As a US expat in Japan, my current understanding is that the least bad option to invest for retirement is to simply convert my JPY to USD and invest in US-domiciled ETFs through a US brokerage account.
If I am to go with this strategy, what percentage of my money should I convert over which timeframe? My understanding is that if I think the yen is going to remain at the current level or decline in value in the long-term vs the USD, it is in my best interest to convert all of money, lump sum; if I am not sure, it would be in my best interest to apply the dollar-cost averaging logic to conversion timing and spread out the conversions over a longer period of time. Or, I suppose a hybrid approach, where I do a lump sum conversion for x%, and DCA the rest, depending on my confidence level as to which direction the JPY will move.
Since nothing leads me to think the JPY will appreciate any time soon in relation to the USD, I am leaning towards doing a lump-sum conversion. I wanted to see what others think though before I go all in since I will be converting a significant amount. Thanks in advance for your input!
by Queasy-Comedian6092