Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/321669 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Citation: 
[Journal:] Cogent Economics & Finance [ISSN:] 2332-2039 [Volume:] 12 [Issue:] 1 [Article No.:] 2426539 [Year:] 2024 [Pages:] 1-19
Publisher: 
Taylor & Francis, Abingdon
Abstract: 
This study explores long-term investment strategies for individuals in European countries who have limited initial capital and may have no expertise in financial economics. We compare three strategies-Cost Average Plan (CAP), Bank Deposits Plan (BDP), and Buy and Hold (BnH)-by analyzing their risk and performance across six European Monetary Union (EMU) countries: France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, using data from January 2003 to December 2023. CAP is ideal for individuals aiming to build wealth gradually by investing a fixed amount monthly in an ETF that tracks an index, while BDP involves saving money in a bank account. This analysis also aligns with the European Commission's Pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP) guidelines. The findings reveal that CAP generally outperforms monthly bank deposits, making it a better choice for those unable to invest large sums upfront, such as young individuals or new parents with long-term savings goals. Although CAP underperforms BnH in terms of returns, it offers significantly lower risk, making it suitable for investors with moderate risk tolerance. Additionally, CAP demonstrates greater stability in adverse market conditions compared to BnH. Future research could build on these results by incorporating more variables, markets, and investment horizons. This study provides valuable insights into the comparative performance of investment strategies within the European financial landscape, emphasizing their practical implications for investors with varying levels of capital and risk tolerance. By addressing the unique economic dynamics of EU countries, this research supports more informed financial decision-making, contributing to the broader goal of promoting financial equity and resilience in the EU.
Subjects: 
Dollar cost average
investment strategy
long-term investment
sustainable finance
JEL: 
C58
E22
E44
G11
G21
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article

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