Dollar Cost Averaging

Can averaging into the market improve your returns?

The volatility in the market over the past few years has made it difficult for some investors to stay the course. If you maintained your investment discipline through the down market, you were nicely rewarded over the past year.  If it was too much to bear and you now find yourself with cash on the side, you are probably in the unenviable position of trying to figure out when to get back in. 

Most investors will make these decisions based on emotion.  It is human nature to feel more comfortable once things “get better.”  Unfortunately, you will likely be buying at a market peak if you use this approach.  You are also unlikely to be willing to invest money in the face of extreme negativity in the market even though it is more likely you are buying on a dip. 

What to do?  Remove your emotions by dollar cost averaging and potentially improve your long-term returns.

• Set a specific amount and specific day of the month to invest. 
• Stay with the strategy until you have made your way back to the market. 
• If the market drops, your purchases may be at lower levels. 
• If the market increases you may see gains on the money you invested in previous months. 

Please contact your Heartland Shareholder Services Team to discuss what might be appropriate for dollar amounts and dates given your needs.  We can be reached at 800-432-7856 between the hours of 8:00am and 7:00pm Central time.

Dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit and does not protect against a loss in a declining market. The strategy involves a continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating prices. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue purchases through periods of low price levels.