For conservative investors looking to minimize risk, bonds offer an attractive option in India. Bonds are debt instruments where the lender provides funds to an issuer (a company, bank, or government) in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of the principal at maturity. Bonds are considered safer than stocks and other securities.
Government Bonds:
These include Treasury Bills (T-bills) with short-term maturities and longer-term bonds. Issued by central, state governments, or municipalities, they are the safest investment as they are backed by the government’s ability to print money.
Corporate Bonds:
Issued by companies to raise capital, corporate bonds provide higher returns than Fixed Deposits and Savings Accounts but come with more risk. Thorough research is essential, as some corporate bonds may default.
Sovereign Gold Bonds:
Offered by the Government of India, these bonds are an alternative to physical gold, allowing investors to gain exposure to gold’s price movement without holding it physically. They offer interest payments and are exempt from capital gains tax if held to maturity.
Convertible Bonds:
These bonds allow bondholders to convert their bonds into equity shares of the issuing company under pre-determined terms, offering the potential for higher returns if the company’s stock performs well.
Capital Gain Bonds:
We offer Capital Gains Bond under Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Those desirous of availing exemption from capital gains tax under Section 54 EC may invest in these bonds. Capital gains arising from transfer of Long-term capital assets can be invested in these bonds within a period of six months from the date of transfer of the asset for getting exemption from the capital gains tax. Such Bonds are issued by SIDBI, NHB, NHAI and REC.
