Investing in mutual funds can be the most powerful way to grow your wealth. However, the most puzzling factor for many is what and how to invest. Of the two most common methods, SIPs vs. lump sum investment has emerged at the forefront.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, which depend on the particular scenario of the individual. Hence, continue reading this piece to gain fundamental knowledge so that you can make an informed decision.
What are SIPs?
This is a scheme wherein a fixed amount of money is invested at specific monthly or quarterly intervals. It is akin to a recurring deposit in a mutual fund. Through this mechanism, you average your investment cost over time, which is conceptually known as rupee cost averaging.
Advantages of SIPs:
- Disciplined Investment: System Dipping allows for predetermined investment. The fixed deduction from your account helps you stay on track with rising market conditions.
- Rupee cost averaging: In this, you invest more during the share’s fall and fewer units when it goes up. This procedure reduces the effect of market volatility, resulting in an even lower average cost per unit in the long term.
- Less amount needed to start: The investment process through SIP can be started with relatively smaller amounts, increasing accessibility to the investors.
- Requires lesser human involvement: Once established, the process goes on almost autopilot.
Disadvantages of SIPs:
- If the market continuously rises, a lump sum investment generally generates more returns than an SIP.
- Rupee cost averaging benefits the most during volatile or falling markets. In a constantly increasing market, the returns could be marginally lower than a lump sum investment.
What are Lump Sum Investments?
This is investing a considerable amount of money at a time. This strategy usually gets adopted when you have all that available, such as in the case of a bonus, an inheritance, or selling a valuable asset.
Advantages of Lump Sum Investments:
- Higher returns are possible in bull markets: If the market performs well after investment, a lump sum may return much more than the SIP.
- Benefit from Compounding: You enjoy the compounding power much earlier by investing a more significant amount upfront.
Drawbacks of Lump Sum Investments:
- Timing the market is almost impossible. Investing a lump sum at a market peak may lead to a severe loss if it subsequently drops.
- Investing a large sum of money in one go during periods of high market volatility can be quite emotional.
SIPs vs. Lump Sum: Which One Should You Choose?
Here is a quick reference of the Difference between sip and lump sum to make it easier for you:
| Go for SIPs when | Go for a Lump Sum when |
| You have less to invest on a regular basis.
You wish to hedge the market risk. You prefer a disciplined and automated process. You are an absolute beginner. |
You have a huge sum lying in hand.
You can live with the vagaries of the market. You believe the market will rally further. |
Taking A Hybrid Approach
This approach gives a balanced strategy when considering lump sum or SIP investments. If you have a large amount, you can combine both instead of investing it all at once (lump sum) or spreading it entirely through regular instalments (SIP). It will mean investing some amount in current and, simultaneously, investing the balance amount to be invested by SIP over a defined time frame. This combined approach addresses the core question: Lump sum or sip, which is better?
Conclusion
There is no correct answer to the debate over SIPs vs. lump sum investments. Instead, the best approach depends on your financial scenario, risk-taking, and investment goals. Thus, with the insight of a financial advisor, you can get on the right path to a well-planned investment plan.