EQ ADVISORS TRUST, 497, 1999-09-07

EQ ADVISORS TRUST
497, 1999-09-07

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Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c)
Registration File No.: 333-17217

EQ Advisors Trust

PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 30, 1999

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This Prospectus describes the four (4) Portfolios offered by EQ Advisors Trust
that you can choose as investment alternatives. Each Portfolio has its own
investment objective and strategies that are designed to meet different
investment goals. This Prospectus contains information you should know before
investing. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing and keep it
for future reference.

Domestic Equity Portfolios
--------------------------

Capital Guardian Research
Capital Guardian U.S. Equity

Aggressive Equity Portfolios
----------------------------

EQ/Evergreen

Asset Allocation Portfolios
---------------------------

EQ/Evergreen Foundation

See Prospectus dated May 1, 1999 for additional investment alternatives.

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YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE INVESTMENT MERIT OF THESE PORTFOLIOS OR
DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Version 17 (SuppR)

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Overview

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EQ ADVISORS TRUST

This Prospectus tells you about the four (4) current Portfolios of the EQ
Advisors Trust ("Trust") and the Class IB shares offered by the Trust on
behalf of each Portfolio. The Trust is an open-end management investment
company. Each Portfolio is a separate series of the Trust with its own
investment objective, investment strategies and risks,
which are described in this Prospectus. Each of the current Portfolios of the
Trust are diversified for purposes of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
("1940 Act").

The Trust's shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate
accounts in connection with variable life insurance contracts and variable
annuity certificates and contracts (the "Contract" or collectively, the
"Contracts") issued by The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States ("Equitable") and Equitable of Colorado, Inc. ("EOC") and to The
Equitable Investment Plan for Employees, Managers and Agents ("Equitable
Plan"). The prospectus is designed to help you make informed decisions about
the Portfolios that are available under your Contract or under the Equitable
Plan. You will find information about your Contract and how it works in the
accompanying prospectus for the Contracts if you are a Contractholder or
participant under a Contract.

EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. ("EQFC") currently serves as the Manager of the
Trust. In such capacity, EQFC currently has overall responsibility for the
general management and administration of the Trust. The Board of Trustees of
the Trust have approved a transfer to Equitable, the indirect corporate parent
of EQFC, of the Trust's Investment Management Agreement with EQFC. This
transfer is expected to be completed in September 1999. Upon completion of the
transfer, Equitable will serve as the Manager of the Trust. However, until
completion of the transfer, EQFC will continue to serve in that capacity.

Each of the Portfolios has its own investment adviser ("Adviser"). Information
about the Adviser for each Portfolio is contained in the description
concerning that Portfolio in the section entitled "About the Investment
Portfolios." The Manager has the ultimate responsibility to oversee each of
the Advisers and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement.
Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, the Manager may without
obtaining shareholder approval: (i) select Advisers for each of the Trust's
Portfolios; (ii) enter into and materially modify existing investment advisory
agreements; and (iii) terminate and replace the Advisers.

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Table of contents

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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1

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SUMMARY INFORMATION CONCERNING EQ ADVISORS
TRUST 4
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2

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ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS 6
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DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS 8
Capital Guardian Research Portfolio 8
Capital Guardian U.S. Equity Portfolio 10
AGGRESSIVE EQUITY PORTFOLIOS 12
EQ/Evergreen Portfolio 12
ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIOS 14
EQ/Evergreen Foundation Portfolio 14
3

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MORE INFORMATION ON PRINCIPAL RISKS 16
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4

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MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST 22
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The Trust 22
The Manager 22
Expense Limitation Agreement 23
The Advisers 23
The Administrator 24
The Transfer Agent 24
Brokerage Practices 24
Brokerage Transactions with Affiliates 24

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
5

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FUND DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 25
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6

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PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION 26
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7

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HOW ASSETS ARE VALUED 27
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8

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TAX INFORMATION 28
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9

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PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF EACH ADVISER 29
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10

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 31
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</TABLE>

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1
Summary information concerning EQ Advisors Trust

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The following chart highlights the four (4) Portfolios described in this
Prospectus that you can choose as investment alternatives under your Contracts
offered by Equitable or EOC. The chart and accompanying information identify
each Portfolio's investment objective(s), principal investment strategies, and
principal risks. "More Information on Principal Risks", which more fully
describes each of the principal risks, is provided beginning on page 16.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQ ADVISORS TRUST DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS
<S> <C>
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE(S)
Capital Guardian Research Portfolio Seeks long-term growth of capital
Capital Guardian U.S. Equity Portfolio Seeks long-term growth of capital
EQ ADVISORS TRUST AGGRESSIVE EQUITY PORTFOLIO
EQ/Evergreen Seeks capital appreciation
EQ ADVISORS TRUST ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
EQ/Evergreen Foundation Seeks to provide, in order of priority, reasonable income,
conservation of capital and capital appreciation
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES PRINCIPAL RISKS
Equity securities primarily of United States issuers and General investment, growth investing, convertible
securities whose principal markets are in the United States securities, and foreign securities risks
Equity securities primarily of United States companies with General investment, growth investing, convertible
market capitalization greater than $1 billion at the time of securities, and foreign securities risks
purchase

Common stocks offering potential for capital growth (plus General investment, fixed income, small-cap and mid-cap
common stocks offering potential for current income, company, and value investing risks
corporate bonds, notes and debentures, preferred stocks
and convertible securities)

Common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible General investment and fixed income risks
into or exchangeable for common stocks, corporate debt
obligations, U.S. Government securities and short-term
debt instruments
</TABLE>

--------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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2
About the investment portfolios

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This section of the Prospectus provides a more complete description of the
principal investment objectives, strategies, and risks of each of the
Portfolios. Of course, there can be no assurance that any Portfolio will
achieve its investment objective.

Please note that:

o A fuller description of each of the principal risks is included in the
section "More Information on Principal Risks," which follows the
description of each Portfolio in this section of the Prospectus.

o Additional information concerning each Portfolio's strategies, investments,
and risks can also be found in the Trust's Statement of Additional
Information.

GENERAL INVESTMENT RISKS

Each of the Portfolios is subject to the following risks:

ASSET CLASS RISK: The returns from the types of securities in which a
Portfolio invests may underperform returns from the various general securities
markets or different asset classes.

MARKET RISK: You could lose money over short periods due to fluctuation in a
Portfolio's share price in reaction to stock or bond market movements, and
over longer periods during extended market downturns.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK: There is the possibility that the specific securities
selected by a Portfolio's Adviser will underperform other funds in the same
asset class or benchmarks that are representative of the general performance
of the asset class.

YEAR 2000 RISK: A Portfolio could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by the Trust, Adviser, other service providers, or persons with
whom they deal, do not properly process and calculate date-related information
and data dated on and after January 1, 2000 ("Year 2000 Problem"). The extent
of such impact cannot be predicted and there can be no assurances that the
Year 2000 Problem will not have an adverse effect on the issuers whose
securities are held by a Portfolio. This risk is greater for Portfolios that
make foreign investments, particularly in emerging market countries.

