These two investment instruments are often recommended for novice investors, but gold is often used as a hedge against inflation, and in some countries gold is also used as the monetary standard of the financial system. Fixed rate bonds will provide fixed returns that are distributed every 6 months, but the bond spread is smaller compared to gold. Gold is in physical form so the risk of theft or loss is higher. The liquidity of bonds is lower compared to gold, interest income (coupons) from bonds will be deducted from income tax, while capital gains from gold are not deducted from tax.