JP MORGAN SERIES TRUST, 497, 1998-08-10

JP MORGAN SERIES TRUST
497, 1998-08-10

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<PAGE>

AUGUST 3, 1998 PROSPECTUS

J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

--------------------------
Seeking high total return
by investing primarily in
fixed income securities.

This prospectus contains essential information for anyone investing in the fund.
Please read it carefully and keep it for reference.

As with all mutual funds, the fact that these shares are registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission does not mean that the commission approves
them as an investment or guarantees that the information in this prospectus is
correct or adequate. It is a criminal offense to state or suggest otherwise.

Distributed by Funds Distributor, Inc. JPMORGAN

<PAGE>

CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2
- ---
The fund's goal, investment approach, risks, expenses, and performance

J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

Fund description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Investor expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4
- ---

FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Who may want to invest.........................................................4
J.P. Morgan....................................................................4
Fixed income investment process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6
- ---
Investing in the J.P. Morgan California Bond Fund

YOUR INVESTMENT

Investing through a financial professional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Investing directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Opening your account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Adding to your account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Selling shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Account and transaction policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dividends and distributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Tax considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

9
- ---
More about risk and the fund's business operations

FUND DETAILS

Business structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Management and administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Risk and reward elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Financial highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

FOR MORE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover

<PAGE>

J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTRANT: J.P. MORGAN SERIES TRUST
(J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND:
SELECT SHARES)

[GRAPHIC]
GOAL

The fund's goal is to provide high after-tax total return for California
residents consistent with moderate risk of capital. This goal can be changed
without shareholder approval.

[GRAPHIC]
INVESTMENT APPROACH

The fund invests primarily in California municipal securities whose income is
free from federal and state personal income taxes for California residents.
Because the fund's goal is high after-tax total return rather than high
tax-exempt income, the fund may invest to a limited extent in securities of
other states or territories. To the extent that the fund invests in municipal
securities of other states, the income from such securities would be free from
federal personal income taxes for California residents but would be subject to
California state personal income taxes. For non-California residents, the income
from California municipal securities is free from federal personal income taxes
only. The fund may also invest in taxable securities. The fund's securities may
be of any maturity, but under normal market conditions the fund's duration will
generally range between three and ten years, similar to that of the Lehman
Brothers 1-16 Year Municipal Bond Index. At least 90% of assets must be invested
in securities that, at the time of purchase, are rated investment-grade (BBB/Baa
or better) or are the unrated equivalent. No more than 10% of assets may be
invested in securities as low as B.

[GRAPHIC]
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

The fund's share price and total return will vary in response to changes in
interest rates. How well the fund's performance compares to that of similar
fixed income funds will depend on the success of the investment process, which
is described on page 5. Because most of the fund's investments will typically be
from issuers in the State of California, its performance will be affected by the
fiscal and economic health of that state and its municipalities. The fund is
non-diversified and may invest more than 5% of assets in a single issuer, which
could further concentrate its risks. To the extent that the fund seeks higher
returns by investing in non-investment-grade bonds, it takes on additional
risks, because these bonds are more sensitive to economic news and their issuers
are in less secure financial condition. The fund's investments and their main
risks, as well as fund strategies, are described in more detail on pages 10-12.

Shares in the fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by
any bank, government entity, or the FDIC. The value of the fund's shares will
fluctuate over time. You could lose money if you sell when the fund's share
price is lower than when you invested.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

The fund's assets are managed by J.P. Morgan, which currently manages over $285
billion, including more than $8 billion using the same strategy as this fund.

The portfolio management team is led by Robert W. Meiselas, vice president, who
has been at J.P. Morgan since 1987, and Elaine B. Young, vice president, who
joined J.P. Morgan from Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. in 1994 where she was a
municipal bond trader and fixed income portfolio manager. Both have been on the
team since June of 1997.

BEFORE YOU INVEST

Investors considering the fund should understand that:

- - There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment goal.

- - The fund invests a portion of assets in non-investment-grade bonds ("junk
bonds"), which offer higher potential yields but have a higher risk of
default and are more sensitive to market risk than investment-grade bonds.

- - The fund does not represent a complete investment program.

2 J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE (UNAUDITED)

The table and bar chart shown below indicate the risks of investing in J.P.
Morgan California Bond Fund.1

The table indicates the risks by showing how the fund's average annual returns
for the past year compare to those of the Lehman Brothers 1-16 Year Municipal
Bond Index. This is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of general obligation
and revenue bonds with maturities of 1-16 years.

The bar chart indicates the risks by showing changes in the performance of the
fund's shares from year to year since the fund's inception date.

The fund's past performance does not necessarily indicate how the fund will
perform in the future.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) Shows performance over time, for period ended December 31, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAST 1 YR.
<S> <C>
J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND: INSTITUTIONAL SHARES(1) (a separate class of shares) 7.72
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEHMAN BROTHERS 1-16 YEAR MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX (no expenses) 7.97
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

[GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURN (%) Shows changes in returns by calendar year(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
<S> <C>
J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND:INSTITUTIONAL SHARES(1) (a separate class of shares) 7.72
Lehman Brothers 1-16 Year Municipal Bond Index 7.97
</TABLE>

For the period covered by this total return chart, the J.P. Morgan California
Bond Fund:Institutional Shares highest quarterly return was 3.04%(for the
quarter ended 6/30/97); and the lowest quarterly return was -0.34% (for the
quarter ended 3/31/97).

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES

The expenses of the fund before reimbursement are shown at right. The fund has
no sales, redemption, exchange, or account fees, although some institutions may
charge you a fee for shares you buy through them. The annual fund expenses after
reimbursement are deducted from fund assets prior to performance calculations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(3) (%)
(expenses that are deducted from fund assets)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Management fees 0.30
Marketing (12b-1) fees none
Other expenses(4) 0.70
- -----------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND
OPERATING EXPENSES(4) 1.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

EXPENSE EXAMPLE
The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:
$10,000 initial investment, 5% return each year, total operating expenses
(before reimbursement) unchanged, and all shares sold at the end of each time
period. The example is for comparison only; the fund's actual return and your
actual costs may be higher or lower.

(1) The fund commenced operations on 4/21/97 and returns reflect performance of
J.P. Morgan California Bond Fund: Institutional Shares (a separate class of
shares) from 12/31/96 through 12/31/97. Performance during this period
reflects operating expenses which are 0.20% of net assets lower than those
of the fund. Accordingly, performance returns for the fund would have been
lower if an investment had been made in the fund during the same time
period.

