<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 30, 1998
File Nos. 333-18505
811-09160
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 X
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 3 X
_______________________________
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code:(212) 969-1000
_____________________________
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR.
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
(Name and address of agent for service)
Copies of communications to:
Thomas G. MacDonald
Seward & Kissel
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box)
<PAGE>
X immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
This post-effective amendment designates a new
effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(as required by Rule 404(c))
Location in Prospectus
N-1A Item No. (Caption)
_____________ ___________________________
PART A
______
Item 1. Cover Page........................... Cover Page
Item 2. Synopsis............................. The Funds at a Glance
Item 3. Condensed Financial
Information.......................... Financial Highlights
Item 4. General Description
of Registrant........................ Description of the Funds;
General Information
Item 5. Management of the Fund............... Management of the Funds;
General Information
Item 6. Capital Stock and Other
Securities........................... Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes; General Information
Item 7. Purchase of Securities
Being Offered........................ Purchase and Sale of Shares;
General Information
Item 8. Redemption or Repurchase............. Purchase and Sale of Shares;
General Information
Item 9. Pending Legal Proceedings............ Not Applicable
Location in Statement of
Additional Information
PART B (Caption)
_______ ________________________
Item 10. Cover Page........................... Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents.................... Cover Page
Item 12. General Information.................. Description of the Fund;
and History General Information
Item 13. Investment Objectives
<PAGE>
and Policies......................... Description of the Fund
Item 14. Management of the Registrant......... Management of the Fund
Item 15. Control Persons and
Principal Holders of
Securities........................... General Information
Item 16. Investment Advisory and
Other Services
Expenses of the Fund................. Management of the Fund,
General Information
Item 17. Brokerage Allocation and
Other Practices...................... Portfolio Transactions
Item 18. Capital Stock and Other
Securities........................... General Information
Item 19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing
of Securities Being Offered.......... Purchase of Shares;
Redemption and Repurchase of
Shares; Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes;
Shareholder Services
Item 20. Tax Status........................... Description of the Fund,
Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes
Item 21. Underwriters......................... General Information
Item 22. Calculation of Performance
Data................................. General Information
Item 23. Financial Statements................. Report of Independent
Auditors and Financial
Statements
<PAGE>
THE ALLIANCE BOND FUNDS
_______________________________________________________________________________
C/O ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES, INC.
P.O. BOX 1520, SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07096-1520
TOLL FREE (800) 221-5672
FOR LITERATURE: TOLL FREE (800) 227-4618
PROSPECTUS AND APPLICATION
NOVEMBER 2, 1998
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
- -ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM U.S. -ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT FUND GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
- -U.S. GOVERNMENT -ALLIANCE GLOBAL DOLLAR
PORTFOLIO GOVERNMENT FUND
- -ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY -ALLIANCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC
GOVERNMENT FUND INCOME TRUST
MORTGAGE FUND CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
- -ALLIANCE MORTGAGE -CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
SECURITIES INCOME FUND -ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
MULTI-MARKET FUND
- -ALLIANCE MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
- ----------------- ----
The Funds at a Glance 2
Expense Information 4
Financial Highlights 7
Glossary 15
Description of the Funds 16
Investment Objectives and Policies 16
Additional Investment Practices 23
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies 35
Risk Considerations 36
Purchase and Sale of Shares 41
Management of the Funds 43
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 46
General Information. 47
Appendix A: Bond Ratings A-1
Appendix B: General Information About Canada,
Mexico and Argentina B-1
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
The Alliance Bond Funds provide a broad selection of investment alternatives to
investors seeking high current income. The U.S. Government Funds invest mainly
in U.S. Government securities and the Mortgage Fund invests in mortgage-related
securities, while the Multi-Market Fund diversifies its investments among debt
markets around the world and the Global Bond Funds invest primarily in foreign
government securities. The Corporate Bond Funds invest primarily in corporate
debt securities.
Each fund or portfolio (each a "Fund") is, or is a series of, an open-end
management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth concisely the
information which a prospective investor should know about each Fund before
investing. A "Statement of Additional Information" for each Fund that provides
further information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and
other matters that may be of interest to some investors has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. For
a free copy, write Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the indicated address or
call the "For Literature" telephone number shown above.
Each Fund offers three classes of shares through this Prospectus. These shares
may be purchased, at the investor's choice, at a price equal to their net asset
value (i) plus an initial sales charge imposed at the time of purchase (the
"Class A shares"), (ii) with a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on most
redemptions made within three years of purchase (four years of purchase for
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust and Alliance High Yield Fund) (the
"Class B shares"), or (iii) without any initial or contingent deferred sales
charge, as long as the shares are held for one year or more (the "Class C
shares"). See "Purchase and Sale of Shares."
AN INVESTMENT IN THESE SECURITIES IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK AND IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY AND TO RETAIN IT FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Alliance (R)
INVESTING WITHOUT THE MYSTERY.(SM)
(R)/(SM) These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner,
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1
THE FUNDS AT A GLANCE
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained in this Prospectus.
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT ADVISER IS . . .
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a global investment manager
providing diversified services to institutions and individuals through a broad
line of investments including more than 120 mutual funds. Since 1971, Alliance
has earned a reputation as a leader in the investment world with over $262
billion in assets under management as of June 30, 1998. Alliance provides
investment management services to 32 of the FORTUNE 100 companies.
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
SEEKS . . . High current income consistent with preservation of capital.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Government
securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
SEEKS . . . As high a level of current income as is consistent with safety of
principal.
INVESTS SOLELY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Government securities
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Board of
Directors of the Fund has approved, and recommended to shareholders for their
approval, changes to the Fund's investment objective and policies. See
"Description of the Funds--U.S. Government Portfolio."
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income, consistent with low volatility
of net asset value.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Government
securities, including mortgage-related securities, and repurchase agreements
relating to U.S. Government securities.
MORTGAGE FUND
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
SEEKS . . . A high level of current income consistent with prudent investment
risk.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of mortgage-related
securities.
MULTI-MARKET FUND
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income that is available from a
portfolio of high-quality debt securities having remaining maturities of not
more than five years.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of debt securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar and selected foreign currencies. The Fund
expects to maintain at least 70% of its assets in debt securities denominated
in foreign currencies, but not more than 25% of the Fund's total assets may be
invested in debt securities denominated in a single currency other than the
U.S. Dollar.
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
SEEKS . . . The highest level of current income that is available from a
portfolio of investment grade debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
governments of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of government securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar, the Canadian Dollar and the Mexican Peso. The
Fund expects to maintain at least 25% of its assets in securities denominated
in the U.S. Dollar. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 25% of its total
assets in debt securities issued by governmental entities in Argentina.
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND
SEEKS . . . Primarily a high level of current income and, secondarily, capital
appreciation.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of sovereign debt
obligations and in U.S. and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income securities.
Substantially all of the Fund's assets are invested in lower-rated securities.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST
SEEKS . . . Primarily a high level of current income and secondarily capital
appreciation.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A non-diversified portfolio of fixed-income
securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers.
2
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
SEEKS . . . Primarily to maximize income over the long term; secondarily, the
Fund will attempt to increase its capital through appreciation of its
investments.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified portfolio of U.S. Dollar-denominated
corporate bonds issued by domestic and foreign issuers that give promise of
relatively attractive yields.
HIGH YIELD FUND
SEEKS . . . A high total return by maximizing current income and, to the extent
consistent with that objective, capital appreciation.
INVESTS PRIMARILY IN . . . A diversified mix of high yield, below investment
grade fixed-income securities involving greater volatility of price and risk of
principal and income than higher quality fixed-income securities.
DISTRIBUTIONS . . .
The Funds intend to make monthly distributions to shareholders. These
distributions may include ordinary income and capital gain (each of which is
taxable) and a return of capital (which is generally non-taxable). See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
A WORD ABOUT RISK . . .
The prices of the shares of the Alliance Bond Funds will fluctuate daily as the
prices of the individual bonds in which they invest fluctuate, so that your
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Price fluctuations may be caused by changes in the general level of interest
rates or changes in bond credit quality ratings. Changes in interest rates have
a greater effect on bonds with longer maturities than those with shorter
maturities. Some of the Funds invest in high-yield, high-risk bonds that are
rated below investment grade and are considered to have predominantly
speculative characteristics. The prices of non-U.S. Dollar denominated bonds
also fluctuate with changes in foreign exchange rates. Investment in the Global
Bond Funds, the Multi-Market Fund and any other Fund that may invest a
significant amount of its assets in non-U.S. securities involves risks not
associated with Funds that invest primarily in securities of U.S. issuers.
