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Should you start dollar cost averaging now or wait?

DCA Debate | Should You Start Now or Wait Until 2026?

By

Ian Thompson

Nov 22, 2025, 10:17 PM

3 minutes reading time

A person analyzing financial charts with upward trends and dollar signs, representing dollar-cost averaging.

A growing conversation has emerged among crypto enthusiasts about whether to adopt a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy now or hold off until a potential market drop in 2026. With various opinions circulating, some believe starting now is the best move, while others suggest waiting for better prices.

Market Sentiment Shaken by Uncertainties

Many community members argue that the current price movements stir doubts about when to begin investing.

"Now the 'dip' might never come, bud," remarked one contributor.

This statement reflects the growing sentiment that waiting could lead to missed opportunities. Others urge immediate action, emphasizing that "the beautiful thing about DCA is that price action is already baked in."

Calculating the Risks: Immediate vs. Delaying

While some delay plans to snag a better price, others impose a clear rationale around starting today. The anecdotal evidence indicates a divide:

  • Active Investors:

    • "You should have started yesterday. The second-best time to start is today."

    • Starting now allows accumulating potentially lucrative assets over time.

  • Risk-Takers:

    • Comments suggest that market timing could lead to losses. "You could wait for the dip that does not exist," one remarked.

The DCA Strategy: A Proven Approach?

This debate isn't just theoretical. Investors are split on the merits of starting early versus waiting for a drop.

  • Proponents of Immediate Investment:

    • Emphasize the long-term benefits and better returns.

    • "The sooner you start, the better off youโ€™ll be long-term," claims a savvy investor.

  • Cautious Viewpoints:

    • Some are hesitant, believing they can time the coast more efficiently.

    • "If you're asking should I squirrel my fiat? I would DCA now and lump in later when I know it will be cheaper?"

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ A Majority of Comments Support Immediate Investment:

    Many firmly believe the best strategy is to start accumulating now.

  • **โ–ฝ Concerns About Timing:

    Experts warn that waiting for a dip is speculative and could lead to missed gains.**

  • โ€ป โ€œYou donโ€™t know which outcome youโ€™ll get.โ€

    The unpredictability of the crypto market is evident across discussions.

As this conversation unfolds, the tension between immediate and delayed investment strategies continues to shape user actions in the crypto landscape. Will 2026 be a retreat into past mistake, or will today mark the turning point for many? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Investors in Crypto?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the push for immediate dollar-cost averaging will gain momentum in the coming months. As more people join the conversation, likely around 60% may opt to start investing now instead of waiting for a dip. This trend could be fueled by the fear of missing out on potential gains. If market conditions hold stable in late 2025, we might see greater confidence in continuous investment strategies. Conversely, if a significant downturn occurs, estimated to have a 40% probability, it could lead to a swift reevaluation of these strategies and prompt many to shift their approach.

A Historical Reflection: The Great Gold Rush

The current situation mirrors the fervor of the Great Gold Rush in the 19th century, where eager prospectors often took significant risks in hopes of striking it rich. Just like todayโ€™s crypto investors weighing timing against potential rewards, those fortune-seekers had to decide between waiting for the perfect spot or starting the search immediately. Many missed out on opportunities due to indecision, while some who invested early found themselves building lasting wealth through perseverance, despite market volatility. This historical parallel emphasizes that while market timing can be elusive, consistent effort and strategy often yield the best outcomes.