Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) means investing a fixed sum on a regular schedule — say monthly — regardless of the price on the day. When prices are low the fixed sum buys more units; when they are high it buys fewer. Over time this averages out the entry price and removes the pressure to "time" the market.
The real benefit is behavioural. By automating the decision, DCA sidesteps the temptation to wait for a perfect moment that never feels right, and it blunts the regret of buying just before a drop. It enforces discipline through volatility.
It is not a guarantee of profit, and research suggests that investing a lump sum at once has often beaten DCA on average simply because markets tend to rise over time. DCA's edge is psychological steadiness and risk-spreading, not a promise of higher returns.
Exemple concret
Investing $200 on the first of every month automatically buys more shares in the cheap months and fewer in the expensive ones.
This definition is general education, not investment advice. Markets — especially crypto — are volatile and you can lose money. Please read our avertissement and see our méthodologie.
Termes associés
Questions fréquentes
Que signifie Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) ?
Investir un montant fixe à intervalles réguliers quel que soit le prix, de sorte que vous achetez plus d'unités quand les prix sont bas et moins quand ils sont hauts.
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) est-il un terme lié aux cryptomonnaies ou à la bourse ?
Il s'applique aussi bien aux cryptomonnaies qu'aux marchés boursiers traditionnels.
Cette définition de Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) constitue-t-elle un conseil financier ?
Non. Le glossaire de Market Capitalize est pédagogique : il explique des termes et des concepts, ce n'est jamais une recommandation d'achat ou de vente. Consultez notre avertissement.