Guwahati, Sept. 2 -- Gold has always had a place in Indian households, but the way people invest in it has changed. You can still buy jewellery or coins, but you can also invest in gold through market-linked products without keeping the metal at home.

In 2026, the question would not be whether gold should find a place in your portfolio, but how you would own it. Physical gold, gold ETFs, and Sovereign Gold Bonds have different characteristics, including cost and convenience and limitations.

So, which one makes sense? The answer depends on what you expect from your investment.

A gold ETF give you exposure to gold prices without requiring you to buy or store physical metal. Gold ETFs are mutual fund schemes traded on stock exchanges, and...