The data has shown that over the long term front loading leads to higher returns than DCAing into the market. Some individual years this does not work out but generally speaking it does. Predicting market returns is a foolish exercise. For the last four years my own highly educated family members have said a crash is imminent. When I started investing SP 500 was at 1600. While it all may come crumbling down at any moment, I'm glad I invested as planned and capitalized on the gains. My advice, make an IPS and stick to it, whether it is DCA every month or invest a lump sum on a particular date.