Most company shares are held by fund managers who may or may not control what the companies they part - own actually do. (newscientist.com)
This is a convenient way to buy shares where someone else is responsible for the buy and sell decisions, but watch out for the fees charged by the fund manager. (moneysmart.gov.au)
It does not include the commissions you pay to buy and sell ETF shares, or the costs incurred by the fund in trading its securities. (advisorshares.com)