The Trust's Portfolios are not insured by the FDIC or any other government
agency. Each Portfolio is not a deposit or other obligation of any financial
institution or bank and is not guaranteed. Each Portfolio is subject to
investment risks and possible loss of principal invested.

THE BENCHMARKS

The performance of each of the Trust's Portfolios as shown on the following
pages compares each Portfolio's performance to that of a broad-based
securities market index, an index of funds with similar investment objectives
and/or a blended index. The performance shown below is from each Portfolio's
predecessor registered investment company managed by the Adviser using the
same investment objectives and strategies as the Portfolio. Each of the
Portfolios' annualized rates of return are net of: (i) its investment
management fees; and (ii) its other expenses. These rates are not
representative of the actual return you would receive under your Equitable
Contract.

Broad-based securities indices are unmanaged and are not subject to fees and
expenses typically associated with managed investment company portfolios.
Broad-based securities indices are also not subject to contract and
insurance-related expenses and changes. Investments cannot be made directly in
a broad-based securities index. Comparisons with these benchmarks, therefore,
are of limited use. They are included because they are widely known and may
help you to understand the universe of securities from which each Portfolio is
likely to select its holdings. "Blended" performance numbers (e.g., 50% S&P
400/50% Russell 2000 or 60% S&P 500/40% Lehman Gov't/Corp) assume a static mix
of the two indices.

THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE STOCK PRICE INDEX ("S&P 500") is an
unmanaged index containing
common stock of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and

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financial companies, regarded as generally representative of the larger
capitalization portion of the United States stock market. The S&P 500 returns
reflect the reinvestment of dividends, if any, but do not reflect fees,
brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing.

THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX ("Russell 2000") is an unmanaged index (with no defined
investment objective) of 2000 small-cap stocks and reflects reinvestment of
dividends. It is compiled by the Frank Russell Company.

---------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS

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CAPITAL GUARDIAN RESEARCH
PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: To achieve long-term growth of capital.

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of United States issuers
and securities whose principal markets are in the United States, including
American Depositary Receipts and other United States registered foreign
securities. The Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks (or securities
convertible or exchangeable into common stocks) of companies with market
capitalization greater than $1 billion at the time of purchase.

The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets, at the time of
purchase, in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States and not
included in the S&P 500 (i.e., foreign securities).

When market or financial conditions warrant, the Portfolio may invest a
substantial portion of its assets in high-quality debt securities, including
short-term obligations for temporary or defensive purposes. If such action is
taken, it will detract from achievement of the Portfolio's investment
objective during such periods.

THE PRINCIPAL RISKS

This Portfolio invests in common stocks, therefore, its performance may go up
or down depending on general market conditions. Other principal risks include:

GROWTH INVESTING RISK: As noted above, this Portfolio uses a growth oriented
approach to stock selection. The price of growth stocks may be more sensitive
to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks.
The price of growth stocks is also subject to the risk that the stock price of
one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by
the Adviser, regardless of movements in the securities markets.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK: Convertible securities enable the Portfolio to
benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock and
provide higher yields than the underlying common stocks, but generally offer
lower yields than nonconvertible securities of similar quality. Like bonds,
the value of convertible securities fluctuates both in relation to changes in
interest rates and changes in the value of the underlying common stock.

FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK: The Portfolio's investments in foreign securities
involve risks not associated with investing in U.S. securities, which can
adversely affect the Portfolio's performance. Foreign markets, particularly
emerging markets, may be less liquid, more volatile, and subject to less
government supervision than domestic markets. There may be difficulties
enforcing contractual obligations, and it may take more time for trades to
clear and settle. In addition, the value of foreign investments can be
adversely affected by: unfavorable currency exchange rates (relative to the
U.S. dollar for securities denominated in foreign currencies); inadequate or
inaccurate information about foreign companies; higher transaction, brokerage
and custody costs; adverse changes in foreign economic and tax policies; and
foreign government instability, war or other adverse political or economic
actions.

PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The inception date for this Portfolio is April 30, 1999. Therefore, no prior
performance is available.

WHO MANAGES THE PORTFOLIO

CAPITAL GUARDIAN TRUST COMPANY: ("Capital Guardian"), 333 South Hope Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90071. Capital Guardian is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital
Group International, Inc., which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Capital Group Companies, Inc. Capital Guardian has been providing investment
management services since 1968 and manages approximately $80 billion as of
December 31, 1998.

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The Portfolio is managed by a group of investment research professionals, led
by the Research Portfolio Coordinator, each of whom has investment discretion
over a segment of the total Portfolio. The size of each segment will vary over
time and may be based upon: (1) the level of conviction of specific research
professionals as to their designated sectors; (2) industry weights within the
relevant benchmark for the Portfolio; and (3) the judgment of the Research
Portfolio Coordinator in assessing the level of conviction of research
professionals compared to industry weights within the relevant benchmark.
Sectors may be overweighted relative to their benchmark weighting if there is
a substantial number of stocks that are judged to be attractive based on the
research professionals research in that sector, or may be underweighted if
there are relatively fewer stocks viewed to be attractive in the sector. The
Research Portfolio Coordinator also coordinates the cash holdings of the
Portfolio.

------------------------ EQ Advisors Trust

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DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS (CONTINUED)

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CAPITAL GUARDIAN U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: To achieve long-term growth of capital.

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Portfolio strives to accomplish its investment objectives through constant
supervision, careful securities selection and broad diversification.

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of United States
companies with market capitalization greater than $1 billion at the time of
purchase. In selecting securities for investment, the Adviser focuses
primarily on the potential of capital appreciation.

The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of
issuers domiciled outside the United States and not included in the S&P 500
(i.e., foreign securities). These securities may include American Depositary
Receipts.

THE PRINCIPAL RISKS

This Portfolio invests in common stocks, therefore, its performance may go up
or down depending on general market conditions. Other principal risks include:

PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The inception date for this Portfolio is April 30, 1999. Therefore, no prior
performance is available.

WHO MANAGES THE PORTFOLIO

CAPITAL GUARDIAN TRUST COMPANY: ("Capital
Guardian"), 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Capital Guardian is
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital Group International, Inc., which itself
is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. Capital
Guardian has been providing investment management services since 1968 and
manages approximately $80 billion as of December 31, 1998.

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Capital Guardian uses a multiple portfolio manager system under which the
Portfolio is divided into several segments. Each segment is individually
managed with the portfolio manager free to decide on company and industry
selections as well as valuation and transaction assessment. An additional
portion of the Portfolio is managed by a group of investment research
analysts.

