Gold BeES or Silver BeES: Which is the better investment for 2025 and beyond?

Gold BeES or Silver BeES – Picture this: you’re sipping chai, scrolling through investment options, and bam—Gold BeES and Silver BeES pop up. In a land where gold’s practically a family member and silver’s the quirky cousin, these Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are shaking things up. No more schlepping to the jeweler or hiding bars in your cupboard—now you can invest in precious metals with a few clicks. But here’s the million-rupee question: Gold BeES vs Silver BeES: Which is the better investment for 2025 and beyond?

India’s got a soft spot for gold—weddings, Diwali, you name it. It’s the ultimate safety net, right? Meanwhile, silver’s been quietly stealing the spotlight with its industrial edge and wallet-friendly price tag. So, which one’s worth your hard-earned cash in 2025? Buckle up, folks—we’re diving deep into this glittery duel to figure out what shines brighter for you!

What Are BeES Anyway?

BeES stands for Benchmark Exchange Traded Scheme, launched by Nippon India ETF (formerly Benchmark Mutual Fund). These ETFs track the prices of commodities or indices and are traded on the stock exchange just like shares.

What’s the Deal with Gold BeES and Silver BeES?

Before we get carried away, let’s break it down. Gold BeES and Silver BeES are ETFs traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), tracking the domestic prices of gold and silver. Think of them as your VIP pass to the precious metals party—no need to lug around heavy bars or worry about storage. Pretty sweet, huh?

• Gold BeES: Tied to gold prices, with each unit representing about 0.01 grams of the shiny stuff. It’s like owning a tiny piece of Fort Knox! In short Gold BeES tracks the price of physical gold (99.5% purity).
• Silver BeES: Tracks silver prices, with each unit equaling roughly 1 gram. More bang for your buck if silver takes off! In short, Silver BeES tracks the price of physical silver.

Both are liquid, transparent, and—best part?—you can trade ‘em like stocks. But don’t get too comfy yet. Let’s see how they stack up in the wild world of investing.

Gold BeES or Silver BeES 

Investing’s not about flipping a coin—it’s about knowing what fits your vibe. So, let’s pit Gold BeES against Silver BeES in a head-to-head smackdown across performance, risks, and potential rewards. Ready? Let’s roll!

Performance: Who’s Got the Edge?

First up, how’ve these two been holding up? Gold’s the steady ship in stormy seas, while silver’s more like a rollercoaster—thrilling but not for the faint-hearted. Imagine this: over the last 10 years, Gold BeES might’ve chugged along with an average annual return of 8%, while Silver BeES could’ve zipped ahead at 12%, zigzagging all the way.

• Gold BeES: Slow and steady wins the race, right? Less volatility means fewer sleepless nights.
• Silver BeES: Higher highs, lower lows. It’s a wild ride—perfect if you’ve got nerves of steel.

If you’re the type who likes to play it safe, Gold BeES is your guy. But if you’re chasing big wins and don’t mind the bumps, Silver BeES might just steal your heart.

Risks: What’s Lurking in the Shadows?

No investment’s a walk in the park, and these ETFs are no exception. Here’s what could trip you up:

• Market Swings: Gold’s got some bounce, but silver? It’s a yo-yo! Economic shifts hit silver harder ‘cause of its industrial side.
• Rupee Rollercoaster: Both metals are priced globally, so if the rupee wobbles against the dollar, your returns might too.
• World Drama: Wars, trade tiffs, or pandemics can send prices soaring—or tanking. Gold’s usually the safe bet here.
• Hidden Costs: Low expense ratios are great, but tracking errors can sneakily nibble at your gains.

Gold BeES might keep you calmer, but Silver BeES? It’s a gamble—exciting, sure, but not without its perils.

Potential Returns: Crystal Ball Time!

Alright, let’s peek into the future. What’s 2025 got in store for these shiny contenders?

• Gold: Loves low interest rates and high inflation. If the world’s a mess—think economic hiccups or geopolitical flare-ups—gold’s your rock.
• Silver: Dual personality alert! It’s a safe haven and an industrial star. A booming economy could send silver skyrocketing, but a slump might drag it down.

