Define: Load Fund

Load Fund
Load Fund
Quick Summary of Load Fund

A load fund is a mutual fund that requires a commission to be paid when shares are bought or sold. This commission typically falls between 4 and 9%. On the other hand, a no-load fund does not charge a commission, although it may have fees to cover operational expenses. Mutual funds are investment companies that pool money from shareholders to invest in a diverse range of securities, such as stocks and bonds. There are various types of mutual funds, including balanced funds, bond funds, growth funds, income funds, index funds, and utility funds, each with its own investment strategy and goals.

Full Definition Of Load Fund

A load fund is a type of mutual fund that imposes a fee when shares are bought or sold. The fee typically ranges from 4 to 9%. There are two types of load funds: front-end load and back-end load. In the case of a front-end load, a mutual fund charges a 5% fee when an investor purchases shares. For instance, if an investor invests $1,000, $50 will be deducted as a fee, and the remaining $950 will be invested in the fund. On the other hand, a back-end load occurs when a mutual fund charges a 6% fee if an investor sells shares within the first year of purchase. For example, if an investor sells $1,000 worth of shares, $60 will be deducted as a fee, and the remaining $940 will be returned to the investor. These examples demonstrate how load funds impose a fee, which diminishes the amount of money an investor can allocate to the fund. This fee is paid to the broker or financial advisor who sells the fund to the investor.

Load Fund FAQ'S

A load fund is a type of mutual fund that charges a sales commission or fee, known as a load, when buying or selling shares.

The load fee can vary depending on the fund and the share class. It is usually a percentage of the investment amount, ranging from 1% to 8.5%.

The suitability of load funds as an investment option depends on various factors, including your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. It is advisable to consult with a financial advisor to determine if load funds align with your investment strategy.

Some load funds offer different share classes, such as no-load or low-load options, which have reduced or no sales charges. Additionally, certain investment platforms may offer load-waived funds, allowing investors to avoid paying the load fee.

Load fees are generally not tax-deductible. However, it is recommended to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications based on your individual circumstances.

In most cases, investors can switch between different share classes within the same load fund. However, it is important to consider any associated fees or restrictions that may apply.

Front-end load funds charge the sales commission at the time of purchase, while back-end load funds impose the fee when selling shares. Back-end load funds may also have a declining sales charge, known as a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), which decreases over time.

Load funds, like all mutual funds, are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. They must comply with specific regulations and disclosure requirements to protect investors.

Load funds often have redemption fees if shares are sold within a certain time frame, typically within a few years of purchase. These fees are separate from the initial load fee and are designed to discourage short-term trading.

When comparing load funds, it is important to consider factors such as the fund’s performance, expense ratio, investment strategy, and the reputation of the fund manager. Additionally, reviewing the fund’s prospectus and consulting with a financial advisor can provide valuable insights for making an informed investment decision.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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