The individual portfolio managers of each segment of the Portfolio, other than
that managed by the group of research analysts, are as follows:

Donnalisa P. Barnum. Donnalisa Barnum is a Senior Vice President and a
portfolio manager for Capital Guardian. She joined the Capital Guardian
organization in 1986.

Michael R. Erickson. Michael Erickson is a Senior Vice President and portfolio
manager for Capital Guardian and a Senior Vice President and Director for
Capital International Limited. He joined the Capital Guardian organization in
1987.

David I. Fisher. David Fisher is Chairman of the Board of Capital Group
International, Inc. and Capital Guardian. He joined the Capital Guardian
organization in 1969.

Theodore R. Samuels. Theodore Samuels is a Senior Vice President and a
Director for Capital Guardian, as well as a Director of Capital International
Research, Inc. He joined the Capital Guardian organization in 1981.

Eugene P. Stein. Eugene Stein is Executive Vice President, a Director, a
portfolio manager, and Chairman of the Investment Committee for Capital
Guardian. He joined the Capital Guardian organization in 1972.

-------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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AGGRESSIVE EQUITY PORTFOLIO

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EQ/EVERGREEN PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation.

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Evergreen Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks and convertible
securities of companies that are relatively small or little-known or represent
special situations which the Adviser believes offer potential for capital
appreciation. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in relatively well-known,
large company securities that have the potential for capital appreciation.
Securities are selected based on a combination of comparative undervaluation
relative to growth potential and/or merger/acquisition price.

For purposes of this Portfolio, a "little-known" company is one whose
business is limited to a regional market or whose securities are mainly
privately held. A "relatively small" company is one that has a small share
of the market for its products or services in comparison with other
companies in its field or that provides goods or services for a limited
market. A "special situation" company is one which offers potential for
capital appreciation because of a recent or anticipated change in
structure, management, products or services.

The Portfolio also may invest to a lesser extent in non-convertible debt
securities and preferred stocks that offer an opportunity for capital
appreciation.

When market or financial conditions warrant, the Portfolio may invest up to
100% of its assets in short-term obligations for temporary or defensive
purposes. Such investment strategies are inconsistent with the Portfolio's
investment objectives and could result in the Portfolio not achieving its
investment objective.

THE PRINCIPAL RISKS

This Portfolio invests in common stocks, therefore, its performance may go up
or down depending on general market conditions. Other principal risks include:

SMALL-CAP AND MID-CAP COMPANY RISK: The Portfolio's investments in small-cap
and mid-cap companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic movements in
price than are those of larger, more established companies because: the
securities of such companies are less well-known and may trade less frequently
and in lower volume; such companies are more likely to experience greater or
more unexpected changes in their earnings and growth prospects; and the
products or technologies of such companies may be at a relatively early stage
of development or not fully tested.

VALUE INVESTING RISK: As noted above, the Portfolio uses a value-oriented
approach to stock selection. Value investing is subject to the risk that a
value stock's intrinsic value may never be fully recognized or realized by the
market, or its price may go down. There is also the risk that a stock judged
to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.

FIXED INCOME RISKS: To the extent that a substantial amount of the Portfolio's
assets are invested in fixed income securities, that portion of the
Portfolio's performance will be affected by changes in interest rates, the
credit risk of the issuer, the duration or maturity of the Portfolio's fixed
income holdings, and adverse market or economic conditions. When interest
rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's fixed income securities, particularly
those with longer durations or maturities, will go down. When interest rates
fall, the reverse is true. In addition, to the extent that the Portfolio
invests in investment grade securities which are rated BBB by S&P or an
equivalent rating by any other NRSRO, it will be exposed to greater risk than
higher-rated obligations because BBB rated investment grade securities are
regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest,
are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may be
speculative.

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PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The inception date for this Portfolio is December 31, 1998. Therefore, no
prior performance information is available.

WHO MANAGES THE PORTFOLIO

EVERGREEN ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP.: ("Evergreen"), 2500 Westchester Avenue,
Purchase, New York 10577. Evergreen has been the Adviser to the Portfolio
since it commenced operations. Evergreen is a registered investment adviser
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union Corporation. Evergreen offers a
broad range of financial services to individuals and businesses throughout the
United States.

Jean Ledford and Richard Welsh became co-managers of the Portfolio in August
1999. Jean Ledford, CFA, became President and Chief Executive Officer of
Evergreen in August 1999. From February 1997 until she joined Evergreen, Ms.
Ledford worked as a portfolio manager at American Century Investments
("American Century"). From 1980 until she joined American Century, Ms. Ledford
was the investment director at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.

Mr. Welsh joined Evergreen as Senior Vice President and portfolio manager in
August 1999. Prior to joining Evergreen, he worked for five years as a
portfolio manager and analyst at American Century.

-------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO

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EQ/EVERGREEN FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide, in order of priority, reasonable
income, conservation of capital and capital appreciation.

For purposes of this Portfolio, the words
"reasonable income" mean moderate income.

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Portfolio invests primarily in a combination of common stocks, preferred
stocks, securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for common
stocks, investment grade corporate debt securities, securities of or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and
short-term debt instruments, such as high quality commercial paper, and
obligations of FDIC-member banks. Investments in common stocks focus on those
that pay dividends and have the potential for capital appreciation. Common
stocks are selected based on a combination of financial strength and estimated
growth potential. Bonds are selected based on the Adviser's projections of
interest rates, varying amounts and maturities in order to achieve capital
protection and, when possible, capital appreciation. The asset allocation of
the Portfolio will vary in accordance with changing economic and market
conditions.

Under normal market conditions, at least 25% of the Portfolio's net assets
will be invested in fixed income securities. In selecting debt securities, the
Adviser will emphasize securities that the Adviser believes will not be
subject to significant fluctuations in value. The corporate debt obligations
purchased by the Portfolio will be rated A or higher by S&P and Moody's. The
Fund is not managed with a targeted maturity.

When market or financial conditions warrant, the Portfolio may invest 100% of
its assets in short-term obligations for temporary or defensive purposes. Such
investment strategies are inconsistent with the Portfolio's investment
objectives and could result in the Portfolio not achieving its investment
objective.

THE PRINCIPAL RISKS

This Portfolio invests in common stocks, therefore, its performance may go up
or down depending on general market conditions. Other principal risks include:

PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The inception date for this Portfolio is December 31, 1998. Therefore, no
performance information is available.

WHO MANAGES THE PORTFOLIO

EVERGREEN ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP. ("Evergreen"), 2500 Westchester Avenue,
Purchase, New York 10577. Evergreen has been the Adviser to the Portfolio
since it commenced operations. Evergreen is a registered investment adviser
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union Corporation. Evergreen offers a
broad range of financial services to individuals and businesses throughout the
United States.

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Mr. Welsh joined Evergreen as Senior Vice President and portfolio manager in
August 1999. Prior to joining Evergreen, he worked for five years as a
portfolio manager and analyst at American Century.

