Mathematically, lumpsum wins about two-thirds of the time — markets rise more often than they fall. But behaviour matters more: if a crash comes right after you invest everything at once, most people panic-sell.
A simple framework
| Your situation | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Regular monthly salary | SIP — automates discipline |
| Bonus < 3× monthly SIP | Lumpsum |
| Large one-time amount | STP over 6–12 months |
Time IN the market beats timing the market.
Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. This article is for education, not personalised advice.