As the blue chips are down and the meltdown is eating jobs, young professionals are relying on the tried and tested investment in gold this festive season.

"One can't say when our MNCs start slashing our salary package or cut jobs. The markets being highly volatile,
I plan  to invest in gold," said Dhirender Kumar (25), an MNC executive. Ajit Kumar (30), a senior bank executive, has asked his mother to buy gold instead of investing money in the share market. 

Jewellers in the city have witnessed enhanced sales this Diwali as youngsters comprised the major chunk of their growing clientele. Another contributing factor is the stable price of the precious metal. Says Sudha Malhotra, of Roshan Bhai Jewellers at Lajpat Nagar, "A number of young professionals are buying gold coins and ornaments."

Various private and public sector banks, which are selling gold coins and bars, are also witnessing a rush of young customers.


Time to buy

MUMBAI: Gold sales continue to bring smiles to both vendor and buyer. "The price of gold has decreased at the right time to Rs 11,500 per ten gm. It is the right time to buy," said Ashok Minawala, chairman of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation. 60 tonnes of gold has been sold across India in the last six months.