PTTAX and PTTAX.lw

[utrecht]

I own a good chunk of PTRAX in my 457b. Thats Pimco Total return Admin fund. I assume its only used for 401ks and 457bs since the minimum investment is $5 million.

I would like to own more of this fund in my ROTH. I see that PTTAX is the same thing with a $1000 minimum except that it has a slightly higher expense ratio and has a 3.75% load. PTTAX.lw says the load is waived. Why would anyone buy PTTAX if you can buy PTTAX.lw and is it possible for any Joe Blow (me) to buy PTTAX.lw?

Nothing comes up when I try to search for it at E-Trade.

 

[LOL!]

There are about 100 different share classes and ticker symbols for PIMCO Total Return. Many of them are only available in different 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans.

Some folks have said that Harbor Bond fund HRBDX: Profile for HARBOR BOND FUND ADMINISTRATIVE - Yahoo! Finance is a similar fund managed by Bill Gross, but no load and lower expense ratio, but do your own research.

Full disclosure: I own PTRAX in my 401(k).