VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL EQUITY OPPORTUNITY TRUST SER 186
S-6, 1999-10-14
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                                                                   File No: 333-
                                                                   CIK # 1025341

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004
                                    FORM S-6

For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.

A.   Exact name of Trust: VAN KAMPEN FOCUS PORTFOLIOS, SERIES 186

B.   Name of Depositor: VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.

C.   Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:

                               One Parkview Plaza
                         Oakbrook Terrace Illinois 60181

D.   Name and complete address of agents for service:

CHAPMAN AND CUTLER             VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
Attention:  Mark J. Kneedy     Attention:  A. Thomas Smith III, General Counsel
111 West Monroe Street         One Parkview Plaza
Chicago, Illinois  60603       Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181

E.   Title of securities being registered: Units of undivided fractional
     beneficial interests.

F.   Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:

 AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a)
may determine.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. No one
may sell Units of the Trust until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell Units and is not soliciting an offer to buy Units in any state where the
offer or sale is not permitted.

                  Preliminary Prospectus Dated October 14, 1999
                              Subject to Completion

                                   Van Kampen
                              Focus Portfolios(SM)
                       A Division of Van Kampen Funds Inc.

The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust
November 1999 Series

The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust
November 1999 Series

NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust
November 1999 Series

Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust
November 1999 Series

EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust
November 1999 Series

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

   Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 186 includes the unit investment trusts
described above (the "Trusts"). Each Trust uses a refined indexing strategy that
seeks to provide above-average total return through an investment in a
diversified portfolio of well-known stocks.
Of course, we cannot guarantee that a Trust will achieve its objective.


                              November ____ , 1999

       You should read this prospectus and retain it for future reference.

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

     The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved
  of the Units or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any
contrary representation is a criminal offense.

                   Summary of Essential Financial Information
                              November ____ , 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    The DowSM
                                                                                    Strategic
                                                                                    10 and 5                  Other
Public Offering Price                                                                Trusts                  Trusts
                                                                                  ------------            ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                      <C>
Aggregate value of Securities per Unit (1)                                        $     9.900              $    9.900
Sales charge                                                                            0.275                   0.295
   Less deferred sales charge                                                           0.175                   0.195
Public offering price per Unit (2)                                                $    10.000              $   10.000
</TABLE>

General Information
Initial Date of Deposit                November ____ , 1999
Mandatory Termination Date -
   NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust         February ____ , 2001
Mandatory Termination Date -
   Other Trusts                        December ____ , 2000
Record Dates                           May 10, 2000 and December ___ , 2000
Distribution Dates                     May 25, 2000 and December ___ , 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             Estimated        Estimated                       Estimated
                              Initial        Aggregate        Initial          Annual         Redemption   Organizational
                              Number of       Value of      Distribution      Dividends        Price per      Costs per
Trust Information             Units (3)    Securities (1)   per Unit (4)    per Unit (4)       Unit (5)       Unit (1)
                            ------------   --------------   -------------   -------------    -------------  -------------
The DowSM Strategic 10
<S>                         <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
    Trust                                  $                $               $               $               $
The DowSM Strategic 5
    Trust                                  $                $               $               $               $
NasdaqSM Strategic 10
    Trust                                  $                $               $               $               $
Strategic Picks
    Opportunity Trust                      $                $               $               $               $
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust                  $                $               $               $               $
</TABLE>

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

(1)  Each Security is valued at the most recent closing sale price on its
     principal trading exchange or, if not listed, at the last asked price on
     the business day before the Initial Date of Deposit. You will bear all or a
     portion of the expenses incurred in organizing and offering your Trust. The
     public offering price includes the estimated amount of these costs. The
     Trustee will deduct these expenses from your Trust at the end of the
     initial offering period (approximately three months for the NasdaqSM
     Strategic 10 Trust and one month for all other Trusts). The estimated
     amount is described above and is included in the "Estimated Costs Over
     Time" on the next page.

(2)  The public offering price will include any accumulated dividends or cash in
     the Income or Capital Accounts of a Trust.

(3)  The number of Units may be adjusted so that the public offering price per
     Unit equals $10 at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the Initial
     Date of Deposit. The number of Units and fractional interest of each Unit
     in a Trust will increase or decrease to the extent of any adjustment.

(4)  This estimate is based on the most recently declared quarterly dividends or
     interim and final dividends accounting for any foreign withholding taxes.
     Actual dividends may vary due to a variety of factors. See "Risk Factors".

(5)  The redemption price is reduced by any remaining deferred sales charge. See
     "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". The redemption price includes
     the estimated organizational and offering costs. The redemption price will
     not include these costs after the initial offering period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    Fee Table


                                                                                         The DowSM
                                                                                         Strategic
                                                                                         10 and 5        Other
               Transaction Fees (as % of offering price)                                  Trusts        Trusts
                                                                                        ----------      ------
<S>                                                                                        <C>           <C>
               Initial sales charge (1)                                                    1.00%         1.00%
               Deferred sales charge (2)                                                   1.75%         1.95%
                                                                                          ------        ------
               Maximum sales charge                                                        2.75%         2.95%
                                                                                          ======        ======
               Maximum sales charge on reinvested dividends                                1.75%         1.95%
                                                                                          ======        ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                          Trustee's       Supervisory      Estimated
                                                            Fee and           and            Annual
                                                          Operating        Evaluation       Expenses
Estimated Annual Expenses per Unit                         Expenses           Fees          per Unit
                                                        --------------   -------------      ------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>                 <C>
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust                            $                $   0.00500         $
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust                             $                $   0.00500         $
NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust                             $                $   0.00500         $
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust                       $                $   0.00500         $
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust                               $                $   0.00500         $
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Estimated Costs Over Time (3)                              One Year       Three Years     Five Years         Ten Years
                                                        --------------   -------------   -------------    --------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust                            $                $                     N/A              N/A
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust                             $                $                     N/A              N/A
NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust                             $                $                     N/A              N/A
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust                       $                $                     N/A              N/A
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust                               $                $                     N/A              N/A
</TABLE>

   This fee table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs that you
will bear and to present a comparison of fees. The "Estimated Costs Over Time"
example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment assuming a
5% annual return and redemption at the end of each period. This example assumes
that you roll your investment into a new series of the Trust each year. Of
course, you should not consider this example a representation of actual past or
future expenses or annual rate of return which may differ from those assumed for
this example. The sales charge and expenses are described under "Public
Offering" and "Trust Operating Expenses".

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

(1)  The initial sales charge is the difference between the maximum sales charge
     and the deferred sales charge.

(2)  The deferred sales charge is actually equal to $0.195 per Unit ($0.175 per
     Unit for The DowSM Strategic 10 and 5 Trusts). This amount will exceed the
     percentage above if the public offering price per Unit falls below $10 and
     will be less than the percentage above if the public offering price per
     Unit exceeds $10. The deferred sales charge accrues daily from __________ ,
     2000 through __________ , 2000. Your Trust pays a proportionate amount of
     this charge on the 10th day of each month beginning in the accrual period
     until paid in full.

(3)  These examples include the estimated expenses incurred in establishing and
     offering your Trust. The amount of these expenses is described on the
     preceding page.

The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Buy the ten highest
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and hold them for
about one year. When the Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy
by redeeming your Units and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio,
if available.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption
and Rollover".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
<S>                             <C>                                  <C>              <C>                    <C>
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
    ----------   -----------------------------------       ---------------      -----------         -------------


- ----------                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                    $
==========                                                                                          =============
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Portfolios".

Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("The Dow 30SM"). Total return includes any
dividends paid on the stocks together with any increase or decrease in the value
of the stocks. The table illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy
Stocks at the beginning of each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust,
redeeming them after one year and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio each year.

   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Year            Strategy Stocks          The Dow 30SM           Year                Strategy Stocks      The Dow 30SM
  ---------------------------------------------------             ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                    <C>                  <C>                     <C>                   <C>
  1974                (0.72)%                (23.21)%             1987                    5.93%                 6.02%
  1975                56.52                   44.48               1988                   24.75                 15.95
  1976                34.93                   22.75               1989                   25.08                 31.71
  1977                (1.75)                 (12.70)              1990                   (7.57)                (0.58)
  1978                 0.12                    2.69               1991                   34.86                 23.93
  1979                12.37                   10.52               1992                    7.85                  7.35
  1980                27.23                   21.41               1993                   26.93                 16.74
  1981                 7.52                   (3.40)              1994                    4.12                  4.95
  1982                26.03                   25.79               1995                   36.58                 36.49
  1983                38.75                   25.65               1996                   28.05                 28.58
  1984                11.82                    1.08               1997                   21.98                 24.78
  1985                29.45                   32.78               1998                   10.63                 18.13
  1986                35.77                   26.92               1999 thru 9/30          8.16                 12.59
</TABLE>


See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Select the ten highest
dividend-yielding stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Eliminate the
stock with the lowest share price. Of the remaining stocks, buy the five with
the lowest share price and hold them for about one year. When the Trust
terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy by redeeming your Units and
reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio, if available.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption
and Rollover".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
<S>                             <C>                                  <C>              <C>                    <C>
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
    ----------   -----------------------------------       ---------------      -----------         -------------


- ----------                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                    $
==========                                                                                          =============
</TABLE>


See "Notes to Portfolios".

Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("The Dow 30SM"). Total return includes any
dividends paid on the stocks together with any increase or decrease in the value
of the stocks. The table illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy
Stocks at the beginning of each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust,
redeeming them after one year and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio each year.

   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Year            Strategy Stocks          The Dow 30SM           Year                Strategy Stocks      The Dow 30SM
  ---------------------------------------------------             ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                   <C>                  <C>                    <C>                   <C>
  1974                 0.56%                 (23.21)%             1987                   (2.75)%               6.02%
  1975                64.54                   44.48               1988                   22.65                15.95
  1976                39.29                   22.75               1989                   10.49                31.71
  1977                (4.82)                 (12.70)              1990                  (20.71)               (0.58)
  1978                 0.76                    2.69               1991                   56.02                23.93
  1979                19.86                   10.52               1992                   24.96                 7.35
  1980                32.33                   21.41               1993                   38.67                16.74
  1981                 3.15                   (3.40)              1994                    3.33                 4.95
  1982                48.11                   25.79               1995                   42.57                36.49
  1983                43.50                   25.65               1996                   32.06                28.58
  1984                11.60                    1.08               1997                   27.68                24.78
  1985                37.00                   32.78               1998                   15.53                18.13
  1986                36.10                   26.92               1999 thru 9/30          5.43                12.59
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Begin with all of the stocks
in the Nasdaq-100 Index. Select the top twenty companies in the index as
measured by market capitalization. Rank those companies by annual sales for the
previous twelve months as most recently reported by each company. Buy the stocks
of the ten companies with the highest dollar amount of annual sales and hold
them for about 15 months. When the Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the
strategy by redeeming your Units and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust
portfolio, if available.

   The Nasdaq-100 Index represents 100 of the largest non-financial companies
traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption
and Rollover".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
<S>                             <C>                                  <C>              <C>                    <C>
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
    ----------   -----------------------------------       ---------------      -----------         -------------



- ----------                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                    $
==========                                                                                          =============
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Portfolios".


Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the Nasdaq-100 Index. Total return includes any dividends paid on the stocks
together with any increase or decrease in the value of the stocks. The table
illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy Stocks at the beginning of
each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust, redeeming them after one year
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio each year.

   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Strategy               Nasdaq-100                                    Strategy            Nasdaq-100
  Year                Stocks                   Index                Year                   Stocks                Index
  -----------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                     <C>                   <C>                    <C>                  <C>
  1989                29.83%                  26.17%                1995                   45.45%               43.05%
  1990                (4.89)                 (10.41)                1996                   40.23                42.77
  1991                55.20                   64.99                 1997                   75.19                20.77
  1992                19.49                    8.87                 1998                  122.03                85.47
  1993                 7.60                   11.74                 1999 thru 9/30         30.26                31.22
  1994                (2.09)                   1.79

</TABLE>

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Beginning with the Morgan
Stanley Capital International USA Index, remove all stocks of financial and
utility companies and stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Screen this
pool of stocks to include only those companies with positive one- and three-year
sales and earnings growth and two years of positive dividend growth. Rank the
remaining stocks by annual trading volume and select the top 75%. Buy the ten
highest dividend-yielding stocks and hold them for about one year. When the
Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy by redeeming your Units
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio, if available.

   The MSCI USA Index represents approximately 370 large United States
companies. The index has existed since January 1, 1970.


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption
and Rollover".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
<S>                             <C>                                  <C>              <C>                    <C>
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
    ----------   -----------------------------------       ---------------      -----------         -------------



- ----------                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                    $
==========                                                                                          =============
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Portfolios".


Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the MSCI USA Index. Total return includes any dividends paid on the stocks
together with any increase or decrease in the value of the stocks. The table
illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy Stocks at the beginning of
each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust, redeeming them after one year
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio each year.

   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Strategy                 MSCIUSA                                     Strategy              MSCIUSA
  Year                Stocks                   Index                Year                   Stocks                Index
  -----------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                     <C>                   <C>                     <C>                 <C>
  1979                17.00%                  13.86%                1990                    0.52%               (1.89)%
  1980                40.64                   27.97                 1991                   47.88                30.17
  1981                 5.09                   (3.50)                1992                    2.26                 7.06
  1982                39.84                   20.13                 1993                    7.32                 9.82
  1983                17.66                   21.11                 1994                    9.91                 2.05
  1984                10.89                    5.71                 1995                   38.10                37.04
  1985                46.11                   31.04                 1996                   23.90                23.36
  1986                34.86                   17.02                 1997                   28.64                33.35
  1987                11.38                    4.41                 1998                   27.23                30.72
  1988                16.05                   15.34                 1999 thru 9/30          1.53                 4.80
  1989                31.87                   30.21
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust

   The Trust follows a simple investment strategy: Begin with the stocks in the
Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East Index as
detailed below, one of the most widely-used benchmarks for international
investing. Screen these stocks to include only those companies with positive
one- and three-year sales and earnings growth and three years of positive
dividend growth. Rank the remaining stocks by market capitalization and select
the top 75%. Buy the twenty highest dividend-yielding stocks and hold them for
about one year. When the Trust terminates, you can elect to follow the strategy
by redeeming your Units and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio,
if available.

