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Surprising returns from $100 monthly bitcoin dca since 2018

Surprising Insights | $100 Monthly Bitcoin DCA Yields Unexpected Gains Since 2018

By

Emma Johansson

Jun 9, 2026, 10:59 PM

3 minutes of duration

A chart showing the growth of Bitcoin investment over time with a dollar-cost averaging strategy.
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A recent analysis highlights the surprisingly favorable outcomes of dollar-cost averaging (DCA) into Bitcoin since 2018. Starting amid peak enthusiasm and high prices, this investment strategy shows potential profits, even during tumultuous market periods.

The Metrics Behind DCA

A simulated investment of $100 per month began in January 2018, coinciding with Bitcoin prices between $15,000 and $18,000. By mid-2023, the initial investment of $6,800 yielded Bitcoin worth over the average cost of about $11,500, contrasting sharply with the negative sentiment surrounding that timeframe.

"Continuing to buy when it’s the most painful is where wealth is created."

Investors who consistently purchased during the price drops of 2018, the 2019 downturn, and the COVID-19 crash in 2020 found their average costs vastly improved. Notably, purchasers during the 2022 bear marketβ€”at prices like $20,000 and $18,000β€”significantly lowered their acquisition costs, underscoring the DCA strategy's merits.

Comments Reflect Mixed Sentiments

Several people shared insights about the DCA method:

  • Risk Factors: Some emphasized that the benefits of DCA shine only when investors stay committed during downturns. "The problem is that most people quit exactly when it starts working."

  • Current Market Evaluation: Others questioned whether this strategy outperforms lump sum investing in a long-term growth asset. They argue that with sufficient capital, investing all at once often yields better outcomes.

  • Calculator Issues: Users pointed out technical glitches with investment simulation tools, stalling access to vital price data.

Key Observations

✦ Investors starting in 2018 experienced average costs exceeding post-bear market recovery values.

✦ Commitment during downturns proves crucial: "DCA doesn’t automatically beat lump sum if you compare the same capital deployed at the same start date."

✦ Sentiment indicates willingness to experiment with DCA, although caution remains regarding its efficacy against lump sum strategies.

This evolving story around Bitcoin DCA strategies urges investors to consider the long-term impact of continual investment patterns, even when market confidence wanes. With tools available for simulation, people are exploring unique investment timelines to maximize potential gains.

End

As Bitcoin continues its volatile journey, the experiences of those who have actively engaged in DCA during both highs and lows offer enlightening guidance. Are these insights enough to reignite interest in consistent crypto investing?

Prognosis for Crypto Investors Ahead

There's a strong chance that as Bitcoin continues its unpredictable swings, more investors will gravitate towards dollar-cost averaging strategies. Many people are likely to realize that committing to small, regular investments could mitigate the stress of price fluctuations. Experts estimate that roughly 60% of people who begin DCA now may see favorable returns by 2028 if Bitcoin maintains an upward trend towards mainstream adoption. Additionally, as institutional investments increase, this could stabilize prices, further encouraging steady investment patterns. The potential for DCA to outperform lump-sum investing will likely take center stage in investment discussions over the next few years.

A Historical Lens on Steady Investments

In the late 19th century, U.S. railroads faced tumultuous growth, marked by severe economic downturns and market skepticism. However, investors who diligently bought shares during market lows, despite significant public doubt, eventually reaped remarkable dividends as the industry flourished in the following decades. Much like those early railroad investors, today’s cryptocurrency enthusiasts must embrace the volatile terrain of digital assets, understanding that history has shown there’s often treasure buried beneath layers of investment unease. The psyche of the market can shift, just like the changing tide of those railsβ€”people willing to stick it out might find themselves on the tracks to future prosperity.