Overview: Throughout the term, you have been implementing a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy by investing $1 daily in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), or in a diversified

HW5 - Analyzing the Performance of Your Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) Cryptocurrency Portfolio

Assignment Instructions:

Overview: Throughout the term, you have been implementing a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy by investing $1 daily in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), or in a diversified portfolio of cryptocurrencies if you chose to include other assets. Now that we are nearing the end of the course, it's time to evaluate how your investment has performed and compare it to an alternative strategy of making a lump sum investment at the beginning of the term.

Part 1: Initial Reflection

1. Strategy Reflection:
   • Question: Do you find the dollar-cost averaging strategy to be useful or interesting? Can you envision this strategy being part of a well-diversified portfolio that includes other asset classes (e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate)? What are the benefits of including a DCA strategy within a broader investment portfolio?
   • Response: Provide a thoughtful reflection (100-200 words) on how DCA might complement other investment strategies, considering factors such as risk management, market volatility, and the psychological benefits of regular investing.

Part 2: Portfolio Performance Analysis

1. Performance Comparison:
   • Task: Compare the performance of your DCA investment strategy with the hypothetical scenario where you would have invested a lump sum in the same cryptocurrencies on the first day of the term. Your analysis should consider the following:
     • The total amount invested through DCA versus the amount that would have been invested in the lump sum.
     • The value of your portfolio at the end of the term for both strategies.
     • A comparison of the returns generated by each strategy.
2. Volatility and Risk Analysis:
   • Task: Evaluate the volatility and risk associated with both the DCA strategy and the lump sum investment. Consider the following:
     • How did the DCA strategy help mitigate the effects of market volatility compared to the lump sum investment?
     • Were there periods of significant price fluctuations, and how did these affect each strategy's performance?

3. Economic Implications:
   • Task: Discuss the economic implications of using a DCA strategy in the context of cryptocurrency investments. Consider the following:
     • How does DCA help in managing the psychological aspects of investing, especially in a highly volatile market like cryptocurrency?
     • What are the potential downsides of DCA, particularly when compared to a lump sum investment during a bullish market?

Part 3: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

1. Final Evaluation:
   • Question: Based on your analysis, which investment strategy do you think was more effective in this context, and why? Would you consider using the DCA strategy in your personal investment portfolio? Provide a rationale for your decision.
   • Response: Write a brief evaluation (100-200 words) summarizing your findings and stating your preference between the DCA strategy and the lump sum investment, supported by the data you analyzed.

Deliverables:

1. Report: Submit a comprehensive report in PDF format that includes:
   • Your reflections from Part 1.
   • Detailed analysis and comparisons from Part 2, including all necessary calculations, charts, or tables to support your analysis.
   • Your final thoughts and recommendations from Part 3.
2. Screenshots: Include screenshots of your cryptocurrency exchange account showing the history of your DCA purchases and the final value of your portfolio. Ensure that your name or account identifier is visible.