Hey guys, been an owner of ITHAX for about 4 years, really like the vs category #'s but I've been doing some research.

Why is this (or any mutual fund, especially one with a front end load) a better long term investment than say an Index Fund? Like Vanguards Total Stock Market?

Sorry if this is a noob question but I'm trying to find the best vehicle for the next 35 years and at a 5% front end load, I'm starting to question whether this fund is that.