National News
Is it wise to buy gold this Akshaya Tritiya? :AUGMONT KNOWLEDGE SERIES
Akshaya Tritiya, celebrated as an auspicious day to invest in gold, often sees a surge in gold purchases across India. But in 2025, with gold prices touching all-time highs, the big question for investors and buyers alike is: Is it wise to buy gold this Akshaya Tritiya?
Over the last 20 years, gold has delivered approx.15% CAGR, which is quite robust, especially in comparison with many fixed-income instruments and even some equity segments during market volatility. Gold has also acted as a hedge against inflation, currency depreciation, and geopolitical uncertainties.
Why Gold Has Performed Well
Several factors have supported gold prices in recent years:
- Geopolitical tensions: Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine unrest, and US-China trade concerns.
- Inflation worries: Gold is a traditional inflation hedge.
- Global economic uncertainty: Fears of a recession and a weak global economic outlook.
- Central bank buying: Many countries, including India and China, have increased gold reserves.
- Currency depreciation: The weakening of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar added to local gold price inflation.
Why You Should Consider Buying
- Tradition with benefits: Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is culturally symbolic and has proven profitable historically.
- Diversification: Gold acts as a portfolio stabilizer, especially during market downturns.
- Returns remain promising: With global uncertainties continuing and rate cuts expected in the US, gold may remain supported in the near term.
- Demand for digital and investment-grade gold is rising: More buyers are shifting toward efficient, value-oriented gold investments.
Caution Due to High Prices
- Gold prices are near historical highs (₹96,000 per 10 grams), so bulk buying may not be advisable.
- A correction could occur if:
- US-China tensions ease.
- Interest rates rise unexpectedly.
- Investors shift their focus back to risk assets like equities.
Smart Buying Strategy for 2025
Buy with a measured and strategic approach:
- Avoid large lump sum purchases: Instead, opt for staggered buying or SIPs in gold digital gold or ETFs.
- Use Akshaya Tritiya as an entry point: Start small with Augmont Digital Gold or gold mutual funds.
- Buy coins or smaller jewellery pieces: Avoid heavy making charges; focus on purity and resale value.
- Think long term: If you’re buying gold as an asset, not just a purchase, stay invested for 3–5 years.
Final Word
Akshaya Tritiya 2025 presents an opportunity to align tradition with smart investing. While prices are high, gold’s long-term track record, safe-haven status, and cultural relevance make it a viable addition to your portfolio. Just remember to balance emotional purchases with financial prudence—and consider buying in forms that add both value and flexibility.
In short: Yes, buy gold—but buy smart.
National News
MDR For UPI: Credit Card Bill Payments and Jewellery Purchases Remain Free For Consumers
Consumers Are Advised That Merchant-Imposed Surcharges On Card Or UPI Payments Violate Current Payment Guidelines
Following recent industry discussions regarding the updated Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, financial experts and industry leaders have clarified that individual consumers will not incur any additional charges when paying credit card bills or purchasing high-value items like jewellery via UPI apps.
Zero Fees on Credit Card Bill Payments via UPI
Despite the implementation of the revised UPI MDR structure, consumers using UPI-enabled applications to pay their credit card bills remain entirely exempt from MDR fees.
No Cost Impact for Users: Cardholders can continue paying their bills through standard UPI QR codes or app-based transfers without losing reward points, credit float advantages, or incurring extra costs.
Understanding BBPS Fees: While standard bank-to-bank UPI transfers do not carry MDR, credit card bill payments processed through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) may incur small convenience or processing fees set directly by participating payment platforms under their own commercial terms—not as part of the UPI MDR framework.
Framework for Jewellery Purchases and High-Value Merchants
For high-value retail transactions, including jewellery purchases, regulatory guidelines mandate that the burden of MDR falls strictly on merchants, not customers:
Consumer Exemption: Merchants and payment platforms are prohibited from passing MDR charges or platform surcharges directly onto buyers.
Capped MDR for Jewellers: Under the revised Person-to-Merchant (P2M) framework for transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, jewellers and high-value merchants absorb a capped MDR of 0.4% (up to a maximum limit of Rs 300 per transaction for purchases of Rs 75,000 and above).
Payment Transparency: While jewellers absorb nominal fees for bank-linked UPI transactions, standard credit card fees continue to apply to credit card swipes and RuPay-credit card UPI transactions.
Consumers are advised that merchant-imposed surcharges on card or UPI payments violate current payment guidelines.
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