(2) The fund's fiscal year end is 4/30. For the period 1/1/98 through 6/30/98,
the total return for J.P. Morgan California Bond Fund: Institutional Shares
was 1.66% and the total return for the index was 2.50%.

(3) This table shows expenses for the past fiscal year before reimbursement,
expressed as a percentage of average net assets.

(4) AFTER REIMBURSEMENT, OTHER EXPENSES AND TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE
PAST FISCAL YEAR WERE 0.35% AND 0.65%, RESPECTIVELY. This reimbursement
arrangement can be changed or terminated at any time at the option of J.P.
Morgan.

J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND 3

<PAGE>

FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT APPROACH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

The J.P. Morgan California Bond Fund invests primarily in bonds and other fixed
income securities.

The fund's investment philosophy, developed by its advisor, emphasizes the
potential for consistently enhancing performance while managing risk.

WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST

The fund is designed for investors who:

- - want to add an income investment to further diversify a portfolio

- - want an investment whose risk/return potential is higher than that of money
market funds but generally less than that of stock funds

- - want an investment that pays monthly dividends

- - are seeking income that is exempt from federal and state personal income
taxes in California

The fund is NOT designed for investors who:

- - are investing for aggressive long-term growth

- - require stability of principal

- - are investing through a tax-deferred account such as an IRA

J.P. MORGAN

Known for its commitment to proprietary research and its disciplined investment
strategies, J.P. Morgan is the asset management choice for many of the world's
most respected corporations, financial institutions, governments, and
individuals. Today, J.P. Morgan employs over 300 analysts and portfolio managers
around the world and has more than $285 billion in assets under management,
including assets managed by the fund's advisor, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York.

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIXED INCOME INVESTMENT PROCESS

J.P. Morgan seeks to generate an information advantage through the depth of its
global fixed-income research and the sophistication of its analytical systems.
Using a team-oriented approach, J.P. Morgan seeks to gain insights in a broad
range of distinct areas and may take positions in many different ones, helping
the fund to limit exposure to concentrated sources of risk.

In managing the fund, J.P. Morgan employs a three-step process that combines
sector allocation, fundamental research for identifying portfolio securities,
and duration management.

[GRAPHIC]
The fund invests across a range of different types of securities

SECTOR ALLOCATION The sector allocation team meets monthly, analyzing the
fundamentals of a broad range of sectors in which the fund may invest. The team
seeks to enhance performance and manage risk by underweighting or overweighting
sectors.

[GRAPHIC]
The fund makes its portfolio decisions as described earlier in this prospectus

SECURITY SELECTION Relying on the insights of different specialists, including
credit analysts, quantitative researchers, and dedicated fixed income traders,
the portfolio managers make buy and sell decisions according to the fund's goal
and strategy.

[GRAPHIC]
J.P. Morgan uses a disciplined process to control the fund's sensitivity
to interest rates

DURATION MANAGEMENT Forecasting teams use fundamental economic factors to
develop strategic forecasts of the direction of interest rates. Based on these
forecasts, strategists establish the fund's target duration (a measure of
average weighted maturity of the securities held by the fund and a common
measurement of sensitivity to interest rate movements), typically remaining
relatively close to the duration of the market as a whole, as represented by the
fund's benchmark. The strategists closely monitor the fund and make tactical
adjustments as necessary.

5 FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT APPROACH

<PAGE>

YOUR INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For your convenience, the J.P. Morgan Funds offer several ways to start and add
to fund investments.

INVESTING THROUGH A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL

If you work with a financial professional, either at J.P. Morgan or
elsewhere, he or she is prepared to handle your planning and transaction
needs. Your financial professional will be able to assist you in establishing
your fund account, executing transactions, and monitoring your investment. If
your fund investment is not held in the name of your financial professional
and you prefer to place a transaction order yourself, please use the
instructions for investing directly.

INVESTING DIRECTLY

Investors may establish accounts without the help of an intermediary by using
the instructions below and at right:

- - Determine the amount you are investing. The minimum amount for initial
investments is $2,500 and for additional investments $500, although these
minimums may be less for some investors. For more information on minimum
investments, call 1-800-521-5411.

- - Complete the application, indicating how much of your investment you want
to allocate to which fund(s). Please apply now for any account privileges
you may want to use in the future, in order to avoid the delays associated
with adding them later on.

- - Mail in your application, making your initial investment as shown at right.

For answers to any questions, please speak with a J.P. Morgan Funds Services
Representative at 1-800-521-5411.

OPENING YOUR ACCOUNT

BY WIRE

- - Mail your completed application to the Shareholder Services Agent.

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent to obtain an account number and to
place a purchase order. FUNDS THAT ARE WIRED WITHOUT A PURCHASE ORDER WILL
BE RETURNED UNINVESTED.

- - After placing your purchase order, instruct your bank to wire the amount of
your investment to:

State Street Bank & Trust Company
ROUTING NUMBER: 011-000-028
CREDIT: J.P. Morgan Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 9904-226-9
FFC: your account number, name of registered owner(s) and fund name

BY CHECK

- - Make out a check for the investment amount payable to J.P. Morgan Funds.

- - Mail the check with your completed application to the Transfer Agent.

BY EXCHANGE

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent to effect an exchange.

ADDING TO YOUR ACCOUNT

BY WIRE

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent to place a purchase order. FUNDS THAT
ARE WIRED WITHOUT A PURCHASE ORDER WILL BE RETURNED UNINVESTED.

- - Once you have placed your purchase order, instruct your bank to wire the
amount of your investment as described above.

BY CHECK

- - Make out a check for the investment amount payable to J.P. Morgan Funds.

- - Mail the check with a completed investment slip to the Transfer Agent. If
you do not have an investment slip, attach a note indicating your account
number and how much you wish to invest in which fund(s).

BY EXCHANGE

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent to effect an exchange.

6 YOUR INVESTMENT

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELLING SHARES

BY PHONE -- WIRE PAYMENT

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent to verify that the wire redemption
privilege is in place on your account. If it is not, a representative can
help you add it.

- - Place your wire request. If you are transferring money to a non-Morgan
account, you will need to provide the representative with the personal
identification number (PIN) that was provided to you when you opened your
fund account.

BY PHONE -- CHECK PAYMENT

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent and place your request. Once your
request has been verified, a check for the net amount, payable to the
registered owner(s), will be mailed to the address of record. For checks
payable to any other party or mailed to any other address, please make your
request in writing (see below).

IN WRITING

- - Write a letter of instruction that includes the following information: The
name of the registered owner(s) of the account; the account number; the
fund name; the amount you want to sell; and the recipient's name and
address or wire information, if different from those of the account
registration.

