The R share class mutual funds are only available through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k). R share mutual funds do not have a load, such as a front-end load, back-end load, or level load. However, they do have 12b-1 fees that typically range from 0.25% to 0.50%. One example of a common R share fund family seen in 401(k) plans is American Funds. You may have seen the American Funds Growth Fund of America, American Funds Fundamental Investors, or American Funds SMALLCAP World in either R1, R2, R3, or R4 share classes.
Alternate name: R share mutual funds
How R Share Mutual Funds Work
R share mutual funds are available through 401(k) plans, because mutual funds that charge loads are not allowed in employer-sponsored retirement plans. Mutual fund companies that offer funds that charge loads—which are mostly sold through commission-based brokers—came up with the R share class to get around that problem. Although R shares can have reasonable expense ratios and can be better than using load funds, like A shares, B shares, or C shares, they still tend to be higher than those of index funds. For example, the American Funds Growth Fund of America R1 (RGAAX) has an expense ratio of 1.40%, which is slightly above average for actively managed growth funds. However, compare that to the Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX), which has an expense ratio of 0.05%, and you have a difference of 1.39% in favor of VIGAX.
What It Means for Individual Investors
It’s wise to take advantage of any matching contributions your employer may make when you contribute to your own 401(k). However, be sure to pay attention to the expenses, especially if there is no employer match. You may choose to open your own retirement account, such as an individual retirement account (IRA), at one of the best no-load mutual fund companies. If you want to take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) plan, and R share funds are the only choice, you can still use them and find the best available examples that suit your objectives and risk tolerance. Given the choice between R shares and a low-cost index fund, most investors are wise to choose the index fund, especially if investing for a period of 10 years or more.
