Gold tops savings options for investors: Rolex watches and US Treasury Bills compete

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 17, 2026, 03:24 IST
Gold
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A February 2026 study ranks gold, Rolex watches, and US Treasury Bills as the safest options for saving money. Gold leads with stable 13% annual returns, while luxury watches provide steady growth. Government bonds offer low-risk returns, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin deliver high profits but with high volatility. Diversifying assets can balance growth and security.

Safest investment

Gold remains the most reliable option for saving and growing money. Over the past five years, it gave an average annual return of 13% after adjusting for inflation. Experts say gold’s stability makes it the preferred choice for cautious investors.



Rolex watches next

Rolex watches ranked second in the study. Prices for these luxury watches rose every year from 2021 to 2025 without falling once. This consistency has made Rolex watches a popular alternative to traditional investments. While they do not earn as much as gold in terms of returns, they provide a safe way to preserve wealth and are easy to sell when needed.



Government securities

Among government securities, US Treasury Bills performed best. They returned an average of 3.4% per year and had very small price swings. Other bonds performed moderately: UK Gilts returned 4.2%, Canada Government of Canada Bonds 3.6%, Japan JGBs 2.6%, and Italy BTPS 2.2%. These bonds are considered low-risk and are suitable for investors looking to protect their money rather than chase high returns.



Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin had an average real return of 58.01%, far higher than gold or Rolex watches. However, its value fluctuates widely, making it a risky option. The study gave Bitcoin a lower overall score as a savings asset, despite high profits, because it is less predictable.



What to choose

Gold is best for stable, long-term growth. Rolex watches are reliable for those who want physical, valuable assets. Government bonds offer safety with modest returns. Cryptocurrencies may give high profits but carry high risk. A mix of these options can help investors balance growth and safety.


Tags:
  • Gold investment
  • Rolex watches
  • US Treasury Bills
  • Safe savings
  • Cryptocurrency risk