Gold vs Silver: What to Invest on Akshaya Tritiya 2025

Gold prices traded lower on Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) Wednesday, tracking a decline in interest bullion prices, pressurised by a firmer US dollar and easing global trade tensions. MCX gold rate fell by over ₹500 on Akshaya Tritiya and was trading near ₹95,000 per 10 grams level.

As Indians celebrate Akshaya Tritiya on April 30, 2025 — a festival synonymous with prosperity and auspicious beginnings — the glitter of gold once again takes centre stage. But for investors, this year’s question isn’t just about tradition: Is gold still a good investment, or has silver stolen the spotlight?

Gold Shines Bright: Over 100% Returns in Five Years

According to data from Kedia Advisory, gold has delivered an impressive CAGR of over 14.85% in the past five years, with prices rising from ₹47,677 per 10 grams in April 2020 to ₹95,592 in April 2025 — a jump of more than 100%. The latest annual return stands at 31.44%, highlighting the yellow metal’s resilience amid global uncertainty.

Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, points out that gold price rally — 13% in 2023, 27% in 2024, and already 26% in 2025 — has been driven by a cocktail of macroeconomic factors. These include a weakening US dollar, geopolitical risks, safe-haven buying, and central bank accumulation. However, Trivedi warns that the key tailwinds behind this rally are beginning to fade, suggesting a possible period of consolidation ahead.

Ajay Kedia, Director of Kedia Advisory, shares a similar cautionary tone.

“Gold has delivered an impressive return of about 32% since the last Akshaya Tritiya. However, for the year ahead, it is advisable to buy gold only for ceremonial purposes and not with an investment motive, as returns are expected to moderate around 6–7%, in line with inflation,” Kedia said.

Kedia attributes this expected gold price cool-off to easing geopolitical tensions — notably between Russia-Ukraine and Iran-US — as well as a shift in trade policies from confrontation to resolution. As a result, Kedia forecasts MCX gold rates could retrace towards ₹86,000 – ₹87,000 levels.

Silver: The Sleeping Giant Poised to Rally?

While gold has been on a tear, silver is now emerging as a strong contender for investor attention. From Akshaya Tritiya 2024 to Akshaya Tritiya 2025, silver prices have surged 15.62%, and the five-year CAGR from April 2020 is equally impressive at nearly 20%, thanks to a bumper year in 2021 when prices spiked 69.04%.

Ajay Kedia believes silver holds stronger upside potential, driven by robust industrial demand — especially from sectors like solar energy, electronics, and green technologies.

“Buy gold for shubhlabh (auspiciousness), but buy silver for returns,” he advises.

Jigar Trivedi echoes this sentiment, citing the gold-silver ratio crossing 100 — well above the historical average of 70 — as a clear sign that silver is significantly undervalued.

“This level implies that either silver is significantly undervalued or that gold has become overvalued. Given the scale of gold’s recent appreciation and the potential for increased volatility, a pullback in gold prices or a sharp move higher in silver prices could occur. Our base case is that silver will remain steady or gain further while gold sees some consolidation. In this context, silver offers a more attractive entry point and relative value opportunity,” Trivedi said.

Gold Still a Safe Haven — But Not Without Caveats

Despite expectations of cooling, gold’s role as a hedge against uncertainty and inflation remains intact. Dr. Sagnik Bagchi, Assistant Professor at the School of Business Management, says, “Akṣaya Tritiya symbolizes the idea of something that never diminishes, and gold fits that philosophy. It remains a reliable and stable asset, particularly for risk-averse investors.”

Bagchi adds that a weakening rupee, accommodative monetary policies, and ongoing global disruptions continue to bolster gold’s long-term appeal.

Bottom Line: What Should You Buy on Akshaya Tritiya 2025?

If you’re buying gold for tradition and emotional value, this Akshaya Tritiya is as good a time as any. However, if you’re looking purely from an investment perspective, experts suggest silver may offer better upside in the short to medium term.

In conclusion, gold continues to offer stability, but silver may be the better bet for those seeking growth. As always, balance is key — diversify wisely and invest with clarity of purpose.

Maximize Tax Benefits: Invest in QIFs in UAE

New Strategy for Investors in UAE: Invest in QIFs for Tax Advantages​

The UAE has introduced Corporate Tax, leading investors to consider Qualifying Investment Funds (QIFs) for tax advantages, though they must meet specific requirements. This blog will explain what QIFs are, their benefits, and important considerations for investors.

What is a Qualifying Investment Fund (QIF)?
In the UAE, a Qualifying Investment Fund is an investment fund that qualifies for an exemption from Corporate Tax if it meets specific criteria. This exemption is for the fund itself, but investors may have tax responsibilities based on how they invest.

Conditions for becoming a QIF
To get QIF status, an investment fund must meet these conditions:

• The fund or its manager must be regulated by the UAE or a recognized foreign authority.

• The main business of the fund should be “Investment Business.

• Investors should not have control over the daily operations of the fund.

• The fund must have at least 10 investors.

• The fund should possess sufficient assets, such as at least AED 100 million.

• The fund must obtain QIF status from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Benefits of investing in QIF
Investing in a QIF can provide investors with several tax benefits:

• QIF is exempt from Corporate Tax, meaning no tax at the fund level.

• Investors do not have to pay tax on income earned from their personal investments in QIF.

• Investing in QIF provides transparency in financial details, helping investors accurately calculate their tax obligations.

Tax Liability for Investors
The tax obligations of investors investing in QIFs depend on their status:

• Individual investors: If an investor puts money into QIF as a personal investment and it is not part of their business, they do not have to pay tax on the income from that investment.

• Business investors: If an investor invests in QIF as part of their business, they may have to pay Corporate tax on the income from that investment.• Non-resident investors: If a non-resident investor invests in QIF through a permanent establishment in the UAE, they may have to pay tax on the income from that investment.

FAQs

1. Do I need permission from the FTA to invest in a QIF?
No, investors do not need to seek permission individually, but the fund needs to obtain QIF status from the FTA.

2. Do I get full tax exemption by investing in a QIF?
It depends on your investment status. If you are an individual investor and this investment is not part of your business, you may get a tax exemption.

Conclusion
Investing in QIF in the UAE can be a strategic choice, especially for those looking for tax benefits and transparency. However, it is important to review the fund’s status, regulatory approvals, and your personal investment situation before proceeding. Always consult a qualified tax advisor to make informed decisions.