----------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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3
More information on principal risks

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Risk is the chance that you will lose money on your investment or that it will
not earn as much as you expect. In general, the greater the risk, the more
money your investment can earn for you and the more you can lose. Like other
investment companies, the value of each Portfolio's shares may be affected by
the Portfolio's investment objective(s), principal investment strategies and
particular risk factors. Consequently, each Portfolio may be subject to
different principal risks. Some of the principal risks of investing in the
Portfolios are discussed below. However, other factors may also affect each
Portfolio's net asset value.

There is no guarantee that a Portfolio will achieve its investment
objective(s) or that it will not lose principal value.

GENERAL INVESTMENT RISKS: Each Portfolio is subject to
the following risks:

ASSET CLASS RISK: There is the possibility that the returns from the types of
securities in which a Portfolio invests will underperform returns from the
various general securities markets or different asset classes. Different types
of securities tend to go through cycles of outperformance and underperformance
in comparison to the general securities markets.

MARKET RISK: Each Portfolio's share price moves up and down over the short
term in reaction to stock or bond market movements. This means that you could
lose money over short periods, and perhaps over longer periods during extended
market downturns.

SECURITY SELECTION RISK: The Advisers for each Portfolio rely on the insights
of different specialists in making investment decisions based on each
Portfolio's particular investment objective(s) and investment strategies.
There is the possibility that the specific securities held by a Portfolio will
underperform other funds in the same asset class or benchmarks that are
representative of the general performance of the asset class because of the
Adviser's choice of portfolio securities.

YEAR 2000 RISK: Like other mutual funds, financial and business organizations
and individuals around the world, the Trust and its Portfolios could be
adversely affected if the computer systems used by the Advisers, other service
providers, or persons with whom they deal, do not properly process and
calculate date-related information and data dated on and after January 1,
2000. This possibility is commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem." Virtually
all operations of the Trust and its Portfolios are computer reliant. The
Manager, Advisers, administrator, transfer agent, distributors and custodian
have informed the Trust that they are actively taking steps to address the
Year 2000 Problem with regard to their respective computer systems and the
interfaces between their respective computer systems. The Trust is also taking
measures to obtain assurances from necessary persons that comparable steps are
being taken by the key service providers to the Trust's Advisers,
administrator, transfer agent, distributors, and custodian. There can be no
assurance that the Trust and the Portfolios' key service providers will be
Year 2000 compliant. If not adequately addressed, the Year 2000 Problem could
result in the inability of the Trust to perform its mission critical
functions, including trading and settling trades of Portfolio securities,
pricing of portfolio securities and processing shareholder transactions, and
the net asset value of its Portfolios' shares may be materially affected.

In addition, because the Year 2000 Problem affects virtually all issuers, the
companies or entities in which the Portfolios may invest also could be
adversely impacted by the Year 2000 Problem. For example, issuers may incur
substantial costs to address the Year 2000 problem. The extent of such impact
cannot be predicted and there can be no assurances that the Year 2000 Problem
will not have an adverse effect on the issuers whose securities are held by
the Portfolios. The Advisers have assured the Trust that they consider such
issues in making investment decisions for the Portfolios. Furthermore, certain
of the Portfolios make international investments thereby exposing these
Portfolios to operations, custody and settlement processes outside the United
States.

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In many countries outside the United States the Year 2000 Problem has not been
adequately addressed and concerns have been raised that capital flight, among
other issues, may be triggered by full disclosure of the Year 2000 Problem on
countries outside the United States. Additional information on the impact of
the Year 2000 Problem on emerging market countries is provided in this
section, under "FOREIGN SECURITIES RISKS - EMERGING MARKET RISK."

As indicated in "Summary Information Concerning EQ Advisors Trust" and "About
the Investment Portfolios," a particular Portfolio may also be subject to the
following risks:

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK: Convertible securities may include both
convertible debt and convertible preferred stock. Such securities may be
converted into shares of the underlying common stock at either a stated price
or stated rate. Therefore, convertible securities enable you to benefit from
increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Convertible
securities provide higher yields than the underlying common stocks, but
generally offer lower yields than nonconvertible securities of similar
quality. Like bonds, the value of convertible securities fluctuates in
relation to changes in interest rates and, in addition, fluctuates in relation
to the underlying common stock. Subsequent to purchase by a Portfolio,
convertible securities may cease to be rated or a rating may be reduced below
the minimum required for purchase by that Portfolio. Each Adviser will
consider such event in its determination of whether a Portfolio should
continue to hold the securities.

DERIVATIVES RISK: Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on,
or is derived from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index.
Derivatives include stock options, securities index options, currency options,
forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, swaps and options on
futures contracts. Certain Portfolios can use derivatives involving the U.S.
Government and foreign government securities and currencies. Investments in
derivatives can significantly increase your exposure to market risk, or credit
risk of the counterparty. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or
improper valuation and the risk that changes in value of the derivative may
not correlate perfectly with the relevant assets, rates and indices.

FIXED INCOME RISKS: To the extent that any of the Portfolios invest a
substantial amount of its assets in fixed income securities, a Portfolio may
be subject to the following risks:

CREDIT RISK: Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt
security or counterparty to a Portfolio's transactions will be unable or
unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or otherwise
will be unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. Each of the
Portfolios may be subject to credit risk to the extent that it invests in
debt securities or engages in transactions, such as securities loans or
repurchase agreements, which involve a promise by a third party to honor an
obligation to the Portfolio.

Credit risk is particularly significant for the Portfolios that invest a
material portion of their assets in "junk bonds" or lower-rated securities
(i.e., rated BB or lower by S&P or an equivalent rating by any other NRSRO
or unrated securities of similar quality. These debt securities and similar
unrated securities have speculative elements or are predominantly
speculative credit risks. These Portfolios may also be subject to greater
credit risk because they may invest in debt securities issued in connection
with corporate restructurings by highly leveraged issuers or in debt
securities not current in the payment of interest or principal, or in
default.

INTEREST RATE RISK: The price of a bond or a fixed income security is
dependent upon interest rates. Therefore, the share price and total return
of a Portfolio investing a significant portion of its assets in bonds or
fixed income securities will vary in response to changes in interest rates.
A rise in interest rates causes the

------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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value of a bond to decrease, and vice versa. There is the possibility that
the value of a Portfolio's investment in bonds or fixed income securities
may fall because bonds or fixed income securities generally fall in value
when interest rates rise. The longer the term of a bond or fixed income
instrument, the more sensitive it will be to fluctuations in value from
interest rate changes. Changes in interest rates may have a significant
effect on Portfolios holding a significant portion of their assets in fixed
income securities with long term maturities.