While the Funds invest principally in fixed-income securities, in order to
achieve their investment objectives, the Funds may at times use certain types
of derivative instruments, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps. These
instruments involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than,
the risks presented by more traditional investments. These risks are fully
discussed in this Prospectus. See "Description of the Funds--Additional
Investment Practices" and "--Risk Considerations."
GETTING STARTED . . .
Shares of the Funds are available through your financial representative and
most banks, insurance companies and brokerage firms nationwide. Shares of each
Fund can be purchased for a minimum initial investment of $250, and subsequent
investments can be made for as little as $50. For detailed information about
purchasing and selling shares, see "Purchase and Sale of Shares." In addition,
the Funds offer several time and money saving services to investors. Be sure to
ask your financial representative about:
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
RETIREMENT PLANS
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
DIVIDEND DIRECTION PLANS
AUTO EXCHANGE
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
CHECK-WRITING
A CHOICE OF PURCHASE PLANS
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
24-HOUR INFORMATION
ALLIANCE CAPITAL (R)
(R) These are registered marks used under licenses from the owner, Alliance
Capital Management L.P.
3
EXPENSE INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are one of several factors to consider when
you invest in a Fund. The following tables summarize your maximum transaction
costs from investing in a Fund and annual operating expenses for each class of
shares of each Fund. For each Fund, the "Examples" below show the cumulative
expenses attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual
return, in each class for the periods specified.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES(B) CLASS B SHARES(D) CLASS C SHARES
-------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 4.25%(a) None None None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments None None None None
Deferred sales charge (as a percentage
of original purchase price or redemption
proceeds, whichever is lower) None 3.0% during 4.0% during 1.0% during
the first year, the first year, the first year,
decreasing 1.0% decreasing 1.0% 0% thereafter
annually to 0% annually to 0%
after the third after the fourth
year (c) year (e)
Exchange fee None None None None
</TABLE>
(A) REDUCED FOR LARGER PURCHASES. PURCHASES OF $1,000,000 OR MORE ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO AN INITIAL SALES CHARGE BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 1% DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE ON REDEMPTIONS WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. SEE "PURCHASE AND SALE OF
SHARES--HOW TO BUY SHARES" --PAGE 41.
(B) FOR ALL FUNDS EXCEPT GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD.
(C) CLASS B SHARES OF EACH FUND, OTHER THAN GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH
YIELD, AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER SIX YEARS. SEE "PURCHASE
AND SALE OF SHARES--HOW TO BUY SHARES" --PAGE 41.
(D) FOR GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD ONLY.
(E) SHARES OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO
CLASS A SHARES AFTER EIGHT YEARS. SEE "PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES--HOW TO BUY
SHARES"--PAGE 41.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES EXAMPLES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees(a) (after waiver) None None None After 1 year $ 60 $ 56 $ 26 $ 36 $ 26
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 97 $ 89 $ 79 $ 79 $ 79
Other expenses After 5 years $137 $136 $136 $136 $136
Interest expense .42% .45% .45% After 10 years $246 $254 $254 $289 $289
Other operating expenses(a)(b)
(after reimbursement) 1.10% 1.10% 1.10%
Total other expenses 1.52% 1.55% 1.55%
Total fund operating expenses(b)(c)
(after waiver/reimbursement) 1.82% 2.55% 2.55%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
U.S. GOVERNMENT
Management fees .55% .55% .55% After 1 year $ 53 $ 48 $ 18 $ 28 $ 18
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 75 $ 65 $ 55 $ 55 $ 55
Other expenses(b) .21% .21% .21% After 5 years $ 98 $ 95 $ 95 $ 95 $ 95
Total fund operating expenses 1.06% 1.76% 1.76% After 10 years $166 $172 $172 $207 $207
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT
Management fees .65% .65% .65% After 1 year $ 66 $ 62 $ 32 $ 42 $ 32
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $114 $107 $ 97 $ 97 $ 97
Other expenses After 5 years $166 $164 $164 $164 $164
Interest expense .76% .75% .76% After 10 years $305 $313 $313 $344 $344
Other operating expenses(b) .70% .74% .72%
Total other expenses 1.46% 1.49% 1.48%
Total fund operating expenses(d) 2.41% 3.14% 3.13%
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 6.
4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES EXAMPLES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME
Management fees .52% .52% .52% After 1 year $ 56 $ 52 $ 22 $ 32 $ 22
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 85 $ 77 $ 67 $ 66 $ 66
Other expenses After 5 years $116 $115 $115 $114 $114
Interest expense .34% .36% .35% After 10 years $204 $212 $212 $245 $245
Other operating expenses(b) .25% .26% .25%
Total other expenses .59% .62% .60%
Total fund operating expenses(e) 1.41% 2.14% 2.12%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY
Management fees .60% .60% .60% After 1 year $ 58 $ 53 $ 23 $ 33 $ 23
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 90 $ 82 $ 72 $ 71 $ 71
Other expenses After 5 years $125 $123 $123 $122 $122
Other operating expenses(d) .68% .69% .68% After 10 years $222 $228 $228 $262 $262
Total other expenses
Total fund operating expenses(d) 1.58% 2.29% 2.28%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
Management fees(f) .73% .73% .73% After 1 year $ 63 $ 59 $ 29 $ 39 $ 29
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $107 $ 99 $ 89 $ 88 $ 88
Other expenses After 5 years $153 $151 $151 $150 $150
Interest expense .77% .77% .77% After 10 years $280 $286 $286 $318 $318
Other operating expenses(b) .35% .36% .35%
Total other expenses 1.12% 1.13% 1.12%
Total fund operating expenses(g) 2.15% 2.86% 2.85%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT
Management fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 year $ 57 $ 53 $ 23 $ 32 $ 22
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 87 $ 79 $ 69 $ 69 $ 69
Other expenses(b) .43% .47% .44% After 5 years $120 $119 $119 $117 $117
Total fund operating After 10 years $212 $220 $220 $252 $252
expenses 1.48% 2.22% 2.19%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME
Management fees(h)(after waiver) None None None After 1 year $ 61 $ 66 $ 26 $ 37 $ 26
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $100 $101 $ 81 $ 81 $ 81
Other expenses(b)(h) After 5 years $141 $138 $138 $138 $138
(after reimbursement) 1.60% 1.60% 1.60% After 10 years $255 $261 $261 $293 $293
Total fund operating expenses(h)
(after waiver/reimbursement) 1.90% 2.60% 2.60%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
CORPORATE BOND
Management fees .55% .55% .55% After 1 year $ 53 $ 48 $ 18 $ 28 $ 18
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 74 $ 65 $ 55 $ 55 $ 55
Other expenses(b) .20% .20% .20% After 5 years $ 98 $ 95 $ 95 $ 95 $ 95
Total fund operating After 10 years $165 $171 $171 $206 $206
expenses 1.05% 1.75% 1.75%
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS A CLASS B+ CLASS B++ CLASS C+ CLASS C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
HIGH YIELD
Management fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 year $ 56 $ 62 $ 22 $ 32 $ 22
12b-1 fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 years $ 86 $ 87 $ 67 $ 67 $ 67
Other expenses(b)(i) After 5 years $117 $114 $114 $114 $114
(after reimbursement) .38% .38% .38% After 10 years $207 $228 $228 $246 $246
Total fund operating expenses(i)
(after reimbursement) 1.43% 2.13% 2.13%
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 6.
5
+ ASSUMES REDEMPTION AT END OF PERIOD AND, WITH RESPECT TO SHARES HELD TEN
YEARS, CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER SIX YEARS (EIGHT
YEARS IN THE CASE OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD).
++ ASSUMES NO REDEMPTION AT END OF PERIOD AND, WITH RESPECT TO SHARES HELD
TEN YEARS, CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER SIX YEARS
(EIGHT YEARS IN THE CASE OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME AND HIGH YIELD).
(A) NET OF VOLUNTARY FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS. ABSENT SUCH
WAIVERS AND REIMBURSEMENTS, MANAGEMENT FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .55%, OTHER
EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 1.97% FOR CLASS A, 2.09% FOR CLASS B AND 2.04% FOR
CLASS C AND TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 2.82% FOR CLASS A,
3.64% FOR CLASS B AND 3.59% FOR CLASS C.
(B) THESE EXPENSES INCLUDE A TRANSFER AGENCY FEE PAYABLE TO ALLIANCE FUND
SERVICES, INC., AN AFFILIATE OF ALLIANCE. THE EXPENSES SHOWN REFLECT THE
APPLICATION OF CREDITS THAT REDUCE FUND EXPENSES.
