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Worried About Investing at Market Highs? Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) Can Help
Macro
Charu Chanana
Chief Investment Strategist
Markets at all-time highs often leave investors with a tough decision — should you jump in now or wait for a pullback? The fear of "buying at the top" is real, but sitting on the sidelines can mean missing out on long-term growth. Instead of trying to time the market, investors can consider Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) as a more measured approach.
What is Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)?
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) is an investment strategy where you divide your total investment amount into smaller, regular contributions over time. Instead of investing a lump sum all at once, you invest the same fixed amount on a regular schedule, regardless of the market’s price movements.
By consistently investing, DCA smooths out the impact of market volatility. This approach allows you to buy whole shares, purchasing more when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, resulting in a balanced average cost.
How Does DCA Work?
To understand how DCA works, let’s consider a simple example:
- Imagine you have $12,000 to invest in a stock or an exchange-traded fund (ETF).
- Instead of investing the entire amount on day one, you decide to invest $1,000 each month for 12 months.
- Since you can only buy whole shares, any leftover cash is carried over to the next month. Here’s how it might play out:
Summary:
- Total invested = $12,000
- Total shares purchased = 125 shares (all whole shares)
- Cash remaining = $43 (carried over)
- Average cost per share = $96.00
If you had invested the full $12,000 at the start of the year when the share price was $100, you would have purchased 120 shares. But by using DCA, you bought more shares during the dips, ending up with 125 shares at a lower average cost per share of $96.00.
Why Should Investors Use DCA?
DCA offers a systematic approach to investing, especially during periods of uncertainty. Here’s why it works so well:
- Reduces emotional decision-making: It’s difficult to predict market tops or bottoms. DCA eliminates the pressure to "get the timing right." By following a set schedule, you avoid the emotional trap of chasing highs or selling lows.
- Lowers the risk of investing at the top: When you invest in regular intervals, you reduce the risk of putting a large amount into the market just before a correction.
- Takes advantage of market dips: When prices fall, your regular investment amount buys more shares, giving you a lower average cost per share.
- Builds discipline and consistency: Investing on a schedule turns investing into a habit, making it easier to stay on track with long-term goals.
When Should You Use DCA?
DCA works well in a range of market conditions, but it is particularly useful in the following situations:
- When markets are at all-time highs: Many investors worry about buying at the peak, but DCA provides a way to "ease into" the market rather than going all in.
- When you're nervous about volatility: If you expect markets to be choppy, DCA allows you to spread your investment over time and potentially benefit from price drops.
- When you have a lump sum to invest: Instead of investing it all at once, splitting it into smaller, consistent payments can make you feel more comfortable about market uncertainty.
DCA can be applied to both stocks and ETFs, making it a versatile strategy for different types of portfolios.
Pros and Cons of DCA
Like any investment strategy, DCA has its strengths and limitations. Here’s a balanced view:
Benefits of DCA
- Lowers the risk of "bad timing" by spreading investments over time.
- Reduces stress since you don't have to worry about short-term market fluctuations.
- Makes it easier to start investing, especially if you’re hesitant about current market levels.
- Can be automated with investment apps and platforms, creating a “set-it-and-forget-it” system.
Drawbacks of DCA
- If markets rise steadily, you may have been better off investing the full amount at the beginning.
- It requires patience, as you are only partially invested at any point in time.
- If you have a long-term horizon and the market is expected to grow, lump-sum investing could generate higher returns.
How DCA Compares to Lump Sum Investing
One of the biggest debates among investors is whether to invest a lump sum all at once or to stagger it using DCA. Research has shown that lump-sum investing tends to outperform DCA in the majority of market scenarios because markets generally trend higher over time.
However, DCA is more about managing risk and emotions than about maximizing returns. If you are concerned about volatility or feel anxious about investing a large sum all at once, DCA allows you to participate in market growth while reducing your exposure to sharp corrections.
Practical Tips to Start Using DCA
- Set a schedule: Decide how frequently you will invest (e.g., monthly or bi-weekly) and commit to the plan.
- Choose an investment vehicle: DCA works well with ETFs, index funds, and individual stocks. ETFs are particularly useful because they offer diversification.
- Automate your contributions: Many brokerage platforms allow you to set up recurring contributions, so you don't have to worry about missing a month.
- Stick with the plan: It can be tempting to "pause" investments during market declines, but remember that DCA works best when you maintain consistency.