The Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) hit a new high of 5,232 on 24 June 2026, sparking fears that a market correction could be just around the corner. Due to loss aversion, even a temporary pullback can feel painful, causing investors to second-guess themselves despite having a long-term investment horizon. However, the fear of buying at a market peak often causes investors to wait indefinitely for a correction that may never arrive. It helps to remember that while periodic market setbacks gain more attention, long-term economic growth and corporate innovations historically push markets higher over time. If you have a S$100,000 windfall from a bonus, inheritance or years of accumulated savings, how should you deploy it today? Is it wiser to invest a single lump sum, or take a gradual dollar-cost averaging (DCA) approach?

What Is Lump Sum Investing?

Lump sum investing involves deploying a large amount of capital into the market at once rather than spreading it out over time....