What is a Load Fund in Mutual Fund?

A load fund is a type of mutual fund that charges investors a sales fee or commission, which can be assessed at the time of purchase (front-end load), when the shares are sold (back-end load), or as a fixed fee over time. These fees compensate financial advisors or brokers who sell the fund's shares. 
 

Load Fund vs. No-load Fund 

Understanding the differences between load and no-load funds is crucial for making informed investment decisions. 

Load Fund	No-load Fund
Charges a sales fee or commission	Does not charge any sales fees, allowing the entire investment amount to be put to work in the market
Brokers/financial advisors help manage or transact these funds.	Investors manage these funds without the assistance of a broker or financial advisor

 

Types of Load Fund Share Classes 

Load funds are categorised into different share classes, each with distinct fee structures and benefits. 

Class A Shares: These shares charge a front-end load, meaning a percentage of the initial investment is deducted as a sales fee. For example, if an investor buys ₹10,000 worth of Class A shares with a 5% front-end load, ₹500 is deducted as a fee, and ₹9,500 is invested in the fund. 

Class B Shares: These shares typically charge a back-end load, also known as a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC). The fee decreases over time and is charged when the shares are sold. For instance, an investor selling Class B shares within the first year might pay a 5% fee, which gradually reduces over several years. 

Class C Shares: These shares often have a level load, charging a fixed percentage each year as long as the investor holds the shares. For example, an investor might pay a 1% annual fee on their investment in Class C shares. While there is no front-end or back-end load, the ongoing fees can add up over time. 
 

Advantages of Load Funds 

Investing in load funds offers several benefits. They are: 

Professional Guidance: Investors receive advice from financial advisors or brokers, which can help in making informed investment decisions. 

Tailored Investment Strategies: Financial advisors can provide personalised investment strategies based on the investor’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. 

Access to Exclusive Funds: Some load funds offer access to exclusive or specialised investment opportunities not available in no-load funds. 

Potential for Higher Returns: With professional management and tailored strategies, load funds can potentially yield higher returns, balancing the cost of the sales fees. 

Diversified Portfolios: Financial advisors can help create diversified portfolios, reducing risk and enhancing potential returns through a mix of asset classes.