- - Indicate whether you want the proceeds sent by check or by wire.

- - Make sure the letter is signed by an authorized party. The Shareholder
Services Agent may require additional information, such as a signature
guarantee.

- - Mail the letter to the Shareholder Services Agent.

BY EXCHANGE

- - Call the Shareholder Services Agent to effect an exchange.

ACCOUNT AND TRANSACTION POLICIES

TELEPHONE ORDERS The fund accepts telephone orders from all shareholders. To
guard against fraud, the fund requires shareholders to use a PIN, and may record
telephone orders or take other reasonable precautions. However, if the fund does
take such steps to ensure the authenticity of an order, you may bear any loss if
the order later proves fraudulent.

EXCHANGES You may exchange shares in this fund for shares in any other J.P.
Morgan or J.P. Morgan Institutional mutual fund at no charge (subject to the
securities laws of your state). When making exchanges, it is important to
observe any applicable minimums. Keep in mind that for tax purposes an exchange
is considered a sale.

The fund may alter, limit, or suspend its exchange policy at any time.

BUSINESS HOURS AND NAV CALCULATIONS The fund's regular business days and hours
are the same as those of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The fund calculates
its net asset value per share (NAV) every business day as of the close of
trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time). The fund's securities are
typically priced using pricing services or market quotes, but may be priced
using fair value pricing when these methods are not readily available.

TIMING OF ORDERS Orders to buy or sell shares are executed at the next NAV
calculated after the order has been accepted. Orders are accepted until the
close of trading on the NYSE every business day and are executed the same day,
at that day's NAV. The fund has the right to suspend redemption of shares and to
postpone payment of proceeds for up to seven days or as permitted by law.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFER AGENT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGENT
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY J.P. MORGAN FUNDS SERVICES
P.O. Box 8411 522 Fifth Avenue
Boston, MA02266-8411 New York, NY 10036
Attention: J.P. Morgan Funds Services 1-800-521-5411

Representatives are available 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time on
fund business days.

YOUR INVESTMENT 7
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TIMING OF SETTLEMENTS When you buy shares, you will become the owner of record
when the fund receives your payment, generally the day following execution. When
you sell shares, proceeds are generally available the day following execution
and will be forwarded according to your instructions.

When you sell shares that you recently purchased by check, your order will be
executed at the next NAV but the proceeds will not be available until your check
clears. This may take up to 15 days.

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS The fund sends monthly account statements as well as
confirmations after each purchase or sale of shares (except reinvestments).
Every six months the fund sends out an annual or semi-annual report containing
information on the fund's holdings and a discussion of recent and anticipated
market conditions and fund performance.

ACCOUNTS WITH BELOW-MINIMUM BALANCES If your account balance falls below the
minimum for 30 days as a result of selling shares (and not because of
performance), the fund reserves the right to request that you buy more shares or
close your account. If your account balance is still below the minimum 60 days
after notification, the fund reserves the right to close out your account and
send the proceeds to the address of record.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The fund typically declares income dividends daily and pays them monthly. If an
investor's shares are redeemed during the month, accrued but unpaid dividends
are paid with the redemption proceeds. Shares of the fund earn dividends on the
business day the purchase is effective, but not on the business day the
redemption is effective. The fund distributes capital gains, if any, once a
year. However, the fund may make more or fewer payments in a given year,
depending on its investment results and its tax compliance situation. These
dividends and distributions consist of most or all of the fund's net investment
income and net realized capital gains.

Dividends and distributions are reinvested in additional fund shares.
Alternatively, you may instruct your financial professional or J.P. Morgan Funds
Services to have them sent to you by check, credited to a separate account, or
invested in another J.P. Morgan Fund.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

In general, selling shares, exchanging shares, and receiving distributions
(whether reinvested or taken in cash) are all taxable events. These transactions
typically create the following tax liabilities for taxable accounts:

TRANSACTION TAX STATUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income dividends Exempt from federal and state
personal income taxes for
California residents only
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term capital gains Ordinary income
distributions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term capital gains Capital gains
distributions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or exchanges of Capital gains or
shares owned for more losses
than one year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or exchanges of Gains are treated as ordinary
shares owned for one year income; losses are subject
or less to special rules
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Because long-term capital gains distributions are taxable as capital gains
regardless of how long you have owned your shares, you may want to avoid making
a substantial investment when the fund is about to declare a long-term capital
gains distribution.

A portion of the fund's returns may be subject to federal, state, or local tax,
or the alternative minimum tax.

Every January, the fund issues tax information on its distributions for the
previous year.

Any investor for whom the fund does not have a valid taxpayer identification
number will be subject to backup withholding for taxes.

The tax considerations described in this section do not apply to tax-deferred
accounts or other non-taxable entities.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique, please consult your tax
professional about your fund investment.

8 YOUR INVESTMENT

<PAGE>

FUND DETAILS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUSINESS STRUCTURE

The fund is a series of J.P. Morgan Series Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust. Information about other series or classes is available by calling
1-800-521-5411. In the future, the trustees could create other series or share
classes, which would have different expenses. Fund shareholders are entitled to
one full or fractional vote for each dollar or fraction of a dollar invested.

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The fund and the other series of J.P. Morgan Series Trust are governed by the
same trustees. The trustees are responsible for overseeing all business
activities. The trustees are assisted by Pierpont Group, Inc., which they own
and operate on a cost basis; costs are shared by all funds governed by these
trustees. Funds Distributor, Inc., as co-administrator, along with J.P. Morgan,
provides fund officers. J.P. Morgan, as co-administrator, oversees the fund's
other service providers.

J.P. Morgan, subject to the expense reimbursements described earlier in this
prospectus, receives the following fees for investment advisory and other
services:

ADVISORY SERVICES 0.30% of the fund's average
net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Fund's pro-rata portion of
(fee shared with Funds 0.09% of the first $7 billion in
Distributor, Inc.) J.P. Morgan-advised portfolios,
plus 0.04% of average net assets
over $7 billion
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES 0.25% of the fund's average
net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.P. Morgan may pay fees to certain firms and professionals for providing
recordkeeping or other services in connection with investments in the fund.

YEAR 2000

Fund operations and shareholders could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by J.P. Morgan, the fund's other service providers and other
entities with computer systems linked to the fund, do not properly process and
calculate January 1, 2000 and after date-related information. J.P. Morgan is
working to avoid these problems and to obtain assurances from other service
providers that they are taking similar steps. However, it is not certain that
these actions will be sufficient to prevent January 1, 2000 and after
date-related problems from adversely impacting fund operations and shareholders.