   Many consider the MSCI EAFESM Index to be the premier equity benchmark for
global investing. The index represents more than 1,000 stocks in 38 industries
across 20 developed countries. These countries include Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,


                               [INSERT CHART HERE]


Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We
eliminate stocks traded in Singapore from the Trust strategy to help limit
exposure to uncertain political and economic conditions.

   The Trust is designed as part of a long-term investment strategy. You may
achieve more consistent overall results by following the strategy over several
years. For more information see "Special Redemption
and Rollover".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Current             Cost of
Number                                                     Market Value         Dividend            Securities
<S>                             <C>                                  <C>              <C>                    <C>
of Shares        Name of Issuer (1)                        per Share (2)        Yield (3)           to Trust (2)
    ----------   -------------------------------------     ---------------      -----------         -------------



- ----------                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                    $
==========                                                                                          =============
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Portfolios".

Hypothetical Strategy Performance

   The table below compares the hypothetical total return of stocks selected
using the Trust's investment strategy (the "Strategy Stocks") with the stocks in
the MSCI EAFESM Index. Total return includes any dividends paid on the stocks
together with any increase or decrease in the value of the stocks. The table
illustrates a hypothetical investment in the Strategy Stocks at the beginning of
each year -- similar to buying Units of the Trust, redeeming them after one year
and reinvesting the proceeds in a new trust portfolio each year.

   These hypothetical returns are not actual past performance of the Trust or
prior series and do not reflect the sales charge or expenses you will pay. Of
course, these hypothetical returns are not guarantees of future results and the
value of your Units will fluctuate. For more information about the total return
calculations, see "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            Hypothetical Total Return
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               MSCI                                                              MSCI
                     Strategy                 EAFESM                                      Strategy              EAFESM
  Year                Stocks                   Index                Year                   Stocks                Index
  -----------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>                  <C>
  1974               (39.41)%                (22.14)%               1987                   32.39%               24.93%
  1975               100.38                   37.10                 1988                   28.25                28.59
  1976               (10.25)                   3.74                 1989                    7.68                10.80
  1977                52.69                   19.42                 1990                   (4.90)              (23.20)
  1978                 9.26                   34.30                 1991                   16.94                12.50
  1979                26.96                    6.18                 1992                    4.73               (11.85)
  1980                23.26                   24.43                 1993                   62.76                32.94
  1981                 6.49                   (1.03)                1994                    3.25                 8.06
  1982                (0.84)                  (0.86)                1995                   24.70                11.55
  1983                44.67                   24.61                 1996                   22.02                 6.36
  1984                21.01                    7.86                 1997                   24.82                 2.06
  1985                49.75                   56.72                 1998                   24.72                20.33
  1986                34.96                   69.94                 1999 thru 9/30         11.29                 8.32
</TABLE>

See "Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables".


Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables

   The stocks for each strategy for each period were identified by applying the
applicable Trust strategy on the first trading day of the period on the
principal trading exchange. It should be noted that the stocks in any table are
not the same stocks from year to year and may not be the same stocks as those
included in any Trust. Total return for each period was calculated by (1)
subtracting the closing sale price of the stocks on the first trading day of the
period from the closing sale price of the stocks on the last trading day of the
period, (2) adding dividends paid during that period and (3) dividing the result
by the closing sale price of the stocks on the first trading day of the period.
Adjustments were made to reflect events such as stock splits and corporate
spin-offs. Total return does not take into consideration sales charges,
commissions, expenses or taxes that will be incurred by Unitholders. With
respect to foreign securities, all values are converted into U.S. dollars using
the applicable currency exchange rate.

   These tables represent hypothetical past performance of the Trust strategies
(not the Trusts) and are not guarantees or indications of future performance of
any Trust. Unitholders will not necessarily realize as high a total return as
the hypothetical returns in the tables for several reasons including, among
others: the total return figures in the tables do not reflect sales charges,
commissions, Trust expenses or taxes; the Trusts are established at different
times of the year; a Trust may not be able to invest equally in the Securities
and may not be fully invested at all times; the Securities are often purchased
or sold at prices different from the closing prices used in buying and selling
Units; and currency exchange rates will be different. In addition, both stock
prices (which may appreciate or depreciate) and dividends (which may be
increased, reduced or eliminated) will affect actual returns. There can be no
assurance that any Trust will outperform the related stock index over its life
or future rollover periods, if available. The sources for the information
contained in the tables are Barron's, Bloomberg L.P., Dow Jones Corporation,
Morgan Stanley Capital International, Ibbotson Associates, Datastream
International, Inc. and Extell Financial LTD. The Sponsor has not independently
verified the data obtained from these sources but has no reason to believe that
this data is incorrect in any material respect.

Notes to Portfolios

(1)  The Securities are initially represented by "regular way" contracts for the
     performance of which an irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited
     with the Trustee. Contracts to acquire Securities were entered into on
     November ____ , 1999 and have settlement dates ranging from November ____ ,
     1999 to November ____ , 1999 (see "The Trusts").

(2)  The market value of each Security is based on the most recent closing sale
     price on the applicable exchange on the business day before the Initial
     Date of Deposit. Other information regarding the Securities, as of the
     Initial Date of Deposit, is as follows:

                                                             Profit
                                        Cost to             (Loss) To
                                        Sponsor              Sponsor
                                    --------------        -------------
The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust        $                    $
The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust         $                    $
NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust         $                    $
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust   $                    $
EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust           $                    $

(3)  Current Dividend Yield for each Security is based on the estimated annual
     dividends per share and the Security's market value as of the most recent
     close of trading on the business day before the Initial Date of Deposit.
     Estimated annual dividends per share are calculated by annualizing the most
     recently declared regular dividends or by adding the most recent regular
     interim and final dividends declared and reflect any foreign withholding
     taxes.

   The Securities. A brief description of each of the issuers of the Securities
is listed below. Please refer to each "Portfolio" for a list of the Securities
included in each Trust.


               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of Van Kampen Funds Inc. and the Unitholders of Van
Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 186:

   We have audited the accompanying statements of condition and the related
portfolios of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 186 as of November ____ ,
1999. The statements of condition and portfolios are the responsibility of the
Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on such financial
statements based on our audit.

   We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of an irrevocable letter of credit deposited to purchase securities
by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

   We believe our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series
186 as of November ____ , 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

                                                              GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
November _____ , 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
                           As of November ____ , 1999

                                                                            The DowSM        The DowSM        NasdaqSM
                                                                          Strategic 10      Strategic 5    Strategic 10
INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES                                                      Trust            Trust            Trust
                                                                       --------------
<S>                                                                     <C>               <C>             <C>
Contracts to purchase Securities (1)                                    $                 $               $
                                                                       --------------
         Total                                                          $                 $               $






LIABILITIES AND INTEREST
     OF UNITHOLDERS
Liabilities--
     Organizational costs (2)                                           $                 $               $
     Deferred sales charge liability (3)
Interest of Unitholders--
     Cost to investors (4)
     Less: Gross underwriting commission and
         organizational costs (2)(4)(5)
                                                                       --------------
         Net interest to Unitholders (4)
                                                                       --------------
     Total                                                             $                 $                $

</TABLE>

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

(1)  The value of the Securities is determined by Interactive Data Corporation
     on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price". The
     contracts to purchase Securities are collateralized by separate irrevocable
     letters of credit which have been deposited with the Trustee.

(2)  A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
     pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a Trust. The
     amount of these costs are set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
     Information". A distribution will be made as of the close of the initial
     offering period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the
     organizational expense obligation of the investors will be satisfied.

(3)  Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from a Trust on the bases
     set forth under "Public Offering".

(4)  The aggregate public offering price and the aggregate sales charge are
     computed on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price".

(5)  Assumes the maximum sales charge.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                       STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (continued)
                           As of November ____ , 1999

                                                                                             Strategic
                                                                                               Picks           EAFESM
                                                                                            Opportunity     Strategic 20
INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES                                                                       Trust            Trust
                                                                                                          --------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>             <C>
Contracts to purchase Securities (1)                                                      $               $
                                                                                                          --------------
         Total                                                                            $               $
                                                                                                          ==============

LIABILITIES AND INTEREST
     OF UNITHOLDERS
Liabilities--
     Organizational costs (2)                                                             $               $
     Deferred sales charge liability (3)
Interest of Unitholders--
     Cost to investors (4)
     Less: Gross underwriting commission and organizational costs (2)(4)(5)

         Net interest to Unitholders (4)

     Total                                                                                $               $
                                                                                                          ==============

</TABLE>

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

(1)  The value of the Securities is determined by Interactive Data Corporation
     on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price". The
     contracts to purchase Securities are collateralized by separate irrevocable
     letters of credit which have been deposited with the Trustee.

(2)  A portion of the Public Offering Price represents an amount sufficient to
     pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in establishing a Trust. The
     amount of these costs are set forth under "Summary of Essential Financial
     Information". A distribution will be made as of the close of the initial
     offering period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the
     organizational expense obligation of the investors will be satisfied.

(3)  Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from a Trust on the bases
     set forth under "Public Offering".

(4)  The aggregate public offering price and the aggregate sales charge are
     computed on the bases set forth under "Public Offering--Offering Price".

(5)  Assumes the maximum sales charge.


THE TRUSTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The Trusts were created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a
Trust Indenture and Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated the date of
this Prospectus (the "Initial Date of Deposit"), among Van Kampen Funds Inc., as
Sponsor, Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Supervisor, The Bank of New
York, as Trustee, and American Portfolio Evaluation Services, a division of Van
Kampen Investment Advisory Corp., as Evaluator.
   The Trusts offer investors the opportunity to purchase Units representing
proportionate interests in portfolios of actively traded equity securities which
are components of major stock market indexes. A Trust may be an appropriate
medium for investors who desire to participate in a portfolio of stocks with
greater diversification than they might be able to acquire individually and who
are seeking to achieve a better performance than the related indexes.
   On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited delivery statements
relating to contracts for the purchase of the Securities and an irrevocable
letter of credit in the amount required for these purchases with the Trustee. In
exchange for these contracts the Trustee delivered to the Sponsor documentation
evidencing the ownership of Units of the Trusts. Unless otherwise terminated as
provided in the Trust Agreement, the Trusts will terminate on the Mandatory
Termination Date and any remaining Securities will be liquidated or distributed
by the Trustee within a reasonable time. As used in this Prospectus the term
"Securities" means the securities (including contracts to purchase these
securities) listed in "Portfolio" for each Trust and any additional securities
deposited into each Trust.
   Additional Units of a Trust may be issued at any time by depositing in the
Trust (i) additional Securities, (ii) contracts to purchase Securities together
with cash or irrevocable letters of credit or (iii) cash (or a letter of credit)
with instructions to purchase additional Securities. As additional Units are
issued by a Trust, the aggregate value of the Securities will be increased and
the fractional undivided interest represented by each Unit will be decreased.
The Sponsor may continue to make additional deposits into a Trust following the
Initial Date of Deposit provided that the additional deposits will be in amounts
which will maintain, as nearly as practicable, the same percentage relationship
among the number of shares of each Security in the Trust's portfolio that
existed immediately prior to the subsequent deposit. Investors may experience a
dilution of their investments and a reduction in their anticipated income
because of fluctuations in the prices of the Securities between the time of the
deposit and the purchase of the Securities and because the Trusts will pay the
associated brokerage or acquisition fees.
   Each Unit of a Trust initially offered represents an undivided interest in
that Trust. To the extent that any Units are redeemed by the Trustee or
additional Units are issued as a result of additional Securities being deposited
by the Sponsor, the fractional undivided interest in that Trust represented by
each unredeemed Unit will increase or decrease accordingly, although the actual
interest in the Trust will remain unchanged. Units will remain outstanding until
redeemed upon tender to the Trustee by Unitholders, which may include the
Sponsor, or until the termination of the Trust Agreement.
   Each Trust consists of (a) the Securities (including contracts for the
purchase thereof) listed under the applicable "Portfolio" as may continue to be
held from time to time in the Trust, (b) any additional Securities acquired and
held by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Agreement and (c) any
cash held in the related Income and Capital Accounts. Neither the Sponsor nor
the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any failure in any of the Securities.

OBJECTIVES AND SECURITIES SELECTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The objective of each Trust is to provide an above average total return
through a combination of potential capital appreciation and dividend income, by
investing in a portfolio of actively traded equity securities selected using the
Trust's investment strategy. We describe the investment strategy for each Trust
in the individual Trust sections beginning on page 4. There is no assurance that
a Trust will achieve its objective.
   The publishers of the indexes have not participated in any way in the
creation of the Trusts or in the selection of stocks included in the Trusts and
have not approved any information herein relating thereto. With the exception of
the Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes, the publishers of these
indexes are not affiliated with the Sponsor.
   Each Trust portfolio is selected by implementing the Trust strategy as of the
close of business three business days prior to the Initial Date of Deposit (the
"Selection Time"). In the case of securities traded on a United States
securities exchange, the dividend yield is computed by annualizing the last
dividend declared and dividing the result by the market value at the Selection
Time. In the case of securities traded on a foreign securities exchange, the
dividend yield is computed by adding the most recent interim and final dividends
declared and dividing the result by the market value at the Selection Time.
   The Trusts seek to achieve better performance than the related indexes
through similar investment strategies. Investment in a number of companies
having high dividends relative to their stock prices or low price to book ratios
(because their stock prices may be undervalued) is designed to increase the
potential for higher returns over time. The Trust investment strategies are
designed to be implemented on an annual basis. Investors who hold Units through
Trust termination may have investment results that differ significantly from a
Unit investment that is reinvested into a new trust every twelve months.
   A balanced investment portfolio incorporates various style and capitalization
characteristics. The Sponsor offers unit trusts with a variety of styles and
capitalizations to meet your needs. The Sponsor determines style characteristics
(growth and value) based on the criteria used in selecting the Trust portfolio.
Generally, a growth portfolio includes companies in a growth phase of their
business with increasing earnings. A value portfolio generally includes
companies with low relative price-earnings ratios that the Sponsor believes are
undervalued. The Sponsor determines market capitalizations as follows based on
the weighted median market capitalization of a portfolio: Small-Cap -- less than
$1 billion; Mid-Cap -- $1 billion to $5 billion; and Large-Cap -- over $5
billion. The Sponsor determines all style and capitalization characteristics as
of the Initial Date of Deposit and the characteristics may vary thereafter. The
Sponsor will not remove a Security from a Trust as a result of any change in
characteristics.
   Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the Securities
for inclusion in the Trusts as of three business days prior to the Initial Date
of Deposit. Subsequent to this date, the Securities may no longer be included in
an index or meet the above criteria. Should a Security no longer be included in
these indexes or meet the selection criteria, the Security will not as a result
thereof be removed from its Trust portfolio.

RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Price Volatility. The Trusts invest in stocks of U.S. and foreign companies.
The value of Units will fluctuate with the value of these stocks and may be more
or less than the price you originally paid for your Units. The market value of
stocks sometimes moves up or down rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Trusts
are unmanaged, the Trustee will not sell stocks in response to market
fluctuations as is common in managed investments. In addition, because some
Trusts hold a relatively small number of stocks, you may encounter greater
market risk than in a more diversified investment. As with any investment, we
cannot guarantee that the performance of a Trust will be positive over any
period of time.
   Dividends. Stocks represent ownership interests in the issuers and are not
obligations of the issuers. Common stockholders have a right to receive
dividends only after the company has provided for payment of its creditors,
bondholders and preferred stockholders. Common stocks do not assure dividend
payments. Dividends are paid only when declared by an issuer's board of
directors and the amount of any dividend may vary over time.
   Foreign Stocks. Because the EAFE Strategic 20 Trust invests in foreign
stocks, this Trust involves additional risks that differ from an investment in
domestic stocks. These risks include the risk of losses due to future political
and economic developments, international trade conditions, foreign withholding
taxes and restrictions on foreign investments and exchange of securities. This
Trust also involves the risk that fluctuations in exchange rates between the
U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of the
stocks. This Trust involves the risk that information about the stocks is not
publicly available or is inaccurate due to the absence of uniform accounting and
financial reporting standards. In addition, some foreign securities markets are
less liquid than U.S. markets. This could cause the Trust to buy stocks at a
higher price or sell stocks at a lower price than would be the case in a highly
liquid market. Foreign securities markets are often more volatile and involve
higher trading costs than U.S. markets, and foreign companies, securities
markets and brokers are also generally not subject to the same level of
supervision and regulation as in the U.S.
   Europe. The EAFE Strategic 20 Trust invests in stocks principally traded in
Europe. This Trust involves additional risks that differ from an investment in
United States companies. In recent years, many European countries have
participated in the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) seeking to
develop a unified European economy. For this reason and others, many European
countries have experienced significant political, social and economic change in
recent years. Any negative consequences resulting from these changes could
affect the value of your Trust.
   On January 1, 1999, eleven EMU member countries introduced a new European
currency called the Euro. This may result in uncertainties for European
securities markets and operation of your Trust. This introduction requires the
redenomination of European debt and equity securities over a period of time.
This could result in various accounting differences and/or tax treatments that
otherwise would not likely occur. As part of the Euro conversion, participating
countries will no longer control their own monetary policies by directing
independent interest rates or currency transactions. Instead, a new European
Central Bank has authority to direct monetary policy, including money supply of
the national currencies of the participating countries to the Euro. Certain EMU
members, including the United Kingdom, are not implementing the Euro at this
time. This could raise additional questions and complications within European
markets. European markets could face significant difficulties if the Euro
introduction does not take place as planned. These difficulties could include
such things as severe currency fluctuations and market disruptions. No one can
predict whether all phases of the conversion will take place as scheduled or
whether future difficulties will occur. No one can predict the impact of the
conversion. All of these issues could have a negative impact on the value of
your Units.
   Pacific Region. The EAFE Strategic 20 Trust invests in stocks that
principally trade in Pacific region countries. This Trust involves additional
risks that differ from an investment in United States companies. Social,
political and economic instability has been significantly greater in Pacific
region countries than that typically associated with the United States and
Western European countries. Any instability could significantly disrupt Pacific
region markets and could adversely affect the value of Units. The MSCI Indexes
seek to focus on developed countries. Nonetheless, Pacific region countries are
in various stages of economic development. Some economies are substantially less
developed than the U.S. economy. Adverse conditions in these countries can
negatively impact the economies of countries in the region with more developed
markets.
   Many of these countries depend significantly on international trade. As a
result, protective trade barriers and the economic conditional of their trading
partners can hurt these economies. These countries may also be sensitive to
world commodity prices and vulnerable to recession in other countries. While
some Pacific region countries have experienced rapid growth, many countries have
immature financial sectors, economic problems or archaic legal systems. Pacific
region economies have experienced significant difficulties in recent years. Some
of these difficulties include substantial declines in the value of currencies,
gross domestic product and corporate earnings, political turmoil and stock
market volatility. In 1997, a significant drop in Thailand's currency set off a
wave of currency depreciations throughout South and Southeast Asia. Most of the
area's stock markets fell dramatically in reaction to these events. Consumer
demand in these countries has been weak due to a general reduction in global
growth. Interest rates and inflation have also increased in many of these
countries.
   Technology Issuers. The NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust invests significantly in
technology companies. These companies face risks related to rapidly changing
technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving
industry standards and frequent new product introductions. An unexpected change
in technology can have a significant negative impact on a company. The failure
of a company to introduce new products or technologies or keep pace with rapidly
changing technology, can have a negative impact on the company's results.
Technology stocks tend to experience substantial price volatility and
speculative trading. Announcements about new products, technologies, operating
results or marketing alliances can cause stock prices to fluctuate dramatically.
At times, however, extreme price and volume fluctuations are unrelated to the
operating performance of a company. This can impact your ability to redeem your
Units at a price equal to or greater than what you paid.
   The market for certain products may have only recently begun to develop, is
rapidly evolving or is characterized by increasing suppliers. Key components of
some technology products are available only from limited sources. This can
impact the cost of and ability to acquire these components. Some technology
companies serve highly concentrated customer bases with a limited number of
large customers. Any failure to meet the standard of these customers can result
in a significant loss or reduction in sales. Many products and technologies are
incorporated into other products. As a result, some companies are highly
dependent on the performance of other technology companies. We cannot guarantee
that these customers will continue to place additional orders or will place
orders in similar quantities as in the past.
   Litigation. Philip Morris Companies, Inc. common stock represents a
significant portion of the value of the Dow Strategic 10 and Dow Strategic 5
Trusts. Pending legal proceedings against Philip Morris cover a wide range of
matters including product liability and consumer protection. Damages claimed in
many of the smoking and health cases alleging personal injury and in health cost
recovery cases brought by governments, unions and similar entities, seeking
reimbursement for health care expenditures, total many billions of dollars.
   In November 1998, certain companies in the U.S. tobacco industry, including
Philip Morris, entered into a negotiated settlement with several states that
would result in the resolution of significant litigation and regulatory issues
affecting the tobacco industry. The proposed settlement, while extremely costly
to the tobacco industry, would significantly reduce uncertainties facing the
industry and increase stability in business and capital markets. Future
litigation or legislation could adversely affect the value, operating revenues
and financial position of tobacco companies.
   No one can predict the outcome of the litigation pending against Philip
Morris or how the current uncertainty concerning regulatory and legislative
measures will ultimately be resolved. No one can predict the impact that these
and other possible developments will have on the price of Philip Morris stock or
any Trust.
   No FDIC Guarantee. An investment in your Trust is not a deposit of any bank
and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency.
   Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure. These two paragraphs constitute "Year 2000
Readiness Disclosure" within the meaning of the Year 2000 Information and
Readiness Disclosure Act of 1998. If computer systems used by the Sponsor,
Evaluator, Supervisor, Trustee or other service providers to the Trusts do not
properly process date-related information after December 31, 1999, the resulting
difficulties could adversely impact the Trusts. This is commonly known as the
"Year 2000 Problem". The Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor and Trustee are taking
steps to address this problem and to obtain reasonable assurances that other
service providers to the Trusts are taking comparable steps. We cannot guarantee
that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Trusts.
This problem may impact corporations to varying degrees based on factors such as
industry sector and degree of technological sophistication. We cannot predict
what impact, if any, this problem will have on the issuers of the Securities.
   In addition, computer failures throughout the financial services industry
beginning January 1, 2000 could have a detrimental affect on the markets for the
Securities. Improperly functioning trading systems may result in settlement
problems and liquidity issues. Moreover, corporate and governmental data
processing errors may adversely affect issuers and overall economic
uncertainties. Remediation costs will affect the earnings of individual issuers.
These costs could be substantial. Issuers may report these costs inconsistently
in U.S. and foreign financial markets. All of these issues could adversely
affect the Securities and the Trusts.

PUBLIC OFFERING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   General. Units are offered at the Public Offering Price which includes the
underlying value of the Securities, the initial sales charge, and cash, if any,
in the Income and Capital Accounts. The "Fee Table" describes the sales charges
in detail. If any deferred sales charge payment date is not a business day, we
will charge the payment on the next business day. If you purchase Units after
the initial deferred sales charge payment, you will only pay that portion of the
payments not yet collected. A portion of the Public Offering Price includes an
amount of Securities to pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in
establishing your Trust. These costs include the cost of preparing documents
relating to the Trust (such as the prospectus, trust agreement and closing
documents), federal and state registration fees, the initial fees and expenses
of the Trustee and legal and audit expenses. The initial offering period sales
charge is reduced as follows:

Aggregate Dollar Amount                    Sales Charge
of Units Purchased*                          Reduction
- ---------------------                     ----------------
   $50,000 - $99,999                          0.25%
 $100,000 - $149,999                          0.50
 $150,000 - $999,999                          0.85
  $1,000,000 or more                          1.75

- ---------------
*The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing a
breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and will be applied on
whichever basis is more favorable to the investor.

   Any sales charge reduction is the responsibility of the selling broker,
dealer or agent. An investor may aggregate purchases of Units of the Trusts for
purposes of qualifying for volume purchase discounts listed above. The reduced
sales charge structure will also apply on all purchases by the same person from
any one dealer of units of Van Kampen-sponsored unit investment trusts which are
being offered in the initial offering period (a) on any one day (the "Initial
Purchase Date") or (b) on any day subsequent to the Initial Purchase Date if the
units purchased are of a unit investment trust purchased on the Initial Purchase
Date. In the event units of more than one trust are purchased on the Initial
Purchase Date, the aggregate dollar amount of such purchases will be used to
determine whether purchasers are eligible for a reduced sales charge. Such
aggregate dollar amount will be divided by the public offering price per unit of
each respective trust purchased to determine the total number of units which
such amount could have purchased of each individual trust. Purchasers must then
consult the applicable trust's prospectus to determine whether the total number
of units which could have been purchased of a specific trust would have
qualified for a reduced sales charge and the amount of such reduction. To
determine the applicable sales charge reduction it is necessary to accumulate
all purchases made on the Initial Purchase Date and all purchases made in
accordance with (b) above. Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser ("immediate family
members") will be deemed to be additional purchases by the purchaser for the
purposes of calculating the applicable sales charge. The reduced sales charges
will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities
for one or more trust estate or fiduciary accounts. If you purchase units on
more than one day to achieve the discounts described in this paragraph, the
discount allowed on any single day will apply only to Units purchased on that
day (a retroactive discount is not given on all prior purchases).
   A portion of the sales charge is waived for certain accounts described in
this paragraph. Purchases by these accounts are subject only to the portion of
the deferred sales charge that is retained by the Sponsor. Please refer to the
section called "Wrap Fee and Advisory Accounts" for additional information on
these purchases. Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at
the Public Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to
brokers and dealers for purchases by (1) investors who purchase Units through
registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management service, or provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed, (2) bank trust departments
investing funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary investment
authority and that are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar
capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director
or bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors or their
immediate family members (as described above) and (4) officers and directors of
bank holding companies that make Units available directly or through
subsidiaries or bank affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Prospectus, such investors, bank trust departments, firm employees and bank
holding company officers and directors who purchase Units through this program
will not receive sales charge reductions for quantity purchases.
   During the initial offering period, unitholders of any Van Kampen-sponsored
unit investment trust may utilize their redemption or termination proceeds to
purchase Units of all Trusts at the Public Offering Price per Unit less 1%.
   During the initial offering period of the Trusts, unitholders of unaffiliated
unit investment trusts having an investment strategy similar to the investment
strategy of the Trusts may utilize proceeds received upon termination or upon
redemption immediately preceding termination of such unaffiliated trust to
purchase Units of a Trust at the Public Offering Price per Unit less 1%.
   Employees, officers and directors (including their spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law,
sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the
benefit of such persons) of the Van Kampen Funds Inc. and its affiliates,
dealers and their affiliates and vendors providing services to the Sponsor may
purchase Units at the Public Offering Price less the applicable dealer
concession.
   The minimum purchase is 100 Units (25 Units for retirement accounts) but may
vary by selling firm. However, in connection with fully disclosed transactions
with the Sponsor, the minimum purchase requirement will be that number of Units
set forth in the contract between the Sponsor and the related broker or agent.
   Offering Price. The Public Offering Price of Units will vary from the amounts
stated under "Summary of Essential Financial Information" in accordance with
fluctuations in the prices of the underlying Securities in the Trusts. The
initial price of the Securities was determined by Interactive Data Corporation,
a firm regularly engaged in the business of evaluating, quoting or appraising
comparable securities. The Evaluator will generally determine the value of the
Securities as of the Evaluation Time on each business day and will adjust the
Public Offering Price of Units accordingly. This Public Offering Price will be
effective for all orders received prior to the Evaluation Time on each business
day. The Evaluation Time is the close of the New York Stock Exchange on each
Trust business day. Orders received by the Trustee or Sponsor for purchases,
sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not a business day,
will be held until the next determination of price. The term "business day", as
used herein and under "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units", excludes
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays observed by the New York Stock Exchange. The
term "business day" also excludes any day on which more than 33% of the
Securities are not traded on their principal trading exchange due to a customary
business holiday on that exchange.
   The aggregate underlying value of the Securities during the initial offering
period is determined on each business day by the Evaluator in the following
manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign securities
exchange, this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that
exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis
for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at the
closing ask prices. If the Securities are not listed on a national or foreign
securities exchange or, if so listed and the principal market therefor is other
than on the exchange, the evaluation shall generally be based on the current ask
price on the over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that these prices
are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current ask prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of current
ask prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the value of the
Securities on the ask side of the market or (c) by any combination of the above.
The value of any foreign securities is based on the applicable currency exchange
rate as of the Evaluation Time. The value of the Securities for purposes of
secondary market transactions and redemptions is described under "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units".
   In offering the Units to the public, neither the Sponsor nor any
broker-dealers are recommending any of the individual Securities but rather the
entire pool of Securities in a Trust, taken as a whole, which are represented by
the Units.
   Unit Distribution. Units will be distributed to the public by the Sponsor,
broker-dealers and others at the Public Offering Price. Units repurchased in the
secondary market, if any, may be offered by this Prospectus at the secondary
market Public Offering Price in the manner described above.
   The Sponsor intends to qualify Units for sale in a number of states. Brokers,
dealers and others will be allowed a concession or agency commission in
connection with the distribution of Units during the initial offering period as
set forth in the following table. A portion of the concessions or agency
commissions represents amounts paid by the Sponsor out of its own assets as
additional compensation.