(C) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.40%, FOR CLASS B, 2.10%, AND FOR CLASS C, 2.10%.
(D) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.65%, FOR CLASS B, 2.39%, AND FOR CLASS C, 2.37%.
(E) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.07%, FOR CLASS B, 1.78%, AND FOR CLASS C, 1.77%.
(F) REPRESENTS .65 OF 1% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY ADJUSTED TOTAL NET
ASSETS.
(G) EXCLUDING INTEREST EXPENSE, TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN
FOR CLASS A, 1.38%, FOR CLASS B, 2.09%, AND FOR CLASS C, 2.08%.
(H) NET OF VOLUNTARY FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. ABSENT SUCH
WAIVERS AND REIMBURSEMENTS, MANAGEMENT FEES WOULD HAVE BEEN .75%, OTHER
EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 3.01% FOR CLASS A, 3.01% FOR CLASS B, AND 3.02% FOR
CLASS C, AND TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 4.06% FOR CLASS A, 4.76%
FOR CLASS B, AND 4.77% FOR CLASS C.
(I) NET OF EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS. ABSENT SUCH REIMBURSEMENTS, OTHER EXPENSES
WOULD HAVE BEEN .41% FOR CLASS A, .41% FOR CLASS B, AND .41% FOR CLASS C; AND
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WOULD HAVE BEEN 1.46% FOR CLASS A, 2.16% FOR CLASS B,
AND 2.16% FOR CLASS C.
The purpose of the tables on pages 4, 5 and 6 is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that shareholders of a Fund will
bear directly or indirectly. Long-term shareholders of a Fund may pay aggregate
sales charges totaling more than the economic equivalent of the maximum initial
sales charges permitted by the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. See "Management of the Funds--Distribution Services
Agreements." The Rule 12b-1 fee for each class comprises a service fee not
exceeding .25% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Fund
attributable to the class and an asset-based sales charge equal to the
remaining portion of the Rule 12b-1 fee. With respect to each of SHORT-TERM
U.S. GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME,
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME and LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, "interest expense"
represents interest paid by the Fund on borrowings for the purpose of making
additional portfolio investments. Such borrowings are intended to enable each
of those Funds to produce higher net yields to shareholders than the Funds
could pay without such borrowings. See "Description of Funds--Risk
Considerations--Effects of Borrowing." Excluding interest expense, total fund
operating expenses of each of SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME and
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT would be lower (see notes (b), (c), (d), (e), (g),
(h) and (i) above) and the cumulative expenses shown in the Examples above with
respect to those Funds would be lower. The Examples set forth above assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and utilize a 5% annual rate of
return as mandated by Commission regulations. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES; ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. ACTUAL RETURNS WILL VARY.
6
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund, per share income and
capital changes for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The
information in the tables relating to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent accountants for the
Fund, and the information in the tables relating to U.S. GOVERNMENT, LIMITED
MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME,
CORPORATE BOND and HIGH YIELD has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the
independent auditors for these Funds. A report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or
Ernst & Young LLP, as the case may be, on the information with respect to each
Fund appears in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following
information for each Fund should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes which are included in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
Further information about a Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's
annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge by
contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the "For Literature"
telephone number shown on the cover of this Prospectus.
7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET NET NET
ASSET REALIZED AND INCREASE
VALUE UNREALIZED (DECREASE) IN DIVIDENDS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS
BEGINNING OF NET INVESTMENT GAIN (LOSS) ON NET ASSET VALUE NET INVESTMENT FROM NET
FISCAL YEAR OR PERIOD PERIOD INCOME (LOSS) INVESTMENTS FROM OPERATIONS INCOME REALIZED GAINS
- --------------------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT#
CLASS A
Year Ended 8/31/98 $ 9.63 $ .49(h) $(.11) $ .38 $(.50) $0.00
Year Ended 8/31/97 9.66 .47(h) .03 .50 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/96 9.70 .47 (.02) .45 (.49) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.67 .42 .05 .47 (.41) 0.00
Period Ended 8/31/94** 9.77 .14 (.09) .05 (.12) 0.00
Year Ended 4/30/94 10.22 .35 (.29) .06 (.42) 0.00
5/4/92+ to 4/30/93 10.00 .46 .34 .80 (.46) (.12)
CLASS B
Year Ended 8/31/98 $ 9.74 $ .42(h) $(.08) $ .34 $(.43) $0.00
Year Ended 8/31/97 9.77 .41(h) .02 .43 (.39) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/96 9.81 .41 (.03) .38 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.78 .36 .04 .40 (.34) 0.00
Period Ended 8/31/94** 9.88 .10 (.07) .03 (.11) 0.00
Year Ended 4/30/94 10.31 .40 (.39) .01 (.35) 0.00
5/4/92+ to 4/30/93 10.00 .38 .33 .71 (.38) (.02)
CLASS C
Year Ended 8/31/98 $ 9.73 $ .42(h) $(.08) $ .34 $(.43) $0.00
Year Ended 8/31/97 9.76 .41(h) .02 .43 (.39) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/96 9.80 .40 (.02) .38 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.77 .34 .06 .40 (.34) 0.00
Period Ended 8/31/94** 9.87 .10 (.07) .03 (.11) 0.00
8/2/93++ to 4/30/94 10.34 .26 (.42) (.16) (.25) 0.00
U.S. GOVERNMENT
CLASS A
Year Ended 6/30/98 $ 7.41 $ .54(h) $ .18 $ .72 $(.54) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97 7.52 .57(h) (.10) .47 (.57) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 7.96 .58 (.44) .14 (.58) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 7.84 .64 .13 .77 (.65) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 8.64 .65 (.80) (.15) (.65) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/93 8.34 .69 .29 .98 (.68) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/92 8.01 .70 .35 1.05 (.72) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/91 8.14 .81 (.11) .70 (.83) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/90 8.49 .86 (.38) .48 (.83) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/89 8.51 .89 (.03) .86 (.88) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 6/30/98 $ 7.41 $ .48(h) $ .18 $ .66 $(.48) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97 7.52 .52(h) (.10) .42 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 7.96 .52 (.44) .08 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 7.84 .58 .13 .71 (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 8.64 .59 (.80) (.21) (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/93 8.34 .62 .30 .92 (.62) 0.00
9/30/91++ to 6/30/92 8.25 .49 .09 .58 (.49) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 6/30/98 $ 7.41 $ .48(h) $ .18 $ .66 $(.48) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97 7.52 .52(h) (.10) .42 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 7.96 .52 (.44) .08 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 7.83 .58 .14 .72 (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 8.64 .59 (.81) (.22) (.59) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 6/30/93 8.56 .10 .08 .18 (.10) 0.00
