Lack of Liquidity in Household Wealth: A Growing Concern
As India's economy continues to grow, household wealth is also increasing, but the lack of liquidity in these assets is becoming a major concern. According to experts, the heavy dependence on traditional assets like property and gold is reducing flexibility and limiting the ability to access funds in emergencies.
Physical Assets Dominate Household Wealth
- 51% of wealth is held in real estate
- 15% is tied up in gold
- Only 5% is invested in equities
- 14% is kept in bank deposits
Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik has highlighted the issue, stating that only 20% of personal wealth in India is in financial assets, which is among the lowest globally. In contrast, countries like the US, Sweden, and Taiwan have a significantly higher share of financial assets.
Why Liquidity Matters
Liquidity is essential for accessing funds in emergencies, and assets like property and gold can be difficult to liquidate quickly. "You can't sell 10% of your flat if you need money," Kaushik said.
Gold: A Cautionary Tale
Value Research CEO Dhirendra Kumar has also warned against putting too much money into gold, citing its low returns and lack of compounding. "Gold in a locker doesn't compound," he said.
Central Banks Drive Gold Rally
Kumar attributed the recent rise in gold prices to central banks, particularly China, India, and Turkey, which are acquiring gold for security reasons. "The freezing of Russian central bank assets was the biggest trigger," he said.
Be Cautious: Avoid Herd Behaviour
Kumar advised investors to avoid going overboard with gold and to maintain a diversified portfolio. "Make sure it is not exceeding 10% or 5%," he said.
Equity and Fixed Income Should Remain Core
Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced portfolio with equity and fixed income as the core components, and adding a small amount of gold for diversification and de-risking.