Gold, Silver, or Property... Which gave the best returns this year, and where should you invest?

As the new year approaches, the biggest question regarding investment is where to put your money. According to last year's figures, gold and silver have outperformed the stock market and real estate in terms of returns.

With the new year just around the corner, the biggest question on people's minds is where to invest their money. They want good returns without too much risk. If we look at the figures from the past few years, gold and silver have outperformed the stock market and real estate in terms of returns this century. Especially in recent years, these two precious metals have given investors surprising profits. So, let's find out which of gold, silver, or property gave the best returns this year, and where you can invest your money now.

Gold becomes a superstar in terms of returns

At the end of 1999, the price of gold was around ₹4,400 per 10 grams, which has now increased to more than ₹1.4 lakh. This means that in about 25 years, gold has given a CAGR return of 14.3 percent. Amidst inflation, global instability, and fluctuations in the dollar, gold has not only remained a safe investment for Indian investors but has also become a source of excellent earnings. In the last five years, gold has given a return of more than 180 percent. And in 2025 alone, gold has risen by almost 80 percent.

Silver's pace has also surprised everyone

Silver, which was once called the poor man's gold, has now attracted the attention of big investors. In 1999, the price of silver was around ₹8,100 per kg, which has now reached around ₹2.3 to ₹2.5 lakh per kg. Silver has given a CAGR return of approximately 14.1 percent. In the last 5 years, silver has given a return of more than 300 percent, while in 2025 alone, it has seen a surge of more than 150 percent. According to experts, the increasing demand in the solar industry, electric vehicles, and the semiconductor sector has been a major reason for this.

What has been the property market's performance?

Real estate has been a favorite asset for Indian families, but its performance has been mixed in recent years. While property prices have increased in many cities, the returns have generally been limited to 8 to 12 percent annually. Although property offers the advantage of both rental income and personal use, its lack of liquidity is a major drawback.

What to invest in for 2026?

According to market experts, gold and silver are likely to remain strong in 2026 as well. However, achieving the kind of rapid returns seen in 2025 might be difficult. Experts believe that gold prices could reach ₹1.50 to ₹1.65 lakh per 10 grams, while silver could reach ₹2.30 to ₹2.50 lakh per kilogram. Experts believe that silver is more volatile, therefore offering potentially higher returns. Investing in gold through SIPs or ETFs is considered a safer and better option.