FUND DETAILS 9

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK AND REWARD ELEMENTS

This table discusses the main elements that make up the fund's overall risk and
reward characteristics (described on page 2). It also outlines the fund's
policies toward various securities, including those that are designed to help
the fund manage risk.

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET CONDITIONS
- - The fund's share price, yield, - Bonds have generally - Under normal circumstances the fund plans to remain
and total return will fluctuate outperformed money fully invested in bonds and other fixed income
in response to bond market market investments over securities as noted in the table on page 12
movements the long term, with
less risk than stocks - The fund seeks to limit risk and enhance total return
or yields through careful management, sector
- - The value of most bonds will - Most bonds will rise in allocation, individual securities selection, and
fall when interest rates rise; value when interest duration management
the longer a bond's maturity rates fall
and the lower its credit - During severe market downturns, the fund has the option
quality, the more its value - Asset-backed securities of investing up to 100% of assets in investment-grade
typically falls can offer attractive short-term securities
returns
- J.P. Morgan monitors interest rate trends, as well as
- - Adverse market conditions may geographic and demographic information related to
from time to time cause the fund asset-backed securities and prepayments
to take temporary defensive
positions that are inconsistent
with its principal investment
strategies and may hinder the
fund from acheiving its
investment objective

- - Asset-backed securities
(securities representing
an interest in, or secured by,
a pool of assets such as
receivables) could generate
capital losses or periods of low
yields if they are paid off
substantially earlier or
later than anticipated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT CHOICES
- - The fund could underperform its - The fund could outperform - J.P. Morgan focuses its active management on those
benchmark due to its sector, its benchmark due to areas where it believes its commitment to research
securities, or duration these same choices can most enhance returns and manage risks in a
choices consistent way
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDIT QUALITY
- - The default of an issuer - Investment-grade bonds - The fund maintains its own policies for balancing
would leave the fund with have a lower risk of credit quality against potential yields and gains in
unpaid interest or principal default light of its investment goals

- Junk bonds offer - J.P. Morgan develops its own ratings of unrated
- - Junk bonds (those rated BB/Ba higher yields and securities and makes a credit quality determination
or lower) have a higher risk higher potential gains for unrated securities
of default, tend to be less
liquid, and may be more
difficult to value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

10 FUND DETAILS

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POTENTIAL RISKS POTENTIAL REWARDS POLICIES TO BALANCE RISK AND REWARD
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLIQUID HOLDINGS
- - The fund could have difficulty - These holdings may offer - The fund may not invest more than 15% of net assets
valuing these holdings more attractive yields in illiquid holdings
precisely or potential growth than
comparable widely traded - To maintain adequate liquidity to meet redemptions,
- - The fund could be unable to securities the fund may hold investment-grade short-term
sell these holdings at the securities (including repurchase agreements) and,
time or price desired for temporary or extraordinary purposes, may borrow
from banks up to 331/3% of the value of its assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY
SECURITIES
- - When the fund buys securities - The fund can take - The fund uses segregated accounts to offset leverage
before issue or for delayed advantage of attractive risk
delivery, it could be exposed transaction opportunities
to leverage risk if it does
not use segregated accounts
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM TRADING
- - Increased trading would raise - The fund could realize - The fund anticipates a portfolio turnover rate of
the fund's transaction costs gains in a short period approximately 75%
of time
- The fund generally avoids short-term trading, except
- - Increased short-term capital - The fund could protect to take advantage of attractive or unexpected
gains distributions would against losses if a bond opportunities or to meet demands generated by
raise shareholders' income tax is overvalued and its shareholder activity
liability value later falls
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The fund is also permitted to enter into futures and options transactions,
however, these transactions result in taxable gains or losses so it is expected
that the fund will utilize them infrequently.

FUND DETAILS 11

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This table discusses the customary types of securities which
can be held by the fund. In each case the principal types of
risk are listed (see below for definitions).
/X/ Permitted
/ / Permitted, but not typically used CALIFORNIA
BOND FUND

PRINCIPAL TYPES OF RISK

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES Interests in a stream of payments from credit, interest rate, market, prepayment / /
specific assets, such as auto or credit card receivables.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANK OBLIGATIONS Negotiable certificates of deposit, time credit, liquidity / /
deposits and bankers' acceptances.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMMERCIAL PAPER Unsecured short term debt issued by banks or credit, interest rate, liquidity, market /X/
corporations. These securities are usually discounted and are
rated by S&P or Moody's.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS Bonds or other investments that are sold credit, interest rate, liquidity, market, /X/
directly to an institutional investor. valuation
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS Contracts whereby the seller of a security credit / /
agrees to repurchase the same security from the buyer on a
particular date and at a specific price.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SYNTHETIC VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS Debt instruments whereby the credit, interest rate, leverage, liquidity, /X/
issuer agrees to exchange one security for another in order to market
change the maturity or quality of a security in the fund.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX EXEMPT MUNICIPAL SECURITIES Securities, generally issued as credit, interest rate, market, natural event, /X/(1)
general obligation and revenue bonds, whose interest is exempt political
from federal taxation and state and/or local taxes in the state
where the securities were issued.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES Debt instruments (Treasury bills, interest rate /X/
notes, and bonds) guaranteed by the U.S. government for the timely
payment of principal and interest.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZERO COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND, AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES credit, interest rate, liquidity, market, /X/
Securities offering non-cash or delayed-cash payment. Their prices valuation
are typically more volatile than those of some other debt
instruments and involve certain special tax considerations.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

RISK RELATED TO CERTAIN SECURITIES HELD BY J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND:

CREDIT RISK The risk a financial obligation will not be met by the issuer of
a security or the counterparty to a contract, resulting in a loss to the
purchaser.

INTEREST RATE RISK The risk a change in interest rates will adversely affect
the value of an investment. The value of fixed income securities generally
moves in the opposite direction of interest rates (decreases when interest
rates rise and increases when interest rates fall).

LEVERAGE RISK The risk of gains or losses disproportionately higher than the
amount invested.

LIQUIDITY RISK The risk the holder may not be able to sell the security at
the time or price it desires.

MARKET RISK The risk that when the market as a whole declines, the value of
a specific investment will decline proportionately. This systematic risk is
common to all investments and the mutual funds that purchase them.

NATURAL EVENT RISK The risk of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or
similar event, will cause severe economic losses and default in payments by
the issuer of the security.

POLITICAL RISK The risk governmental policies or other political actions
will negatively impact the value of the investment.

