What is Better for Investment: SIP VS Lumpsum

09 January 2025
6 min read
What is Better for Investment: SIP VS Lumpsum
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When it comes to investing, many investors face the dilemma of whether to opt for an SIP or a lump sum investment.

Which one has the potential to offer higher returns? Which is the safer investment method? 

In this blog, we’ll explore both sides of the debate and comprehensively compare SIPs and Lumpsum Investments. 

What is SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)?

SIP is a method of investing in which investors commit to invest a fixed amount of money in a mutual fund/stock at regular intervals, such as 

  • Monthly, (Most chosen one)
  • Quarterly, 
  • Annual, or 
  • Semi-annual basis. 

With this investment method, investors don’t have to worry about market timing or predict the stock market's future movements to make investment decisions. This is because SIPs take advantage of the Rupee cost averaging factor. 

This principle averages out the cost of investments; for instance, during market dips (falls), more MF units are allocated, while when the market is up, fewer MF units are given to investors. 

This way, short-term market fluctuations or volatility don’t affect the returns on investment in the long run.   

But the most important question is, How do SIPs generate returns? 

The answer is via compounding effect! We are using the SIP calculator to help you understand the magic of compounding. 

Case 1) 

Monthly Investment: 5,000

Expected returns: 12% p.a.

Investment Timeline: 5 years

Case 2) 

Monthly Investment: 5,000

Expected returns: 12% p.a.

Investment Timeline: 10 years

Case 3) 

Monthly Investment: 5,000

Expected returns: 12% p.a.

Investment Timeline: 15 years

Case 4) 

Monthly Investment: 5,000

Expected returns: 12% p.a.

Investment Timeline: 20 years

The returns 

  • After the first 5 years of investment are 1,12,432 
  • After 10 years, 5,61,695 
  • After 15 years, 16,22,880
  • After 20 years, a whopping 37,95,740. 

By investing ₹5,000 monthly (a total of 20 lakhs) in a disciplined manner, you can have ₹49,95,740 after 20 years. 

In short, 

The longer your investment, the more your money grows; all credit goes to compounding.

Benefits of SIP Investment

  • Easy To Start

If you are a new investor and don’t know much about the stock market, SIPs are the best methods to begin your investing journey. There is no cap on investment amount as well. One can start with 100 and increase it as per the income flow. 

  • Helps Build a Habit of Saving

If you are not good at saving money, start investing in SIPs because they demand regular investment. Knowing that a specific amount will automatically be deducted from your bank account, you won’t spend it elsewhere. This way, you can make a habit of saving money and simultaneously build a corpus for your future. 

  • Flexible and Adjustable

SIPs are flexible and adjustable as per user needs. 

For instance, if you are regularly investing 1000 every month but one month, you cannot contribute the full amount for some reason. In that case, you can simply adjust the amount for that month as per your needs. 

Similarly, you can also increase the amount anytime, depending on your cash flow and income. 

  • No Need to Worry About Market Timing

Many investors, especially those who are new to investing, often think they will start investing only when the market is rising. 

However, with SIP investments, you don’t need to worry about timing the market because it averages out the cost of investments. In fact, investing when the market is down can be more fruitful as you can buy more mutual fund units at lower prices and, ultimately, greater returns. 

  • Diversified Investment Options

SIPs offer diversified investment options. 

With Multi SIP/ Combo SIP, one can simultaneously invest in different types of funds, such as large-cap, small-cap, mid-cap, ETFs, and debt funds. 

What is Lump Sum Investment?

In a lump sum (one-time) investment, a large amount of money is invested all at once. Unlike SIPs, where small amounts are invested regularly, it requires a huge sum of money to be invested upfront. The returns from lump sum investment depend largely on the amount and how stock markets are performing. 

For instance, ₹12,00,000 invested as a lump sum over 20 years can yield massive returns of ₹1,03,75,552 if the markets are doing well. 

Benefits of Lump Sum Investment

  • One-and-Done Investment

In Lump Sum investment, you are only required to invest a large sum at once, and there’s no need for ongoing contributions. Just make one investment and let it work for you.

  • Suitable for Large Surplus Funds

Got a bonus, inheritance, or lump sum savings? If yes, a lump sum investment can be the best way to make your extra money work and generate returns. Also, it can give your portfolio a strong initial boost. 

  • Avoids Investment Gaps

In lump sum investing, the entire amount is invested altogether, and there are no investment gaps. Your investment will actively earn returns from day one without any delays. 

Comparison Between SIP vs Lump Sum Investment

Below are some of the key differences between SIP and lumpsum investment.

Parameter

SIP

Lump Sum Investment

Investment Approach

A sum of money is invested regularly at fixed intervals. 

A large amount of money is invested all at once

Market Timing

No need to time the market; it averages out cost over time. 

Requires timing the market for maximum returns

Risk

Lower risk

Higher risk

Flexibility

Flexible; can adjust amount or pause payments

Less flexible as the entire investment is made upfront

Market Exposure

Gradual exposure; benefits from rupee cost averaging

Immediate full exposure to market fluctuations

Contributions 

Requires regular contributions

One-time investment

Investment Horizon

Suitable for long-term investing

Can be suitable for both short-term and long-term investing depending on market conditions

Choose SIP Investment if: 

  • You don't have a large sum of money to invest upfront
  • You have the patience to invest regularly for at least 5 to 10 years.
  • You have a regular monthly income source, like salary.  
  • You want better returns than traditional savings accounts or fixed deposits.
  • You want to develop a savings habit. 
  • You want to start with a small investment amount and increase it as your income grows. 
  • You have long-term financial goals, like retirement planning. 

Choose Lump Sum Investment if: 

  • You have a large amount of money ready to invest 
  • You have the confidence to tolerate short-term market fluctuations. 
  • You are comfortable with the risk of investing a large amount of money at one time. 
  • You have a good understanding of the market timings.

You may also be interested to know

1.

Index Funds Vs ETFs

2.

Equity vs Debt Mutual Funds

3.

CAGR vs Absolute Return

4.

Fixed Deposits vs Mutual Funds

5.

Liquid Funds vs FD

Conclusion 

To conclude, both SIPs and lump sum investments offer unique advantages to investors with different financial situations and risk appetites. SIPs offer the benefit of disciplined, gradual investing and are well-suited for those with regular incomes. On the other hand, Lump sum investments are ideal for those with substantial capital ready to invest.

Regardless of the method you choose, what matters most is to start investing as early as possible to build wealth.

Disclaimer

The stocks mentioned in this article are not recommendations. Please conduct your own research and due diligence before investing. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Please read the Risk Disclosure documents carefully before investing in Equity Shares, Derivatives, Mutual fund, and/or other instruments traded on the Stock Exchanges. As investments are subject to market risks and price fluctuation risk, there is no assurance or guarantee that the investment objectives shall be achieved. Groww Invest Tech Pvt. Ltd. (Formerly known as Nextbillion Technology Pvt. Ltd) Ltd. do not guarantee any assured returns on any investments. Past performance of securities/instruments is not indicative of their future performance.
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