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES RISK: In the case of mortgage-backed securities,
rising interest rates tend to extend the term to maturity of the
securities, making them even more susceptible to interest rate changes.
When interest rates drop, not only can the value of fixed income securities
drop, but the yield can drop, particularly where the yield on the fixed
income securities is tied to changes in interest rates, such as adjustable
mortgages. Also when interest rates drop, the holdings of mortgage-backed
securities by a Portfolio can reduce returns if the owners of the
underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages sooner than anticipated since
the funds prepaid will have to be reinvested at the then lower prevailing
rates. This is known as prepayment risk. When interest rates rise, the
holdings of mortgage-backed securities by a Portfolio can reduce returns if
the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages later than
anticipated. This is known as extension risk.

INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES RISK: Debt securities are rated by national
bond ratings agencies. Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's are
considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than
higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an
adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, and are considered to lack
outstanding investment characteristics and may be speculative.

JUNK BONDS OR LOWER RATED SECURITIES RISK: Bonds rated below investment
grade by S&P and Moody's are speculative in nature, may be subject to
certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market
fluctuations than higher rated fixed income securities. They are usually
issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by
those companies with questionable credit strength. These bonds are
considered "below investment grade." The retail secondary market for these
"junk bonds" may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities and
adverse conditions could make it difficult at times to sell certain
securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating
the Portfolio's net asset value.

FOREIGN SECURITIES RISKS: A Portfolio's investments in foreign securities,
including depositary receipts, involve risks not associated with investing in
U.S. securities and can affect a Portfolio's performance. Foreign markets,
particularly emerging markets, may be less liquid, more volatile and subject
to less government supervision than domestic markets. There may be
difficulties enforcing contractual obligations, and it may take more time for
trades to clear and settle. The specific risks of investing in foreign
securities, among others, include:

CURRENCY RISK: The risk that changes in currency exchange rates will
negatively affect securities denominated in, and/or receiving revenues in,
foreign currencies. Adverse changes in currency exchange rates (relative to
the U.S. dollar) may erode or reverse any potential gains from a
Portfolio's investment in securities denominated in a foreign currency or
may widen existing losses.

EMERGING MARKET RISK: There are greater risks involved in investing in
emerging markets countries and/or their securities markets. Generally,
economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than
those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable.
Investments in emerging markets

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countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign
investment in certain issuers or industries. The small size of their
securities markets and low trading volumes can make investments illiquid
and more volatile than investments in developed countries and such
securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. As a result,
a Portfolio investing in emerging markets countries may be required to
establish special custody or other arrangements before investing.

The YEAR 2000 PROBLEM may also be especially acute in emerging market
countries. Many emerging market countries are currently lagging behind more
developed countries in their Year 2000 preparedness because they lack the
financial resources to undertake the necessary remedial actions. A lack of
Year 2000 preparedness may adversely affect the health, security and
economic well-being of emerging market countries and could, obviously,
adversely affect the value of a Portfolio's investments in emerging market
countries. More information on the Year 2000 Problem is provided in this
section, under "GENERAL INVESTMENT RISKS YEAR 2000 RISK."

EURO RISK: Certain of the Portfolios invest in securities issued by
European issuers. On January 1, 1999, 11 of the 15 member states of the
European Monetary Union ("EMU") introduced the "Euro" as a common currency.
During a three-year transitional period, the Euro will coexist with each
participating state's currency and, on July 1, 2002, the Euro is expected
to become the sole currency of the participating states. The introduction
of the Euro will result in the redenomination of European debt and equity
securities over a period of time, which may result in various legal and
accounting differences and/or tax treatments that otherwise would not
likely occur. During this period, the creation and implementation of
suitable clearing and settlement systems and other operational problems may
cause market disruptions that could adversely affect investments quoted in
the Euro. The consequences of the Euro conversion for foreign exchange
rates, interest rates and the value of European securities eligible for
purchase by the Portfolios are presently unclear and it is not possible to
predict the eventual impact of the Euro implementation plan on the
Portfolios. There are a number of significant risks associated with EMU.
Monetary and economic union on this scale has never been attempted before.
There is a significant degree of uncertainty as to whether participating
countries will remain committed to EMU in the face of changing economic
conditions. The conversion may adversely affect a Portfolio if the Euro
does not take effect as planned or if a participating state withdraws from
the EMU. Such actions may adversely affect the value and/or increase the
volatility of securities held by the Portfolios.

POLITICAL/ECONOMIC RISK: Changes in economic and tax policies, government
instability, war or other political or economic actions or factors may have
an adverse effect on a Portfolio's foreign investments.

REGULATORY RISK: Less information may be available about foreign companies.
In general, foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices
and requirements as are U.S. companies.

TRANSACTION COSTS RISK: The costs of buying and selling foreign securities,
including tax, brokerage and custody costs, generally are higher than those
involving domestic transactions.

GROWTH INVESTING RISK: Growth investing generally focuses on companies that,
due to their strong earnings and revenue potential, offer above-average
prospects for capital growth, with less emphasis on dividend income. Earnings
predictability and confidence in earnings forecasts are an important part of
the selection process. As a result, the price of growth stocks may be more
sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other
stocks. Advisers using this approach generally seek out companies

----------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

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experiencing some or all of the following: high sales growth, high unit
growth, high or improving returns on assets and equity, and a strong balance
sheet. Such Advisers also prefer companies with a competitive advantage such
as unique management, marketing or research and development. Growth investing
is also subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will
fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Advisers, regardless of
movements in the securities market.

LEVERAGING RISK: When a Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its
portfolio, the value of an investment in that Portfolio will be more volatile
and all other risks will tend to be compounded. All of the Portfolios may take
on leveraging risk by investing in collateral from securities loans and by
borrowing money to meet redemption requests.

LIQUIDITY RISK: Certain securities held by a Portfolio may be difficult (or
impossible) to sell at the time and at the price the seller would like. A
Portfolio may have to hold these securities longer than it would like and may
forego other investment opportunities. There is the possibility that a
Portfolio may lose money or be prevented from earning capital gains if it can
not sell a security at the time and price that is most beneficial to the
Portfolio. Portfolios that invest in privately-placed securities, high-yield
bonds, mortgage-backed securities or foreign or emerging markets securities,
which have all experienced periods of illiquidity, are subject to liquidity
risks. A particular Portfolio may be more susceptible to some of these risks
than others, as noted in the description of each Portfolio.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK: Consistent with their investment policies, the
Portfolios also will purchase and sell securities without regard to the effect
on portfolio turnover. Higher portfolio turnover (e.g., over 100% per year)
will cause a Portfolio to incur additional transaction costs and may result in
taxable gains being passed through to shareholders.

SECURITIES LENDING RISK: For purposes of realizing additional income, each
Portfolio may lend securities to broker-dealers approved by the Board of
Trustees. Any such loan of portfolio securities will be continuously secured
by collateral at least equal to the value of the security loaned. Such
collateral will be in the form of cash, marketable securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies, or a standby letter of
credit issued by qualified banks. The risks in lending portfolio securities,
as with other extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delay in
receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the securities or
possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail
financially. Loans will only be made to firms deemed by the Adviser to be of
good standing and will not be made unless, in the judgment of the Adviser, the
consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.

