RBI Bulletin Study: Gold Safest Asset in Geopolitical Stress
Why in the news
An RBI bulletin study found gold steadiest and crude oil most sensitive when geopolitical risk rises.
Key facts
- Authored by RBI staff guided by Poonam Gupta; views are theirs, not official RBI policy.
- Measured against the Geopolitical Risk (GPR) Index; high gold prices in 2022–2025 mirror global uncertainty.
Asset response
| Asset | Sensitivity | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Lowest | Safe haven, inflation hedge, store of value |
| Silver | Middle | Industrial demand adds volatility, still below crude |
| US Treasuries | Steadily rising volatility | Flight to safety, shifting capital flows |
| Crude oil | Highest | Supply disruptions, conflicts, sanctions |
Exam angle
- Source: RBI monthly bulletin; index: GPR.