PREPAYMENT RISK The risk declining interest rates will result in unexpected
prepayments, causing the value of the investment to fall.

VALUATION RISK The risk the estimated value of a security does not match the
actual amount that can be realized if the security is sold.

(1) At least 65% of assets must be in California municipal securities.

12 FUND DETAILS

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
financial performance for the past two fiscal periods. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an
investment in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, are included in the
annual report, which is available upon request.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA For fiscal periods ended April 30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(1) 1998
<S> <C> <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ($) 10.00 10.04
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income ($) 0.01 0.41
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment ($) 0.04 0.31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS ($) 0.05 0.72
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income ($) (0.01) (0.41)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD ($) 10.04 10.35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN (%) 0.51(2) 7.20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD ($ thousands) 302 5,811
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES (%) 0.62(3) 0.65
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (%) 4.52(3) 3.94
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECREASE REFLECTED IN EXPENSE RATIO DUE TO
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT (%) 0.55(3) 0.35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER (%) 40 44
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) The fund commenced operations on 4/21/97.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.

FUND DETAILS 13

<PAGE>

FOR MORE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For investors who want more information on the fund, the following documents are
available free upon request:

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS Contain financial statements, performance data,
information on portfolio holdings, and a written analysis of market conditions
and fund performance for the fund's most recently completed fiscal year or
half-year.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) Provides a fuller technical and legal
description of the fund's policies, investment restrictions, and business
structure. This prospectus incorporates the fund's SAI by reference.

Copies of the current versions of these documents, along with other information
about the fund, may be obtained by contacting:

J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND
J.P. Morgan Funds Services
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

TELEPHONE: 1-800-521-5411

HEARING IMPAIRED: 1-888-468-4015

EMAIL: [email protected]

Text-only versions of these documents and this prospectus are available, upon
payment of a duplicating fee, from the Public Reference Room of the Securities
and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. (1-800-SEC-0330) and may be viewed
on-screen or downloaded from the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. The
fund's investment company and 1933 Act registration numbers are 811-07795 and
033-11125.

J.P. MORGAN FUNDS AND THE MORGAN TRADITION

The J.P. Morgan Funds combine a heritage of integrity and financial leadership
with comprehensive, sophisticated analysis and management techniques. Drawing on
J.P. Morgan's extensive experience and depth as an investment manager, the J.P.
Morgan Funds offer a broad array of distinctive opportunities for mutual fund
investors.

JPMORGAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.P. MORGAN FUNDS

ADVISOR DISTRIBUTOR
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York Funds Distributor, Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue 60 State Street
New York, NY 10036 Boston, MA 02109
1-800-521-5411 1-800-221-7930

<PAGE>

AUGUST 3, 1998 PROSPECTUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

----------------------------------------------
Seeking high total return
by investing primarily in
fixed income securities.

This prospectus contains essential information for anyone investing in the fund.
Please read it carefully and keep it for reference.

Distributed by Funds Distributor, Inc. JP Morgan
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

The fund's goal, Fund description ................................. 2
investment approach,
risks, expenses, and Performance ...................................... 3
performance
Investor expenses ................................ 3

4 FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Who may want to invest............................ 4

J.P. Morgan....................................... 4

Fixed income investment process .................. 5

6 YOUR INVESTMENT

Investing in the Investing through a financial professional ....... 6
J.P. Morgan
Institutional Investing directly ............................... 6
California Bond
Fund Opening your account ............................. 6

Adding to your account ........................... 6

Selling shares ................................... 7

Account and transaction policies ................. 7

Dividends and distributions ...................... 8

Tax considerations ............................... 8

9 FUND DETAILS

More about risk and Business structure ............................... 9
the fund's business
operations Management and administration .................... 9

Risk and reward elements ......................... 10

Investments ...................................... 12

Financial highlights ............................. 13

FOR MORE INFORMATION ..................... back cover

1
<PAGE>

J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND TICKER SYMBOL: JPICX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTRANT: J.P. MORGAN SERIES TRUST
(J.P. MORGAN CALIFORNIA BOND FUND:
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES)

[GRAPHIC]

GOAL

The fund's goal is to provide high after-tax total return for California
residents consistent with moderate risk of capital. This goal can be changed
without shareholder approval.

[GRAPHIC]

INVESTMENT APPROACH

The fund invests primarily in California municipal securities whose income
is free from federal and state personal income taxes for California residents.
Because the fund's goal is high after-tax total return rather than high
tax-exempt income, the fund may invest to a limited extent in securities of
other states or territories. To the extent that the fund invests in municipal
securities of other states, the income from such securities would be free from
federal personal income taxes for California residents but would be subject to
California state personal income taxes. For non-California residents, the income
from California municipal securities is free from federal personal income taxes
only. The fund may also invest in taxable securities. The fund's securities may
be of any maturity, but under normal market conditions the fund's duration will
generally range between three and ten years, similar to that of the Lehman
Brothers 1-16 Year Municipal Bond Index. At least 90% of assets must be invested
in securities that, at the time of purchase, are rated investment-grade (BBB/Baa
or better) or are the unrated equivalent. No more than 10% of assets may be
invested in securities as low as B.

[GRAPHIC]

RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

The fund's share price and total return will vary in response to changes
in interest rates. How well the fund's performance compares to that of similar
fixed income funds will depend on the success of the investment process, which
is described on page 5. Because most of the fund's investments will typically be
from issuers in the State of California, its performance will be affected by the
fiscal and economic health of that state and its municipalities. The fund is
non-diversified and may invest more than 5% of assets in a single issuer, which
could further concentrate its risks. To the extent that the fund seeks higher
returns by investing in non-investment-grade bonds, it takes on additional
risks, because these bonds are more sensitive to economic news and their issuers
are in less secure financial condition. The fund's investments and their main
risks, as well as fund strategies, are described in more detail on pages 10-12.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

The fund's assets are managed by J.P. Morgan, which currently manages over $285
billion, including more than $8 billion using the same strategy as this fund.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before you invest

Investors considering the fund should understand that:

o There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment goal.

o The fund invests a portion of assets in non-investment-grade bonds ("junk
bonds"), which offer higher potential yields but have a higher risk of
default and are more sensitive to market risk than investment-grade bonds.

o The fund does not represent a complete investment program.

2 J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL CALIFORNIA BOND FUND
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERFORMANCE (unaudited)

The table and bar chart shown below indicate the risks of investing in J.P.
Morgan Institutional California Bond Fund.

The bar chart indicates the risks by showing changes in the performance of the
fund's shares from year to year since the fund's inception date.

