Group 1 - The core difference between Class A and Class C mutual funds lies in their fee structures, with Class A funds charging a front-end sales fee while Class C funds do not [1][3] - Class A funds typically charge a subscription fee based on the investment amount, which decreases with larger investments, while Class C funds charge a daily service fee deducted from the fund's assets [1][3] - Long-term investors may find Class A funds more cost-effective due to decreasing redemption fees over time, while short-term investors may prefer Class C funds for their flexibility and lower upfront costs [4][6] Group 2 - Different fund companies may have varying fee structures for Class A and Class C funds, with potential discounts on Class A subscription fees and differing service fees for Class C funds [6] - The risk and return characteristics of both Class A and Class C funds depend primarily on the underlying investment strategy and asset allocation, rather than just the fee structure [9] - Investors should assess their risk tolerance and investment goals before choosing between Class A and Class C funds, ensuring they select the most suitable option for their financial objectives [9]