25 April, 2022
Can you predict the increase (or decrease) in the closing value of the emerging-market equity index three years from now? Without a crystal ball, it is impossible to correctly estimate future market trends, not to mention the ability to identify the best time to invest. If investors wish to reduce volatility and benefit from long-term growth when the markets move up and down, the automatically executed strategy of dollar cost averaging may be a feasible choice.
It is the practice of regularly investing a fixed dollar amount in a specific investment – regardless of fluctuations in the market price. As a result, an individual buys more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high.
Financial markets fluctuate, so it is often difficult to choose the best time to invest.
No single investment strategy guarantees easy profits or significant returns. So, it’s important to find a viable long-term approach that matches your risk appetite, financial goals, and budget. Here are the merits of dollar cost averaging:
Diversification
There is no free lunch. But Diversification comes close in investing. A diversified portfolio was shown to have the ability to optimize returns with lower volatility in the long run. Divergence in the performance of portfolios can be attributed to asset allocation.
Review and rebalance: navigating waves of volatility
Market volatility is unavoidable. So, how should investors stay calm and ride through market ups and downs? It’s important to review and rebalance portfolios, so your investment can remain on track.
Plan for retirement with inflation in mind
To live comfortably in sliver age, your goal should not be merely to accumulate assets worth a nominal value. Inflation should also be considered to ensure an investment appreciates over the years, so its real purchasing power can satisfy your retirement needs.
Source: MSCI and Bloomberg, as of 28 February 2022. Total returns in US dollars.
Source: Bloomberg and MSCI, as of 31 December 2017. Total returns in US dollars. Index value is rebased as US$ 10 (initial unit price) on 31 January 2013. Monthly investment is made on every month end at rebased unit price. As of 31 May 2018, the geographical allocations of MSCI Emerging markets index are as follows: China (31.74%), South Korea (15.36%), Taiwan (11.65%), India (8.48%), South Africa (6.47%) and others (26.3%). The example mentioned is for illustrative purpose only. The information neither indicates any actual portfolio holdings nor constitutes any investment recommendation or advice. Different investments have different volatile patterns. Past performance is not an indicative of future performance.
The lump-sum approach could be more familiar to investors, many of whom already have relevant experience with equities, bonds, and funds. While both strategies have their own unique characteristics, returns may vary significantly under different market conditions. Market consensus leans towards a belief that if asset prices keep rising, then lump-sum investing provides better returns for calm and seasoned investors, but we should also bear in mind that:
Time in the market will almost always be better than timing the market. Investment is a long-term venture that can potentially reward the patient with positive returns, while impulsive investors may experience losses.
Dollar cost averaging provides investors with a disciplined investment strategy that is easy to apply. Once the instruction is set, this approach automatically allocates regular fixed amounts regardless of market conditions and psychological factors, which helps avoid erroneous decisions. If investors believe this strategy could help them achieve their goals, they should actively identify assets with long-term growth potential and initiate a monthly investment plan.
1 Source: MSCI, as of 28 February 2022. Total returns in US dollars. Index value is rebased as US$ 10 (initial unit price) on 30 March 2018. Monthly investment is made on every month end at rebased unit price. As of 28 February 2022, the geographical allocations of MSCI Emerging markets index are as follows: China (31.76%), Taiwan (16.15%), India (12.37%), South Korea (12.26%), Brazil (4.98%) and others (22.48%). The example mentioned is for illustrative purpose only. The information neither indicates any actual portfolio holdings nor constitutes any investment recommendation or advice. Different investments have different volatile patterns. Past performance is not an indicative of future performance.
Cash is king?
Amid volatile market conditions and higher interest rates, seeking security by burying your savings in a deposit account is tempting. As the saying goes, “cash is king”. Or is it?
Debunking investment myths to navigate market volatility
With equities, bonds and major foreign currencies falling in tandem in 2022, investors’ portfolio performance was inevitably dragged lower too. This is triggering plenty of questions about markets and investment planning. Let’s debunk some common investment myths and discuss ways to navigate market volatility.
Diversification
There is no free lunch. But Diversification comes close in investing. A diversified portfolio was shown to have the ability to optimize returns with lower volatility in the long run. Divergence in the performance of portfolios can be attributed to asset allocation.
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