            Aggregate
        Dollar Amount of
         Units Purchased
   -------------------------
   Less than $50,000                               2.25%
   $50,000 - $99,999                               2.00
   $100,000 - $149,999                             1.75
   $150,000 - $999,999                             1.40
   $1,000,000 or more                              0.65

   In addition to the amounts above, during the initial offering period any firm
that distributes 500,000 - 999,999 Units of a NasdaqSM Strategic 10, Strategic
Picks or EAFE Strategic 20 Trust will receive additional compensation of $.0025
per Unit of such Trust; any firm that distributes 1,000,000 - 1,999,999 Units
will receive additional compensation of $.005 per Unit of such Trust; any firm
that distributes 2,000,000 - 2,999,999 Units will receive additional
compensation of $.01 per Unit of such Trust; any firm that distributes 3,000,000
- - 3,999,999 Units will receive additional compensation of $.015 per Unit of such
Trust; any firm that distributes 4,000,000 - 4,999,999 Units will receive
additional compensation of $.02 per Unit of such Trust; any firm that
distributes 5,000,000 Units or more will receive additional compensation of
$.025 per Unit of such Trust. This additional compensation will be paid by the
Sponsor out of its own assets at the end of the initial offering period.
   Any discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or
agent as indicated under "General" above. For transactions involving unitholders
of other unit investment trusts who use their redemption or termination proceeds
to purchase Units of the Trusts, the total concession or agency commission will
equal the following amounts (or such lesser amount resulting from discounts):
DowSM, NasdaqSM Strategic 10, and Strategic Picks Trusts - 1.30% per Unit; and
EAFE Strategic 20 Trust - 1.25% per Unit. For all secondary market transactions
the total concession or agency commission will amount to 2.1% per Unit.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no case shall the total of
any concessions, agency commissions and any additional compensation allowed or
paid to any broker, dealer or other distributor of Units with respect to any
individual transaction exceed the total sales charge applicable to such
transaction. The Sponsor reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any
order for the purchase of Units and to change the amount of the concession or
agency commission to dealers and others from time to time. The breakpoint
concessions or agency commissions are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing a
breakpoint equivalent of $10 per Unit and will be applied on whichever basis is
more favorable to the broker, dealer or agent.
   Broker-dealers of the Trusts, banks and/or others may be eligible to
participate in a program in which such firms receive from the Sponsor a nominal
award for each of their representatives who have sold a minimum number of units
of unit investment trusts created by the Sponsor during a specified time period.
In addition, at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs under
which the sales forces of brokers, dealers, banks and/or others may be eligible
to win other nominal awards for certain sales efforts, or under which the
Sponsor will reallow to such brokers, dealers, banks and/or others that sponsor
sales contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the
Sponsor, or participate in sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount
not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such
persons at the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor in
its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria established
by the Sponsor pay fees to qualifying entities for certain services or
activities which are primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the
Trusts. Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out
of the assets of any Trust. These programs will not change the price Unitholders
pay for their Units or the amount that a Trust will receive from the Units sold.
   Sponsor Compensation. The Sponsor will receive a gross sales commission equal
to the total sales charge applicable to each transaction. Any sales charge
discount provided to investors will be borne by the selling dealer or agent. In
addition, the Sponsor will realize a profit or loss as a result of the
difference between the price paid for the Securities by the Sponsor and the cost
of the Securities to each Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit as well as on
subsequent deposits. See "Notes to Portfolios". The Sponsor has not participated
as sole underwriter or as manager or as a member of the underwriting syndicates
or as an agent in a private placement for any of the Securities. The Sponsor may
realize profit or loss as a result of the possible fluctuations in the market
value of the Securities, since all proceeds received from purchasers of Units
are retained by the Sponsor. In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsor will
realize profits or losses in the amount of any difference between the price at
which Units are purchased and the price at which Units are resold (which price
includes the applicable sales charge) or from a redemption of repurchased Units
at a price above or below the purchase price. Cash, if any, made available to
the Sponsor prior to the date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be
used in the Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor,
subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
   An affiliate of the Sponsor may have participated in a public offering of one
or more of the Securities. The Sponsor, an affiliate or their employees may have
a long or short position in these Securities or related securities. An affiliate
may act as a specialist or market maker for these Securities. An officer,
director or employee of the Sponsor or an affiliate may be an officer or
director for issuers of the Securities.
   Market for Units. Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor
currently intends to maintain a market for Units and to purchase Units at the
secondary market repurchase price (which is described under "Right of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units"). The Sponsor may discontinue purchases of
Units or discontinue purchases at this price at any time. The Sponsor intends to
maintain a secondary market for Units only during the first six months following
the Initial Date of Deposit. In the event that a secondary market is not
maintained, a Unitholder will be able to dispose of Units by tendering them to
the Trustee for redemption at the Redemption Price. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". Unitholders should contact their broker to
determine the best price for Units in the secondary market. Units sold prior to
the time the entire deferred sales charge has been collected will be assessed
the amount of any remaining deferred sales charge at the time of sale. The
Trustee will notify the Sponsor of any tendered of Units for redemption. If the
Sponsor's bid in the secondary market equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per
Unit, it may purchase the Units not later than the day on which Units would have
been redeemed by the Trustee. The Sponsor may sell repurchased Units at the
secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit.

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Units are available for purchase in connection with certain types of
tax-sheltered retirement plans, including Individual Retirement Accounts for the
individuals, Simplified Employee Pension Plans for employees, qualified plans
for self-employed individuals, and qualified corporate pension and profit
sharing plans for employees. The minimum purchase for these accounts is reduced
to 25 Units but may vary by selling firm. The purchase of Units may be limited
by the plans' provisions and does not itself establish such plans.

WRAP FEE AND ADVISORY ACCOUNTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Units may be available for purchase in connection with "wrap fee" accounts
and other similar accounts. You should consult your financial professional to
determine whether you can benefit from these accounts. For these purchases you
generally only pay the portion of the sales charge that is retained by your
Trust's Sponsor, Van Kampen Funds Inc. This table illustrates the transaction
fees you will pay as a percentage of the public offering price per Unit.

                             The DowSM
                             Strategic
                              10 and 5            Other
                               Trusts            Trusts
                              ---------         ---------
Fee paid on purchase            0.00%            0.00%
Deferred sponsor retention      0.50             0.70
                              ---------         ---------
    Total                       0.50%            0.70%
                              =========         =========

   You should consult the "Public Offering--General" section for specific
information on this and other sales charge discounts.

RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Distributions. Dividends and any net proceeds from the sale of Securities
received by a Trust will generally be distributed to Unitholders on each
Distribution Date to Unitholders of record on the preceding Record Date. These
dates appear under "Summary of Essential Financial Information". A person
becomes a Unitholder of record on the date of settlement (generally three
business days after Units are ordered). Unitholders may elect to receive
distributions in cash or to have distributions reinvested into additional Units.
Distributions may also be reinvested into Van Kampen mutual funds. See "Rights
of Unitholders--Reinvestment Option".
   Dividends received by a Trust are credited to the Income Account of the
Trust. Other receipts (e.g., capital gains, proceeds from the sale of
Securities, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account. Proceeds received on the
sale of any Securities, to the extent not used to meet redemptions of Units or
pay deferred sales charges, fees or expenses, will be distributed to
Unitholders. Proceeds received from the disposition of any Securities after a
record date and prior to the following distribution date will be held in the
Capital Account and not distributed until the next distribution date. Any
distribution to Unitholders consists of each Unitholder's pro rata share of the
available cash in the Income and Capital Accounts as of the related Record Date.
   Reinvestment Option. Unitholders may have distributions automatically
reinvested in additional Units under the Automatic Reinvestment Option (to the
extent Units may be lawfully offered for sale in the state in which the
Unitholder resides) through two options. Brokers and dealers can use the
Dividend Reinvestment Service through Depository Trust Company or purchase the
Automatic Reinvestment Option CUSIP, if available. Unitholders will be subject
to the remaining deferred sales charge payments due on Units. To participate in
this reinvestment option, a Unitholder must file with the Trustee a written
notice of election, together with any certificate representing Units and other
documentation that the Trustee may then require, at least five days prior to the
related Record Date. A Unitholder's election will apply to all Units owned by
the Unitholder and will remain in effect until changed by the Unitholder. If
Units are unavailable for reinvestment, distributions will be paid in cash.
Purchases of additional Units made pursuant to the reinvestment plan will be
made at the net asset value for Units as of the Evaluation Time on the
Distribution Date.
   In addition, under the Guaranteed Reinvestment Option Unitholders may elect
to have distributions automatically reinvested in certain Van Kampen mutual
funds (the "Reinvestment Funds"). Each Reinvestment Fund has investment
objectives which differ from those of the Trusts. The prospectus relating to
each Reinvestment Fund describes its investment policies and how to begin
reinvestment. A Unitholder may obtain a prospectus for the Reinvestment Funds
from the Sponsor. Purchases of shares of a Reinvestment Fund will be made at a
net asset value computed on the Distribution Date. Unitholders with an existing
Guaranteed Reinvestment Option account (whereby a sales charge is imposed on
distribution reinvestments) may transfer their existing account into a new
account which allows purchases of Reinvestment Fund shares at net asset value.
   A participant may elect to terminate his or her reinvestment plan and receive
future distributions in cash by notifying the Trustee in writing no later than
five days before a distribution date. The Sponsor, each Reinvestment Fund, and
its investment adviser shall have the right to suspend or terminate these
reinvestment plans at any time.
   Redemption of Units. A Unitholder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by
tender to the Trustee at its Unit Investment Trust Division, 101 Barclay Street,
20th Floor, New York, New York 10286. Certificates must be tendered to the
Trustee, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with
signature guaranteed (or by providing satisfactory indemnity in connection with
lost, stolen or destroyed certificates) and by payment of applicable
governmental charges, if any. On the seventh day following the tender, the
Unitholder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit equal to
the Redemption Price per Unit next computed on the date of tender. The "date of
tender" is deemed to be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee,
except that with respect to Units received by the Trustee after the Evaluation
Time or on a day which is not a Trust business day, the date of tender is deemed
to be the next business day.
   Unitholders tendering 1,000 or more Units of a Trust for redemption may
request an in kind distribution of Securities equal to the Redemption Price per
Unit on the date of tender. The Trusts generally do not offer in kind
distributions of portfolio securities that are held in foreign markets. An in
kind distribution will be made by the Trustee through the distribution of each
of the Securities in book-entry form to the account of the Unitholder's
broker-dealer at Depository Trust Company. Amounts representing fractional
shares will be distributed in cash. The Trustee may adjust the number of shares
of any Security included in a Unitholder's in kind distribution to facilitate
the distribution of whole shares.
   The Trustee may sell Securities to satisfy Unit redemptions. To the extent
that Securities are redeemed in kind or sold, the size of a Trust will be, and
the diversity of a Trust may be, reduced. Sales may be required at a time when
Securities would not otherwise be sold and may result in lower prices than might
otherwise be realized. The price received upon redemption may be more or less
than the amount paid by the Unitholder depending on the value of the Securities
at the time of redemption. Special federal income tax consequences will result
if a Unitholder requests an in kind distribution. See "Taxation".
   The Redemption Price per Unit and the secondary market repurchase price per
Unit are equal to the pro rata share of each Unit in each Trust determined on
the basis of (i) the cash on hand in the Trust, (ii) the value of the Securities
in the Trust and (iii) dividends receivable on the Securities in the Trust
trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation, less (a) amounts representing
taxes or other governmental charges payable out of the Trust, (b) the accrued
expenses of the Trust and (c) any unpaid deferred sales charge payments. During
the initial offering period, the redemption price and the secondary market
repurchase price will include estimated organizational and offering costs. For
these purposes, the Evaluator may determine the value of the Securities in the
following manner: If the Securities are listed on a national or foreign
securities exchange, this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale
prices on that exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on
that exchange, at the closing bid prices. If the Securities are not so listed
or, if so listed and the principal market therefor is other than on the
exchange, the evaluation may be based on the current bid price on the
over-the-counter market. If current bid prices are unavailable or inappropriate,
the evaluation may be determined (a) on the basis of current bid prices for
comparable securities, (b) by appraising the Securities on the bid side of the
market or (c) by any combination of the above. The value of any foreign
securities is based on the applicable currency exchange rate as of the
Evaluation Time.
   The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any period
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than for customary
weekend and holiday closings, or any period during which the SEC determines that
trading on that Exchange is restricted or an emergency exists, as a result of
which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably practicable, or
for other periods as the SEC may permit.
   Special Redemption and Rollover. We currently intend to offer a subsequent
series of each Trust for a Rollover when the Trusts terminate.
   On the Mandatory Termination Date you will have the option to (1) participate
in the Rollover and have your Units reinvested into a subsequent trust series,
(2) receive an in kind distribution of Securities (if applicable) or (3) receive
a cash distribution.
   If you elect to participate in the Rollover, your Units will be redeemed on
the Mandatory Termination Date. As the redemption proceeds become available, the
proceeds (including dividends) will be invested in a new trust series at the
public offering price for the new trust. The Trustee will attempt to sell
Securities to satisfy the redemption as quickly as practicable on the Mandatory
Termination Date. We do not anticipate that the sale period will be longer than
one day, however, certain factors could affect the ability to sell the
Securities and could impact the length of the sale period. The liquidity of any
Security depends on the daily trading volume of the Security and the amount
available for redemption and reinvestment on any day.
   We intend to make subsequent trust series available for sale at various times
during the year. Of course, we cannot guarantee that a subsequent trust or
sufficient units will be available or that any subsequent trusts will offer the
same investment strategies or objectives as the current Trusts. We cannot
guarantee that a Rollover will avoid any negative market price consequences
resulting from trading large volumes of securities. Market price trends may make
it advantageous to sell or buy securities more quickly or more slowly than
permitted by the Trust procedures. We may, in our sole discretion, modify a
Rollover or stop creating units of a trust at any time regardless of whether all
proceeds of Unitholders have been reinvested in a Rollover. If we decide not to
offer a subsequent series, Unitholders will be notified prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date. Cash which has not been reinvested in a Rollover will be
distributed to Unitholders shortly after the Mandatory Termination Date.
Rollover participants may receive taxable dividends or realize taxable capital
gains which are reinvested in connection with a Rollover but may not be entitled
to a deduction for capital losses due to the "wash sale" tax rules. Due to the
reinvestment in a subsequent trust, no cash will be distributed to pay any
taxes. See "Taxation".
   Certificates. Ownership of Units is evidenced in book-entry form unless a
Unitholder makes a written request to the Trustee that ownership be in
certificate form. Units are transferable by making a written request to the
Trustee and, in the case of Units in certificate form, by presentation of the
certificate to the Trustee properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unitholder must sign the written
request, and certificate or transfer instrument, exactly as his name appears on
the records of the Trustee and on the face of any certificate with the signature
guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
("STAMP") or a signature guarantee program accepted by the Trustee. In certain
instances the Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not limited
to, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or
administrator or certificates of corporate authority. Fractional certificates
will not be issued. The Trustee may require a Unitholder to pay a reasonable fee
for each certificate reissued or transferred and to pay any governmental charge
that may be imposed in connection with each transfer or interchange. Destroyed,
stolen, mutilated or lost certificates will be replaced upon delivery to the
Trustee of satisfactory indemnity, evidence of ownership and payment of expenses
incurred. Mutilated certificates must be surrendered to the Trustee for
replacement.
   Reports Provided. Unitholders will receive a statement of dividends and other
amounts received by a Trust for each distribution. Within a reasonable time
after the end of each year, each person who was a Unitholder during that year
will receive a statement describing dividends and capital received, actual Trust
distributions, Trust expenses, a list of the Securities and other Trust
information. Unitholders may obtain the Evaluator's evaluations of the
Securities upon request.

