The costs that eat your returns —
ranked by how well they hide
Not all costs appear on your statement. The ones that don’t are often the most expensive. Tap any row to expand.
Where it shows
Trade confirmation, broker pricing page
When it hits
Each buy and sell
Why it matters
Reduces returns fast if you trade often.
Where it shows
Monthly statement, platform fee list
When it hits
Monthly or yearly
Why it matters
Ongoing drag, even when you don’t trade.
Where it shows
Price screen showing bid and offer
When it hits
At entry and exit
Why it matters
You start “down” by the size of the spread.
Where it shows
Tax certificate, SARS return
When it hits
During the tax year
Why it matters
Tax can cut your income, based on your rate.
Where it shows
Fund fact sheet, KIID, platform fund page
When it hits
Daily, built into the unit price
Why it matters
You won’t see a debit, but returns are lower.
Where it shows
Not on any statement
When it hits
Every day
Why it matters
Lowers buying power, even if returns look positive.