THE EQUITY EDGE: EQUITIES OUTSHINE OTHER ASSET CLASSES
When you think of investing in India, what comes to your mind first? Real estate? Gold? Bonds? Equity? While these are popular choices, there’s another asset class that’s been consistently outperforming the rest. Indian equities.
If you’ve ever wondered why equity seem to be outshining everything else, you’re not alone. In recent years, Indian equities have consistently delivered better long-term returns compared to other popular investment options.
More and more investors, both new and experienced, are turning towards equity because they’re offering something that these other asset classes often can’t:
- Better returns
- Growth potential.
According to a recent study by FundsIndia, Indian equities have outperformed all other asset classes over the long run, delivering an impressive 16% annual return over the past 20 years.
But how does this compare to other types of investments, and why are equities such a strong choice for long-term investors?
Let’s take a closer look.
A study from FundsIndia’s Wealth Conversations October 2024 report highlights the incredible performance of the NIFTY 50, one of India’s most widely tracked stock market indices.

The above data highlights that if you had invested in NIFTY 50 stocks at any point since 1999, and held onto your investment for at least 7 years, you would have earned more than 10% returns 83% of the time.
How different assets stack up?

1. Equities:
Indian Equity (Nifty 50 TRI): According to the data, Indian equities have delivered 15.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last 20 years. This clearly shows how much more successful equities can be in building wealth for long-term investors compared to other asset classes. Even in the last 10 years, Indian equities posted a strong 13.8% CAGR, showing resilience and steady growth.
Takeaway:
For long-term growth, equities offer compelling returns. However, Indian equities hold a slight edge for domestic investors over a 20-year period, as shown in the data.
2. Gold:
Gold has always been a popular safe-haven asset, especially in uncertain times. Over the last 20 years, the data shows gold returned 13.1% CAGR in INR. However, its 10- and 15-year returns (11.5% and 10.8%) are notably lower than those of equities. This suggests that while gold can provide stability, it may not offer the same growth potential as equities over extended periods.
Takeaway:
Gold serves as a good diversifier and a hedge against market volatility, but it doesn’t match the growth potential of equities, as evidenced by the data.
3. Real Estate:
Real estate investments are often valued for their potential to generate rental income and offer long-term stability, but it has shown moderate returns. The data reveals that over the last 20 years, real estate had delivered an 8.5% CAGR. While this is a positive return, it falls short of the growth seen in equities and even gold.
Takeaway:
Real estate is a tangible asset that can offer stability and income, but it lacks the high growth potential of equities. Additionally, real estate requires substantial upfront capital and may have lower liquidity which limits its appeal for those seeking faster capital gain.
4. Debt:
Debt is generally a conservative investment, known for its stable but relatively low returns. According to the data, debt investments have grown at an annual rate of 7.4% over the last 20 years. This lower return reflects the limited growth potential of debt instruments, which may struggle to outpace inflation over the long term.
Takeaway:
Debt investments are best suited for stability and income generation, but they fall short on wealth creation, especially compared to the growth potential of equities, as seen in the data.
Why Equities Outperform?
When comparing these asset classes over a 20-year view, the data confirms that equities are the top performer. Here’s why:
- Higher Growth Potential:
Equities represent ownership in businesses that can grow and adapt over time, unlike debt or real estate, which generally offer fixed returns or limited growth. - Inflation Hedge: Stocks tend to outperform inflation, as companies can adjust prices and maintain profitability even in inflationary times.
- Compounding Effect: Over decades, equities benefit from reinvested dividends and compounding, which boosts wealth accumulation far more effectively than other asset classes.
The Clear Winner: Equities as the Core of Wealth Building
In the world of investing, equities have consistently demonstrated their power as a long-term wealth-building asset. Indian equities have outpaced gold, real estate, and debt over the past two decades. This reflects their strong growth potential.
The “Equity Edge” comes from stocks’ ability to grow with the economy, adapt to market changes, and benefit from compounding. This makes them a powerful long-term investment.
Stocks are the key driver for significant wealth growth in a portfolio. While other investments have their place, they can’t match the potential of equities. Investors who commit to stocks with a steady, long-term approach can see strong results.
In today’s fast-changing economy, stocks remain a top choice, offering a path to financial growth and stability that few other investments can match.