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT
CLASS A
12/1/97 to 5/31/98 $ 9.44 $ .25(h) $ .01 $ .26 $(.27) $0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 9.45 .51(h) .02 .53 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 9.52 .51(h) (.04) .47 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 9.51 .52(h) .02 .54 (.50) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 9.94 .42 (.32) .10 (.48) (.01)
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.84 .57 .11 .68 (.58) 0.00
6/1/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .35 (.17) .18 (.34) 0.00
CLASS B
12/1/97 to 5/31/98 $ 9.44 $ .21(h) $ .03 $ .24 $(.24) $0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 9.45 .45(h) .01 .46 (.45) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 9.52 .44(h) (.04) .40 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 9.52 .46(h) .01 .47 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 9.94 .39 (.35) .04 (.42) (.01)
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.84 .49 .12 .61 (.51) 0.00
6/1/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .31 (.17) .14 (.30) 0.00
CLASS C
12/1/97 to 5/31/98 $ 9.44 $ .21(h) $ .03 $ .24 $(.24) $0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 9.45 .45(h) .01 .46 (.45) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 9.52 .45(h) (.05) .40 (.45) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 9.52 .46(h) .01 .47 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 9.94 .37 (.33) .04 (.42) (.01)
5/3/93++ to 11/30/93 9.98 .27 (.03) .24 (.28) 0.00
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS TOTAL NET ASSETS RATIO OF NET
IN EXCESS TOTAL INVESTMENT AT END OF RATIO INVESTMENT
OF NET RETURN DIVIDENDS NET ASSET RETURN PERIOD OF EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT OF AND VALUE END BASED ON NET (000'S TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE TURNOVER
INCOME CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PERIOD ASSET VALUE (B) OMITTED) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS RATE
------------- ---------- -------------- ---------- --------------- ---------- ----------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.00 $(.03) $(.53) $ 9.48 4.04% $ 5,535 1.83%(i) 5.00% 206%
0.00 (.07) (.53) 9.63 5.29 3,901 1.41(d)(e) 4.90 65
0.00 0.00 (.49) 9.66 4.71 3,455 1.53(d)(e) 4.85 110
(.03) 0.00 (.44) 9.70 5.14 2,997 1.40(d) 4.56 15
(.03)(a) 0.00 (.15)(c) 9.67 .53 2,272 1.40*(d) 3.98* 144
(.09)(a) 0.00 (.51)(c) 9.77 .52 2,003 1.27(d) 4.41 55
0.00 0.00 (.58)(c) 10.22 8.20 6,081 1.00*(d) 4.38* 294
$0.00 $(.03) $(.46) $ 9.62 3.52% $ 10,827 2.56%(i) 4.49% 206%
0.00 (.07) (.46) 9.74 4.45 6,458 2.11(d)(e) 4.13 65
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.77 3.89 6,781 2.23(d)(e) 4.11 110
(.03) 0.00 (.37) 9.81 4.32 6,380 2.10(d) 3.82 15
(.02)(a) 0.00 (.13)(c) 9.78 .28 6,281 2.10*(d) 3.22* 144
(.09)(a) 0.00 (.44)(c) 9.88 .03 7,184 2.05(d) 3.12 55
0.00 0.00 (.40)(c) 10.31 7.22 1,292 1.75*(d) 3.36* 294
$0.00 $(.03) $(.46) $ 9.61 3.53% $ 5,074 2.56%(i) 4.48% 206%
0.00 (.07) (.46) 9.73 4.45 5,012 2.11(d)(e) 4.15 65
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.76 3.90 4,850 2.22(d)(e) 4.11 110
(.03) 0.00 (.37) 9.80 4.33 5,180 2.10(d) 3.80 15
(.02)(a) 0.00 (.13)(c) 9.77 .28 7,128 2.10*(d) 3.26* 144
(.06)(a) 0.00 (.31)(c) 9.87 (1.56) 8,763 2.10*(d) 2.60* 55
$0.00 $(.02) $(.56) $ 7.57 10.02% $352,749 1.06% 7.08% 153%
0.00 (.01) (.58) 7.41 6.49 354,782 1.02 7.66 330
0.00 0.00 (.58) 7.52 1.74 397,894 1.01 7.38 334
0.00 0.00 (.65) 7.96 10.37 463,660 1.01 8.27 190
0.00 0.00 (.65) 7.84 (1.93) 482,595 1.02 7.76 188
0.00 0.00 (.68) 8.64 12.23 527,968 1.10 8.04 386
0.00 0.00 (.72) 8.34 13.52 492,448 1.12 8.43 418
0.00 0.00 (.83) 8.01 8.97 491,910 1.07 10.02 402
0.00 0.00 (.83) 8.14 5.99 510,675 1.09 10.35 455
0.00 0.00 (.88) 8.49 10.87 532,525 1.11 10.70 148
$0.00 $(.02) $(.50) $ 7.57 9.20% $390,523 1.76% 6.37% 153%
0.00 (.01) (.53) 7.41 5.69 471,889 1.73 6.95 330
0.00 0.00 (.52) 7.52 1.01 628,628 1.72 6.67 334
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.96 9.52 774,097 1.72 7.57 190
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.84 (2.63) 756,282 1.72 7.04 188
0.00 0.00 (.62) 8.64 11.45 552,471 1.81 7.25 386
0.00 0.00 (.49) 8.34 6.95 32,227 1.80* 7.40* 418
$0.00 $(.02) $(.50) $ 7.57 9.21% $114,392 1.76% 6.38% 153%
0.00 (.01) (.53) 7.41 5.69 115,607 1.72 6.96 330
0.00 0.00 (.52) 7.52 1.01 166,075 1.71 6.68 334
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.96 9.67 181,948 1.71 7.59 190
0.00 0.00 (.59) 7.83 (2.75) 231,859 1.70 6.97 188
0.00 0.00 (.10) 8.64 2.12 67,757 1.80* 6.00* 386
$0.00 $0.00 $(.27) $ 9.43 2.78% $ 17,154 2.79%(e)* 5.21%* 176%
0.00 (.02) (.54) 9.44 5.79 16,197 2.41(e) 5.52 249
0.00 (.03) (.54) 9.45 5.11 16,248 2.22(e) 5.44 159
0.00 (.03) (.53) 9.52 5.91 27,887 2.14(e) 5.53 293
0.00 (.04) (.53) 9.51 1.03 43,173 1.34(e) 4.78 375
0.00 0.00 (.58) 9.94 7.02 59,215 1.54(e) 5.66 499
0.00 0.00 (.34) 9.84 1.84 24,186 1.44*(d)(e) 6.58*(d) 101
$0.00 $0.00 $(.24) $ 9.44 2.52% $ 32,294 3.47%(e)* 4.49%* 176%
0.00 (.02) (.47) 9.44 5.04 33,613 3.14(e) 4.80 249
0.00 (.03) (.47) 9.45 4.36 50,386 2.94(e) 4.73 159
0.00 (.03) (.47) 9.52 5.05 84,362 2.85(e) 4.83 293
0.00 (.03) (.46) 9.52 .42 136,458 2.08(e) 4.12 375
0.00 0.00 (.51) 9.94 6.27 168,157 2.26(e) 4.98 499
0.00 0.00 (.30) 9.84 1.50 149,188 2.13*(d)(e) 6.01*(d) 101
$0.00 $0.00 $(.24) $ 9.44 2.53% $ 24,022 3.45%(e)* 4.50%* 176%
0.00 (.02) (.47) 9.44 5.05 28,738 3.13(e) 4.82 249
0.00 (.02) (.47) 9.45 4.38 43,457 2.92(e) 4.75 159
0.00 (.03) (.47) 9.52 5.06 68,459 2.85(e) 4.84 293
0.00 (.03) (.46) 9.52 .42 141,838 2.04(e) 4.10 375
0.00 0.00 (.28) 9.94 2.40 228,703 1.74*(e) 3.70* 499
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET NET NET
ASSET REALIZED AND INCREASE
VALUE UNREALIZED (DECREASE) IN DIVIDENDS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS
BEGINNING OF NET INVESTMENT GAIN (LOSS) ON NET ASSET VALUE NET INVESTMENT FROM NET
FISCAL YEAR OR PERIOD PERIOD INCOME (LOSS) INVESTMENTS FROM OPERATIONS INCOME REALIZED GAINS
- --------------------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME
CLASS A
1/1/98 to 6/30/98 $ 8.63 $ .26(h) $ .02 $ .28 $ (.28) $ 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/97 8.51 .54(h) .15 .69 (.54) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/96 8.75 .54(h) (.19) .35 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/95 8.13 .57(h) .64 1.21 (.57) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/94 9.29 .57 (1.13) (.56) (.58) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/93 9.08 .67 .23 .90 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/92 9.21 .77 (.09) .68 (.81) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/91 8.79 .88 .41 1.29 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/90 8.76 .87 .03 .90 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/89 8.81 .97 (.05) .92 (.97) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/88 9.03 .99 (.23) .76 (.98) 0.00
CLASS B
1/1/98 to 6/30/98 $ 8.63 $ .23(h) $ .02 $ .25 $ (.25) $ 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/97 8.51 .48(h) .15 .63 (.48) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/96 8.75 .48(h) (.19) .29 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/95 8.13 .51(h) .64 1.15 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/94 9.29 .51 (1.14) (.63) (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/93 9.08 .61 .22 .83 (.60) 0.00
1/30/92++ to 12/31/92 9.16 .68 (.08) .60 (.68) 0.00
CLASS C
1/1/98 to 6/30/98 $ 8.63 $ .23(h) $ .02 $ .25 $ (.25) $ 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/97 8.51 .48(h) .15 .63 (.48) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/96 8.75 .48(h) (.19) .29 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/95 8.13 .51(h) .64 1.15 (.51) 0.00