The fund's past performance does not necessarily indicate how the fund will
perform in the future.

Shows performance over time, for period ended
Average annual total return (%) December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past 1 yr.

J.P. Morgan Institutional California Bond Fund (after expenses) 7.72
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers 1-16 Year Municipal Bond Index (no expenses) 7.97
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]

Total return (%) Shows changes in returns by calendar year(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997

J.P. Morgan Institutional California Bond Fund 7.72
Lehman Brothers 1-16 Year Municipal Bond Index 7.97

For the period covered by this total return chart, the fund's highest quarterly
return was 3.04% (for the quarter ended 6/30/97) and the lowest quarterly return
was -0.34% (for the quarter ended 3/31/97).

================================================================================
INVESTOR EXPENSES

Annual fund operating expenses(2) (%)
(expenses that are deducted from fund assets)

Management fees 0.30

Marketing (12b-1) fees none

Other expenses(3) 0.54
================================================================================
Total annual fund
operating expenses(3) 0.84
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expense example

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:
$10,000 initial investment, 5% return each year, total operating expenses
(before reimbursement) unchanged, and all shares sold at the end of each time
period. The example is for comparison only; the fund's actual return and your
actual costs may be higher or lower.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 yr. 3 yrs. 5 yrs. 10 yrs.

Your cost($) 86 268 466 1,037
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================

(1) The fund's fiscal year end is 4/30. For the period 1/1/98 through 6/30/98,
the total return for the fund was 1.66% and the total return for the index
was 2.50%.

(2) This table is restated to show the current fee arrangements in effect as
of August 1, 1998, and shows expenses for the past fiscal year, before
reimbursement, expressed as a percentage of average net assets.

(3) Effective August 1, 1998, after reimbursement, other expenses and total
operating expenses will be 0.20% and 0.50%, respectively. This
reimbursement arrangement can be changed or terminated at any time at the
option of J.P. Morgan.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL CALIFORNIA BOND FUND 3

<PAGE>
FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT APPROACH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL CALIFORNIA BOND FUND

The J.P. Morgan Institutional California Bond Fund invests primarily in bonds
and other fixed income securities.

The fund's investment philosophy, developed by its advisor, emphasizes the
potential for consistently enhancing performance while managing risk.

WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST

The fund is designed for investors who:

o want to add an income investment to further diversify a portfolio

o want an investment whose risk/return potential is higher than that of
money market funds but generally less than that of stock funds

o want an investment that pays monthly dividends

o are seeking income that is exempt from federal and state personal income
taxes in California

The fund is not designed for investors who:

o are investing for aggressive long-term growth

o require stability of principal

o are investing through a tax-deferred account such as an IRA

J.P. MORGAN

4
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIXED INCOME INVESTMENT PROCESS

In managing the fund, J.P. Morgan employs a three-step process that combines
sector allocation, fundamental research for identifying portfolio securities,
and duration management.

[GRAPHIC]

The fund invests across a range
of different types of securities

Sector allocation The sector allocation team meets monthly, analyzing the
fundamentals of a broad range of sectors in which the fund may invest. The team
seeks to enhance performance and manage risk by underweighting or overweighting
sectors.

[GRAPHIC]

The fund makes its portfolio decisions as
described earlier in this prospectus

Security selection Relying on the insights of different specialists, including
credit analysts, quantitative researchers, and dedicated fixed income traders,
the portfolio managers make buy and sell decisions according to the fund's goal
and strategy.

[GRAPHIC]

J.P. Morgan uses a disciplined process
to control the fund's sensitivity
to interest rates

Duration management Forecasting teams use fundamental economic factors to
develop strategic forecasts of the direction of interest rates. Based on these
forecasts, strategists establish the fund's target duration (a measure of
average weighted maturity of the securities held by the fund and a common
measurement of sensitivity to interest rate movements), typically remaining
relatively close to the duration of the market as a whole, as represented by the
fund's benchmark. The strategists closely monitor the fund and make tactical
adjustments as necessary.

FIXED INCOME MANAGEMENT APPROACH 5
<PAGE>

YOUR INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For your convenience, the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds offer several ways to
start and add to fund investments.

INVESTING THROUGH A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL

If you work with a financial professional, either at J.P. Morgan or elsewhere,
he or she is prepared to handle your planning and transaction needs. Your
financial professional will be able to assist you in establishing your fund
account, executing transactions, and monitoring your investment. If your fund
investment is not held in the name of your financial professional and you prefer
to place a transaction order yourself, please use the instructions for investing
directly.

INVESTING DIRECTLY

Investors may establish accounts without the help of an intermediary by using
the instructions below and at right:

o Determine the amount you are investing. The minimum amount for initial
investments is $5,000,000 and for additional investments $25,000, although
these minimums may be less for some investors. For more information on
minimum investments, call 1-800-766-7722.

o Complete the application, indicating how much of your investment you want
to allocate to which fund(s). Please apply now for any account privileges
you may want to use in the future, in order to avoid the delays associated
with adding them later on.

o Mail in your application, making your initial investment as shown at
right.

For answers to any questions, please speak with a J.P. Morgan Funds Services
Representative at 1-800-766-7722.

OPENING YOUR ACCOUNT

By wire

o Mail your completed application to the Shareholder Services Agent.

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent to obtain an account number and to
place a purchase order. Funds that are wired without a purchase order will
be returned uninvested.

o After placing your purchase order, instruct your bank to wire the amount
of your investment to:

Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
Routing number: 021-000-238
Credit: J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds
Account number: 001-57-689
FFC: your account number, name of registered owner(s) and fund name

By check

o Make out a check for the investment amount payable to J.P. Morgan
Institutional Funds.

o Mail the check with your completed application to the Shareholder Services
Agent.

By exchange

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent to effect an exchange.

ADDING TO YOUR ACCOUNT

By wire

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent to place a purchase order. Funds that
are wired without a purchase order will be returned uninvested.

o Once you have placed your purchase order, instruct your bank to wire the
amount of your investment as described above.

By check

o Make out a check for the investment amount payable to J.P. Morgan
Institutional Funds.

o Mail the check with a completed investment slip to the Shareholder
Services Agent. If you do not have an investment slip, attach a note
indicating your account number and how much you wish to invest in which
fund(s).

By exchange

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent to effect an exchange.

6 YOUR INVESTMENT
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SELLING SHARES

By phone -- wire payment

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent to verify that the wire redemption
privilege is in place on your account. If it is not, a representative can
help you add it.

o Place your wire request. If you are transferring money to a non-Morgan
account, you will need to provide the representative with the personal
identification number (PIN) that was provided to you when you opened your
fund account.

