But when a load fund is performing well - as many did in the 1990's - investors often consider it worth buying.

If the load fund charges a commission of 4.75 percent, the investment would grow to $44,395.62 after 20 years.

Furthermore, some outstanding fund managers work only with load funds.

For load funds, that is the "offer" price, which includes the sales charge.

Some load funds have great returns, the discount brokers say, and investors want them despite the cost.

Class A shares are often assumed to be cheaper than other classes of load funds.

How susceptible are investors in general to the sales pitches of load funds?

Maybe some investors see load funds as well worth the extra cost, because of the help they receive from the sales representative.

Until recently, the utilities group was dominated by load funds.

So why would anyone in his right mind buy a load fund?