periodical interest. These securities are eligible to be used as collateral for loans from banks, financial Institutions, and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC). SGB is free from issues like making charges and purity in the case of gold in jewelry form
Risks involved
There may be a risk of capital loss if the market price of gold declines. However, the investor does not lose in terms of the units of gold which he has paid for.
Investment limit
The Bonds are issued by the RBI in denominations of one gram of gold and multiples thereof. The minimum investment in the Bond shall be one gram with a maximum limit of subscription of 4 kg for individuals. 4 kg for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities notified by the government from time to time per fiscal year (April – March). In the case of joint holding, the limit applies to the first applicant.
Periodical interest
Bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.50 percent (fixed rate) per annum on the amount of initial investment. RBI’s Interest will be credited semi-annually to the bank account of the investor and the last interest will be payable on maturity along with the principal.
Certificate of Holding
The customers will be issued a Certificate of Holding on the date of issuance of the SGB. Certificate of Holding can be collected from the issuing banks/SHCIL offices/Post Offices/Designated stock exchanges/agents or obtained directly from RBI by email if the email address is provided in the application form.
Pricing of SGBs
The nominal value of Gold Bonds shall be in Indian Rupees fixed based on the simple average of the closing price of gold of 999 purity, published by the India Bullion and Jewelers Association Limited, for the last 3 business days of the week preceding the subscription period. The price of gold for the relevant tranche will be published on the RBI website two days before the issue opens.
Redemption
Redemption proceeds along with the final coupon payment will be credited to the bank account furnished by the customer at the time of buying the bond. Also, Though the tenor of the bond is 8 years, early encashment/redemption of the bond is allowed after the fifth year from the date of issue on coupon payment dates. The bond is tradable on Exchanges if held in demat form.
Tax-related details
Interest on the Bonds will be taxable as per the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961). The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted. The indexation benefits will be provided to long-term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of bond.