By phone -- check payment

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent and place your request. Once your
request has been verified, a check for the net amount, payable to the
registered owner(s), will be mailed to the address of record. For checks
payable to any other party or mailed to any other address, please make
your request in writing (see below).

In writing

o Write a letter of instruction that includes the following information: The
name of the registered owner(s) of the account; the account number; the
fund name; the amount you want to sell; and the recipient's name and
address or wire information, if different from those of the account
registration.

o Indicate whether you want the proceeds sent by check or by wire.

o Make sure the letter is signed by an authorized party. The Shareholder
Services Agent may require additional information, such as a signature
guarantee.

o Mail the letter to the Shareholder Services Agent.

By exchange

o Call the Shareholder Services Agent to effect an exchange.

ACCOUNT AND TRANSACTION POLICIES

Telephone orders The fund accepts telephone orders from all shareholders. To
guard against fraud, the fund requires shareholders to use a PIN, and may record
telephone orders or take other reasonable precautions. However, if the fund does
take such steps to ensure the authenticity of an order, you may bear any loss if
the order later proves fraudulent.

Exchanges You may exchange shares in this fund for shares in any other J.P.
Morgan Institutional or J.P. Morgan mutual fund at no charge (subject to the
securities laws of your state). When making exchanges, it is important to
observe any applicable premiums. Keep in mind that for tax purposes an exchange
is considered a sale.

The fund may alter, limit, or suspend its exchange policy at any time.

Business hours and NAV calculations The fund's regular business days and hours
are the same as those of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The fund calculates
its net asset value per share (NAV) every business day as of the close of
trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time). The fund's securities are
typically priced using pricing services or market quotes, but may be priced
using fair value pricing when these methods are not readily available.

Timing of orders Orders to buy or sell shares are executed at the next NAV
calculated after the order has been accepted. Orders are accepted until the
close of trading on the NYSE every business day and are executed the same day,
at that day's NAV. The fund has the right to suspend redemption of shares and to
postpone payment of proceeds for up to seven days or as permitted by law.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholder Services Agent
J.P. Morgan Funds Services
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036
1-800-766-7722

Representatives are available 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. eastern time on fund business
days.

YOUR INVESTMENT 7
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Timing of settlements When you buy shares, you will become the owner of record
when the fund receives your payment, generally the day following execution. When
you sell shares, proceeds are generally available the day following execution
and will be forwarded according to your instructions.

When you sell shares that you recently purchased by check, your order will be
executed at the next NAV but the proceeds will not be available until your check
clears. This may take up to 15 days.

Statements and reports The fund sends monthly account statements as well as
confirmations after each purchase or sale of shares (except reinvestments).
Every six months the fund sends out an annual or semi-annual report containing
information on the fund's holdings and a discussion of recent and anticipated
market conditions and fund performance.

Accounts with below-minimum balances If your account balance falls below the
minimum for 30 days as a result of selling shares (and not because of
performance), the fund reserves the right to request that you buy more shares or
close your account. If your account balance is still below the minimum 60 days
after notification, the fund reserves the right to close out your account and
send the proceeds to the address of record.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

================================================================================
Transaction Tax status
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income dividends Exempt from federal and state personal income
taxes for California residents only
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term capital gains Ordinary income
distributions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term capital gains Capital gains
distributions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or exchanges of Capital gains or
shares owned for more losses
than one year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or exchanges of Gains are treated as ordinary
shares owned for one year income; losses are subject
or less to special rules
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A portion of the fund's returns may be subject to federal, state, or local tax,
or the alternative minimum tax.

Every January, the fund issues tax information on its distributions for the
previous year.

Any investor for whom the fund does not have a valid taxpayer identification
number will be subject to backup withholding for taxes.

The tax considerations described in this section do not apply to tax-deferred
accounts or other non-taxable entities.

Because each investor's tax circumstances are unique, please consult your tax
professional about your fund investment.

8 YOUR INVESTMENT
<PAGE>

FUND DETAILS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUSINESS STRUCTURE

The fund is a series of J.P. Morgan Series Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust. Information about other series or classes is available by calling
1-800-766-7722. In the future, the trustees could create other series or share
classes, which would have different expenses. Fund shareholders are entitled to
one full or fractional vote for each dollar or fraction of a dollar invested.

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

J.P. Morgan, subject to the expense reimbursements described earlier in this
prospectus, receives the following fees for investment advisory and other
services:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisory services 0.30% of the fund's average net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative services Fund's pro-rata portion of 0.09% of the first
(fee shared with Funds $7 billion in J.P. Morgan-advised portfolios,
Distributor, Inc.) plus 0.04% of average net assets over $7 billion
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholder services 0.10% of the fund's average net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.P. Morgan may pay fees to certain firms and professionals for providing
recordkeeping or other services in connection with investments in the fund.

YEAR 2000

FUND DETAILS 9
<PAGE>

RISK AND REWARD ELEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================
Potential risks Potential rewards Policies to balance risk and reward
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Market conditions

o The fund's share price, yield, and o Bonds have generally outperformed o Under normal circumstances the fund
total return will fluctuate in money market investments over the plans to remain fully invested in
response to bond market movements long term, with less risk than stocks bonds and other fixed income
securities as noted in the table on
o The value of most bonds will fall o Most bonds will rise in value when page 12
when interest rates rise; the longer interest rates fall
a bond's maturity and the lower its o The fund seeks to limit risk and
credit quality, the more its value o Asset-backed securities can offer enhance total return or yields
typically falls attractive returns through careful management, sector
allocation, individual securities
o Adverse market conditions may from selection, and duration management
time to time cause the fund to take
temporary defensive positions that o During severe market downturns, the
are inconsistent with its principal fund has the option of investing up
investment strategies and may hinder to 100% of assets in investment-grade
the fund from acheiving its short-term securities
investment objective
o J.P. Morgan monitors interest rate
o Asset-backed securities (securities trends, as well as geographic and
representing an interest in, or demographic information related to
secured by, a pool of assets such as asset-backed securities and
receivables) could generate capital prepayments
losses or periods of low yields if
they are paid off substantially
earlier or later than anticipated
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management choices

o The fund could underperform its o The fund could outperform its o J.P. Morgan focuses its active
benchmark due to its sector, benchmark due to these same choices management on those areas where it
securities, or duration choices believes its commitment to research
can most enhance returns and manage
risks in a consistent way
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit quality

o The default of an issuer would leave o Investment-grade bonds have a lower o The fund maintains its own policies
the fund with unpaid interest or risk of default for balancing credit quality against
principal potential yields and gains in light
o Junk bonds offer higher yields and of its investment goals
o Junk bonds (those rated BB/Ba or higher potential gains
lower) have a higher risk of default, o J.P. Morgan develops its own ratings
tend to be less liquid, and may be of unrated securities and makes a
more difficult to value credit quality determination for
unrated securities
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

