A shareholder fee that some funds charge when investors redeem (sell) mutual fund shares. Redemption fees, which must be paid to the fund, are not the same as and may be in addition to a back-end load, which is typically paid to a broker. The SEC generally limits redemption fees to 2% of the sales amount.

The costs a fund incurs in running the fund, including management fees, distribution fees, and other expenses.

The legal name for a mutual fund and most ETFs. An open-end company is a type of investment company.

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A fund that does not charge any type of sales load. But not every type of shareholder fee is a "sales load," and a no-load fund may charge fees that are not sales loads. No-load funds also charge operating expenses.

A shareholder fee that some funds charge when investors buy mutual fund shares. This is not the same as, and may be in addition to, a front-end load.

A document that describes the mutual fund or ETF to prospective investors. Every mutual fund and ETF provides a prospectus with information about the mutual fund's investment objectives, risks, past performance, and expenses. You can get a prospectus from the mutual fund company or ETF sponsor (through its website, by phone, or by mail). A broker or other financial professional also can provide you with a copy.

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