SMALL-CAP AND MID-CAP COMPANY RISK: A Portfolio's investments in small-cap and
mid-cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more
established issuers. Smaller companies may have narrower product lines, more
limited financial resources and more limited trading markets for their stock,
as compared with larger companies. Their securities may be less well-known and
trade less frequently and in more limited volume than the securities of
larger, more established companies. In addition, small-cap and mid-cap
companies are typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business
prospects than are those of larger companies. Consequently, the prices of
small company stocks tend to rise and fall in value more frequently than the
stocks of larger companies. Although investing in small-cap and mid-cap
companies offers potential for above-average returns, the companies may not
succeed and the value of their stock could decline significantly.

VALUE INVESTING RISK: Value investing attempts to identify strong companies
selling at a discount from their perceived true worth. Advisers using this
approach generally select stocks at prices, in their view, that are
temporarily low relative to the company's earnings, assets, cash flow and
dividends. Value investing is subject to the risk that the

<PAGE>

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stocks' intrinsic value may never be fully recognized or realized by the
market, or their prices may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a
stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. Value
investing generally emphasizes companies that, considering their assets and
earnings history, are attractively priced and may provide dividend income.

-------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust
<PAGE>

4
Management of the Trust

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This section gives you information on the Trust, the Manager and the Advisers
for the Portfolios. More detailed information concerning each of the Advisers
and portfolio managers is included in the description for each Portfolio in
the section "About The Investment Portfolios."

THE TRUST

The Trust is organized as a Delaware business trust and is registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an open-end management
investment company. The Trust issues shares of beneficial interest that are
currently divided among forty Portfolios, each of which has authorized Class
IA and Class IB shares. Each Portfolio has its own objectives, investment
strategies and risks, which have been previously described in this prospectus.

THE MANAGER

EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. ("EQFC"), 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New
York, New York 10104, currently serves as the Manager of the Trust. The Board
of Trustees of the Trust has approved a transfer to Equitable of the Trust's
Investment Management Agreement with EQFC. This transfer is expected to be
completed in September 1999. Upon completion of the transfer, Equitable will
serve as the Manager of the Trust. However, until completion of the transfer,
EQFC will continue to serve in that capacity. Equitable, 1290 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10104, is the indirect corporate parent of EQFC.
Both EQFC and Equitable are investment advisers registered under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and EQFC is a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees, the Manager
has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of
the Trust. In the exercise of that responsibility, the Manager, without
obtaining shareholder approval but subject to the review and approval by the
Board of Trustees, may: (i) select the Advisers for the Portfolios; (ii) enter
into and materially modify existing investment advisory agreements; and (iii)
terminate and replace the Advisers. The Manager also monitors each Adviser's
investment program and results, reviews brokerage matters, oversees compliance
by the Trust with various federal and state statutes, and carries out the
directives of the Board of Trustees. The Manager also supervises the provision
of services by third parties such as the Trust's custodian and administrator.

The Manager has filed an application ("Substitution Application") requesting
that the SEC approve the substitution of Class IA and Class IB shares of 14
new Portfolios of the Trust for the same class of shares of corresponding
portfolios of The Hudson River Trust ("HRT"). Alliance Capital Management L.P.
("Alliance") will serve as Adviser for each of those 14 new Portfolios. The
Substitution Application states that, with respect to those 14 new Portfolios
advised by Alliance, the Manager will not use the powers granted to it under
the Multi-Manager Order (i) to terminate Alliance and select a new Adviser for
those Portfolios or (ii) to materially modify the Investment Advisory
Agreement between the Manager and Alliance without first obtaining shareholder
approval to utilize the powers granted under the Multi-Manager Order or the
approval of shareholders to materially modify the Investment Advisory
Agreement.

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The four (4) Portfolios listed in the table below did not commence operations
during 1998. The table below shows the annual rate of the management fees (as
a percentage of each Portfolio's average daily net assets) that the Manager is
entitled to receive in 1999 for managing each of these Portfolios.

ANNUAL RATE OF MANAGEMENT FEES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIOS ANNUAL RATE
---------- -----------
<S> <C>
Capital Guardian Research 0.65%
Capital Guardian U.S. Equity 0.65%
EQ/Evergreen 0.75%
EQ/Evergreen Foundation 0.63%
</TABLE>

EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT

In the interest of limiting expenses of each Portfolio, the Manager has
entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Trust with respect to
each Portfolio ("Expense Limitation Agreement"). Pursuant to that Expense
Limitation Agreement, the Manager has agreed to waive or limit its fees and to
assume other expenses so that the total annual operating expenses of each
Portfolio other than interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, other
expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the
ordinary course of each Portfolio's business and amounts payable pursuant to a
plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, are limited to
the following fees:

EXPENSE LIMITATION RATES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT EXPENSES
LIMITED TO (% OF
PORTFOLIOS DAILY NET ASSETS)
---------- -----------------
<S> <C>
Capital Guardian Research 0.70%
Capital Guardian U.S. Equity 0.70%
EQ/Evergreen 0.80%
EQ/Evergreen Foundation 0.70%
</TABLE>

Each Portfolio may at a later date reimburse to the Manager the management
fees waived or limited and other expenses assumed and paid by the Manager
pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement provided such Portfolio has
reached a sufficient asset size to permit such reimbursement to be made
without causing the total annual expense ratio of each Portfolio to exceed the
percentage limits stated above. Consequently, no reimbursement by a Portfolio
will be made unless: (i) the Portfolio's assets exceed $100 million;
(ii) the Portfolio's total annual expense ratio is less than the respective
percentages stated above; and (iii) the payment of such reimbursement has been
approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees on a quarterly basis.

THE ADVISERS

Each Portfolio has an Adviser that furnishes an investment program for the
Portfolio pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Manager. Each
Adviser makes investment decisions on behalf of the Portfolio, places all
orders for the purchase and sale of investments for the Portfolio's account
with brokers or dealers selected by such Adviser and may perform certain
limited related administrative functions in connection therewith.

The Manager has received an exemptive order; the Multi-Manager Order, from the
SEC that permits the Manager, subject to board approval and without the
approval of shareholders to: (a) employ a new Adviser or Advisers for any
Portfolio pursuant to the terms of a new Advisory Agreement, in each case
either as a replacement for an existing Adviser or as an additional Adviser;
(b) change the terms of any Advisory Agreement; and (c) continue the
employment of an existing Adviser on the same advisory contract terms where a
contract has been assigned because of a change in control of the Adviser. In
such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action,
including the information concerning the Adviser that normally is provided in
the Prospectus.