TRUST ADMINISTRATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Portfolio Administration. The Trusts are not managed funds and, except as
provided in the Trust Agreement, Securities generally will not be sold or
replaced. The Sponsor may, however, direct that Securities be sold in certain
limited circumstances to protect the Trust based on advice from the Supervisor.
These situations may include events such as the issuer having defaulted on
payment of any of its outstanding obligations or the price of a Security has
declined to such an extent or other credit factors exist so that in the opinion
of the Sponsor retention of the Security would be detrimental to the Trust. In
addition, the Trustee may sell Securities to redeem Units or pay Trust expenses
or deferred sales charges. The Trustee must reject any offer for securities or
property in exchange for the Securities. If securities or property are
nonetheless acquired by a Trust, the Sponsor may direct the Trustee to sell the
securities or property and distribute the proceeds to Unitholders or to accept
the securities or property for deposit in the Trust. Should any contract for the
purchase of any of the Securities fail, the Sponsor will (unless substantially
all of the moneys held in the Trust to cover the purchase are reinvested in
substitute Securities in accordance with the Trust Agreement) refund the cash
and sales charge attributable to the failed contract to all Unitholders on or
before the next distribution date.
   When your Trust sells Securities, the composition and diversity of the
Securities in the Trust may be altered. In order to obtain the best price for a
Trust, it may be necessary for the Supervisor to specify minimum amounts
(generally 100 shares) in which blocks of Securities are to be sold. In
effecting purchases and sales of a Trust's portfolio securities, the Sponsor may
direct that orders be placed with and brokerage commissions be paid to brokers,
including brokers which may be affiliated with the Trusts, the Sponsor or
dealers participating in the offering of Units. In addition, in selecting among
firms to handle a particular transaction, the Sponsor may take into account
whether the firm has sold or is selling units of unit investment trusts which it
sponsors.
   Pursuant to an exemptive order, each terminating Trust is permitted to sell
Securities to a new trust series if those Securities meet the investment
strategy of the new trust. The exemption enables each Trust to eliminate
commission costs on these transactions. The price for those securities will be
the closing sale price on the sale date on the exchange where the Securities are
principally traded, as certified by the Sponsor.
   Amendment of the Trust Agreement. The Trustee and the Sponsor may amend the
Trust Agreement without the consent of Unitholders to correct any provision
which may be defective or to make other provisions that will not adversely
affect Unitholders (as determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Trust Agreement may not be amended to increase the number of Units or permit
acquisition of securities in addition to or substitution for the Securities
(except as provided in the Trust Agreement). The Trustee will notify Unitholders
of any amendment.
   Termination. Each Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date or
upon the sale or other disposition of the last Security held in the Trust. A
Trust may be terminated at any time with consent of Unitholders representing
two-thirds of the outstanding Units or by the Trustee when the value of the
Trust is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has exceeded
$15,000,000) (the "Minimum Termination Value"). Unitholders will be notified of
any termination. The Trustee may begin to sell Securities in connection with a
Trust termination nine business days before, and no later than, the Mandatory
Termination Date. Approximately thirty days before this date, the Trustee will
notify Unitholders of the termination and provide a form enabling qualified
Unitholders to elect an in kind distribution of Securities. See "Rights of
Unitholders--Redemption of Units". This form must be returned at least five
business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. Unitholders will receive
a final cash distribution within a reasonable time after the Mandatory
Termination Date (unless the Unitholder has elected an in kind distribution or
is a participant in the final Rollover). All distributions will be net of Trust
expenses and costs. Unitholders will receive a final distribution statement
following termination. The Information Supplement contains further information
regarding termination of the Trusts. See "Additional Information".
   Limitations on Liabilities. The Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor and Trustee
are under no liability for taking any action or for refraining from taking any
action in good faith pursuant to the Trust Agreement, or for errors in judgment,
but shall be liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence (negligence in the case of the Trustee) in the performance of their
duties or by reason of their reckless disregard of their obligations and duties
hereunder. The Trustee is not be liable for depreciation or loss incurred by
reason of the sale by the Trustee of any of the Securities. In the event of the
failure of the Sponsor to act under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee may act
thereunder and is not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under
the Trust Agreement. The Trustee is not liable for any taxes or other
governmental charges imposed on the Securities, on it as Trustee under the Trust
Agreement or on a Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under any
present or future law of the United States of America or of any other taxing
authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Trust Agreement contains other
customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee. The Trustee, Sponsor
and Supervisor may rely on any evaluation furnished by the Evaluator and have no
responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator shall
be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information available to it.
   Sponsor. Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of the
Trust. The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
Van Kampen Funds Inc. specializes in the underwriting and distribution of unit
investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money management dating back to
1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and has offices at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181,
(630) 684-6000 and 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056, (713)
993-0500. As of November 30, 1998, the total stockholders' equity of Van Kampen
Funds Inc. was $135,236,000 (audited). The Information Supplement contains
additional information about the Sponsor.
   If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.
   Trustee. The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under
the laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its unit investment trust
division offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668.
The Bank of New York is subject to supervision and examination by the
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York and the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation to the extent permitted by law. Additional information
regarding the Trustee is set forth in the Information Supplement, including the
Trustee's qualifications and duties, its ability to resign, the effect of a
merger involving the Trustee and the Sponsor's ability to remove and replace the
Trustee. See "Additional Information".
   Performance Information. The Sponsor may from time to time in its advertising
and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on the Trusts and
returns over specified time periods on other similar Van Kampen trusts or
investment strategies utilized by the Trusts (which may show performance net of
expenses and charges which the Trusts would have charged) with returns on other
taxable investments such as the common stocks comprising the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, the S&P 500, other investment indices, corporate or U.S.
government bonds, bank CDs, money market accounts or money market funds, or with
performance data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar
Publications, Inc. or various publications, each of which has characteristics
that may differ from those of the Trusts. Information on percentage changes in
the dollar value of Units may be included from time to time in advertisements,
sales literature, reports and other information furnished to current or
prospective Unitholders. Total return figures may not be averaged and may not
reflect deduction of the sales charge, which would decrease return. No provision
is made for any income taxes payable. Past performance may not be indicative of
future results. The Trust portfolios are not managed and Unit price and return
fluctuate with the value of common stocks in the portfolios, so there may be a
gain or loss when Units are sold. As with other performance data, performance
comparisons should not be considered representative of the Trust's relative
performance for any future period.

TAXATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   General. The following is a general discussion of certain of the federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Units.
The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as capital assets
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Unitholders should
consult their tax advisers in determining the federal, state, local and any
other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units in a
Trust.
   For purposes of the following discussion and opinions, it is assumed that
each Security is equity for federal income tax purposes. In the opinion of
Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor, under existing law:
   1. Each Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes; each Unitholder will be treated as the owner of a pro rata
portion of each of the assets of a Trust under the Code; and the income of each
Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders thereof under the Code. Each
Unitholder will be considered to have received his pro rata share of income
derived from each Security when such income is considered to be received by a
Trust.
   2. A Unitholder will be considered to have received all of the dividends paid
on his pro rata portion of each Security when such dividends are considered to
be received by a Trust regardless of whether such dividends are used to pay a
portion of any deferred sales charge imposed. Unitholders will be taxed in this
manner regardless of whether distributions from a Trust are actually received by
the Unitholder or are automatically reinvested (see "Rights of
Unitholders--Reinvestment Option").
   3. Each Unitholder will have a taxable event when a Trust disposes of a
Security (whether by sale, exchange, liquidation, redemption, or otherwise) or
upon the sale or redemption of Units by such Unitholder (except to the extent an
in kind distribution of stock is received by such Unitholder from a Trust as
described below). The price a Unitholder pays for his Units, generally including
sales charges, is allocated among his pro rata portion of each Security held by
a Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the valuation date
closest to the date the Unitholder purchases his Units) in order to determine
his initial tax basis for his pro rata portion of each Security held by a Trust.
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the calculation
of basis. For federal income tax purposes, a Unitholder's pro rata portion of
the dividends, as defined by Section 316 of the Code, paid by a corporation with
respect to a Security held by a Trust is taxable as ordinary income to the
extent of such corporation's current and accumulated "earnings and profits". A
Unitholder's pro rata portion of dividends paid on such Security which exceed
such current and accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a
Unitholder's tax basis in such Security, and to the extent that such dividends
exceed a Unitholder's tax basis in such Security shall generally be treated as
capital gain. In general, the holding period for such capital gain will be
determined by the period of time a Unitholder has held his Units.
   4. A Unitholder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or redemption of
Units or the disposition of Securities held by a Trust will generally be
considered a capital gain (except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution). A Unitholder's portion of loss, if any, upon the sale or
redemption of Units or the disposition of Securities held by a Trust will
generally be considered a capital loss (except in the case of a dealer or a
financial institution). In particular, a Rollover Unitholder should be aware
that a Rollover Unitholder's loss, if any, incurred in connection with the
exchange of Units for units in the next new series of the Trusts (the "New
Fund") will generally be disallowed with respect to the disposition of any
Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent that such Unitholder is
considered the owner of substantially identical securities under the wash sale
provisions of the Code taking into account such Unitholder's deemed ownership of
the securities underlying the Units in the New Fund in the manner described
above, if such substantially identical securities were acquired within a period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such disposition. However, any
gains incurred in connection with such an exchange by a Rollover Unitholder
would be recognized. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the
recognition of gains and losses for federal income tax purposes.
   Deferred Sales Charge. Generally, the tax basis of a Unitholder includes
sales charges, and such charges are not deductible. A portion of the sales
charge for the Trusts is deferred. The income (or proceeds from redemption) a
Unitholder must take into account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced
by amounts deducted to pay the deferred sales charge. Unitholders should consult
their own tax advisers as to the income tax consequences of any deferred sales
charge imposed.
   Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units will generally be
entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect to such Unitholder's
pro rata portion of dividends received by a Trust (to the extent such dividends
are taxable as ordinary income, as discussed above, and are attributable to
domestic corporations) in the same manner as if such corporation directly owned
the Securities paying such dividends (other than corporate Unitholders, such as
"S" corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their
special characteristics and other than for purposes of special taxes such as the
accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding corporation tax). However, a
corporation owning Units should be aware that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code
impose additional limitations on the eligibility of dividends for the 70%
dividends received deduction. These limitations include a requirement that stock
(and therefore Units) must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined
under Section 246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been issued which
address special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46 day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of the
deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unitholder owns certain stock
(or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable to indebtedness
incurred by such corporation. Unitholders should consult with their tax advisers
with respect to the limitations on and possible modifications to the dividends
received deduction.
   To the extent dividends received by a Trust are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion of such
dividends, since the dividends received deduction is generally available only
with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.
   Limitations on Deductibility of Trust Expenses by Unitholders. Each
Unitholder's pro rata share of each expense paid by a Trust is deductible by the
Unitholder to the same extent as though the expense had been paid directly by
him. It should be noted that as a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, certain
miscellaneous itemized deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return
preparation fees and employee business expenses will be deductible by an
individual only to the extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross
income. Unitholders may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of a
Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
   Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon
Disposition of Securities by a Trust or Disposition of Units. As discussed
above, a Unitholder may recognize taxable gain (or loss) when a Security is
disposed of by a Trust or if the Unitholder disposes of a Unit (although losses
incurred by Rollover Unitholders may be subject to disallowance, as discussed
above). The Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the
"1998 Tax Act") provides that for taxpayers other than corporations, net capital
gain (which is defined as net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital
loss for the taxable year) realized from property (with certain exclusions) is
subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain
taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Capital gain or loss is long-term if the
holding period for the asset is more than one year, and is short-term if the
holding period for the asset is one year or less. The date on which a Unit is
acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for purposes of determining the
holding period of the Unit. Capital gains realized from assets held for one year
or less are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income.
   In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into
after April 30, 1993. Unitholders and prospective investors should consult with
their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this provision on their
investment in Units.
   If a Unitholder disposes of a Unit he is deemed thereby to have disposed of
his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the Trust involved including his
pro rata portion of all Securities represented by a Unit. The Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1997 (the "1997 Tax Act") includes provisions that treat certain
transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for
gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting national principal contracts, futures or
forward contracts, or similar transactions) as constructive sales for purposes
of recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to
any such constructive sales rules.
   Special Tax Consequences of In Kind Distributions Upon Redemption of Units or
Termination of a Trust. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of
Units," under certain circumstances a Unitholder tendering Units for redemption
may request an in kind distribution of certain Securities in a Trust. A
Unitholder may also under certain circumstances request an in kind distribution
of certain Securities in a Trust upon the termination of such Trust. A
Unitholder will receive cash representing his pro rata portion of the foreign
Securities in a Trust. See "Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". The
Unitholder requesting an in kind distribution will be liable for expenses
related thereto (the "Distribution Expenses") and the amount of such in kind
distribution will be reduced by the amount of the Distribution Expenses. See
"Rights of Unitholders--Redemption of Units". As previously discussed, prior to
the redemption of Units or the termination of a Trust, a Unitholder is
considered as owning a pro rata portion of each of such Trust's assets for
federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an in kind distribution will result
in a Unitholder receiving an undivided interest in whole shares of stock plus,
possibly, cash.
   The potential tax consequences that may occur under an in kind distribution
with respect to each Security owned by a Trust will depend on whether or not a
Unitholder receives cash in addition to Securities. A "Security" for this
purpose is a particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A
Unitholder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unitholder only receives
Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion in the Securities held by
a Trust. However, if a Unitholder also receives cash in exchange for a
fractional share of a Security or for a foreign Security held by a Trust, such
Unitholder will generally recognize gain or loss based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by the Unitholder and his tax basis in such
fractional share of a Security or such foreign Security held by such Trust.
   Because each Trust will own many Securities, a Unitholder who requests an in
kind distribution will have to analyze the tax consequences with respect to each
Security owned by such Trust. The amount of taxable gain (or loss) recognized
upon such exchange will generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized
under the rules described above by such Unitholder with respect to each Security
owned by such Trust. Unitholders who request an in kind distribution are advised
to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
   Rollover Unitholders. As discussed in "Rights of Unitholders--Special
Redemption and Rollover," a Unitholder may elect to become a Rollover
Unitholder. To the extent a Rollover Unitholder exchanges his Units for Units of
the New Fund in a taxable transaction, such Unitholder will recognize gains, if
any, but generally will not be entitled to a deduction for any losses recognized
upon the disposition of any Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent
that such Unitholder is considered the owner of substantially identical
securities under the wash sale provisions of the Code taking into account such
Unitholder's deemed ownership of the securities underlying the Units in the New
Fund in the manner described above, if such substantially identical securities
were acquired within a period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after
such disposition under the wash sale provisions contained in Section 1091 of the
Code. In the event a loss is disallowed under the wash sale provisions, special
rules contained in Section 1091(d) of the Code apply to determine the
Unitholder's tax basis in the securities acquired. Rollover Unitholders are
advised to consult their tax advisers.
   Computation of the Unitholder's Tax Basis.
Initially, a Unitholder's tax basis in his Units will generally equal the price
paid by such Unitholder for his Units. The cost of the Units is allocated among
the Securities held in a Trust in accordance with the proportion of the fair
market values of such Securities on the valuation date nearest the date the
Units are purchased in order to determine such Unitholder's tax basis for his
pro rata portion of each Security.
   A Unitholder's tax basis in his Units and his pro rata portion of a Security
held by a Trust will be reduced to the extent dividends paid with respect to
such Security are received by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income
as described above.
   Other Matters. Each Unitholder will be requested to provide the Unitholder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the Unitholder
has not been notified that payments to the Unitholder are subject to back-up
withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification number and appropriate
certification are not provided when requested, distributions by a Trust to such
Unitholder (including amounts received upon the redemption of Units) will be
subject to back-up withholding. Distributions by a Trust (other than those that
are not treated as United States source income, if any) will generally be
subject to United States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units
held by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-United
States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisers.
   In general, income that is not effectively connected to the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States that is earned by non-U.S.
Unitholders and derived from dividends of foreign corporations will not be
subject to U.S. withholding tax provided that less than 25 percent of the gross
income of the foreign corporation for a three-year period ending with the close
of its taxable year preceding payment was effectively connected to the conduct
of a trade or business within the United States. In addition, such earnings may
be exempt from U.S. withholding pursuant to a specific treaty between the United
States and a foreign country. Non-U.S. Unitholders should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions from a
Trust.
   It should be noted that payments to the Trusts of dividends on Securities
that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes and Unitholders should consult their tax advisers regarding
the potential tax consequences relating to the payment of any such withholding
taxes by the Trusts. Any dividends withheld as a result thereof will
nevertheless be treated as income to the Unitholders. Because, under the grantor
trust rules, an investor is deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign
taxes that have been paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a
foreign tax credit or deduction for United States tax purposes with respect to
such taxes. The 1997 Tax Act imposes a required holding period for such credits.
Investors should consult their tax advisers with respect to foreign withholding
taxes and foreign tax credits.
   At the termination of a Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unitholder of
such Trust a statement containing information relating to the dividends received
by such Trust on the Securities, the gross proceeds received by such Trust from
the disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the sale of any
Security), and the fees and expenses paid by such Trust. The Trustee will also
furnish annual information returns to Unitholders and to the Internal Revenue
Service.
   Unitholders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs should
consult their broker-dealers for details on establishing such accounts. Units
may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed plans
established.
   In the opinion of special counsel to the Fund for New York tax matters, each
Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of the
Trusts will be treated as the income of the Unitholders under the existing
income tax laws of the State and City of New York.
   The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S.
Unitholders ("U.S. Unitholders") with regard to federal and certain aspects of
New York State and City income taxes. Unitholders may be subject to taxation in
New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their own tax advisers in
this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unitholder" means an owner of a Unit
in one of the Trusts that (a) is (i) for United States federal income tax
purposes a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation,
partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or
trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unitholder in
paragraph (a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such
Unitholder's conduct of a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and gain on
the Units will be taxable. Unitholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding potential foreign, state or local taxation with respect to the Units.

TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Compensation of Sponsor, Supervisor and Evaluator. The Sponsor will not
receive any fees in connection with its activities relating to the Trusts.
However, the Supervisor and Evaluator, which are affiliates of the Sponsor, will
receive the annual fee for portfolio supervisory and evaluation services set
forth in the "Fee Table". These fees may exceed the actual costs of providing
these services to the Trusts but at no time will the total amount received for
supervisory and evaluation services rendered to all Van Kampen unit investment
trusts in any calendar year exceed the aggregate cost of providing these
services in that year.
   Trustee's Fee. For its services the Trustee will receive the fee from each
Trust set forth in the "Fee Table" (which includes the estimated amount of
miscellaneous Trust expenses). The Trustee benefits to the extent there are
funds in the Capital and Income Accounts since these Accounts are non-interest
bearing to Unitholders and the amounts earned by the Trustee are retained by the
Trustee. Part of the Trustee's compensation for its services to each Trust is
expected to result from the use of these funds.
   Miscellaneous Expenses. The following additional charges are or may be
incurred by a Trust: (a) normal expenses (including the cost of mailing reports
to Unitholders) incurred in connection with the operation of such Trust, (b)
fees of the Trustee for extraordinary services, (c) expenses of the Trustee
(including legal and auditing expenses) and of counsel designated by the
Sponsor, (d) various governmental charges, (e) expenses and costs of any action
taken by the Trustee to protect a Trust and the rights and interests of
Unitholders, (f) indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or
expenses incurred in the administration of a Trust without negligence, bad faith
or wilful misconduct on its part, (g) foreign custodial and transaction fees,
(h) costs associated with liquidating the securities held in a Trust portfolio,
(i) any offering costs incurred after the end of the initial offering period and
(j) expenditures incurred in contacting Unitholders upon termination of a Trust.
The DowSM Trusts will also pay a license fee to Dow Jones & Company, Inc. for
use of certain service marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. The NasdaqSM Strategic
10 Trust will pay a license fee to the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. for use of
certain service marks and to Prudential Securities, Inc. for use of its
proprietary investment strategy used to select the Trust portfolio.
   General. The expenses of a Trust will accrue on a daily basis. The deferred
sales charge, fees and expenses are generally paid out of the Capital Account of
the related Trust. When these amounts are paid by or owing to the Trustee, they
are secured by a lien on the related Trust's portfolio. It is expected that
Securities will be sold to pay these amounts which will result in capital gains
or losses to Unitholders. See "Taxation". The Supervisor's, Evaluator's and
Trustee's fees may be increased without approval of the Unitholders by amounts
not exceeding proportionate increases under the category "All Services Less Rent
of Shelter" in the Consumer Price Index or, if this category is not published,
in a comparable category.

OTHER MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Legal Opinions. The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon
by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as
counsel for the Sponsor. Winston & Strawn has acted as counsel to the Trustee
and as special counsel for New York tax matters.
   Independent Certified Public Accountants. The statements of condition and the
related portfolios included in this Prospectus have been audited by Grant
Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their
report in this Prospectus, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement filed by the Trusts with the SEC. The Information
Supplement, which has been filed with the SEC, includes more detailed
information concerning the Securities, investment risks and general information
about the Trusts. The Information Supplement may be obtained by contacting the
Trustee at (800) 856-8487 or is available along with other related materials at
the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov).


TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Title                                 Page
   Summary of Essential Financial Information..     2
   Fee Table...................................     3
   The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust................     4
   The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust.................     6
   NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust.................     8
   Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust...........    10
   EAFESMStrategic 20 Trust....................    12
   Notes to Hypothetical Performance Tables....    14
   Notes to Portfolios.........................    14
   The Securities..............................    15
   Report of Independent Certified
      Public Accountants.......................    16
   Statements of Condition ....................    17
   The Trusts..................................   A-1
   Objectives and Securities Selection.........   A-1
   Risk Factors................................   A-2
   Public Offering.............................   A-5
   Retirement Accounts.........................   A-8
   Wrap Fees and Advisory Accounts.............   A-9
   Rights of Unitholders.......................   A-9
   Trust Administration........................  A-12
   Taxation....................................  A-14
   Trust Operating Expenses....................  A-18
   Other Matters...............................  A-19
   Additional Information......................  A-19

- --------------
When Units of the Trusts are no longer available this prospectus may be used as
a preliminary prospectus for a future Trust. If this prospectus is used for
future Trusts you should note the following:

The information in this prospectus is not complete with respect to future Trust
series and may be changed. No person may sell Units of future Trusts until a
registration statement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell Units and is not
soliciting an offer to buy Units in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.



                                                                       EMSPRO186

                                   PROSPECTUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              November ____ , 1999

                                   Van Kampen
                              Focus Portfolios(SM)
                       A Division of Van Kampen Funds Inc.

                          The DowSM Strategic 10 Trust,
                              November 1999 Series

                          The DowSM Strategic 5 Trust,
                               November 1999Series

                        The NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust,
                               November 1999Series

                       Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust,
                               November 1999Series

                           EAFESM Strategic 20 Trust,
                              November 1999 Series


                              Van Kampen Funds Inc.

                               One Parkview Plaza
                        Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181

                             2800 Post Oak Boulevard
                              Houston, Texas 77056

               Please retain this prospectus for future reference

                                   Van Kampen
                             Information Supplement
                     Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 186

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

     This Information Supplement provides additional information concerning the
risks and operations of the Trust which is not described in the Prospectus. You
should read this Information Supplement in conjunction with the Prospectus. This
Information Supplement is not a prospectus. It does not include all of the
information that you should consider before investing in a Trust. This
Information Supplement may not be used to offer or sell Units without the
Prospectus. You can obtain copies of the Prospectus by contacting the Sponsor at
One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 or by contacting your
broker. This Information Supplement is dated as of the date of the Prospectus.
All capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.

               Table of Contents
                                                                    Page
          Risk Factors                                                 2
          The Trust Strategies                                         3
          The Indexes                                                  5
          Sponsor Information                                          8
          Trustee Information                                          8
          Trust Termination                                            9

