How to DCA with ETFs in Belgium (dollar-cost average)

What is DCA?

DCA (dollar-cost averaging) is investing a fixed amount on a regular schedule (for example, the 1st of each month) into an investment portfolio. When prices are high, your fixed amount buys fewer ETF units; when prices are low, it buys more. Over time, your average purchase price smooths out.

Why ETFs? They’re diversified, low-cost baskets of hundreds or thousands of companies, a natural match for a set-and-forget plan.

Why you should DCA

There are several reasons why dollar-cost averaging is the best strategy for most investors:

• You're likely paid monthly
• You don't miss out on returns when you DCA
• No temptation to time the market
• Avoids regret
• Best suited for long-term investing

You're likely paid monthly

Your finances then progress at a monthly rhythm. Investing at the same frequency simplifies saving and budgeting.

You don't miss out on returns when you DCA

The best time to invest was yesterday, the second best time is today.

The financial markets go up and down. But the long-term trend is upward. The longer you wait to invest, the more likely you are to miss out on returns. By investing part of your salary as soon as you receive it, you force yourself to invest as early as possible.

No temptation to time the market

Timing the market is incredibly difficult. The global economy is amazingly complex, and the financial markets are impacted by many factors that are completely out of our control. For instance, no one could predict the exact timing of the Covid pandemic. When timing the markets, the odds are against you. You may get lucky, but in most cases you'll be worse off.

Diligently investing every month without considering market performance removes any temptation to time the market.

Avoids regret

Trying to time the markets can be exciting, but it's also stressful. You don't know whether you're buying or selling at the right time, and you'll inevitably make a wrong decision at some point. Don't regret your decisions. Dollar-cost averaging takes away the stress and potential regret, and brings peace of mind.

Best suited for long-term investing

Consistent monthly investments are the best way to save for the long term. As your career progresses, you will likely increase your monthly income. Through DCA, you can easily increase your monthly contribution to adapt to new financial situations.

Steps to start DCA with ETFs

1. Pick your ETF(s): Build the portfolio of ETFs that fits your objectives, or use an app like Curvo to automatically get one after answering a few questions about yourself.
2. Choose your monthly amount: Start with something sustainable and increase as your salary grows.
3. Pick an investing day: Same day each month (for instance the day after you get paid).
4. Automate the cash flow: Set up a direct debit or a standing order so money moves without you thinking about it.
5. Invest the full amount: If your investment platform supports fractional shares, great, nothing sits idle.
6. Stay the course: Review once or twice a year. Otherwise, let the plan run.

Three ways to DCA into ETFs in Belgium

Option 1: automate monthly ETF investing via Curvo

If your goal is to DCA with maximum simplicity, Curvo is built for exactly this use case:

• Automatic monthly investing from a low minimum via direct debit: true set-and-forget.
• Fractional investing so all of your contribution is invested (no leftover cash).
• Globally diversified portfolios designed for long-term Belgian investors.
• No per-trade fees to discourage frequent contributions.
• Adjust or pause any time without hassle.

Best for investors who want a hands-off, consistent DCA plan into ETFs with everything automated.

Option 2: do-it-yourself via a broker

You can DCA into ETFs by logging in each month and placing buy orders yourself with a broker.

Pros

• Full control over the exact ETFs and allocations
• Can be cost-effective at higher amounts and when carefully choosing your broker

Cons

• Manual work every month (or each payslip)
• Per-trade fees and transaction taxes can add up with frequent buys
• No fractional shares for Belgian brokers, so small amounts may leave cash uninvested

There are two costs associated with DCA in ETFs through a broker:

• Broker fee. The broker charges a fee for every investment you make.
• Transaction tax. The Belgian state imposes a tax on every transaction, called the TOB. Depending on how the broker interprets the law, the tax varies from 0.12% to 1.32% of the transaction value.

A broker is good for tinkerers who enjoy the admin and are comfortable optimising fees and order timing.

Option 3: broker “savings plans” or scheduled orders

Some foreign brokers such as BUX or Trade Republic offer recurring orders into specific ETFs. Availability and terms vary, and you may still face per-trade fees and whole-share constraints.

Best for investors who want partial automation but are fine with platform limitations.

Common pitfalls when you DCA with ETFs

• Stopping after a dip: Volatility is normal, the plan works because you keep going.
• Too many ETFs: Simplicity wins. If you went with option 2 or 3, broker fees will quickly add up if your portfolio has too many different ETFs.
• Idle cash: Brokers who don't support fractional shares will leave money uninvested.
• Over-tweaking: Frequent changes can defeat the purpose of automation.

Summary

DCA into ETFs isn't just an investment strategy, it's a way to build lasting wealth without the stress of market timing. When you invest the same amount each month, you're playing the long game that historically rewards patient investors. The markets will go up and down, but your consistent contributions smooth out the volatility.

The hardest part isn't understanding DCA, it's sticking with it when markets get scary. That's why automation matters so much. Whether you set up monthly reminders with your broker or use a platform like Curvo that handles everything automatically, removing the monthly decision from your hands is what separates successful long-term investors from those who give up when things get bumpy. Start small if you need to, but start today.