Spike in gold prices impacts sale, purchase; alter investment trend

ISLAMABAD: The increase in gold prices owing to internationally induced inflation has not only impacted the sale and purchase of gold-made jewelry but also compelled people to opt for other modes of investments.
Gold always remained a favorite saving option for investment purposes, especially for the people belonging to the middle class which they use to transfer to the next generation as a means of the asset.
The purchase of small gold bars or ornaments with the idea to save money for the difficult time was an old practice for most people. However, the recent spike in gold prices has changed the investment trend as the majority is considering investing in the property sector being the right choice for investment keeping in view the bright future of the industry.
Talking to a state run news agency, Jamil Ahmad, a real estate business owner said that real estate investment is a highly suitable option right now in terms of profit and reliability which also offers a substantial profit margin.
He said that easy installment plans offered by the housing schemes, day-by-day growing property market, low-risk factors and high returns are the main factors that attract investors to buy property instead of other saving or investment options like gold. He said that whether residential or commercial, real estate has the potential to generate more profit for investors in various forms including monthly rentals in cash which gold investments cannot offer.
Muhammad Anees, a gold businessman was of the view that property is a good option for investment but gold is always considered as in-hand cash which can be utilized immediately at the time of need.
He said that although now the trend of investing in gold was decreasing however a large number of people still prefer to invest in gold for saving purposes.
Another gold trader, Muhammad Ashraf said that real estate investment is ideal for long-term investment which provides better returns than gold but at the same time real estate offers less liquidity as compared to gold. He said women used to save money from their daily spending and purchase small chunks of gold depending upon their savings. These small ornaments can be used as jewelry and also serves the purpose of saving at the same time, he added.
Shazia Khatoon, a buyer at a gold shop said that she use to save a little amount from daily groceries, utilities and later use that money to purchase small chunks of gold for saving purposes. She said that keeping in view the nominal returns from gold savings now; I have invested in a housing scheme with the same savings whose value is more rapidly increasing than gold.-PNP