'Over 30 years...': Financial advisor's gold vs lifestyle chart shows yellow metal has outpaced inflation

By Admin

17 Jun, 2025

Gold isn’t just a sparkling metal   it’s a quiet warrior against time, turbulence, and economic unpredictability. Over three decades, while inflation chipped away at the value of currency and the cost of living skyrocketed, gold not only preserved wealth   it amplified it. On June 16, 2025, that legacy was reaffirmed when 24-karat gold prices crossed ₹1,01,078 per 10 grams on MCX futures, a historic milestone that echoed across physical markets in major cities and reignited investor interest.

A Powerful Symbol, A Proven Performer

Gold has long held a dual role in Indian culture a symbol of prosperity and a strategic store of value. From heirlooms passed down generations to wedding trousseaus and now digital investments, gold has stood the test of time in Indian households, comprising 16–25% of total wealth. But recent numbers prove this isn’t just about sentiment it’s smart strategy.

Alok Jain’s Chart: Gold vs Lifestyle

In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Alok Jain, founder of Weekend Investing, shared a fascinating gold-versus-lifestyle chart that captured the essence of gold’s resilience:

1996: Gold ~ ₹5 lakh/kg. Dinner at a 5-star: ₹500 (1 gm), BMW 3 Series: ₹25 lakh (5 kg), 4BHK in South Delhi: ₹30 lakh (6 kg), Europe trip for 2: ₹3 lakh (0.6 kg)
2025: Gold ~ ₹100 lakh/kg. Dinner: ₹7,000 (0.7 gm), BMW 3 Series: ₹60 lakh (0.6 kg), 4BHK South Delhi: ₹6 crore (6 kg), Europe trip for 2: ₹6 lakh (0.06 kg)”

His message was strikingly clear gold hasn’t just preserved purchasing power   it has often exceeded it. From fine dining to foreign holidays, from cars to luxury homes, the cost of lifestyle in "gold terms" has remained stable or even declined, underscoring gold’s unmatched financial resilience.

Rise of Financial Gold

India is also witnessing a growing shift toward financial gold. In May 2025 alone, investors poured ₹292 crore into gold ETFs. Gujarat, a traditional gold-loving state, registered a 27% rise in ETF assets between January and April. Factors such as rising crude prices, stock market volatility, and global geopolitical tensions have all driven this trend, signaling a growing preference for secure, inflation-beating assets.

Looking Ahead

Even as some analysts predict short-term corrections, the long-term consensus is robust: gold is here to stay   and soar. Its historical performance, cultural relevance, and growing demand in both physical and digital forms make it a cornerstone for anyone serious about protecting and growing wealth.

Gold has proven its strength not just in charts and portfolios   but in everyday life. As it crosses the ₹1 lakh milestone, one truth is clearer than ever: gold isn’t just an asset. It’s assurance.