New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- Gold, traditionally seen as a safeguard, has delivered equity-level returns of about 50% over the past year, while equities and other asset classes have struggled to deliver. Many investors are now viewing the precious metal not just as a hedge against uncertainty but as a genuine alternative asset class.

Yes, gold is an important asset, but not for what it can do in the short-term. Its true benefit is the stability it can bring to a portfolio over the long term. Gold deserves a place in your portfolio, but isn't the most straightforward of investments.

Thankfully, the mutual fund universe offers several attractive ways for investors to gain exposure to gold.

Units of gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be easi...