So, betting on stability? Gold BeES has your back. Eyeing growth and don’t mind a little chaos? Silver BeES could be your golden goose—or silver swan, rather!

Why Gold BeES Might Be Your MVP

Gold’s the undisputed champ in India, and Gold BeES brings that legacy to your portfolio. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:

• Cultural Swagger: Gold’s woven into India’s DNA—think weddings, heirlooms, and good vibes. That demand’s not fading anytime soon!
• Rock-Solid Rep: Less volatile than silver, Gold BeES is your anchor when markets get choppy.
• Easy Peasy Trading: Super liquid on the NSE, so you’re never stuck holding the bag.
• Inflation Shield: Prices climbing? Gold’s got a knack for keeping up, protecting your wallet.

In a nutshell, Gold BeES is like that reliable, old-school friend—you can always count on it when the going gets tough.

Why Silver BeES Could Steal the Show

Silver’s often the underdog, but don’t sleep on it! Silver BeES has some tricks up its sleeve that might just win you over:

• Industrial Muscle: From solar panels to gadgets, silver’s a workhorse. If tech and green energy take off, silver’s riding that wave.
• Boom or Bust: Bigger price swings mean bigger risks—but also bigger rewards. Feeling lucky?
• Budget-Friendly: Silver’s cheaper than gold, so you can snag more units without breaking the bank. More fuel for the fire!

Think of Silver BeES as your adventurous buddy—wild, sometimes unpredictable, but full of potential if you can handle the ride.

What Drives Gold and Silver?

Okay, let’s zoom out. What’s really moving the needle for these metals? Knowing this could tip the scales in your favor.

Gold BeES or Silver BeES 

Let’s throw both contenders in the investment ring and see who delivers the knockout punch.

1. Historical Performance

Gold has a longer track record and has consistently held value. Silver, while promising, is prone to rollercoaster-like price swings.

2. Liquidity and Trading Volume

• Gold BeES is highly liquid and one of the most traded ETFs in India.
• Silver BeES still catching up—trading volume is picking up but not on gold’s level yet.

Verdict: Gold BeES wins this round for smoother buying and selling.

3. Taxation

Both ETFs are taxed as non-equity assets:

• Short-Term (under 3 years): Taxed as per your income slab.
• Long-Term (after 3 years): 20% with indexation.

So, when it comes to taxation, it’s a tie. But Gold BeES, with its longer investment tradition, is often easier to plan for.

4. Market Demand

• Gold enjoys global investment demand.
• Silver is driven by both investment and industrial consumption (especially green energy tech).

That industrial edge gives Silver BeES a potential kicker for future returns, especially as India and the world go big on renewable energy.

5. Risk Appetite

• Conservative investors? Stick with Gold BeES.
• Risk-takers and short-term traders? Silver BeES might be your playground.

Remember: more risk = more reward, but only if you play your cards right.

Storage and Purity: Who Wins Here?

• Both ETFs are backed by physical holdings.
• Gold BeES: 99.5% pure gold.
• Silver BeES: 99.9% pure silver.

No locker? No problem. These ETFs remove the hassle of safeguarding physical metal, and that’s a huge plus for urban investors.

🥇 Best Gold BeES in India (2025 Edition)

The Indian ETF market has quite a few Gold BeES options, but these five truly stand out.

1. Nippon India ETF Gold BeES

• Ticker: GOLDBEES
• AUM: ₹5,000+ Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.82%
• Pros: Oldest and most liquid Gold ETF in India
• Cons: Slightly higher expense ratio
• Why It Shines: Traded since 2007, this ETF has the highest trust and track record. Great for first-time investors looking for credibility.

2. HDFC Gold ETF

• AUM: ₹3,100 Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.55%
• Pros: Backed by HDFC’s strong brand
• Cons: Slightly lower liquidity
• Why It Shines: Low cost with decent performance. A sweet spot for cost-conscious investors.

