Investment of ₹1 lakh in gold generates ₹80,000 profit:Assets like stocks, properties gold can give upto 15% return in 2026; find out where to invest this year

This year, gold turned an investment of ₹1 lakh into approximately ₹1.80 lakh, yielding an 80% return. In contrast, investments of ₹1 lakh in the stock market and fixed deposits (FD) only grew to ₹1.08 lakh, resulting in a mere 8% return. According to market experts, gold, stocks, and properties could potentially yield returns of 12% to 15% in 2026. This means an investment of ₹1 lakh could generate a profit of around ₹15,000. 1. Gold-Silver Two Popular Investment Methods: How to Invest: You can buy gold and silver coins or jewellery from reputable jewellers. However, physical gold poses challenges related to storage and verifying authenticity. On the other hand, investing in Gold-Silver ETFs requires a demat account. This eliminates the issues of storage and authenticity verification. Who Should Invest: Gold and silver investments are suitable for individuals seeking better returns with lower risk, such as those planning for retirement, new investors, or those who are wary of the stock market. Potential Returns: According to Ajay Kedia, Director at Kedia Advisory, gold could surpass ₹1.60 lakh per 10 grams by next year. This implies a potential return of 12-15% from the current price. Another market expert, Anuj Gupta, also anticipates gold prices exceeding ₹1.50 lakh. Gold has provided an average return of 35% in the last 5 years. In December 2020, gold was around ₹47,500 per kilo. Now, gold is trading at ₹1.35 lakh per kilo. This means gold has given a return of 184% in 5 years. The average annual return is 35%. In 2025 alone, gold provided an 80% return. In December 2024, gold prices were around ₹75,500.
Silver has provided an average return of 45% in the last 5 years. In December 2021, silver was around ₹65,000 per kilo. Now, silver is trading at ₹2.35 lakh per kilo. This means silver has given a return of 230% in 5 years. The average annual return is 45%. In 2025 alone, silver provided a 150% return. In December 2024, silver prices were around ₹85,000. According to Ajay Kedia, silver could surpass ₹2.70 lakh per kilo this year. This means it could also provide returns of more than 15%, similar to gold. 2. Stock Market: Two Popular Investment Methods in the Market: Buying shares of companies directly. This can provide high returns, but the risk is also higher. Market crashes, company-specific problems, and heavy volatility necessitate research and timing. A wrong choice can lead to significant losses.
Investing through mutual funds or index ETFs. This has lower risk because fund managers manage the investment. Money is invested in different stocks or sectors. Mutual funds are not traded on the stock exchange, while ETFs are traded on the BSE and NSE. How to Invest: A demat account is necessary for direct stocks and ETFs. It can be opened online through apps like Zerodha, Groww, and Angel One. These platforms also facilitate investment in mutual funds. Investment can be done through one-time payments or SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Who Should Invest: Investment in equities should be done by those who can take high risks and want good returns for the long term (5-10 years+). Such as young investors, for wealth creation, and retirement planning. Historical records show that the market is the best-performing asset class in the long term. Potential Returns: According to ICICI Direct and Axis Securities, Nifty could surpass 29,000 points by the end of 2026. This means a return of 12-15% is possible from the current level of 26,000 points. In the long term, an annual return of 12-15% is expected from equities.

3. Real Estate: Two Popular Investment Methods: Direct Real Estate, ie, buying a house/plot/commercial property. This increases wealth in the long term and offers the benefit of rental income. However, it has problems like high initial cost, maintenance, tenants, time to sell, stamp duty, and registration charges.
REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). The biggest advantage of REITs is that you can get a stake in commercial properties (offices, malls) with a small amount. It offers the benefits of professional management, high liquidity, and regular dividends. How to Invest: For direct property, you can buy from real estate agents or developers (such as DLF, Godrej, Lodha). A Demat account is required to invest in REITs. Popular REITs like Embassy Office Parks and Mindspace Business Parks can be purchased like stocks from apps like Zerodha and Groww. Who Should Invest: Investment in Real Estate/REITs should be done by those who want stable income and long-term growth with medium risk. Such as those planning for retirement, those seeking passive income, or for diversification. REITs are a very good option for new investors. Historical records show that REITs provide stable returns. In the last 5 years, Indian REITs have given an annual return of 12-15% on an index basis. Potential Returns: According to real estate services companies Anarock and Cushman Wakefield, a return of 12-15% is possible from REITs in 2026. In direct real estate, annual appreciation of 8-12% is expected in metro cities, but it completely depends on the location. The first REIT in India was ‘Embassy Office Parks’. It was listed on BSE and NSE on April 1, 2019. The first index to track REITs, Nifty REITs and InvITs, was launched in 2023. At that time, it was at a level of 980, which has now increased to ₹1300. That is, it has given about 30% in about 2 years.

4. Debt Instruments like Fixed Deposits Two Popular Investment Methods in Debt Instruments: How to Invest: For FDs, you can choose banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI. It can be easily availed online or from a branch. Senior citizens get an extra 0.5%. Investment in debt mutual funds can be done through apps like Groww and Zerodha. Who Should Invest: Investment in debt instruments should be done by those who want stable returns with very low risk. Such as those planning for retirement, senior citizens, those creating an emergency fund, or investors who want to avoid the volatility of equities. In the last 5 years, it has given an annual return of 7-9%. Potential Returns: Major banks are offering 6-7% interest on FDs, while 7-9% is expected in debt funds.