As inflation ‘swindles everybody’, explore these investment avenues for wealth creation

Before you choose an investment option in your quest for wealth creation, make sure its returns keep you ahead of inflation. The oracle of Omaha Warren Buffett once rightly said that ‘inflation swindles almost everybody’.

“Inflation swindles the bond investor. It swindles the person who keeps their cash under their mattress. It swindles almost everybody,” he had remarked then.

So, it is important for investors to consider this as a key factor while evaluating the growth potential and risks associated with different investment avenues.

As an inflationary environment erodes the purchasing power of money, it is essential to choose investments that have the potential to outpace inflation and keep one’s investment intact.

So, you can opt for these investment avenues to battle the menace of inflation:

Equity: It goes without saying that equities help in long term wealth creation. So, one important investment avenue that can potentially provide growth in an inflationary environment is equity. Historically, stocks have demonstrated the ability to outperform inflation over the long term.

As companies raise the prices of their products to keep pace with inflation, their profitability, and thereby value of their shares tends to rise, providing investors with real returns. However, it is crucial to conduct a thorough research and analysis before investing in individual stocks to minimise the risks associated with market volatility.

Real estate: Besides financial instruments, investing in property is an investment in thereal sense that barely fails to enthuse investors. Property prices have historically risen with inflation, enabling investors to preserve and even grow their wealth.

Additionally, real estate can generate regular rental income, which can also provide a hedge against inflation. However, it is important to consider the location, demand, and liquidity of the property before making any investment decisions.

ALSO READ: Planning to buy a house? First make sure to tick these ten boxes

Fixed income instruments: Investing in fixed-income securities, such as bonds or fixed deposits, may also be a viable option. Inflation-indexed bonds or bonds with fixed interest rates that are higher than the rate of inflation can safeguard your investment against the effect of inflation.

However, the potential growth may be limited compared to equities or real estate. Additionally, the risks associated with fixed-income securities include interest rate risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk.

Precious metals: They can also provide a hedge against inflation as their prices tend to rise during periods of high inflation. Investing in precious metals such as gold or silver can help protect your investment against the erosion of purchasing power. However, commodities can be volatile in the short term and may require a thorough understanding of the market before investing.

ALSO READ: How to battle menace of inflation in your quest for financial freedom?

Mutual funds: Last but certainly not the least, mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide diversification and potential growth in an inflationary environment. These investment vehicles pool money from multiple investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, including stocks, bonds, and commodities.

By spreading the investments across different asset classes, mutual funds and ETFs aim to reduce the risks associated with individual assets while potentially benefiting from inflation.

However, it is vital to note that all investment avenues come with their own set of risks, and past performance is not a guarantee for future results. In an inflationary environment, it is crucial to carefully assess the potential risks and rewards of each investment option based on one’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

In conclusion, while an inflationary environment may pose challenges for investments, there are multiple avenues with growth potential. Investing in equities, real estate, fixed-income securities, commodities, and mutual funds offer opportunities to outpace inflation.