OriginaveLump sum vs DCA
Every year side by side — how $10,000 performed invested all at once versus as monthly dollar-cost averaging.
Ticker
VTtracks the FTSE Global All Cap Index
Every year of VT: 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) | +11.93% | $11,193 | +7.49% | $10,375 | Lump sum |
| 2025 | +22.43% | $12,243 | +13.01% | $11,301 | Lump sum |
| 2024 | +16.49% | $11,649 | +6.55% | $10,655 | Lump sum |
| 2023 | +22.02% | $12,202 | +11.72% | $11,172 | Lump sum |
| 2022 | -18.00% | $8,200 | -5.18% | $9,482 | DCA |
| 2021 | +18.27% | $11,827 | +8.39% | $10,839 | Lump sum |
| 2020 | +16.59% | $11,659 | +22.63% | $12,263 | DCA |
| 2019 | +26.81% | $12,681 | +12.12% | $11,212 | Lump sum |
| 2018 | -9.76% | $9,024 | -10.38% | $8,962 | Lump sum |
| 2017 | +24.50% | $12,450 | +11.96% | $11,196 | Lump sum |
| 2016 | +8.50% | $10,850 | +6.45% | $10,645 | Lump sum |
| 2015 | -1.86% | $9,814 | -3.05% | $9,695 | Lump sum |
| 2014 | +3.68% | $10,368 | +0.92% | $10,092 | Lump sum |
| 2013 | +22.94% | $12,294 | +13.04% | $11,304 | Lump sum |
| 2012 | +17.12% | $11,712 | +8.44% | $10,844 | Lump sum |
| 2011 | -7.51% | $9,249 | -7.19% | $9,281 | DCA |
| 2010 | +13.08% | $11,308 | +14.32% | $11,432 | DCA |
| 2009 | +32.66% | $13,266 | +26.10% | $12,610 | Lump sum |
| 2008 | -33.05% | $6,695 | -20.89% | $8,782 | DCA |