Mutual fund fees are fees that fund managers charge investors in exchange for the services of managing their investments. Fund managers generally charge two types of fees:
1. Management Fees
This fee is the primary source of income for mutual funds. Most mutual funds charge an annual management fee or expense ratio. It usually ranges between 0.25% and 2.00% of assets under management. For example, if a fund has assets of $1000 million, the fund manager will charge a management fee of up to 2.0% (total of $200 million a year) to cover the expense of running the fund. This fee helps to pay for the salaries of the portfolio managers, analysts, and other professionals involved in managing the fund.
2. Trading Fees
In addition to the annual management fee, mutual funds also charge trading fees for executing buy and sell orders in the market. Trading fees are typically based on the size of the portfolio, and can range from 0.01% to 0.10% per trade. For example, a $1 million portfolio would incur a 0.05% trade fee, which works out to be $500 per trade.
In total, mutual fund fees can add up to a large amount over time. Investors should be aware of the fees before investing in a mutual fund, so they can make an informed decision. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a mutual fund should be weighed against its expected return on investment and overall risk. By doing so, investors can ensure they are getting the most out of their investments.