Alternate Indexes

I have an alternate index defined on a large table (3.6 million rows). I load data in this table using SQL*LOADER utility in DIRECT Load mode. The index is automatically loaded after the data has been loaded. Which is a better approach ? Create index after the data load or create index before data load in DIRECT load mode (as I am doing) ? Does it even matter when you load the data using DIRECT load mode ?

I'll appreciate any response.
S A Received on Thu Jan 08 1998 - 00:00:00 CET