Vedadots
Q5·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2022

Advantages of Inflation-Indexed Bonds

EconomyFinancial Markets & InstrumentsStatement-basedMediumStatic

Question

With reference to the Indian economy, what are the advantages of "Inflation-Indexed Bonds (IIBs)"? Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1.

    Government can reduce the coupon rates on its borrowing by way of IIBs.

  2. 2.

    IIBs provide protection to the investors from uncertainty regarding inflation.

  3. 3.

    The interest received as well as capital gains on IIBs are not taxable.

Options

a

1 and 2 only

Answer
b

2 and 3 only

c

1 and 3 only

d

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Because IIBs absorb the inflation risk (protecting the investor's real yield), the government is able to issue them at lower base coupon rates. Statement 3 is incorrect; the interest income and capital gains generated from IIBs are strictly taxable in India under existing income tax laws, lacking any special exemption.

Sovereign bonds inherently carry tax liabilities unless explicitly designated as "tax-free" bonds; IIBs offer no such blanket tax exemption.

Answer: (a).

Question details

Year

2022

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q5

Subject

Economy

Sub-topic

Financial Markets & Instruments

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

RBI Inflation Indexed Bonds G-Sec Guidelines

Same sub-topic — other years

Financial Markets & Instruments has appeared in multiple papers:

See all questions on Financial Markets & Instruments

Browse every tagged question across all years

Explore →