Why did my return percentage drop after a large deposit?

If you recently made a large deposit and noticed your return percentage drop, don't worry. This is completely normal. Your actual gains haven't changed. The percentage simply looks different because it's now calculated over a larger total amount.

How it works

Your return percentage is calculated as your total gains divided by the total amount you've invested. When you make a large deposit, the total invested amount increases significantly, but the new money hasn't had time to generate returns yet. This makes the percentage smaller, even though your euro gains remain the same.

An example

Imagine you've been investing €400 per month for 12 months. After a year, you've invested €4,800 and your portfolio is worth €5,136, giving you a return of €336 or about 7%.

You then deposit €35,000 in one go. Your total invested is now €39,800, but your gains are still €336. Your return percentage drops to about 0.8%, even though nothing has changed about your previous gains.

What about market movements?

Short-term market fluctuations can also play a role right after a large deposit. If the market dips slightly in the days following your investment, the effect on your return percentage feels bigger because the new deposit is a large part of your portfolio. This is temporary.

Your returns will recover over time

As the full amount starts generating returns, your percentage will gradually increase again. The key is to stay invested and give your money time to grow. If you're wondering whether it's better to invest a large amount at once or spread it out, read our article on investing in one go or on a regular basis.

During periods of short-term volatility, it can also help to keep a long-term perspective. Our article on handling market downturns has practical tips for staying calm.

Updated on: 07/03/2026