Year Ended 12/31/94 9.29 .51 (1.14) (.63) (.51) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 12/31/93 9.30 .40 0.00 .40 (.40) 0.00
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY
CLASS A
11/1/97 to 4/30/98 $ 7.11 $ .23(h) $ .04 $ .27 $ (.59) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/97 7.23 .47(h) .08 .55 (.47) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 6.83 .59(h) .48 1.07 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.04 .77(h) (1.31) (.54) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 8.94 .85 (1.08) (.23) (.09) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 8.85 1.02 (.26) .76 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 9.91 1.00 (1.23) (.23) (.81) (.02)
5/29/91+ to 10/28/91 10.00 .42 (.09) .33 (.42) 0.00
CLASS B
11/1/97 to 4/30/98 $ 7.11 $ .18(h) $ .07 $ .25 $ (.56) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/97 7.23 .42(h) .06 .48 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 6.83 .53(h) .47 1.00 (.60) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.04 .44(h) (1.05) (.61) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 8.94 .88 (1.18) (.30) (.08) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/93 8.85 .92 (.22) .70 (.61) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/92 9.91 1.04 (1.34) (.30) (.74) (.02)
5/29/91+ to 10/28/91 10.00 .39 (.09) .30 (.39) 0.00
CLASS C
11/1/97 to 4/30/98 $ 7.11 $ .20(h) $ .05 $ .25 $ (.56) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/97 7.23 .42(h) .07 .49 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 6.83 .54(h) .47 1.01 (.61) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 8.04 .44(h) (1.04) (.60) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/94 8.94 .46 (.75) (.29) (.09) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 10/31/93 8.76 .32 .16 .48 (.30) 0.00
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
CLASS A
12/1/97 to 5/31/98 $ 8.02 $ .44(h) $ (.11) $ .33 $ (.48) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 8.01 1.03(h) (.05) .98 (.97) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 6.75 1.09(h) 1.14 2.23 (.75) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 8.13 1.18(h) (1.59) (.41) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 10.35 1.02 (2.12) (1.10) (.91) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.70 1.09 .66 1.75 (1.09) (.01)
3/27/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .69 (.31) .38 (.68) 0.00
CLASS B
12/1/97 to 5/31/98 $ 8.02 $ .41(h) $ (.10) $ .31 $ (.45) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 8.01 .98(h) (.07) .91 (.90) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 6.75 1.04(h) 1.12 2.16 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 8.13 1.13(h) (1.61) (.48) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 10.35 .96 (2.13) (1.17) (.84) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/93 9.70 1.01 .67 1.68 (1.02) (.01)
3/27/92+ to 11/30/92 10.00 .64 (.31) .33 (.63) 0.00
CLASS C
12/1/97 to 5/31/98 $ 8.02 $ .41(h) $ (.10) $ .31 $ (.45) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 8.01 .98(h) (.07) .91 (.90) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 6.75 1.05(h) 1.11 2.16 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 8.13 1.13(h) (1.61) (.48) 0.00 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/94 10.34 .96 (2.12) (1.16) (.84) 0.00
5/3/93++ to 11/30/93 10.04 .58 .30 .88 (.58) 0.00
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS TOTAL NET ASSETS RATIO OF NET
IN EXCESS TOTAL INVESTMENT AT END OF RATIO INVESTMENT
OF NET RETURN DIVIDENDS NET ASSET RETURN PERIOD OF EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT OF AND VALUE END BASED ON NET (000'S TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE TURNOVER
INCOME CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PERIOD ASSET VALUE (B) OMITTED) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS RATE
------------- ---------- -------------- ---------- --------------- ---------- ----------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.28) $ 8.63 3.32% $ 367,230 1.90%(e)* 6.18%* 86%
(.03) 0.00 (.57) 8.63 8.04 372,494 1.41(e) 6.30 184
0.00 (.08) (.59) 8.51 4.23 412,899 1.68(e) 6.38 208
0.00 (.02) (.59) 8.75 15.34 502,390 1.66(e) 6.77 285
0.00 (.02) (.60) 8.13 (6.14) 553,889 1.29(e) 6.77 438
(.02) 0.00 (.69) 9.29 10.14 848,069 1.00 7.20 622
0.00 0.00 (.81) 9.08 7.73 789,898 1.18 8.56 555
0.00 0.00 (.87) 9.21 15.44 544,171 1.16 9.92 439
0.00 0.00 (.87) 8.79 11.01 495,353 1.12 10.09 393
0.00 0.00 (.97) 8.76 10.98 556,077 1.13 11.03 328
0.00 0.00 (.98) 8.81 8.64 619,572 1.11 10.80 239
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.25) $ 8.63 2.94% $ 263,783 2.59%(e)* 5.45%* 86%
(.03) 0.00 (.51) 8.63 7.60 323,916 2.14(e) 5.60 184
0.00 (.07) (.53) 8.51 3.46 477,196 2.37(e) 5.66 208
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.75 14.48 737,593 2.37(e) 6.06 285
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.13 (6.84) 921,418 2.00(e) 6.05 438
(.02) 0.00 (.62) 9.29 9.38 1,454,303 1.70 6.47 622
0.00 0.00 (.68) 9.08 7.81 1,153,957 1.67* 5.92* 555
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.25) $ 8.63 2.94% $ 26,044 2.59%(e)* 5.47%* 86%
(.03) 0.00 (.51) 8.63 7.60 27,859 2.12(e) 5.61 184
0.00 (.07) (.53) 8.51 3.46 35,355 2.38(e) 5.67 208
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.75 14.46 45,558 2.35(e) 6.07 285
0.00 (.02) (.53) 8.13 (6.84) 58,338 1.97(e) 6.06 438
(.01) 0.00 (.41) 9.29 4.34 91,724 1.67* 5.92* 622
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.59) $ 6.79 4.00% $ 100,629 1.69%* 6.55%* 12%
(.20) 0.00 (.67) 7.11 7.82 96,133 1.58(i) 6.50 173
0.00 0.00 (.67) 7.23 16.37 68,776 1.64(f) 8.40 215
0.00 (.67) (.67) 6.83 (6.47) 76,837 1.60(f) 8.56 400
0.00 (.58) (.67) 8.04 (2.64) 52,385 1.41(f) 7.17 605
0.00 0.00 (.67) 8.94 9.01 82,977 1.94(f) 9.17(g) 200
0.00 0.00 (.83) 8.85 (2.80) 141,526 2.53(f) 10.58(g) 239
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.91 3.68 143,594 2.81*(f) 10.17*(g) 121
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.56) $ 6.80 3.69% $ 9,948 2.37%* 5.67%* 12%
(.18) 0.00 (.60) 7.11 6.90 29,949 2.29(i) 5.79 173
0.00 0.00 (.60) 7.23 15.35 88,427 2.35(f) 7.69 215
0.00 (.60) (.60) 6.83 (7.31) 116,551 2.29(f) 7.53 400
0.00 (.52) (.60) 8.04 (3.35) 233,896 2.11(f) 6.44 605
0.00 0.00 (.61) 8.94 8.25 431,186 2.64(f) 8.46(g) 200
0.00 0.00 (.76) 8.85 (3.51) 701,465 3.24(f) 9.83(g) 239
0.00 0.00 (.39) 9.91 3.36 662,981 3.53*(f) 9.40*(g) 121
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.56) $ 6.80 3.70% $ 848 2.37%* 5.80%* 12%
(.19) 0.00 (.61) 7.11 6.92 1,203 2.28(i) 5.80 173
0.00 0.00 (.61) 7.23 15.36 1,076 2.34(f) 7.62 215
0.00 (.61) (.61) 6.83 (7.29) 786 2.29(f) 7.55 400
0.00 (.52) (.61) 8.04 (3.34) 1,252 2.08(f) 6.10 605
0.00 0.00 (.30) 8.94 5.54 718 2.44*(f) 7.17*(g) 200
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.48) $ 7.87 4.20% $ 719,954 1.99%(f)* 10.93%* 128%
0.00 0.00 (.97) 8.02 12.85 511,749 2.15(f) 12.78 118
0.00 (.22) (.97) 8.01 35.22 385,784 2.34(f) 14.82 166
0.00 (.97) (.97) 6.75 (3.59) 252,608 2.62(f) 18.09 180
0.00 (.21) (1.12) 8.13 (11.32) 303,538 1.70(f) 11.22 131
0.00 0.00 (1.10) 10.35 18.99 268,233 1.61(f) 10.77 254
0.00 0.00 (.68) 9.70 3.49 61,702 2.45*(d)(f) 10.93* 86
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.45) $ 7.88 3.88% $1,401,892 2.71%(f)* 10.26%* 128%
0.00 0.00 (.90) 8.02 11.88 1,378,407 2.86(f) 12.15 118
0.00 (.21) (.90) 8.01 33.96 1,329,719 3.05(f) 14.20 166
0.00 (.90) (.90) 6.75 (4.63) 1,123,074 3.33(f) 17.31 180
0.00 (.21) (1.05) 8.13 (11.89) 1,639,602 2.41(f) 10.53 131
0.00 0.00 (1.03) 10.35 18.15 1,313,591 2.31(f) 10.01 254
0.00 0.00 (.63) 9.70 3.30 216,317 3.13*(d)(f) 10.16* 86
$ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.45) $ 7.88 3.88% $ 292,894 2.70%(f)* 10.27%* 128%
