What is the transaction cost paid by a client when purchasing an ETF?

When purchasing an ETF, the transaction cost that a client typically encounters is a commission. This fee is charged by the brokerage firm that facilitates the buy or sell order for the ETF. Unlike mutual funds, which may have a sales charge or load associated with the purchase, ETFs are traded on exchanges similar to stocks, meaning that investors usually pay a commission to their brokerage in order to execute their trades.

This commission can vary depending on the broker and might be based on a flat rate or a percentage of the transaction amount. As ETFs trade on the open market, the price can fluctuate throughout the day, and commissions are incurred for each trade executed. Therefore, understanding the nature of this transaction cost is essential for investors looking to purchase ETFs.