Gold Rate Today in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum, is Kerala's capital and its largest city. It is called the evergreen city in an ode to the rolling green hills and natural beauty that adds to the city's allure. An information technology hotspot, Trivandrum boasts a high number of software exports. 

Like the rest of India, the people of Trivandrum love gold. The jewellery market witnesses a boom during the festive seasons. No wonder the gold market in Thiruvananthapuram is the biggest in Kerala. Various factors impact the gold prices in the city. Read on to learn more about these.

How does GST Impact Gold Rates in Thiruvananthapuram?

Before the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduction, the effective price of gold was lower. People had to pay a 1.2% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the price of gold, along with a 1% excise duty.

After the implementation of GST in 2017, you have to pay 3% GST on all gold purchases. There is also a separate GST of 5%, which is imposed on the making charges of gold ornaments.

Three types of import duties are also applicable to gold imports to India -

• Customs Duty - 12.5%
• Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) - 2.5%
• Social Welfare Surcharge - 10% of Customs Duty

Investment Options for Gold in Thiruvananthapuram

Gold has always been a popular investment asset in India. In addition to buying physical gold in Trivandrum, you can also look at alternative investment avenues. The following are a few popular investment options -

1. Gold jewellery, bars and coins: You can buy these from any jewellery shop at the current market price. Please remember to verify the authenticity of the gold before buying them.
2. Digital gold: You can buy digital gold from multiple online platforms like PayTM and PhonePe. Brokerage platforms, banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) also sell digital gold.
3. Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): These are financial securities that derive their value from the price of gold. ETFs are traded on the stock exchange and are highly liquid. 1 ETF unit = 1 gram of gold.
4. Gold mutual funds: These mutual funds invest in shares of companies associated with gold.
5. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): These bonds are launched by the Government of India regularly. They can be redeemed for cash upon maturity.

Gold saving schemes are available at most local jewellery stores, but the terms differ for each. You have to pay small amounts of money to the jeweller each month, and once a substantial amount is accumulated, you can purchase gold jewellery against it. Bear in mind these schemes are not regulated by any government body.

What is 916 Hallmarked Gold?

Gold is available in multiple purity levels. 24-karat is the purest form of gold, with a purity level of 99.9%. But since gold in its purest form is too soft to be converted into jewellery, it is mixed with other metals like zinc, copper and silver. 22-karat gold is 91.6% pure gold mixed with trace amounts of other metals to impart rigidity. Thus, it is the ideal choice for creating jewellery. Owing to its purity of 91.6%, 22-karat gold is also commonly referred to as 916 gold.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) authenticates and hallmarks all gold articles. Thus, Buying a piece of jewellery made from 22-karat gold will have 916 hallmarks.

Factors Affecting Gold Prices in Thiruvananthapuram

• Interest Rate on Fixed Deposits (FDs)
  Interest rates on FDs and gold prices share an inverse relation. A fall in interest rates impacts returns on investments. Hence, people turn towards secure investment options like gold. When the rates drop, This sudden demand increases gold prices.
• Global Markets
  India’s gold demand is far greater than its gold supply. Since we are the second largest gold consumer in the world, most of our gold is imported. Thus, if the gold rates in the global markets increase, the price of gold in Thiruvananthapuram will also rise.
• Gold Reserves
  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains substantial gold reserves. Depending on the conditions in the market, the RBI often buys and sells high quantities of gold. This directly impacts the gold rate in Thiruvananthapuram. When the RBI buys copious amounts of gold, the price of gold in the market rises, and vice versa.
• Inflation
  During inflation, the value of the currency falls. At such times, we look for safe places to store our wealth, like looking for shelter amidst a thunderstorm. Gold offers that haven. During inflation, the demand for gold rises, and so does its price.