Over the past decade, the Nifty TRI index has outperformed other investment options, delivering the highest return, closely followed by gold. SBI's 10-year fixed deposits scheme lagged behind at No. 3 position. While historical data provides important insights, future performance of the same asset class may vary, emphasising the importance of diversified investment strategies.

Gold vs Nifty 50 vs FD: Which has given highest return on Rs 1 lakh investment in 10 years?

10-Year Investment Showdown: Gold, Nifty 50 TRI, and Fixed Deposits

The age-old question for investors: Gold, stocks, or fixed income – which reigns supreme? There's no crystal ball, but examining the past decade offers valuable insight. We compare three distinct asset classes – physical gold (represented by a top-performing gold ETF), the Nifty 50 TRI index (reflecting India's top 50 companies including dividends), and a fixed deposit (FD) from SBI – to see how a ₹1 lakh investment fared.

Gold's Gleam:

Gold, often a hedge against inflation, can be unpredictable. Using the Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold Fund - Direct Plan (as of August 26, 2025) as our benchmark, a ₹1 lakh investment yielded a 13.46% annualized return over 10 years.

Result: ₹3,53,531

Nifty 50 TRI's Triumph:

The Nifty 50 TRI index, a comprehensive measure of India's leading companies (including dividends), reflects the dynamism of the Indian stock market. Its performance, while volatile, has shown impressive growth.

August 26, 2015: 10,348
August 26, 2025: 37,138

This translates to a robust 13.62% annualized return.

Result: ₹3,58,548

Fixed Deposit's Stability:

Fixed Deposits, known for their stability, offer predictable returns albeit generally lower than equity or gold. Using SBI's 10-year FD rate on August 26, 2015 (8.25%), we see a steadier, yet more conservative, growth path.

Result: ₹2,26,281

The Verdict:

Over the past 10 years, the Nifty 50 TRI index edged out gold with a slightly higher return. Fixed deposits lagged considerably. However, remember: past performance is not indicative of future results. This analysis highlights the importance of diversification and aligning your investment strategy with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.