10 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

o The fund could have difficulty o These holdings may offer more o The fund may not invest more than 15%
valuing these holdings precisely attractive yields or potential growth of net assets in illiquid holdings
than comparable widely traded
o The fund could be unable to sell securities o To maintain adequate liquidity to
these holdings at the time or price meet redemptions, the fund may hold
desired investment-grade short-term
securities (including repurchase
agreements) and, for temporary or
extraordinary purposes, may borrow
from banks up to 33 1/3% of the value
of its assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-issued and delayed delivery securities

o When the fund buys securities before o The fund can take advantage of o The fund uses segregated accounts to
issue or for delayed delivery, it attractive transaction opportunities offset leverage risk
could be exposed to leverage risk if
it does not use segregated accounts
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term trading

o Increased trading would raise the o The fund could realize gains in a o The fund anticipates a portfolio
fund's transaction costs short period of time turnover rate of approximately 75%

o Increased short-term capital gains o The fund could protect against losses o The fund generally avoids short-term
distributions would raise if a bond is overvalued and its value trading, except to take advantage of
shareholders' income tax liability later falls attractive or unexpected
opportunities or to meet demands
generated by shareholder activity
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

FUND DETAILS 11
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Investments

This table discusses the customary types of securities which can be held by the
fund. In each case the principal types of risk are listed (see below for
definitions).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
|X| Permitted

|_| Permitted, but not
typically used California
Bond
Principal Types of Risk Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Asset-backed securities Interests in a credit, interest rate, market, |_|
stream of payments from specific assets, prepayment
such as auto or credit card receivables.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank obligations Negotiable certificates credit, liquidity |_|
of deposit, time deposits and bankers'
acceptances.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Commercial paper Unsecured short term credit, interest rate, |X|
debt issued by banks or corporations. liquidity, market
These securities are usually discounted
and are rated by S&P or Moody's.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private placements Bonds or other credit, interest rate, |X|
investments that are sold directly to an liquidity, market, valuation
institutional investor.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Repurchase agreements Contracts whereby credit |_|
the seller of a security agrees to
repurchase the same security from the
buyer on a particular date and at a
specific price.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Synthetic variable rate instruments Debt credit, interest rate, |X|
instruments whereby the issuer agrees to leverage, liquidity, market
exchange one security for another in
order to change the maturity or quality
of a security in the fund.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax exempt municipal securities credit, interest rate, market, |X|(1)
Securities, generally issued as general natural event, political
obligation and revenue bonds, whose
interest is exempt from federal taxation
and state and/or local taxes in the
state where the securities were issued.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. government securities Debt interest rate |X|
instruments (Treasury bills, notes, and
bonds) guaranteed by the U.S. government
for the timely payment of principal and
interest.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero coupon, pay-in-kind, and deferred credit, interest rate, |X|
payment securities Securities offering liquidity, market, valuation
non-cash or delayed-cash payment. Their
prices are typically more volatile than
those of some other debt instruments and
involve certain special tax
considerations.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Risk related to certain securities held by J.P. Morgan Institutional California
Bond Fund:

Credit risk The risk a financial obligation will not be met by the issuer of a
security or the counterparty to a contract, resulting in a loss to the
purchaser.

Interest rate risk The risk a change in interest rates will adversely affect
the value of an investment. The value of fixed income securities generally moves
in the opposite direction of interest rates (decreases when interest rates rise
and increases when interest rates fall).

Leverage risk The risk of gains or losses disproportionately higher than the
amount invested.

Liquidity risk The risk the holder may not be able to sell the security at the
time or price it desires.

Market risk The risk that when the market as a whole declines, the value of a
specific investment will decline proportionately. This systematic risk is common
to all investments and the mutual funds that purchase them.

Natural event risk The risk of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or
similar event, will cause severe economic losses and default in payments by the
issuer of the security.

Political risk The risk governmental policies or other political actions will
negatively impact the value of the investment.

Prepayment risk The risk declining interest rates will result in unexpected
prepayments, causing the value of the investment to fall.

Valuation risk The risk the estimated value of a security does not match the
actual amount that can be realized if the security is sold.

(1) At least 65% of assets must be in California municipal securities.

12 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

================================================================================

Per-share data For fiscal periods ended April 30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(1) 1998

Net asset value, beginning of period ($) 10.00 9.90
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income ($) 0.16 0.42
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment ($) (0.10) 0.30
================================================================================
Total from investment operations ($) 0.06 0.72
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income ($) (0.16) (0.42)
Net asset value, end of period ($) 9.90 10.20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) 0.56(2) 7.35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratios and supplemental data
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ thousands) 14,793 46,280
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses (%) 0.45(3) 0.45
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (%) 4.43(3) 4.11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease reflected in expense ratio due to
expense reimbursement (%) 3.01(3) 0.34
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover (%) 40 44
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) The fund commenced operations on 12/23/96.

(2) Not annualized.

(3) Annualized.

FUND DETAILS 13
<PAGE>

FOR MORE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For investors who want more information on the fund, the following documents are
available free upon request:

Annual/Semi-annual Reports Contain financial statements, performance data,
information on portfolio holdings, and a written analysis of market conditions
and fund performance for the fund's most recently completed fiscal year or
half-year.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI) Provides a fuller technical and legal
description of the fund's policies, investment restrictions, and business
structure. This prospectus incorporates the fund's SAI by reference.

Copies of the current versions of these documents, along with other information
about the fund, may be obtained by contacting:

J.P. Morgan Institutional California Bond Fund
J.P. Morgan Funds Services
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

Telephone: 1-800-766-7722

Hearing impaired: 1-888-468-4015

Email: [email protected]

J.P. MORGAN INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS AND THE MORGAN TRADITION

The J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds combine a heritage of integrity and
financial leadership with comprehensive, sophisticated analysis and management
techniques. Drawing on J.P. Morgan's extensive experience and depth as an
investment manager, the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds offer a broad array of
distinctive opportunities for mutual fund investors.

JP MORGAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds

Advisor Distributor

Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York Funds Distributor, Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue 60 State Street
New York, NY 10036 Boston, MA 02109
1-800-766-7722 1-800-221-7930

PROS332-988