3. SBI Gold ETF

• AUM: ₹2,800 Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.67%
• Pros: Backed by SBI, India’s most trusted bank
• Why It Shines: Solid institutional backing and moderate fees make it a secure pick.

4. Axis Gold ETF

• AUM: ₹1,400 Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.45%
• Pros: One of the lowest expense ratios
• Cons: Slightly less volume
• Why It Shines: Ideal for long-term players wanting to save on fees.

5. ICICI Prudential Gold ETF

• AUM: ₹2,500 Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.65%
• Pros: Balanced in terms of cost and liquidity
• Why It Shines: Great choice for well-rounded portfolios.

🥈 Best Silver BeES in India (2025 Edition)

Silver ETFs are relatively newer but catching up quickly. These are the top contenders this year:

1. Nippon India Silver BeES

• Ticker: SILVERBEES
• AUM: ₹1,000+ Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.75%
• Why It Glitters: India’s first silver ETF. Pure-play silver exposure with good liquidity.

2. ICICI Prudential Silver ETF

• AUM: ₹800 Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.60%
• Why It Glitters: Aggressively priced and growing in popularity among young investors.

3. HDFC Silver ETF

• AUM: ₹700 Cr
• Expense Ratio: ~0.58%
• Why It Glitters: Great if you’re already with HDFC. Stable returns with the convenience of single-ecosystem investing.

Investment Goals: Match Your Metal to Your Motive

🟡 Choose Gold BeES If:

• You’re aiming for long-term capital preservation.
• You want a low-risk hedge against inflation.
• You’re building a core portfolio asset.

⚪ Choose Silver BeES If:

• You want to diversify with a rising industrial metal.
• You’re up for short-term tactical plays.
• You’re ready for some volatility in pursuit of higher returns.

📊 Sample Investment Scenarios

Let’s play pretend with a ₹1,00,000 investment.

Note: These are indicative figures. Real returns may vary based on market dynamics.

SIP in Metal ETFs: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely!

• Both Gold BeES and Silver BeES allow SIPs through mutual fund platforms.
• Great way to average out cost and reduce the impact of short-term volatility.

Pro Tip: Use SIPs for Gold BeES and occasional lumpsum for Silver BeES if you’re riding on price cycles.

Behavioral Factors: How Emotions Play a Role

Gold triggers a sense of safety. It’s like your investment blankie during market chaos.

Silver, on the other hand, feels more like a lottery ticket—risky, thrilling, but not always rewarding.

Be honest about your emotional tolerance before diving into either one!

Portfolio Allocation: How Much Gold or Silver?

Most financial planners suggest:

• 10–15% of your portfolio in gold.
• 5–10% in silver (if you’re aggressive).

Too much of either? You’re walking on thin financial ice.

FAQs 

1. Is Gold BeES safer than Silver BeES?

Yes, generally. Gold BeES has a longer history, less volatility, and better liquidity—making it a more stable investment.

2. Can I hold both Gold BeES and Silver BeES?

Of course! Diversifying within precious metals is smart, especially when their performance cycles don’t align perfectly.

3. What are the charges involved?

Minimal. There’s a small expense ratio (0.5–1%), and usual brokerage and demat charges apply while buying or selling.

4. Can I do SIP in Gold BeES?

Yes! SIPs are available for both via most mutual fund and broker platforms.

5. Will Silver BeES outperform Gold BeES in the future?

Maybe. If industrial demand keeps rising and green tech keeps booming, silver has huge potential. But it comes with higher risk.

6. Do I need a demat account?

Yes. Since both are ETFs, you’ll need a demat and trading account to invest.

7. Are there any alternatives?

Yes! You can explore Sovereign Gold Bonds, digital gold, or even physical silver bars—though each comes with its own pros and cons.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the Gold BeES vs Silver BeES conundrum.

• If you’re the careful type who values consistency, Gold BeES is your golden goose.

• If you’re up for adventure and believe in future tech, Silver BeES could be your rocket to ride.

Ultimately, both have a role in a smart investor’s toolkit. The trick lies in knowing your goals, risk appetite, and how long you’re willing to stay in the game.