Gradually investing in stocks via DCA is a strategy that helps beginners achieve success in 2025

Building assets through consistent savings is a popular strategy nowadays, especially with methods like DCA (Dollar-Cost-Averaging), or averaging the cost of investments. This involves gradually accumulating investment funds over regular periods according to a system. This type of investment approach is widely accepted because it suits beginner investors, requires no large capital, and is simple to implement.

Basic Understanding of DCA

Dollar-Cost-Averaging or DCA is an investment strategy where investors gradually buy selected assets, such as stocks, mutual funds, or other securities, with equal amounts of money at predetermined intervals, such as weekly or monthly, regardless of market prices.

For example, if you decide to accumulate 3,000 THB on the 15th of each month, when prices are high, you buy fewer shares. Conversely, when prices drop, the same amount of money buys more shares. This helps reduce the impact of market volatility and encourages disciplined saving over time.

Calculating DCA helps investors achieve a more favorable average cost because the number of shares purchased adjusts according to market prices. Most people who use this method choose a monthly interval, aligning with salary receipt and making saving a regular part of daily life.

Main Benefits of DCA Investment

Advantages to Know

1. Low Capital Can Start

No need for a large lump sum upfront. Starting with a small portion of monthly income, such as 1,000-5,000 THB, allows entry into the investment world. This approach is suitable for those with limited funds but seeking better returns than a regular bank deposit.

2. Reduces Risk of Single Investment

When market prices fall, the next month’s investment can buy more shares, reducing potential losses from poorly timed purchases.

3. Returns Exceed Regular Interest

The value of held shares can increase over time. Compared to deposit interest, the longer the accumulation, the lower the average cost. For example, if starting at 10 THB per share, after some accumulation, the average cost might drop to 9 THB. When the share value rises to 13 THB, you gain a profit of 4 THB per share.

4. Ideal for Regular Income Earners

New investors and those with limited time to monitor markets can comfortably use DCA without worrying about timing buy/sell decisions, as the system automatically deducts funds regularly.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

1. Short-term Cost May Be Higher Than Current Price

Due to accumulation during both high and low price periods, the average cost in the short term may be higher than the current market price.

2. Cannot Avoid Losses if Picking Wrong Stocks

If the chosen stocks lack good fundamentals and continue to decline, even DCA may result in losses.

3. Not Suitable for Market Timing Gainers

This steady investment approach is designed for long-term wealth accumulation, not for speculating on price swings.

Criteria for Choosing Stocks Suitable for DCA

Before starting DCA investments, it’s crucial to select stocks with strong fundamentals, especially:

• Businesses with competitive advantages – choose companies with a solid position in their industry.
• Continuous growth plans – businesses capable of sustained growth without obsolescence.
• Consistent quarterly profits – reflecting good management.
• Manageable debt levels – companies with excessive debt face higher risks.
• Accumulated profits each year – indicating stability and value creation ability.

Practical Example of DCA Calculation

When you invest regularly, here’s an example of how DCA calculation benefits you:

From this table, it’s clear that if stock prices fluctuate between 6-15 THB, investing 3,000 THB monthly over 12 months results in an average cost of 9.67 THB per share, which is lower than the month 12 closing price of 15 THB.

Compared to a one-time investment of 36,000 THB at 15 THB per share, which yields only 2,400 shares, the DCA approach yields 1,540 more shares.

Recommended Stocks to Start DCA

1. PTT - PTT Public Company Limited(

A national energy company with integrated operations from exploration, production, refining, to distribution of oil and natural gas. PTT is highly stable and pays regular dividends, making it a solid choice for long-term accumulation.

) 2. CPALL - CP All Public Company Limited###

Operator of over 13,000 7-Eleven stores nationwide, managing distribution centers and wholesale businesses. CPALL continues to grow with strong profits and consistent dividends.

( 3. SCC - Siam Cement Public Company Limited)

A leading ASEAN company with over 100 years of history, operating in cement, chemicals, and packaging. SCC has a strong foundation, adapts well to technological changes, and pays regular dividends.

4. INTUCH - Intouch Holdings Public Company Limited(

Invests in telecommunications, IT, and digital sectors, holding major shares in AIS, a leading mobile operator. INTUCH has steady cash flow and high dividend payouts, suitable for income-focused investors.

) 5. BBL - Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited###

A large commercial bank with extensive network. BBL is highly stable, with a diverse customer base and regular dividends, making it a good choice for banking sector investors.

( 6. CPN - Central Pattana Public Company Limited)

Developer and manager of over 30 shopping centers nationwide, also involved in various real estate projects. CPN has stable rental income, continuous growth, and adapts well to changing consumer behaviors.

Account Opening Options for DCA This Year

Many financial institutions now offer DCA services with different conditions:

*Fees exclude stock exchange fees and 7% VAT.

) Popular Securities for DCA

SCBS - Starting at 2,000 THB, can choose stocks from SET100, TDEX, BMSCITH. Internet trading fee is 0.157%.

SBI - Minimum 1,000 THB, focuses solely on SET100 stocks, with the lowest fee at 0.075%.

Phillip - Minimum 1,000 THB, select from 36 analyst-recommended stocks, with deposit periods on the 5th-20th and 28th of each month.

KS - Starting at 5,000 THB, options include SET100 stocks or mutual funds, with monthly or weekly investment options.

Nomura - Minimum 1,000 THB, invests in CNS stocks listed in the official list, with deductions on the first business day of each month.

KTBS - From KTBST Smart DCA, starting at 1,000 THB, options for SET and MAI, fee at 0.25%.

Maybank Kim Eng - Minimum 5,000 THB, focuses on SET50 and SET100 stocks, with competitive fee at 0.15%.

Starting Your Savings with DCA Investment

DCA may not deliver the highest short-term returns, but it helps investors develop discipline and patience in gradually building wealth. When combined with selecting fundamentally strong stocks, long-term returns can be quite satisfying.

For beginners with regular income who want to create wealth, DCA is a suitable option to try. Ultimately, consistent saving is the foundation of sustainable wealth creation.