10-24-2013, 02:47 PM
I agree with TomK, that spreading $8k over 10 stocks will cost you a heavy commission. Depending on the fee charged, $10 to $28 per trade, it cost you 1.25% to 3.5% on each purchase. Investing in only 3 stocks will cost you 0.037% to 1.05% per trade. Trading cost do make a difference in the long term.