December 19, 2009
§ 70%: # of mutual funds that charge 12b-1 fees
§ 12b-1 fees: named after the SEC rule that allows them; fees cover marketing and distribution costs (e.g., financial advisor commissions, 401(k) plan administration, mailing prospectuses, etc…)
§ 0.15 To 0.30%: average 12b-1 fee.
§ $140b: Since 1990, investors have paid more than $140 billion in 12b-1s
§ 8.5%: average mutual fund up-front fee (sales load) in 1980s.
Source(s): WSJ