0.00 0.00 (.90) 8.02 11.88 283,483 2.85(f) 12.14 118
0.00 (.21) (.90) 8.01 33.96 250,676 3.04(f) 14.22 166
0.00 (.90) (.90) 6.75 (4.63) 219,009 3.33(f) 17.32 180
0.00 (.21) (1.05) 8.13 (11.89) 369,714 2.39(f) 10.46 131
0.00 0.00 (.58) 10.34 9.00 310,230 2.21*(f) 9.74* 254
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET NET NET
ASSET REALIZED AND INCREASE
VALUE UNREALIZED (DECREASE) IN DIVIDENDS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS
BEGINNING OF NET INVESTMENT GAIN (LOSS) ON NET ASSET VALUE NET INVESTMENT FROM NET
FISCAL YEAR OR PERIOD PERIOD INCOME (LOSS) INVESTMENTS FROM OPERATIONS INCOME REALIZED GAINS
- --------------------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT
CLASS A
Year Ended 8/31/98 $10.64 $ .73(h) $(4.03) $(3.30) $(.73) $(1.37)
Year Ended 8/31/97 10.01 .88(h) 1.85 2.73 (.95) (1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 8.02 .84 2.10 2.94 (.95) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.14 .86 (1.10) (.24) (.88) 0.00
2/25/94+ to 8/31/94 10.00 .45 (.86) (.41) (.45) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 8/31/98 $10.64 $ .67(h) $(4.05) $(3.38) $(.67) $(1.36)
Year Ended 8/31/97 10.01 .81(h) 1.84 2.65 (.87) (1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 8.02 .78 2.08 2.86 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.14 .80 (1.11) (.31) (.81) 0.00
2/25/94+ to 8/31/94 10.00 .42 (.86) (.44) (.42) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 8/31/98 $10.64 $ .67(h) $(4.05) $(3.38) $(.67) $(1.36)
Year Ended 8/31/97 10.01 .82(h) 1.84 2.66 (.88) (1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 8.02 .77 2.10 2.87 (.88) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/95 9.14 .79 (1.10) (.31) (.81) 0.00
2/25/94+ to 8/31/94 10.00 .42 (.86) (.44) (.42) 0.00
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME
CLASS A
11/1/97 to 4/30/98 $11.46 $ .38(h) $ .48 $ .86 $(.55) $(.36)
Year Ended 10/31/97 10.83 .74(h) 1.02 1.76 (.75) (.10)
1/9/96+ to 10/31/96 10.00 .69(h) .95 1.64 (.81) 0.00
CLASS B
11/1/97 to 4/30/98 $11.46 $ .34(h) $ .48 $ .82 $(.51) $(.36)
Year Ended 10/31/97 10.83 .66(h) 1.03 1.69 (.67) (.10)
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96 9.97 .41(h) 1.01 1.42 (.56) 0.00
CLASS C
11/1/97 to 4/30/98 $11.46 $ .33(h) $ .49 $ .82 $(.51) $(.36)
Year Ended 10/31/97 10.83 .66(h) 1.03 1.69 (.67) (.10)
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96 9.97 .39(h) 1.03 1.42 (.56) 0.00
CORPORATE BOND
CLASS A
Year Ended 6/30/98 $14.19 $1.08(h) $ .12 $1.20 $(1.08) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97 13.29 1.15(h) .97 2.12 (1.22) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 12.92 1.26 .27 1.53 (1.16) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 12.51 1.19 .36 1.55 (1.14) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 14.15 1.11 (1.36) (.25) (1.11) (.25)
Year Ended 6/30/93 12.01 1.25 2.13 3.38 (1.24) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/92 11.21 1.06 .82 1.88 (1.08) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/91 11.39 1.11 (.06) 1.05 (1.23) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/90 12.15 1.24 (.86) .38 (1.14) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/89 11.82 1.12 .32 1.44 (1.11) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 6/30/98 $14.19 $ .98(h) $ .13 $1.11 $(.98) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97 13.29 1.05(h) .98 2.03 (1.13) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 12.92 1.15 .29 1.44 (1.07) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 12.50 1.11 .36 1.47 (1.05) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 14.15 1.02 (1.37) (.35) (1.04) (.25)
1/8/93++ to 6/30/93 12.47 .49 1.69 2.18 (.50) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 6/30/98 $14.19 $ .99(h) $ .12 $1.11 $(.99) $0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97 13.29 1.04(h) .99 2.03 (1.13) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96 12.93 1.14 .29 1.43 (1.07) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/95 12.50 1.10 .38 1.48 (1.05) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/94 14.15 1.02 (1.37) (.35) (1.05) (.25)
5/3/93++ to 6/30/93 13.63 .16 .53 .69 (.17) 0.00
HIGH YIELD
CLASS A
Year Ended 8/31/98 $11.17 $1.03(h) $(.27) $ .76 $(1.02) $(.14)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97 10.00 .37(h) 1.15 1.52 (.35) 0.00
CLASS B
Year Ended 8/31/98 $11.17 $ .96(h) $(.28) $ .68 $(.95) $(.14)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97 10.00 .31(h) 1.19 1.50 (.33) 0.00
CLASS C
Year Ended 8/31/98 $11.17 $ .96(h) $(.28) $ .68 $(.95) $(.14)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97 10.00 .32(h) 1.18 1.50 (.33) 0.00
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
12
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS TOTAL NET ASSETS RATIO OF NET
IN EXCESS TOTAL INVESTMENT AT END OF RATIO INVESTMENT
OF NET RETURN DIVIDENDS NET ASSET RETURN PERIOD OF EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT OF AND VALUE END BASED ON NET (000'S TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE TURNOVER
INCOME CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF PERIOD ASSET VALUE (B) OMITTED) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS RATE
------------- ---------- -------------- ---------- --------------- ---------- ----------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$(.04) $(.15) $(2.29) $ 5.05 (38.56)% $ 32,365 1.48% 8.51% 188%
0.00 0.00 (2.10) 10.64 30.04 37,416 1.55 8.49 314
0.00 0.00 (.95) 10.01 38.47 23,253 1.65 9.23 315
0.00 0.00 (.88) 8.02 (1.48) 12,020 1.93 11.25 301
0.00 0.00 (.45) 9.14 (3.77) 10,995 .75*(d) 9.82* 100
$(.04) $(.14) $(2.21) $ 5.05 (39.11)% $ 79,660 2.22% 7.78% 188%
0.00 0.00 (2.02) 10.64 29.14 93,377 2.26 7.81 314
0.00 0.00 (.87) 10.01 37.36 84,295 2.37 8.57 315
0.00 0.00 (.81) 8.02 (2.40) 62,406 2.64 10.52 301
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.14 (4.17) 47,030 1.45*(d) 9.11* 100
$(.04) $(.14) $(2.22) $ 5.05 (39.09)% $ 23,711 2.19% 7.75% 188%
0.00 0.00 (2.03) 10.64 29.17 25,130 2.25 7.82 314
0.00 0.00 (.88) 10.01 37.40 14,511 2.35 8.52 315
0.00 0.00 (.81) 8.02 (2.36) 9,330 2.63 10.46 301
0.00 0.00 (.42) 9.14 (4.16) 10,404 1.45*(d) 9.05* 100
$0.00 $0.00 $(.91) $11.41 7.88% $ 21,877 1.90%(d)* 6.91%* 247%
(.28) 0.00 (1.13) 11.46 16.83 12,954 1.90(d) 6.56 417
0.00 0.00 (.81) 10.83 17.31 2,295 1.90*(d) 8.36* 282
$0.00 $0.00 $(.87) $11.41 7.55% $ 35,840 2.60%(d)* 6.17%* 247%
(.29) 0.00 (1.06) 11.46 16.12 18,855 2.60(d) 5.86 417
0.00 0.00 (.56) 10.83 14.47 800 2.60*(d) 7.26* 282
$0.00 $0.00 $(.87) $11.41 7.55% $ 8,017 2.60%(d)* 6.18%* 247%
(.29) 0.00 (1.06) 11.46 16.12 4,388 2.60(d) 5.86 417
0.00 0.00 (.56) 10.83 14.47 750 2.60*(d) 7.03* 282
$(.12) $0.00 $(1.20) $14.19 8.66% $510,397 1.05% 7.52% 244%
0.00 0.00 (1.22) 14.19 16.59 370,845 1.12 8.34 307
0.00 0.00 (1.16) 13.29 12.14 277,369 1.20 9.46 389
0.00 0.00 (1.14) 12.92 13.26 230,750 1.24 9.70 387
(.03) 0.00 (1.39) 12.51 (2.58) 219,182 1.30 7.76 372
0.00 0.00 (1.24) 14.15 29.62 216,171 1.39 9.29 579
0.00 0.00 (1.08) 12.01 17.43 60,356 1.48 8.98 610
0.00 0.00 (1.23) 11.21 9.71 62,268 1.44 9.84 357
0.00 0.00 (1.14) 11.39 3.27 68,049 1.51 10.70 480
0.00 0.00 (1.11) 12.15 12.99 52,381 1.84 9.53 104
$(.13) $0.00 $(1.11) $14.19 7.95% $672,374 1.75% 6.80% 244%
0.00 0.00 (1.13) 14.19 15.80 480,326 1.82 7.62 307
0.00 0.00 (1.07) 13.29 11.38 338,152 1.90 8.75 389
0.00 0.00 (1.05) 12.92 12.54 241,393 1.99 9.07 387
(.01) 0.00 (1.30) 12.50 (3.27) 184,129 2.00 7.03 372
0.00 0.00 (.50) 14.15 17.75 55,508 2.10* 7.18* 579
$(.12) $0.00 $(1.11) $14.19 7.95% $254,530 1.75% 6.83% 244%
0.00 0.00 (1.13) 14.19 15.80 174,762 1.82 7.61 307
0.00 0.00 (1.07) 13.29 11.30 83,095 1.90 8.74 389
0.00 0.00 (1.05) 12.93 12.62 51,028 1.84 8.95 387
0.00 0.00 (1.30) 12.50 (3.27) 50,860 1.99 6.98 372
0.00 0.00 (.17) 14.15 5.08 5,115 2.05* 5.51* 579