RISK FACTORS
     Price Volatility. Because the Trusts invest in stocks of U.S. and foreign
companies, you should understand the risks of investing in common stocks before
purchasing Units. These risks include the risk that the financial condition of
the company or the general condition of the stock market may worsen and the
value of the stocks (and therefore Units) will fall. Stocks are especially
susceptible to general stock market movements. The value of common stocks often
rises or falls rapidly and unpredictably as market confidence and perceptions of
companies change. These perceptions are based on factors including expectations
regarding government economic policies, inflation, interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, political climates and economic or banking crises. The
value of Units will fluctuate with the value of the stocks in a Trust and may be
more or less than the price you originally paid for your Units. As with any
investment, we cannot guarantee that the performance of a Trust will be positive
over any period of time. Because the Trusts are unmanaged, the Trustee will not
sell stocks in response to market fluctuations as is common in managed
investments. In addition, because some Trusts hold a relatively small number of
stocks, you may encounter greater market risk than in a more diversified
investment.
     Dividends. Stocks represent ownership interests in a company and are not
obligations of the company. Common stockholders have a right to receive payments
from the company that is subordinate to the rights of creditors, bondholders or
preferred stockholders of the company. This means that common stockholders have
a right to receive dividends only if a company's board of directors declares a
dividend and the company has provided for payment of all of its creditors,
bondholders and preferred stockholders. If a company issues additional debt
securities or preferred stock, the owners of these securities will have a claim
against the company's assets before common stockholders if the company declares
bankruptcy or liquidates its assets even though the common stock was issued
first. As a result, the company may be less willing or able to declare or pay
dividends on its common stock.
     Foreign Stocks. Because certain Trusts invest in foreign stocks, these
Trusts involve additional risks that differ from an investment in domestic
stocks. Investments in foreign securities may involve a greater degree of risk
than those in domestic securities. There is generally less publicly available
information about foreign companies in the form of reports and ratings similar
to those that are published about issuers in the United States. Also, foreign
issuers are generally not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting requirements comparable to those applicable to United States issuers.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation,
nationalization or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or
other assets of a Trust, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in those countries.
Moreover, industrial foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United States' economy in terms of growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
payments position. Foreign securities markets are generally not as developed or
efficient as those in the United States. While growing in volume, they usually
have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange, and securities
of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable United States issuers. Fixed commissions on foreign exchanges are
generally higher than negotiated commissions on United States exchanges. There
is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and listed issuers than in the United States.
     Foreign Currencies. Certain Trusts also involve the risk that fluctuations
in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may negatively
affect the value of the stocks. For example, if a foreign stock rose 10% in
price but the U.S. dollar gained 5% against the related foreign currency, a U.S.
investor's return would be reduced to about 5%. This is because the foreign
currency would "buy" fewer dollars or, conversely, a dollar would buy more of
the foreign currency. Many foreign currencies have fluctuated widely against the
U.S. dollar for a variety of reasons such as supply and demand of the currency,
investor perceptions of world or country economies, political instability,
currency speculation by institutional investors, changes in government policies,
buying and selling of currencies by central banks of countries, trade balances
and changes in interest rates. A Trust's foreign currency transactions will be
conducted with foreign exchange dealers acting as principals on a spot (i.e.,
cash) buying basis. These dealers realize a profit based on the difference
between the price at which they buy the currency (bid price) and the price at
which they sell the currency (offer price). The Evaluator will estimate the
currency exchange rates based on current activity in the related currency
exchange markets, however, due to the volatility of the markets and other
factors, the estimated rates may not be indicative of the rate a Trust might
obtain had the Trustee sold the currency in the market at that time.
   Technology Issuers. The NasdaqSM Strategic 10 Trust invests significantly in
issuers within the technology industry. A portfolio concentrated in a single
industry may present more risk than a portfolio broadly diversified over several
industries. The Trust, and therefore Unitholders, may be particularly
susceptible to a negative impact resulting from adverse market conditions or
other factors affecting technology issuers because any negative impact on the
technology industry will not be diversified among issuers within other unrelated
industries. Accordingly, an investment in Units should be made with an
understanding of the characteristics of the technology industry and the risks
which such an investment may entail.
   Technology companies generally include companies involved in the development,
design, manufacture and sale of computers, computer related equipment, computer
networks, communications systems, telecommunications products, electronic
products, and other related products, systems and services. The market for
technology products and services, especially those specifically related to the
Internet, is characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product
obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent
new product introductions. The success of the issuers of the Securities depends
in substantial part on the timely and successful introduction of new products.
An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer's
products or in the market for products based on a particular technology could
have a material adverse affect on an issuer's operating results. Furthermore,
there can be no assurance that the issuers of the Securities will be able to
respond timely to compete in the rapidly developing marketplace.
   The market for certain technology products and services may have only
recently begun to develop, is rapidly evolving and is characterized by an
increasing number of market entrants. Additionally, certain technology companies
may have only recently commenced operations or offered equity securities to the
public. Such companies are in the early stage of development and have a limited
operating history on which to analyze future operating results. It is important
to note that following its initial public offering a security is likely to
experience substantial stock price volatility and speculative trading.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that upon redemption of Units or
termination of a Trust a Unitholder will receive an amount greater than or equal
to the Unitholder's initial investment.
   Based on trading history, factors such as announcements of new products or
development of new technologies and general conditions of the industry have
caused and are likely to cause the market price of technology common stocks to
fluctuate substantially. In addition, technology company stocks have experienced
extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to the
operating performance of such companies. This market volatility may adversely
affect the market price of the Securities and therefore the ability of a
Unitholder to redeem units, or roll over Units into a new trust, at a price
equal to or greater than the original price paid for such Units.
   Some key components of certain products of technology issuers are currently
available only from single sources. There can be no assurance that in the future
suppliers will be able to meet the demand for components in a timely and cost
effective manner. Accordingly, an issuer's operating results and customer
relationships could be adversely affected by either an increase in price for, or
and interruption or reduction in supply of, any key components. Additionally,
many technology issuers are characterized by a highly concentrated customer base
consisting of a limited number of large customers who may require product
vendors to comply with rigorous and constantly developing industry standards.
Any failure to comply with such standards may result in a significant loss or
reduction of sales. Because many products and technologies are incorporated into
other related products, certain companies are often highly dependent on the
performance of other computer, electronics and communications companies. There
can be no assurance that these customers will place additional orders, or that
an issuer of Securities will obtain orders of similar magnitude as past orders
form other customers. Similarly, the success of certain companies is tied to a
relatively small concentration of products or technologies with intense
competition between companies. Accordingly, a decline in demand of such
products, technologies or from such customers could have a material adverse
impact on issuers of the Securities.
     Liquidity. Whether or not the stocks in a Trust are listed on a stock
exchange, the stocks may delist from the exchange or principally trade in an
over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market
could depend on whether dealers will make a market in the stocks. We cannot
guarantee that dealers will maintain a market or that any market will be liquid.
The value of the stocks could fall if trading markets are limited or absent.
     Additional Units. The Sponsor may create additional Units of a Trust by
depositing into the Trust additional stocks or cash with instructions to
purchase additional stocks. A cash deposit could result in a dilution of your
investment and anticipated income because of fluctuations in the price of the
stocks between the time of the deposit and the purchase of the stocks and
because the Trust will pay brokerage fees.
     Voting. Only the Trustee may sell or vote the stocks in a Trust. While you
may sell or redeem your Units, you may not sell or vote the stocks in your
Trust. The Sponsor will instruct the Trustee how to vote the stocks. The Trustee
will vote the stocks in the same general proportion as shares held by other
shareholders if the Sponsor fails to provide instructions.
     Year 2000. The Trusts could be negatively impacted if computer systems used
by the Sponsor, Evaluator, Supervisor or Trustee or other service providers to
the Trusts do not properly process date-related information after January 1,
2000. This is commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem". The Sponsor, Evaluator,
Supervisor and Trustee are taking steps to address this problem and to obtain
reasonable assurances that other service providers to the Trusts are taking
comparable steps. We cannot guarantee that these steps will be sufficient to
avoid any adverse impact on the Trusts. This problem is expected to impact
corporations to varying degrees based on factors such as industry sector and
degree of technological sophistication. We cannot predict what impact, if any,
this problem will have on the issuers of stocks in the Trusts.

THE TRUST STRATEGIES
     In seeking the Trusts' objectives, the Sponsor considered the ability of
the Securities to outpace inflation. While inflation is currently relatively
low, the United States has historically experienced periods of double-digit
inflation. While the prices of securities will fluctuate, over time securities
have outperformed the rate of inflation, and other less risky investments, such
as government bonds and U.S. Treasury bills. Past performance is, however, no
guarantee of future results.
   The companies represented in the Trusts are some of the most well-known and
highly capitalized companies in the world. The Trusts seek to achieve better
performances than the related indexes through similar investment strategies.
Investment in a number of companies having high dividends relative to their
stock prices (usually because their stock prices are undervalued) is designed to
increase each Trust's potential for higher returns. There is, of course, no
assurance that a Trust (which includes expenses and sales charges) will achieve
its objective.
   Certain of the Trusts may be suitable for investors who seek to diversify
their equity holdings with investments in foreign equity securities. Today's
international market offers many opportunities. While the U.S. stock market has
generally performed well in the past, international markets may provide
significant opportunities as well. Global diversification may offer the
potential to enhance overall portfolio performance. In addition, investors may
be able to achieve a better risk/return potential by allocating an investment
among a domestic investment and an international investment. For example, rather
than investing exclusively in the Strategic Picks Trust strategy, the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index stocks or in the EAFE Strategic 20 Trust strategy, an investor
may be able to achieve a better combination of potential return and potential
risk by investing 70% in the Strategic Picks Trust strategy or Standard & Poor's
500 Index stocks and 30% in the EAFE Strategic 20 Trust strategy. International
markets can experience different performances and while some markets may be
experiencing rapid growth, others may be in temporary decline. These market
movements may offer attractive growth potential and possible portfolio
diversification for investors seeking to add to their existing equity portfolio.
Certain of the Trusts seek to combine the growth potential of undervalued stocks
with the strength of stocks listed on a foreign stock market index. Typically,
companies listed on a major market index are widely recognized, firmly
established and financially strong. Therefore, when undervalued, these stocks
may provide investors with significant growth opportunities.
   Corporate restructuring, acquisitions and the use of technology may enhance
the ability of foreign companies to increase their potential profitability.
Progress of the European Monetary Union efforts to create a unified currency
could potentially add to European growth rates. In addition, if the U.S. dollar
does not remain as strong as in the recent past, foreign stocks may benefit and
foreign stocks may be relatively attractive from a valuation standpoint compared
to U.S. stock prices. Of course, an investment in foreign securities involves
risks, certain of which differ from an investment in U.S. stocks. See "Risk
Factors".
   In particular, the Sponsor believes that the Trusts holding foreign stocks
may offer investors an attractive opportunity to diversify their portfolio with
an international component. First, markets have tended to be cyclical in
performance and at certain times U.S. stocks have outperformed foreign stocks
while foreign stocks have outperformed U.S. stocks over other periods. Second,
the U.S. stock market has been among the top five developed markets in terms of
total returns from 1989 through 1998 only four times and was never the top
performing market in these years (as measured by the MSCI USA Index and other
MSCI country indexes in developed market countries). Third, while
diversification of investments cannot eliminate the risk of loss, an investor
may be able to reduce overall portfolio risk by diversifying into international
investments since approximately 60% of the world's market capitalization exists
outside the U.S. Finally, over the last 10 years the stocks in Standard & Poor's
500 Index have collectively shown a total return that is greater than the
25-year average total return 6 times while the stocks in the MSCI EAFESM Index
have collectively outperformed the 25-year average total return only twice in
the last 10 years. Although it is impossible to predict the future of stocks
markets, the MSCI EAFESM Index stocks at some time are likely to return to the
average in the future.
   It should be noted that the foregoing yield comparisons do not take into
account any expenses or sales commissions which would arise from an investment
in Units of the Trusts. The Trusts seek to achieve better performances than the
related indexes through similar investment strategies. Investment in a number of
companies having high dividends relative to their stock prices (usually because
their stock prices are undervalued) is designed to increase each Trust's
potential for higher returns. There is, of course, no assurance that a Trust
(which includes expenses and sales charges) will achieve its objective. The
investment strategies utilized by the Trusts are designed to be implemented on
an annual basis. Investors who hold Units through Trust termination may have
investment results that differ significantly from a Unit investment that is
reinvested into a new trust each year.
     Investors should note that the above criteria were applied to the
Securities for inclusion in the Trusts as of three business days prior to the
Initial Date of Deposit. Subsequent to this date, the Securities may no longer
be included in an index, may not be providing one of the ten highest dividend
yields within these indexes or may not have one of the 2nd through 6th lowest
per share prices within the relevant index. Should a Security no longer be
included in these indexes or meet the criteria used for selection for a Trust,
such Security will not as a result thereof be removed from a Trust portfolio.

THE INDEXES
     The Dow Jones Industrial Average. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA")
was first published in The Wall Street Journal in 1896. Initially consisting of
just 12 stocks, the DJIA expanded to 20 stocks in 1916 and its present size of
30 stocks on October 1, 1928. The companies which make up the DJIA have remained
relatively constant over the life of the DJIA. The following is the list as it
currently appears:

      Alcoa, Inc.
      Allied Signal
      American Express Company
      AT&T Corporation
      Boeing Company
      Caterpillar, Inc.
      Chevron Corporation
      Citigroup, Inc.
      Coca-Cola Company
      Eastman Kodak Company
      E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company
      Exxon Corporation
      General Electric Company
      General Motors Corporation
      Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
      Hewlett-Packard Company
      International Business Machines Corporation
      International Paper Company
      J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc.
      Johnson & Johnson
      McDonald's Corporation
      Merck & Company, Inc.
      Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
      Philip Morris Companies, Inc.
      Procter & Gamble Company
      Sears, Roebuck and Company
      Union Carbide Corporation
      United Technologies Corporation
      Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
      Walt Disney Company

