SEC to 'Review' 12b-1 Fees -- MarketWatch's Robert Schroeder

So, may I ask, once you've invested in a mutual fund, by what logic should you be made to pay toward the fund's ongoing marketing and 'distribution' costs? That's what a 12b-1 fee is supposed to be. And why aren't those costs just part of the business expenses of the fund company? Actually a 12b-1 fee is sort of a "trail", an ongoing, never-ending commission adding to your broker's profits, and reducing your account value. The SEC should stamp 12b-1 fees out of existence.

"Funds collected $11 billion in 12b-1 fees last year".



'High time' for fund-fee review: SEC's Cox - MarketWatch