What if you started monthly Nasdaq DCA around the AlphaGo match?
This uses real data to show what would have happened if you had invested 300,000 won a month into the Nasdaq-100 (QQQ) starting around the March 2016 AlphaGo–Lee Sedol match, when the public first felt AI arrive. It is a plain long-term DCA case using an easy-to-remember milestone as the start.
⚠️ Know the risk first
Even DCA has stretches where value falls below what you put in. This period includes the 2018, 2020, and 2022 declines; always review the maximum drawdown and loss periods.
What happened that day
On March 9, 2016, Google DeepMind's AlphaGo won its first game against Lee Sedol (9-dan). It was a symbolic event that etched the AI era into the public mind and was especially big news in Korea. Here it is used only as an easy-to-remember DCA start.
Why this date
A widely remembered public milestone is used as the reference for the 'DCA start date.' It does not mean the event caused the index's rise — it is simply an easy-to-remember date.
Investment conditions
Asset · QQQ (Nasdaq-100) · 300,000 won monthly from March 2016
Method · Recurring monthly investment
Period · 2016-03-09 ~ 2026-07-01
Amount · $222 / month
As of · 2026-07-01
Key metrics
These results do not reflect taxes. Based on historical data.
Risk & recovery
As important as returns. This service does not hide maximum drawdown or loss periods.
Maximum drawdown (MDD)
-30.2%
Largest drop from peak
Longest loss period
1months
Months in loss: 1
Recovery period
5months
Growth over time
Invested principal (dashed) and portfolio value (solid). Values below match the calculation.
Total invested $27,778 → Final value $89,251 (+221.3%), Maximum drawdown (MDD) -30.2%
Why this period and asset
March 9, 2016 is the day Google DeepMind's AlphaGo won its first game against Lee Sedol (9-dan), a symbolic event that etched the AI era into the public mind. Using this moment — especially big news in Korea — as an 'easy-to-remember start,' we assume you put the same amount into the Nasdaq-100 each month from then. These 10-odd years include the 2018 correction, the 2020 COVID crash, and the 2022 rate-hike bear market.
Interpreting the result
DCA spreads the same amount across each month instead of all at once, automatically buying more units when prices are low and fewer when high. That reduces the risk of getting fully trapped at a single peak. In the metrics below, look at total invested (the sum of monthly contributions), the final value, and the cash-flow return (XIRR). Note that even DCA has stretches where value falls below what you put in, and this case had such periods too — always check the maximum drawdown and loss periods.
Caveats & limits
The AlphaGo match is only an 'easy-to-remember date' and in no way implies this event caused the Nasdaq's rise. Even index DCA has loss periods and does not guarantee future returns. QQQ is a U.S. index, so in reality USD/KRW movements matter, but this calculation excludes exchange rates, fees, and taxes (pre-tax). Always review the maximum drawdown and loss periods.
Event fact sources
- Wikipedia, 'AlphaGo versus Lee Sedol' (first match 2016-03-09)
- VOA/CNBC, AlphaGo vs Lee Sedol match coverage (2016-03)
Requested date vs actual trading date
If the date is a holiday, contributions start from the next trading day. The 'effective trading date' below is the start date actually used.
Data sources & limits
- Price data source: Yahoo Finance / FinanceDataReader
- Collected on: 2026-07-28
- Effective trading date: 2026-07-01
- Price basis: Adjusted close (reflects dividends and stock splits)
- Trading fees and taxes are not reflected — figures are pre-tax.
- Based on historical data; does not guarantee future returns.
Frequently asked questions
Why use the AlphaGo match as the start?
It uses a widely remembered public milestone as the reference for 'when you started DCA,' rather than a company-specific event. It does not mean the AlphaGo match caused the Nasdaq's rise — it is just an easy-to-remember date.
How much is 300,000 won a month in total?
From March 2016, 300,000 won a month accumulates a total principal over roughly 10 years. The 'total invested' in the metrics is the actual sum of contributions, compared with the final value for the return (XIRR). The calculation structure differs from a lump-sum.
Does DCA mean no losses?
No. Even DCA has stretches where value falls below what you put in. The 2018, 2020, and 2022 declines fall within this period. Be sure to check the maximum drawdown and loss-period metrics below.
Are FX and taxes reflected?
No. QQQ is a U.S. index, so FX matters in reality, but this calculation excludes exchange rates, fees, and taxes (pre-tax). KRW conversion and taxes would additionally affect actual results.
Related scenarios
📋 Results are based on historical data; past returns do not guarantee future returns.
📋 This service is provided for educational purposes to help you understand investing, not as investment advice.