Despite increased scrutiny into mutual fund fees, the number of closed funds still charging 12b-1 fees to investors has increased since the summer, according to data released Tuesday by
Money Management Executive reported on a similar 12b-1 study S&P released in August (see "
12b-1 fees are taken from a funds assets to cover distribution and shareholder servicing expenses. Distribution expenses include advertising and compensating those who sell the funds shares. However, some critics claim that once a fund is closed, it no longer needs to market the fund. These fees have come under increased scrutiny as of late as regulators have started examining mutual funds more closely.
In August, S&P released a report indicating 139 funds with a total of 232 share classes were charging an average 12b-1 fee of .62%, as of the end of July. Seventy-four of those were charging the 1%-max. The report was met with heavy criticism from many in the fund industry back.
A spokesman for S&P said the increase in the number of closed funds charging 12b-1 fees is likely due, in part, to the increased number of funds closing as of late. With 196, equity funds represented the highest percentage of closed funds still charging an average of 0.65%. Fixed income came in second, with 24 funds charging an average of 0.54%.
Among the firms listed as charging the fees for closed funds,
