Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

What does it Mean? The technique of buying a fixed dollar amount of a particular investment on a regular schedule, regardless of the share price. More shares are purchased when prices are low, and fewer shares are bought when prices are high.

Also referred to as a "constant dollar plan".
 
Investopedia Says... Eventually, the average cost per share of the security will become smaller and smaller. Dollar-cost averaging lessens the risk of investing a large amount in a single investment at the wrong time.

In the U.K., it is known as "pound-cost averaging".

Terms Related Links

Adding To A Loser
Automatic Investment Plan
Average Down
Average Up
Compounding
Dividend Reinvestment Plan - DRIP
Mutual Fund
Value Averaging
Voluntary Accumulation Plan

Terms Related Links
DCA: It Gets You In At The Bottom - We explain how dollar-cost averaging offers protection and opportunity in a sinking market.

Dollar-Cost Averaging Pays - Get the most out of your mutual fund by using this simple but powerful strategy.

Dollar-Cost Averaging With ETFs - If you are investing small amounts regularly into an exchange-traded fund, be sure to do it right.

Choosing Between Dollar-Cost And Value Averaging - Learn a low-risk strategy to avoid getting tangled up in market timing.

Fight The Good Dollar-Cost Averaging Fight - Stop sitting on the fence and learn both sides of this hot debate.

Special Feature: Mutual Funds - Mutual funds are an inexpensive and easy way to benefit from diversification and professional management. See our mutual fund feature for everything you need to know.

The Perks Of Dividend Reinvestment Plans - These plans offer shareholders a way to directly invest in some of the top companies without the commissions.

Are You A Disciplined Investor? - Follow these steps to properly set up and allocate your assets.

Financial Concepts: Dollar Cost Averaging - Learn the essentials of "buy low, sell high."

Start Investing With Only $1,000 - Growing a small sum poses big challenges.

Investing Books It Pays To Read - We provide some classic and lesser-known titles to add to your collection.

Reinvesting Capital Gains In Leveraged Portfolios - Don't get forced into action. Learn how to plan properly to avoid making rash decisions.

If I own stock that drops in price is this a sign that I should buy more?

Explosive Gains In Forex – Learn what makes the currency markets move with your exclusive free report!

Coattail Investor - Explore what stocks the world's top mutual funds and portfolio managers hold!

Investopedia's Advisor Finder - Find high quality, pre-screened financial advisors in your area that match your financial goals. Best of all - it's completely FREE!

A rocky market demands our discipline Click Here - Van Kampen Investments has guided generations of investors on their path to financial success. Learn about our disciplined approach.




add investopedia foot
www.investopedia.com