$(.01) $0.00 $(1.17) $10.76 6.42% $ 43,960 1.43% 8.89% 311%
0.00 0.00 (.35) 11.17 15.33 5,889 1.70*(d) 8.04* 73
$(.01) $0.00 $(1.10) $10.75 5.69% $269,426 2.13% 8.18% 311%
0.00 0.00 (.33) 11.17 15.07 43,297 2.40*(d) 7.19* 73
$(.01) $0.00 $(1.10) $10.75 5.69% $ 48,337 2.13% 8.17% 311%
0.00 0.00 (.33) 11.17 15.07 7,575 2.40*(d) 7.24* 73
</TABLE>
PLEASE REFER TO THE FOOTNOTES ON PAGE 14.
13
# PRIOR TO JULY 22, 1993, EQUITABLE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
("EQUITABLE") SERVED AS THE INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE ALLIANCE PORTFOLIOS (THE
"TRUST"), OF WHICH SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT IS A SERIES. ON JULY 22, 1993,
ALLIANCE ACQUIRED THE BUSINESS AND SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS OF EQUITABLE
AND BECAME INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE TRUST.
+ COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
++ COMMENCEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION.
* ANNUALIZED.
** REFLECTS NEWLY ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR END.
(A) INCLUDES WITH RESPECT TO SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT A RETURN OF CAPITAL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994 OF $(0.08) FOR CLASS A, $(0.08) FOR CLASS B
AND $(0.05) FOR CLASS C AND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994 OF $(0.03) FOR
CLASS A AND $(0.02) FOR CLASS B AND CLASS C.
(B) TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN IS CALCULATED ASSUMING AN INITIAL INVESTMENT MADE
AT THE NET ASSET VALUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD, REINVESTMENT OF ALL
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS AT THE NET ASSET VALUE DURING THE PERIOD, AND A
REDEMPTION ON THE LAST DAY OF THE PERIOD. INITIAL SALES CHARGE OR CONTINGENT
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IS NOT REFLECTED IN THE CALCULATION OF TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN. TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURNS CALCULATED FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR
ARE NOT ANNUALIZED.
(C) "TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS" INCLUDES DIVIDENDS IN EXCESS OF NET
INVESTMENT INCOME AND RETURN OF CAPITAL. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT HAD
DIVIDENDS IN EXCESS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME, FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
1994, WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES OF $(.01); WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES,
$(.01); AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, $(.01).
(D) NET OF EXPENSES ASSUMED AND/OR WAIVED/REIMBURSED. IF SHORT-TERM U.S.
GOVERNMENT HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 2.20% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 2.17% FOR THE YEAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 2.95% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994,
3.71% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995, 3.04% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996, 2.42% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997, 2.82% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST
31, 1998; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 4.81% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 3.21%
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 3.60% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1994, 4.33% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995, 3.74% FOR THE YEAR
ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 AND 3.10% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 3.64% FOR
THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 3.10%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 3.64% (ANNUALIZED) FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994 (ANNUALIZED), 4.23% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1995, 3.72% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, 3.10% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST
31, 1997, 3.59% FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998. IF LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.55% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992; AND WITH RESPECT TO
CLASS B SHARES, 2.28% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992. THE RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS FOR LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 6.47% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992; AND WITH RESPECT TO
CLASS B SHARES, 5.86% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992. IF NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
INCOME HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT
TO CLASS A SHARES, 2.49% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B
SHARES, 3.16% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992. IF GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT HAD BORNE ALL
EXPENSES FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 25, 1994 TO AUGUST 31, 1994, THE EXPENSE
RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.91% (ANNUALIZED); WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.63% (ANNUALIZED); AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C
SHARES, 2.59% (ANNUALIZED). IF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES
FOR THE RESPECTIVE PERIODS JANUARY 9, 1996 TO OCTOBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND ITS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED IN 1998, THE EXPENSE RATIO WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO
CLASS A SHARES, 19.20% (ANNUALIZED), 4.06%, AND 2.00% RESPECTIVELY; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 19.57% (ANNUALIZED), 4.76%, AND 2.69% RESPECTIVELY;
AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 19.49% (ANNUALIZED), 4.77%, AND 2.71%
RESPECTIVELY. IF HIGH YIELD HAD BORNE ALL EXPENSES FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 22,
1997 TO AUGUST 31, 1997, THE EXPENSE RATIOS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO
CLASS A SHARES, 3.11% (ANNUALIZED); WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 3.85%
(ANNUALIZED); AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 3.84% (ANNUALIZED).
(E) IF SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST EXPENSES, THE RATIO
OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A
SHARES, 1.40% FOR 1996, 1997, AND 1998; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.10%
FOR 1996, 1997, AND 1998; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 2.10% FOR 1996,
1997, AND 1998. IF LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST EXPENSES,
THE RATIO OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO
CLASS A SHARES, 1.42% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992, 1.33% FOR 1993, 1.20% FOR 1994,
1.41% FOR 1995, 1.58% FOR 1996, 1.65% FOR 1997, AND 1.64% FOR 1998; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.10% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992, 2.07% FOR 1993, 1.91%
FOR 1994, 2.11% FOR 1995, 2.30% FOR 1996, 2.39% FOR 1997, AND 2.35% FOR 1998;
WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 1.58% (ANNUALIZED), FOR 1993, 1.89% FOR 1994,
2.10% FOR 1995, 2.29% FOR 1996, 2.37% FOR 1997, AND 2.33% FOR 1998. IF MORTGAGE
SECURITIES INCOME FUND HAD NOT BORNE INTEREST EXPENSE THE RATIO OF EXPENSES TO
AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES .97% FOR
1994, 1.03% FOR 1995, 1.03% FOR 1996, 1.07% FOR 1997, AND 1.11% FOR 1998; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 1.68% FOR 1994, 1.74% FOR 1995, 1.74% FOR 1996,
1.78% FOR 1997, AND 1.82% FOR 1998; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES 1.69% FOR
1994, 1.73% FOR 1995, 1.73% FOR 1996, 1.77% FOR 1997, AND 1.80% FOR 1998.
