Transaction costs, also known as brokerage fees, refer to the costs incurred in the exchange of financial assets. They include the fees charged for buy and sell orders, account opening and maintenance, and other administrative and paperwork-related functions. Transaction costs are not to be confused with the operating costs of asset management.

When it comes to investment decisions, transaction costs can play a major role. Transaction costs can vary widely between asset classes, from the really low cost ETFs to high-cost equities such as micro-cap stocks. They can range from as low as a few cents to as high as several thousand dollars per trade. Transaction costs are debts against an investor's return on investment; larger transaction costs translate into lower returns.

Transaction costs typically range from 0.1% to 1.0%. For trading stocks, for example, the lowest possible transaction cost is usually 0.1%. However, it is not unusual for investors to pay as much as 0.5% as a transaction cost. This can add up quickly if the investor is trading in high quantities. Furthermore, certain asset classes may have a slightly higher transaction cost. For example, micro-cap stocks may have transaction costs of between 0.5% and 2.0%.

Transaction costs are not constant nor are they equally applicable to different asset classes. For example, the cost of trading bonds may be significantly lower than the cost of trading stocks. Furthermore, transaction costs may vary based on the type of trade an investor is making and the type of order they give.

On the other hand, underlying operating costs associated with an asset’s management may not vary as much. These fees are typically between 0.05% and 0.25%, depending on the type of asset. While these fees are lower than the transaction costs associated with buying and selling, they still have a significant impact on an investor’s returns.

In conclusion, the costs of exchanging financial assets can have a major impact on the net returns of an investment. Investors should ensure that they are aware of the different types of transaction costs associated with each asset class, as well as the potential effect of these costs on their returns. By making informed decisions, investors can ensure that they are getting the best return for their investments.