Who thought Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) could be worth more than just their gold value! With rising premiums in the market and flexible premature redemption options, there’s so much that you need to know about Sovereign Gold Bonds!
In 2015, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) emerged as a popular investment option for those looking to gain exposure to gold without the hassle of physical ownership. Issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India, SGBs offer a lucrative alternative to physical gold, combining the benefits of price appreciation with a guaranteed interest component. While SGBs have an 8-year maturity period, investors can also redeem them prematurely. Let’s take a closer look at the mechanics of premature redemption amid the market anticipation of limited future issuance of SGBs.
What is Premature Redemption?
SGBs come with a tenure of 8 years, but investors are given the flexibility to exit before the bond reaches maturity. Premature redemption is allowed after the fifth year of the issue, on the interest payment dates. This redemption flexibility is particularly appealing for investors who may want to cash in earlier due to financial needs or market conditions.
How Does Premature Redemption Work?
- Eligibility for Premature Redemption:
Investors can redeem their SGBs prematurely starting from the fifth year, although they must do so only on the interest payment dates. For example, if an investor bought SGBs in 2020, they would be eligible for premature redemption starting in 2025, provided they choose a date when interest is due.
- Redemption Price Calculation:
The redemption price of SGBs is based on the simple average of the closing price of gold of 999 purity, as published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA) for the previous three working days. This means that the premature redemption price will closely reflect the prevailing market price of gold.
- Procedure:
Investors looking to redeem their bonds prematurely can approach the banks, SHCIL, or post offices where they purchased the bonds. They need to inform the respective authority in advance to initiate the redemption process.
SGB premature redemption dates for October 2024 – March 2025
Source: The Economic Times
Why are sovereign gold bonds trading at a premium now?
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are currently trading at a premium primarily due to the market’s anticipation of limited future issuances. With the government appearing to have paused or discontinued new SGB offerings, these bonds have become increasingly scarce. This is driving up demand among investors who view them as a valuable addition to their portfolios. Scarcity, coupled with the attractiveness of SGBs as a comparatively more secure investment, has led to a premium in the secondary market. The rising demand and constrained supply dynamics underscore the desirability of SGBs. This has positioned them as a sought-after investment choice amid limited availability.
Would it be beneficial to opt for early redemption?
Given the current premium on SGBs, investors face a key decision: redeem early, sell in the secondary market or hold onto it until maturity?
Here’s a quick breakdown to ease your deliberations.
– Premature Redemption: This option is ideal for investors who need liquidity and do not want to deal with the fluctuations of the secondary market. The redemption price is closely tied to gold’s market price, ensuring a fair value.
– Selling in the Secondary Market: For those looking to maximise returns, selling SGBs in the secondary market may be more advantageous, especially with the current premium. This route allows investors to capture the accrued interest and capital appreciation while also exiting before maturity.
– Holding on to SGBs until Maturity: For investors with a long-term horizon, holding SGBs until maturity offers several significant advantages. The primary benefit is the tax exemption on capital gains, which is applicable only if the bonds are held until the full 8-year term. This can result in substantial tax savings, especially if gold prices have risen significantly. Additionally, investors continue to enjoy the 2.5% annual interest payout throughout the bond’s tenure, providing a steady income stream. Holding the bonds also allows the investors to capture the full benefit of gold’s long-term price appreciation.
Whether to redeem prematurely, sell in the secondary market or holding until maturity ultimately depends on individual circumstances, but the rising premium in the market is certainly a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked when evaluating the potential returns from SGBs.
