SPONSORED: What is the best way to invest: monthly or lump sum?

As the tax year comes to an end, investors assess their retirement annuities and tax-free savings accounts.

They also ask: Why is there a variance in my monthly contribution returns? The short answer is that debit order investments benefit from down markets.

But what is the best way for you to invest? Last year, 2023, was a good year in the markets. A typical balanced or pension fund delivered a return of approximately 12%, much higher than the 5.1% inflation and 8% of cash. However, a monthly investment return does not always correspond to the return on the fund fact sheets. This can be because of:
• the initial low value of a monthly contribution; or
• the timing of monthly cash flows.

Initially, market returns have a low impact on a monthly investment as the fund value is low. The table here shows the impact of a 10% market return on a monthly contribution of R1 000 pm versus a lump sum of R12 000.

The table shows that the monthly growth is more for the lump sum investment. However, the timing of the cash flows also have an impact on the return. Monthly investments tend to perform better than a lump sum investment when the market first declines and then recovers. During a negative market cycle, a monthly investment will accumulate more units when the prices decline. When markets recover, there are more units in the portfolio, resulting in a higher return than a lump sum investment. The table below shows the difference between a negative and positive market cycle.

With a monthly investment, you can take more risks by investing in equities. If markets decline, the impact on a monthly investment will be less. For a lump sum investment, risk management through diversification is critical. Monthly vs lump sum? The answer is not as simple as choosing the one over the other: Remain focused on your long-term goals and invest consistently.

Contact me today!
Jaco Raulstone
Email: jacor@efw.co.za
Tel: 013 243 0212
Cell: 083 391 6273