Dollar cost averaging

(DCA)

Investing a fixed amount at regular intervals regardless of price.

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What is dollar cost averaging?

Dollar cost averaging, or DCA, means buying a set amount of an asset at regular intervals, whatever the price at the time. Instead of trying to time the market, you spread purchases out.

How it works

Over time this can smooth out the effect of short-term price swings, since you buy more units when prices are low and fewer when they are high. It is a general approach, not a guarantee of a particular result.

Related terms

A contract whose value is based on an underlying asset.

A common reminder to investigate a project independently before making decisions.

The anxiety that drives people to buy an asset because its price is rising quickly.

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Your Luno app makes investing straightforward, with a clear and intuitive app experience we know you’ll love.