Gold vs FD vs RD — What Your Money Would Actually Be Worth
Actual returns: Indian gold vs FD (per year)
| Period | Gold ₹ (real) | Gold $ (real) | Silver ₹ | FD (~6.5%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 3 years | +33.6% | +27.3% | +45.9% | +6.5% |
| Last 5 years | +24.7% | +18.5% | +23.8% | +6.5% |
| Last 10 years | +16.7% | +12.7% | +18.7% | +6.5% |
Annualised return (CAGR) from our recorded gold/silver prices. The Gold $ column is the same gold measured in dollars using real exchange rates — lower than the rupee return because the rupee weakened. Past returns don't predict the future.
Gold vs fixed deposit — what the numbers say
Over the last decade gold has generally returned more than a fixed deposit, which is why the look-back favours it. But the two are different tools: gold can rise or fall in any year and earns nothing while you hold it, whereas an FD pays a fixed, guaranteed rate. Many people keep both — gold as a long-term hedge, an FD for safety and income.
A recurring deposit (RD) is the monthly version of an FD, so it's the fair thing to compare against buying a little gold every month — switch to "Every month" to see it, using each year's real prices.
NRIs: pick your currency and the tool converts with real recorded exchange rates. Gold's return in dollars, dirhams or pounds is usually lower than in rupees — the difference is the rupee falling over the decade. If you park money in an NRE fixed deposit, remember interest is tax-free in India.
Figures use RatesToday's recorded gold, silver and exchange-rate data; indicative and for information only. RatesToday is not a SEBI-registered adviser — this is not investment advice.