------------------------------------------ EQ Advisors Trust

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The Manager pays each Adviser a fee based on the Portfolio's average daily net
assets. No Portfolio is responsible for the fees paid to each of the Advisers.

THE ADMINISTRATOR

Pursuant to an agreement, Chase Global Funds Services Company
("Administrator") assists the Manager in the performance of its administrative
responsibilities to the Trust and provides the Trust with other necessary
administrative, fund accounting and compliance services. In addition, the
Administrator makes available the office space, equipment, personnel and
facilities required to provide such services to the Trust. For these services,
the Trust pays the Administrator a monthly fee at the annual rate of .0525 of
1% of the total Trust assets, plus $25,000 for each Portfolio, until the total
Trust assets reach $2.0 billion, and when the total Trust assets exceed $2.0
billion: .0425 of 1% of the next
$0.5 billion of the total Trust assets; .035 of 1% of the
next $2.0 billion of the total Trust assets; .025 of 1% of
the next $1.0 billion of the total Trust assets; .015 of 1%
of the next $2.5 billion of the total Trust assets; .01 of 1% of the total
Trust assets in excess of $8.0 billion; provided, however, that the annual fee
payable to Chase with respect to any Portfolio which commenced operations
after July 1, 1997 and whose assets do not exceed $200 million shall be
computed at the annual rate of .0525% of 1% of the Portfolio's total assets
plus $25,000.

THE TRANSFER AGENT

Equitable serves as the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of the
Trust and receives no compensation for serving in such capacity.

BROKERAGE PRACTICES

In selecting brokers and dealers, the Manager and
each Adviser may consider
research and brokerage services furnished to either company and their
affiliates. Subject to seeking the most favorable net price and execution
available, the Manager and each Adviser may also consider sales of shares of
the Trust as a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers.

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

To the extent permitted by law, the Trust may engage in securities and other
transactions with entities that may be affiliated with the Manager or the
Advisers. The 1940 Act generally prohibits the Trust from engaging in
principal securities transactions with an affiliate of the Manager or Advisers
unless pursuant to an exemptive order from the SEC. For these purposes,
however, the Trust has considered this issue and believes, based upon advice
of counsel, that a broker-dealer affiliate of an Adviser to one Portfolio
should not be treated as an affiliate of the Adviser to another Portfolio for
which such Adviser does not provide investment advice. The Trust has adopted
procedures that are reasonably designed to provide that any commission it pays
to affiliates of the Manager or Advisers does not exceed the usual and
customary broker's commission. The Trust has also adopted procedures
permitting it to purchase securities, under certain restrictions prescribed by
a rule under the 1940 Act, in a public offering in which an affiliate of the
Manager or Advisers is an underwriter.

<PAGE>

5
Fund distribution arrangements

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The Trust offers two classes of shares on behalf of each Portfolio: Class IA
shares and Class IB shares. EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. ("EQFC"), serves as
one of the distributors for the Class IB shares of the Trust offered by this
Prospectus as well as one of the distributors for the Class IA shares.
Equitable Distributors, Inc. ("EDI") serves as the other distributor for the
Class IB shares of the Trust as well as the Class IA shares. Both classes of
shares are offered and redeemed at their net asset value without any sales
load. EQFC and EDI are affiliates of Equitable.

The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
for the Trust's Class IB shares. Under the Class IB Distribution Plan the
Class IB shares of the Trust pay each of the distributors an annual fee to
compensate them for promoting, selling and servicing shares of the Portfolios.
The annual fees equal 0.25% of each Portfolio's average daily net assets. Over
time, the fees will increase your cost of investing and may cost you more than
other types of charges.

---------------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

<PAGE>

6
Purchase and redemption

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The price at which a purchase or redemption is effected is based on the next
calculation of net asset value after an order is placed by an insurance
company or qualified retirement plan investing in or redeeming from the Trust.

Net asset value per share is calculated for purchases and redemption of shares
of each Portfolio by dividing the value of total Portfolio assets, less
liabilities (including Trust expenses and class related expenses, which are
accrued daily), by the total number of outstanding shares of that Portfolio.
The net asset value per share of each Portfolio is determined each business
day at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Net asset value per share is not calculated on
days on which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is closed for trading.

Portfolios that invest a significant portion of their assets in foreign
securities, may experience changes in their net asset value on days when a
shareholder may not purchase or redeem shares of that Portfolio because
foreign securities (other than depositary receipts) are valued at the close of
business in the applicable foreign country.

All shares are purchased and redeemed in accordance with the Trust's Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. Sales and redemptions of shares
of the same class by the same shareholder on the same day will be netted for
each Portfolio. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with
respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tenders.

The Trust may suspend redemption, if permitted by the 1940 Act, for any period
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed or during which trading is
restricted by the SEC or the SEC declares that an emergency exists. Redemption
may also be suspended during other periods permitted by the SEC for the
protection of the Trust's shareholders. If the Board of Trustees determines
that it would be detrimental to the best interest of the Trust's remaining
shareholders to make payment in cash, the Trust may pay redemption proceeds in
whole or in part by a distribution-in-kind of readily marketable securities.

<PAGE>

7
How assets are valued

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Values are determined according to accepted practices and all laws and
regulations that apply. The assets of each Portfolio are generally valued as
follows:

o Stocks and debt securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued on
the basis of market quotations.

o Foreign securities not traded directly, or in American Depository Receipts
or similar form, in the United States are valued at representative quoted
prices in the currency in the country of origin. Foreign currency is
converted into United States dollars equivalents at current exchange
rates. Because foreign markets may open at different times than the NYSE,
the value of a Portfolio's shares may change on days when shareholders are
not able to buy or sell them. If events materially affecting the values of
the Portfolio's foreign investments occur between the close of foreign
markets and the close of regular trading on the NYSE, these investments
may be valued at their fair value.

o Short-term debt securities in the Portfolios which mature in 60 days or less
are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

o Other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily
available or for which valuation cannot be provided are valued in good
faith by the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust
using its best judgment.

----------------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

<PAGE>

8
Tax information

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Each Portfolio of the Trust is a separate regulated investment company for
federal income tax purposes. Regulated investment companies are usually not
taxed at the entity (Portfolio) level. They pass through their income and
gains to their shareholders by paying dividends. Their shareholders include
this income on their respective tax returns. A Portfolio will be treated as a
regulated investment company if it meets specified federal income tax rules,
including types of investments, limits on investments, calculation of income,
and dividend payment requirements. Although the Trust intends that it and each
Portfolio will be operated to have no federal tax liability, if they have any
federal tax liability, that could hurt the investment performance of the
Portfolio in question. Also, any Portfolio investing in foreign securities or
holding foreign currencies could be subject to foreign taxes which could
reduce the investment performance of the Portfolio.

