What's the difference between a redemption fee and a deferred Sales Charge?

Another important point: sales charges are not included in the fund expense ratio, because they are not considered an expense of the fund. Redemption fees are typically paid to the fund, not the broker selling it. As such, they are generally considered to be a good thing for protecting long-term investors against excessive expenses caused by short-term activity.

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George Cones, JD

Thanks Mr. Dowd

Report |  Jun 08, 2012 near Wilmington, DE

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Hana,

Redemption fees are there to prevent market timing. The redemption fees are often 30-60 days, but some are up to a year.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSC) are usually there to be sure the mutual fund company recoups the commission paid to the broker. For class C shares the CDSC is often 1% if you sell the mutual fund prior to the CDSC period (let's say 1 year). Class B shares usually have a much longer CDSC period. On B shares, the broker can be paid a commission of up to 8%, but is usually paid in the 3-6% range.

The broker also receives a 12(b)(1) fee on an annual basis, in addition to front-end and back-end loads.

For a discussion of mutual fund share classes, see the guide:

http://www.brightscope.com/financial-planning/advice/guide/2768/How-Different-Mutual-Fund-Share-Classes-Affect-Your-Retirment-Plan-Or-Investment-Portfolio/

Cost clearly affects returns, so consider having a consultation with a fee-only advisor, who may help direct you to institutional mutual funds or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).