Holding shares can incur costs even when you aren't actively trading.

: If you buy an ETF or mutual fund instead of individual shares, you pay an annual operating fee. These range from 0.03% for index funds to 2% or more for actively managed funds.

The cost of buying shares has shifted dramatically in recent years, moving from high per-trade commissions to a landscape where many upfront fees are nearly zero, while "invisible" costs remain significant. 1. Visible Upfront Costs

: If you use a human advisor for "hands-on" help, you may still pay a commission of 1% to 2% of the transaction value or an annual fee based on assets under management (AUM).

For most retail investors today, the visible "sticker price" of a trade is lower than ever.