   "Dow JonesSM", "Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM", "The Dow 5SM", "The Dow
10SM", "The Dow 30SM", "The DowSM", and "DJIASM" are proprietary to and service
marks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain
purposes by the Trusts. The Trusts are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted
by Dow Jones and Dow Jones makes no representation regarding the avisability of
investing in any Trust.
   The Nasdaq-100 Index.
   The MSCI Indexes. While the MSCI index methodology has evolved to capture the
growth of the investment universe, the index philosophy has never been
compromised to simplify the complicated process of investing: MSCI indices are
based on detailed analysis to make it easier for the investor to measure
international performance. Constituents are selected for a country index through
the following process: (1) Define the "Market"; (2) Capture 60% of the market
capitalization of the country across all industry groups; (3) Select the most
liquid securities within each industry; (4) Select stocks with sufficient free
float; (5) Avoid cross-ownership; and (6) Apply full market capitalization
weights.
   The initial research for the MSCI Indices covers the full breadth of the
global equity securities market. Country specialists track the evolution of both
listed and unlisted shares of domestically listed companies in nearly every
country in the world. Based in Geneva, these country teams collect share,
pricing, ownership, float and liquidity data for effectively all companies
worldwide. Sources for this information are local stock exchanges and brokerage
firms, newspapers, and company contacts. From this master matrix, the total
country market capitalization is adjusted for double-counting and non-domiciled
companies. All of the companies within this research coverage are eligible for
inclusion in the MSCI indices except non-domiciled companies, investment trusts
and mutual funds.
   Once the total country market capitalization is analyzed, 60% of the
capitalization of each industry group and thus 60% of the entire market is
targeted for each MSCI index. This ensures that the index reflects the industry
characteristics of the overall market, and permits the construction of accurate
regional and global industry indices. Research coverage in MSCI products and
publications extends beyond the index coverage (60%) to capture 80% of the
market for each country. This coverage includes daily performance as well as
monthly valuation ratios and summarized financial statement data. When selecting
the constituents of an index, the most effective industry classification is
used--either the local convention or the MSCI schema of 38 industry groups--in
order to mirror the industry characteristics of the local market. Once the
selection process is complete, the index constituents are re-classified into the
MSCI schema of 38 industries and 8 economic sectors in order to facilitate
cross-country comparisons. The MSCI classification schema has been adopted by
Reuters for their industry classification. Securities are selected to represent
an industry based on size and the portion of earnings and revenues attributable
to that industry group. Even within an industry the goal is to represent the
full diversity of business segments. An industry representation may exceed the
60% target because one or two large companies dominate an industry. Similarly,
an industry may fall below the 80% level under conventional analysis because its
companies lack good liquidity and float, or because of extensive
cross-ownership.
   A goal of the MSCI index construction process is to select the most liquid
stocks within each industry group, all other things being equal, since liquidity
is necessary but not the sole determinant for inclusion in the index. Liquidity
is monitored by monthly average trading value over time in order to determine
normal levels of volume, excluding temporary peaks and troughs. A stock's
liquidity is significant not only in absolute terms, but also relative to its
market capitalization and to average liquidity for the country as a whole.
   Float is monitored for every security in the market, and low float (a small
percentage of shares freely tradable) may exclude a stock from consideration in
the index. But float can be difficult to determine: in some markets good sources
are generally not available; in other markets, information on smaller and less
prominent issues can be subject to error and time lags. Government ownership and
cross-ownership positions can change over time and are not always made public.
Float also tends to be defined differently depending on the source. Thus,
evaluations of float run the risk of penalizing those markets that have good
disclosure, regardless of the actual degree of availability of shares. As with
liquidity, sufficient float is an important consideration, not an inflexible
rule.
   Cross-ownership occurs when one company has a significant ownership in
another company in the same country. In situations where cross-ownership is
substantial, including both companies in an index can skew industry weights,
distort country-level valuations (such as country price-earnings and price-book
value ratios) and overstate a country's true market size. An integral part of
the country research function is identifying cross ownerships in order to avoid
or minimize them. Country specialists in Geneva do much of the cross-ownership
identification through researching company reports, local newspapers and stock
exchange data.
   All standard MSCI indices are weighted by each company's full market
capitalization (both listed and unlisted shares). This approach has the
significant advantage of objectivity--the number of shares outstanding for a
company is a constituent figure for companies around the world and is easily
agreed upon and obtainable. Full market capitalization weighting is favored to
other weighting schemes for both theoretical and practical reasons: (a) it is
impossible to judge whether a position which is currently in firm hands might be
available in the future; (b) the quality and timeliness of information on float
varies from market to market and adjustments penalize those markets with the
highest standards of disclosure; (c) the most serious consequence of float
limitations is limited liquidity which can be monitored objectively; much effort
is spent in researching and monitoring these factors when selecting constituents
for each country index but once a security is selected, it is included in the
index at its full market value. A growing number of very sizable companies have
been brought or are expected to be brought to the market with modest initial
tranches being publicly available. At the same time, the obvious relevance of
these companies instantly positions them among the core investment opportunities
in their market. In order to allow the MSCI indices to capture this new market
trend, in very exceptional cases, a company may be included at a portion of its
total market capitalization.
   Morgan Stanley Capital International. Recognized as a world leader in global
financial research, Morgan Stanley monitors more than 4,500 companies in 51
countries, representing 80% of the total market value of the world's stock
markets. The Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI") databases are used as
a benchmark by more than 90% of the investment community. With hundreds of
analysts located across the globe, MSCI provides comprehensive research and
in-depth knowledge about general markets and specific companies around the
world.
   Since 1968, MSCI global indices have presented an array of investment
opportunities available to the international investor, including indices such as
the MSCI USA Index and the MSCI EAFESM Index. These indices seek to represent an
accurate normal portfolio. In addition, index valuation ratios and company-level
fundamental data provide tools for the international investor. MSCI believes
that local stock exchange indices are not comparable with one another due to
differences in the representation of the local market, mathematical formulas,
methods of adjusting for capital changes, and base dates. The same criteria and
calculation methodology are applied across all MSCI indices. Further, while
accounting standards continue to differ according to local customs and
practices, fundamental data is analyzed and presented in a uniform and
meaningful manner in MSCI indices--allowing investors to compare investment
opportunities across markets. Each MSCI country index is constructed so as to
minimize double counting, assuring that all industry groups are proportionately
represented, and that each country's contribution to the global or regional
index is accurately based on its market capitalization.
   In 1986, Morgan Stanley acquired the indices and data from Capital
International Perspective, S.A. ("CIPSA") based in Geneva, Switzerland. CIPSA
has been researching and publishing international indices since 1969 and
continues to be solely responsible for the decisions regarding constituent
additions and deletions as well as any other methodological modifications to the
indices. Morgan Stanley contributes its expertise in technology and the
marketing and distribution of the MSCI Indices and publications. Selection of
the constituents for MSCI Indices is conducted independent of the Sponsor which
has no input regarding the components of any index.
   The MSCI Indices are the exclusive property of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley
Capital International is a service mark of Morgan Stanley and has been licensed
for use by Van Kampen Funds Inc.
   This fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morgan Stanley.
Morgan Stanley makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the
owners of this fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in funds generally or in this fund particularly or the ability of the
MSCI Indices to track general stock market performance. Morgan Stanley is the
licensor of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of Morgan Stanley
and of the MSCI Indices which are determined, composed and calculated by Morgan
Stanley without regard to the issuer of this fund or this fund. Morgan Stanley
has no obligation to take the needs of the issuer of this fund or the owners of
this fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the MSCI
Indices. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of this fund to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which Units of
this fund is redeemable for cash. Morgan Stanley has no obligation or liability
to owners of this fund in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of this fund.
   ALTHOUGH MORGAN STANLEY SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE
IN THE CALCULATION OF AN INDEX FROM SOURCES WHICH MORGAN STANLEY CONSIDERS
RELIABLE, NEITHER MORGAN STANLEY NOR ANY OTHER PARTY GUARANTEES THE ACCURACY
AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF AN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NEITHER MORGAN
STANLEY NOR ANY OTHER PARTY MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, LICENSEE'S CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES,
OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF AN INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED HEREUNDER OR
FOR ANY OTHER USE. NEITHER MORGAN STANLEY NOR ANY OTHER PARTY MAKES ANY EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND MORGAN STANLEY HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT
TO AN INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING,
IN NO EVENT SHALL MORGAN STANLEY OR ANY OTHER PARTY HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SPONSOR INFORMATION
   Van Kampen Funds Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the Sponsor of the Trust.
The Sponsor is an indirect subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments Inc. Van Kampen
Investments Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSAM Holdings II, Inc., which
in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
("MSDW").
     MSDW, together with various of its directly and indirectly owned
subsidiaries, is engaged in a wide range of financial services through three
primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit services. These
principal businesses include securities underwriting, distribution and trading;
merger, acquisition, restructuring and other corporate finance advisory
activities; merchant banking; stock brokerage and research services; asset
management; trading of futures, options, foreign exchange commodities and swaps
(involving foreign exchange, commodities, indices and interest rates); real
estate advice, financing and investing; global custody, securities clearance
services and securities lending; and credit card services.
     Van Kampen Funds Inc. specializes in the underwriting and distribution of
unit investment trusts and mutual funds with roots in money management dating
back to 1926. The Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. and has offices at One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
60181, (630) 684-6000 and 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056, (713)
993-0500. As of November 30, 1998, the total stockholders' equity of Van Kampen
Funds Inc. was $135,236,000 (audited). (This paragraph relates only to the
Sponsor and not to the Trust or to any other Series thereof. The information is
included herein only for the purpose of informing investors as to the financial
responsibility of the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its contractual
obligations. More detailed financial information will be made available by the
Sponsor upon request.)
     As of March 31, 1999, the Sponsor and its Van Kampen affiliates managed or
supervised approximately $75 billion of investment products. The Sponsor and its
Van Kampen affiliates managed $64 billion of assets, consisting of $36.6 billion
for 50 open-end mutual funds, $19.5 billion for 39 closed-end funds and $8.2
billion for 106 institutional accounts. The Sponsor has also deposited more than
3,200 unit trusts amounting to approximately $35.4 billion of assets. All of Van
Kampen's open-end funds, closed-ended funds and unit investment trusts are
professionally distributed by leading financial firms nationwide. Based on
cumulative assets deposited, the Sponsor believes that it is the largest sponsor
of insured municipal unit investment trusts, primarily through the success of
its Insured Municipals Income Trust(R) or the IM-IT(R) trust. The Sponsor also
provides surveillance or evaluation services at cost for approximately $13.4
billion of unit investment trust assets outstanding. Since 1976, the Sponsor has
serviced over two million investor accounts, opened through retail distribution
firms.

   If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the Trust
Agreement or become incapable of acting or shall become bankrupt or its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (i) appoint a
successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the Trustee to be
reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) terminate the Trust Agreement and liquidate the Trusts as
provided therein or (iii) continue to act as Trustee without terminating the
Trust Agreement.

TRUSTEE INFORMATION
     The Trustee is The Bank of New York, a trust company organized under the
laws of New York. The Bank of New York has its unit investment trust division
offices at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (800) 221-7668. The Bank
of New York is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of
Banks of the State of New York and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation to the extent permitted by law.
     The duties of the Trustee are primarily ministerial in nature. It did not
participate in the selection of Securities for the Trust portfolios.
     In accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall keep proper books
of record and account of all transactions at its office for each Trust. Such
records shall include the name and address of, and the number of Units of each
Trust held by, every Unitholder. Such books and records shall be open to
inspection by any Unitholder at all reasonable times during the usual business
hours. The Trustee shall make such annual or other reports as may from time to
time be required under any applicable state or federal statute, rule or
regulation. The Trustee is required to keep a certified copy or duplicate
original of the Trust Agreement on file in its office available for inspection
at all reasonable times during the usual business hours by any Unitholder,
together with a current list of the Securities held in each Trust.
     Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee or any successor trustee may resign
and be discharged of its responsibilities created by the Trust Agreement by
executing an instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor. The
Trustee or successor trustee must mail a copy of the notice of resignation to
all Unitholders then of record, not less than 60 days before the date specified
in such notice when such resignation is to take effect. The Sponsor upon
receiving notice of such resignation is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If, upon such resignation, no successor trustee has been appointed and
has accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring
Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The Sponsor may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee as
provided in the Trust Agreement at any time with or without cause. Notice of
such removal and appointment shall be mailed to each Unitholder by the Sponsor.
Upon execution of a written acceptance of such appointment by such successor
trustee, all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the original trustee
shall vest in the successor. The resignation or removal of a Trustee becomes
effective only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or
when a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
     Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the successor trustee. The Trustee
must be a banking corporation organized under the laws of the United States or
any state and having at all times an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000.

TRUST TERMINATION
     A Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of Unitholders
representing 66 2/3% of the Units of such Trust then outstanding or by the
Trustee when the value of the Securities owned by a Trust, as shown by any
evaluation, is less than $500,000 ($3,000,000 if the value of the Trust has
exceeded $15,000,000). A Trust will be liquidated by the Trustee in the event
that a sufficient number of Units of such Trust not yet sold are tendered for
redemption by the Sponsor, so that the net worth of such Trust would be reduced
to less than 40% of the value of the Securities at the time they were deposited
in such Trust. If a Trust is liquidated because of the redemption of unsold
Units by the Sponsor, the Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units the
entire sales charge paid by such purchaser. The Trust Agreement will terminate
upon the sale or other disposition of the last Security held thereunder, but in
no event will it continue beyond the Mandatory Termination Date.
     Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to, and no
later than, the Mandatory Termination Date, Securities will begin to be sold in
connection with the termination of the Trusts. The Sponsor will determine the
manner, timing and execution of the sales of the Securities. The Sponsor shall
direct the liquidation of the Securities in such manner as to effectuate orderly
sales and a minimal market impact. In the event the Sponsor does not so direct,
the Securities shall be sold within a reasonable period and in such manner as
the Trustee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. At least 30 days before
the Mandatory Termination Date the Trustee will provide written notice of any
termination to all Unitholders of the appropriate Trust and in the case of a
Trust will include with such notice a form to enable Unitholders owning 1,000 or
more Units to request an in kind distribution of the U.S.-traded Securities. To
be effective, this request must be returned to the Trustee at least five
business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. On the Mandatory
Termination Date (or on the previous business day if a holiday) the Trustee will
deliver each requesting Unitholder's pro rata number of whole shares of the
U.S.-traded Securities in a Trust to the account of the broker-dealer or bank
designated by the Unitholder at Depository Trust Company. A Unitholder electing
an in kind distribution will not receive a distribution of shares of the foreign
exchange-traded Securities but will instead receive cash representing his pro
rata portion of such Securities. The value of the Unitholder's fractional shares
of the Securities will be paid in cash. Unitholders with less than 1,000 Units,
Unitholders in a Trust with 1,000 or more Units not requesting an in kind
distribution and Unitholders who do not elect the Rollover Option will receive a
cash distribution from the sale of the remaining Securities within a reasonable
time following the Mandatory Termination Date. Regardless of the distribution
involved, the Trustee will deduct from the funds of the appropriate Trust any
accrued costs, expenses, advances or indemnities provided by the Trust
Agreement, including estimated compensation of the Trustee, costs of liquidation
and any amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable
taxes or other governmental charges. Any sale of Securities in a Trust upon
termination may result in a lower amount than might otherwise be realized if
such sale were not required at such time. The Trustee will then distribute to
each Unitholder of each Trust his pro rata share of the balance of the Income
and Capital Accounts of such Trust.
     The Sponsor currently intends to, but is not obligated to, offer for sale
units of a subsequent series of the Trusts pursuant to the Rollover Option.
There is, however, no assurance that units of any new series of the Trusts will
be offered for sale at that time, or if offered, that there will be sufficient
units available for sale to meet the requests of any or all Unitholders.
     Within 60 days of the final distribution Unitholders will be furnished a
final distribution statement of the amount distributable. At such time as the
Trustee in its sole discretion will determine that any amounts held in reserve
are no longer necessary, it will make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the
same manner.



                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:

The facing sheet
The Prospectus
The signatures
The consents of independent public accountants and legal counsel

The following exhibits:

     1.1  Copy of Trust Agreement.

     3.1  Opinion and consent of counsel as to legality of securities being
          registered.

     3.2  Opinion of counsel as to the Federal income tax status of securities
          being registered.

     3.3  Opinion and consent of counsel as to New York tax status of securities
          being registered.

     4.1  Consent of Interactive Data Corporation

     4.2  Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants.


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 186 has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on the 14th day of
October 1999.

                                         Van Kampen Focus Portfolios, Series 186
                                                        By Van Kampen Funds Inc.

                                                          By Christine K. Putong
                                                             Assistant Secretary

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below on October 14, 1999 by the
following persons who constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of Van
Kampen Funds Inc.

          SIGNATURE                             TITLE

Richard F. Powers III               Chairman and Chief Executive              )

                                       Officer                                )

John H. Zimmerman III               President and Chief Operating             )

                                       Officer                                )

William R. Rybak                    Executive Vice President and              )
                                       Chief Financial Officer                )

A. Thomas Smith III                 Executive Vice President,                 )
                                       General Counsel and Secretary          )

Michael H. Santo                    Executive Vice President                  )

                                                             Christine K. Putong
                                                             (Attorney-in-fact*)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         *An executed copy of each of the related powers of attorney is filed
herewith or was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with the Registration Statement on Form S-6 of Van Kampen Focus Portfolios,
Series 136 (File No. 333-70897) and the same are hereby incorporated herein by
this reference.






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