OriginaveLump sum vs DCA
Every year side by side — how $10,000 performed invested all at once versus as monthly dollar-cost averaging.
Ticker
ACWItracks the MSCI ACWI Index
Every year of ACWI: lump sum vs DCA
For every year, the same $10,000 invested two ways: everything on day one (lump sum) or in twelve monthly parts (dollar-cost averaging). Percentages are measured on the money actually paid in, dividends included.
Years compared
19
each with the same $10,000
Lump sum won
14
all in on day one
DCA won
5
spread over the months
| Year | Lump sum result | Lump sum end value | DCA result | DCA end value | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (so far) | +11.66% | $11,166 | +7.59% | $10,379 | Lump sum |
| 2025 | +22.41% | $12,241 | +12.99% | $11,299 | Lump sum |
| 2024 | +17.45% | $11,745 | +6.98% | $10,698 | Lump sum |
| 2023 | +22.27% | $12,227 | +11.66% | $11,166 | Lump sum |
| 2022 | -18.39% | $8,161 | -5.41% | $9,459 | DCA |
| 2021 | +18.66% | $11,866 | +8.98% | $10,898 | Lump sum |
| 2020 | +16.34% | $11,634 | +21.66% | $12,166 | DCA |
| 2019 | +26.59% | $12,659 | +11.85% | $11,185 | Lump sum |
| 2018 | -9.12% | $9,088 | -9.88% | $9,012 | Lump sum |
| 2017 | +24.33% | $12,433 | +11.95% | $11,195 | Lump sum |
| 2016 | +8.40% | $10,840 | +6.33% | $10,633 | Lump sum |
| 2015 | -2.21% | $9,779 | -3.15% | $9,685 | Lump sum |
| 2014 | +3.83% | $10,383 | +0.95% | $10,095 | Lump sum |
| 2013 | +22.38% | $12,238 | +12.89% | $11,289 | Lump sum |
| 2012 | +16.75% | $11,675 | +8.15% | $10,815 | Lump sum |
| 2011 | -7.82% | $9,218 | -7.05% | $9,295 | DCA |
| 2010 | +12.78% | $11,278 | +14.38% | $11,438 | DCA |
| 2009 | +32.36% | $13,236 | +26.17% | $12,617 | Lump sum |
| 2008 | -35.29% | $6,471 | -26.59% | $7,784 | DCA |