What is a commission in the context of financial transactions?

In the context of financial transactions, a commission typically refers to a fee that is charged by a broker or financial advisor based on the transactions they facilitate on behalf of their clients. This fee is usually a percentage of the total transaction value, and it incentivizes brokers to execute trades and manage investments effectively.

Understanding commissions is crucial for investors because they can significantly affect the overall cost of trading and investment returns. This fee structure aligns the broker's interests with those of the investor, as the broker earns more when they execute higher-value transactions.

The other options represent different concepts. A flat rate fee does not vary with the transaction size, a fixed income payment pertains to regular income received from investments rather than a cost, and a discount on trading fees indicates a reduction in the cost but does not define the commission itself.