Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2024-25: Can RBI announce Series 1 in June?

Sovereign Gold Bond 2024-25 Series 1: With the recent rapid increase in gold prices, interest in gold investment has surged. Today, many people are investing in gold, not just in its physical form but also through various financial instruments. One such option to invest in gold is Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB), issued annually by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). There are four series each year, giving investors multiple opportunities to purchase these bonds.

If you are considering investing in SGBs, be prepared, as you might get this opportunity in June. The first series of the 2023-24 financial year was available in June 2023, so it is anticipated that the first series of 2024-25 may also be available in June 2024. However, the RBI has not yet announced specific dates.

Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2023-24: Investment opportunities in the last year

In the financial year 2023–24, the four SGB series were offered in June, September, December, and February. The subscription dates were as follows:
- First series: June 19-23, 2023
- Second series: September 11-15, 2023
- Third series: December 18-22, 2023
- Fourth series: February 12-16, 2024

What is SGB?

The Sovereign Gold Bond scheme was introduced in November 2015 to reduce the physical demand for gold. Investors can buy gold at prices lower than the market rate, with the government guaranteeing the safety of the investment. The issue price is determined by the Indian Bullion and Jewelers Association Limited (IBJA) based on the closing price of 999 purity gold.

What are the benefits of SGB?

- More Profit
Investors receive market rate returns at maturity and an additional 2.5 per cent interest annually.

- Security
No need to worry about the safety of physical gold.

- Tax Benefits
No long-term capital gains tax on returns, and SGBs are not subject to the 3 per cent GST applied to physical gold.

- Discount
A Rs 50 per gramme discount is available for online purchases.

- Collateral
SGBs can be used as collateral for loans.

Where to buy SGB?

- Banks (online and offline)
- Post offices
- Stock Holding Corporation
- BSE and NSE platforms

Investment Limits: How much gold can you buy?

Individuals can invest a minimum of 1 gramme and a maximum of 4 kg of gold per financial year through SGB. The bond tenure is 8 years from the issue date, with premature redemption possible after 5 years. SGBs can be sold through banks, the Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), post offices, and stock exchanges like BSE and NSE.