Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)

Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is an investment strategy where an investor consistently invests a fixed amount of money into a particular asset or portfolio at regular intervals, regardless of the asset’s price. This approach results in buying more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high, helping to reduce the impact of market volatility over time.

Key Benefits:

Reduces Timing Risk: Since you invest regardless of market conditions, you avoid the risk of making large investments at market peaks.
Builds Discipline: Encourages consistent investing habits and can help investors stay focused on long-term goals.
Smooths Out Price Fluctuations: By spreading purchases across different market levels, you average the cost per share over time, potentially lowering your overall purchase price.

Example:

Suppose you invest $500 per month into a mutual fund. In a month where the price per share is $50, you buy 10 shares. If the price drops to $25 the next month, your $500 buys 20 shares. Over time, you may achieve a lower average cost per share than if you had invested a lump sum all at once.

DCA is especially popular among long-term investors, such as those contributing regularly to retirement accounts, as it helps them steadily build wealth without trying to “time the market.” However, it’s worth noting that in rising markets, lump-sum investing may sometimes outperform DCA, but DCA remains valuable for managing risk.

Recurring Investment Feature in Client Portal

IBKR offers an automatic recurring investment feature that allows account holders to set up scheduled investments. Account holders can specify the cash amount, asset, and schedule (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) for automatic purchases. Trades are executed near market open on the specified dates. The minimum investment amount is 10 in most currencies (100 for SEK).

Purchases are made through VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price) orders at market open, with all participants receiving the same weighted-average price. Standard commissions apply. If markets are closed on a scheduled date, the investment will occur on the next trading day.

Limitations:

Only available for US, Canadian and European stocks/ETFs that are eligible for fractional trading

Account must have fractional share trading enabled

Only available to clients under IBLLC, IBUK, IBAU, IBCAN, IBCE, IBIE, IBHK, or IBSG

Not available to Belgian retail clients

Requires sufficient funds in the account

Cannot be used while borrowing on margin

Information on Other Interactive Brokers Affiliates

Interactive Brokers Canada Inc.

Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd.

Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited

Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd.

Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc.

Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd.

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