Mutual fund commission rate rules were eased.

Mutual funds no longer will have to get prior approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission to change commission rates under a new rule to take effect in about two weeks. The new rule is viewed within the industry primarily as relieving both mutual fund managers and the SEC of a large paper-work burden. Prior SEC approval of rate changes did not serve to keep a lid on consumer charges because competitive forces have already driven commission rates far below the maximums set by the National Assn. of Securities Dealers.