Seventh tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds opens on February 27

The government will launch the 7th tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds on Monday under which people will be able to buy securities worth up to 500 grams of the metal. This would be the last offering for the current fiscal. "Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 201617-Series IV. Applications for the bond will be accepted from February 27 to March 3," the Finance Ministry said. The bonds will be issued to eligible applicants on March 17, 2017, it added. An alternative mode of investment to physical gold, the SBG scheme was launched in November 2015. It provides investors a choice to diversify portfolio without the need to buy the metal in physical form, reports PTI.

So far, the government has come out with six tranches of the SGB. The bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges, NSE and BSE. Government mobilised Rs 3,060 crore from five tranches. The Reserve Bank issues bonds on behalf of the government. "The (SGB) investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value of investment," the ministry said. The tenor of the bonds will be for a period of 8 years with exit option from 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.

Payment for the bonds will be through cash payment (up to a maximum of Rs 20,000) or demand draft or cheque or electronic banking. The maximum amount subscribed by an entity will not be more than 500 grams per person per fiscal year. A self- declaration to this effect will be obtained. In case of joint holding, the investment limit of 500 grams will be applied to the first applicant only. Price of bond will be fixed in rupees on the basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers’ Association Limited for the week (Monday to Friday) preceding the subscription period.