It is important for each Portfolio to maintain its federal income tax
regulated investment company status because the shareholders of the Portfolio
that are insurance company separate accounts will then be able to use a
favorable federal income tax investment diversification testing rule in
figuring out whether the Contracts indirectly funded by the Portfolio meet tax
qualification rules for variable insurance contracts. If a Portfolio fails to
meet specified investment diversification requirements, owners of non-pension
plan Contracts funded through the Trust could be taxed immediately on the
accumulated investment earnings under their Contracts and could lose any
benefit of tax deferral. The Administrator and the Manager therefore carefully
monitor compliance with all of the regulated investment company rules and
variable insurance contract investment diversification rules.

<PAGE>

9
Prior performance of each adviser

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The following table provides information concerning the historical performance
of another registered investment company (or series) or other institutional
private accounts managed by each Adviser that has investment objectives,
policies, strategies and risks substantially similar to those of the
respective Portfolio(s) of the Trust for which it serves as Adviser. The data
is provided to illustrate the past performance of each Adviser in managing a
substantially similar investment vehicle as measured against specified market
indices. This data does not represent the past performance of any of the
Portfolios or the future performance of any Portfolio or its Adviser.
Consequently, potential investors should not consider this performance data as
an indication of the future performance of any Portfolio of the Trust or of
its Adviser and should not confuse this performance data with performance data
for each of the Trust's Portfolios, which is shown for each Portfolio under
the caption "ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS."

Each Adviser's performance data shown below for other registered investment
companies (or series thereof) was calculated in accordance with standards
prescribed by the SEC for the calculation of average annual total return
information for registered investment companies. Average annual total return
reflects changes in share prices and reinvestment of dividends and
distributions and is net of fund expenses. In each such instance, the share
prices and investment returns will fluctuate, reflecting market conditions as
well as changes in company-specific fundamentals of portfolio securities.

Composite performance data relating to the historical performance of
institutional private accounts managed by the relevant Adviser was calculated
on a total return basis and includes all losses. As specified below, this
composite performance data is provided for the Capital Guardian U.S. Equity
Research Portfolio-Diversified Composite, and the Capital Guardian U.S. Equity
Composite, (collectively, the "Composites"). The total returns for each
Composite reflect the deduction of investment advisory fees, brokerage
commissions and execution costs paid by Capital Guardian's institutional
private accounts, without provision for federal or state income taxes.
Custodial fees, if any, were not included in the calculation. Each Composite
includes all actual, fee-paying, discretionary institutional private accounts
managed by Capital Guardian, that have investment objectives, policies,
strategies and risks substantially similar to those of the relevant Portfolio.
Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date and accrual
accounting is utilized. Cash and equivalents are included in performance
returns. The institutional private accounts that are included in the Composite
are not subject to the same types of expenses to which the relevant Portfolio
is subject or to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions
and investment limitations imposed on the Portfolio by the 1940 Act or
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Consequently, the performance
results for the Composites could have been adversely affected if the
institutional private accounts included in the Composites had been regulated
as investment companies under the federal securities laws.

The major difference between the SEC prescribed calculation of average annual
total returns for registered investment companies or (series thereof) and
total returns for composite performance is that average annual total returns
reflects all fees and charges applicable to the registered investment company
in question and the total return calculation for the Composites reflects only
those fees and charges described in the paragraph directly above.

The performance results for the registered investment companies or Composites
presented below are subject to lower fees and expenses than the relevant
Portfolios although in most instances the fees and expenses are substantially
similar. In addition, holders of Contracts representing interests in the
Portfolio below will be subject to charges and expenses relating to such
insurance contracts. The performance results presented above do not reflect
any insurance related expenses and would be reduced if such charges were
reflected.

-------------------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust

<PAGE>

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30
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The investment results presented below are unaudited. For more information on
the specified market indices used below, see the section "The Benchmarks."

ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN OF OTHER FUNDS OR ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY ADVISERS
AS OF 12/31/98

The name of the other fund or account managed by the Adviser is shown in BOLD.
The name of the Trust Portfolio is shown in (parentheses). The name of the
benchmark is shown in italics.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 5 10 Since Inception
OTHER FUND OR ACCOUNT MANAGED BY ADVISER (EQAT Portfolio) Year Years Years Inception Date
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Benchmark
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GUARDIAN U.S. EQUITY COMPOSITE (CAPITAL GUARDIAN U.S. EQUITY PORTFOLIO)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.76% 22.15% 17.95% 12/31/66
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index(1) 28.57% 24.06% 19.21%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GUARDIAN U.S. EQUITY RESEARCH PORTFOLIO - DIVERSIFIED COMPOSITE (CAPITAL GUARDIAN RESEARCH PORTFOLIO)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.33% 24.41% N/A 21.62% 3/31/93
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index(1) 28.57% 24.06% N/A 21.68%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERGREEN FUND - CLASS Y SHARES (EQ/EVERGREEN PORTFOLIO)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.23% 17.82% 14.72% 10/15/71
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell 2000 Index(2) (2.54)% 11.86% 12.94%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERGREEN FOUNDATION FUND - CLASS Y SHARES (EQ/EVERGREEN FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.21% 15.06% N/A 16.89% 1/2/90
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index(3) 28.57% 24.06% N/A 18.82%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) The S&P 500 Index ("S&P 500") is an unmanaged index containing common
stocks of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial companies,
regarded as generally representative of the larger capitalization portion
of the United States stock market. The S&P 500 reflects the reinvestment of
income dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, but does not
reflect fees, brokerage commissions, or other expenses of investing.

(2) The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index (with no defined investment
objective) composed of approximately 2,000 small-capitalization stocks and
includes reinvestments of dividends. The index does not include fees or
operating expenses and is not available for actual investment. It is
compiled by the Frank Russell Company.

<PAGE>

10
Financial Highlights

- --------
31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No financial highlights are presented for EQ/Evergreen Foundation Portfolio,
and EQ/Evergreen Portfolio, each of which received initial capital on December
31, 1998. In addition no financial highlights are presented for Capital
Guardian Research Portfolio, or Capital Guardian U.S. Equity Portfolio, each of
which received initial capital on April 30, 1999.

------------------------- EQ Advisors Trust
<PAGE>

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32
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you wish to know more, you will find additional information about the Trust
and its Portfolios in the following documents:

ANNUAL REPORTS

The Annual Report includes more information about the Trust's performance and
is available upon request free of charge. The reports usually include
performance information, a discussion of market conditions and the investment
strategies that affected the Portfolios' performance during the last fiscal
year.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (SAI)

The SAI, dated August 30, 1999, is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference and is available upon request free of charge by calling our toll
free number at 1-800-789-7771.

You may visit the SEC's website at www.sec.gov to view the SAI and other
information about the Trust. You can also review and copy information about
the Trust, including the SAI, at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. You may have to pay a duplicating fee. To find out more about
the Public Reference Room, call the SEC at 800-SEC-0330.

Investment Company Act File Number: 811-07953