(F) INCLUDES INTEREST EXPENSES. IF MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY HAD NOT BORNE
INTEREST EXPENSES OR LOAN FEES, THE RATIO OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.33% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991,
1.33% FOR 1992, 1.40% FOR 1993, 1.30% FOR 1994, 1.55% FOR 1995, AND 1.60% FOR
1996; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.05% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991, 2.05% FOR
1992, 2.11% FOR 1993, 2.01% FOR 1994, 2.22% FOR 1995, AND 2.31% FOR 1996; WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 2.11% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 1.99% FOR 1994, 2.24%
FOR 1995, AND 2.30% FOR 1996. IF NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME HAD NOT BORNE
INTEREST EXPENSES, THE RATIO OF EXPENSES (NET OF INTEREST EXPENSES) TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 1.66% (ANNUALIZED)
FOR 1992, 1.33% FOR 1993, 1.37% FOR 1994, 1.51% FOR 1995, 1.41% FOR 1996, 1.38%
FOR 1997, AND 1.31% FOR 1998; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 2.35%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR 1992, 2.04% FOR 1993, 2.07% FOR 1994, 2.22% FOR 1995, 2.12%
FOR 1996, 2.09% FOR 1997, AND 2.02% FOR 1998; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C
SHARES, 2.04% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993, 2.06% FOR 1994, 2.21% FOR 1995, 2.12% FOR
1996, 2.08% FOR 1997, AND 2.01% FOR 1998.
(G) INCLUDES LOAN FEES. IF MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY HAD NOT INCURRED LOAN FEES,
THE RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH
RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES, 11.65% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991, 11.78% FOR 1992 AND
9.73% FOR 1993; WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES, 10.88% (ANNUALIZED) FOR 1991,
11.02% FOR 1992 AND 8.99% FOR 1993; AND WITH RESPECT TO CLASS C SHARES, 7.50%
(ANNUALIZED) FOR 1993.
(H) BASED ON AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING.
(I) AMOUNTS DO NOT REFLECT THE IMPACT OF EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENT WITH THE
TRANSFER AGENT. TAKING INTO ACCOUNT SUCH EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENTS, THE RATIO
OF EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS, ABSENT THE ASSUMPTION AND/OR
WAIVER/REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY THE RATIO OF
EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES
1.57% FOR 1997, WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES 2.28% FOR 1997 AND WITH RESPECT
TO CLASS C SHARES 2.27% FOR 1997. FOR SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT THE RATIO OF
EXPENSES TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES
1.82% FOR 1998, WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES 2.55% FOR 1998 AND WITH RESPECT
TO CLASS C SHARES 2.55% FOR 1998.
14
GLOSSARY
_______________________________________________________________________________
The following terms are frequently used in this Prospectus. Many of these terms
are explained in greater detail under "Description of the Funds--Additional
Investment Practices" and in Appendix A.
BONDS are fixed, floating and variable rate debt obligations.
DEBT SECURITIES are bonds, debentures, notes, bills and repurchase agreements.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES are debt securities, convertible securities and
preferred stocks and include floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Fixed-income securities may be rated (or if unrated, for purposes of the Funds'
investment policies may be determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality
to those rated) TRIPLE-A (Aaa or AAA), HIGH QUALITY (Aa or AA or above), HIGH
GRADE (A or above) or INVESTMENT GRADE (Baa or BBB or above) by, as the case
may be, Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or may be lower-rated securities,
as defined below. In the case of "split-rated" fixed-income securities (i.e.,
securities assigned non-equivalent credit quality ratings, such as Baa by
Moody's but BB by S&P, or, to take another example, Ba by Moody's and BB by S&P
but B by Fitch), a Fund will use the rating deemed by Alliance to be the most
appropriate under the circumstances.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES are fixed-income securities rated Ba or BB or below, or
determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality, and are commonly referred
to as "junk bonds."
EQUITY SECURITIES are common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into
common and preferred stocks, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of common and preferred stocks.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are bonds, debentures, corporate notes and preferred
stocks that are convertible into common and preferred stock.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These securities include
securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, those
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and those
backed only by the credit of the issuing agency itself. The first category
includes U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES (which are U.S. Treasury bills, notes and
bonds) and certificates issued by GNMA (see below). U.S. Government securities
not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States include
certificates issued by FNMA and FHLMC (see below).
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES are pools of mortgage loans that are assembled for
sale to investors (such as mutual funds) by various governmental,
government-related and private organizations. These securities include:
ARMS, which are adjustable-rate mortgage securities;
SMRS, which are stripped mortgage-related securities;
CMOS, which are collateralized mortgage obligations;
GNMA CERTIFICATES, which are securities issued by the Government National
Mortgage Association;
FNMA CERTIFICATES, which are securities issued by the Federal National
Mortgage Association; and
FHLMC CERTIFICATES, which are securities issued by the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
INTEREST-ONLY or IO securities are debt securities that receive only the
interest payments on an underlying debt that has been structured to have two
classes, one of which is the IO class and the other of which is the
PRINCIPAL-ONLY or PO class, which class receives only the principal payments on
the underlying debt obligation. POs are similar to, and are sometimes referred
to as, ZERO COUPON SECURITIES, which are debt securities issued without
interest coupons.
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES are securities issued or guaranteed, as to
payment of principal and interest, by a foreign government or any of its
political subdivisions, authorities, agencies or instrumentalities.
SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS are foreign government debt securities, loan
participations between foreign governments and financial institutions and
interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring
the investment characteristics of foreign government securities.
WORLD BANK is the commonly used name for the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.
LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate.
NRSRO is a nationally recognized securities rating organization.
MOODY'S is Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
S&P is Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
DUFF & PHELPS is Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
FITCH is Fitch IBCA, Inc.
PRIME COMMERCIAL PAPER is commercial paper rated Prime-1 or higher by Moody's,
A-1 or higher by S&P, Fitch-1 by Fitch or Duff 1 by Duff & Phelps. HIGHER
QUALITY COMMERCIAL PAPER is commercial paper rated at least Prime-2 by Moody's,
A-2 by S&P, Fitch-2 by Fitch or Duff 2 by Duff & Phelps.
QUALIFYING BANK DEPOSITS are certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings deposits of banks having total assets of more than $1
billion and which are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
RULE 144A SECURITIES are securities that may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES ACT").
1940 ACT is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
CODE is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMMISSION is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EXCHANGE is the New York Stock Exchange.
15
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
_______________________________________________________________________________
Except as noted, (i) the Funds' investment objectives are "fundamental" and
cannot be changed without a shareholder vote, and (ii) the Funds' investment
policies are not fundamental and thus can be changed without a shareholder
vote. No Fund will change a non-fundamental objective or policy without
notifying its shareholders. There is no guarantee that any Fund will achieve
its investment objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS
The U.S. Government Funds are diversified investment companies that have been
designed to offer investors high current income consistent with preservation of
capital by investing primarily in U.S. Government securities.
ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
Alliance Short-Term U.S. Government Fund ("Short-Term U.S. Government") seeks
high current income consistent with preservation of capital by investing
primarily in a portfolio of U.S. Government securities. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund maintains an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity
of not more than three years and invests at least 65% of its total assets in
U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements and forward commitments
relating to U.S. Government securities. In periods of rising interest rates the
Fund may, to the extent it invests in mortgage-related securities, be subject
to the risk that its average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity may be extended
as a result of lower than anticipated prepayment rates. See "Additional
Investment Practices--Mortgage-Related Securities." The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental.
In addition to investing in U.S. Government securities, the Fund may invest a
portion of its assets in securities of non-governmental issuers. Although these
investments will be of high quality at the time of purchase, they generally
involve higher levels of credit risk than do U.S. Government securities, as
well as the risk (present with all fixed-income securities) of fluctuations in
value as interest rates change. The Fund will not be obligated to dispose of
any security whose credit quality falls below high quality.
The Fund may also (i) invest in certain SMRS, (ii) invest in variable, floating
and inverse floating rate instruments, (iii) make short sales "against the
box," (iv) enter into various hedging transactions, such as interest rate
swaps, caps and floors, (v) enter into reverse repurchase agreements, (vi)
purchase and sell futures contracts for hedging purposes, (vii) purchase and
sell call and put options on futures contracts or on securities, for hedging
purposes or to earn additional income, (viii) make secured loans of portfolio
securities, (ix) enter into repurchase agreements, and (x) purchase securities
for future delivery. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets
in securities the disposition of which is restricted under Federal securities
laws (excluding, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Rule 144A
securities). For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
U.S. Government Portfolio ("U.S. Government") seeks as high a level of current
income as is consistent with safety of principal. As a matter of fundamental
policy, the Fund pursues its objective by investing solely in U.S. Government
securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
These include U.S. Treasury securities, including zero coupon Treasury
securities, and GNMA certificates, including certain SMRS and variable and
floating rate instruments. The average weighted maturity of the Fund's
portfolio of U.S. Government securities is expected to vary between one year or
less and 30 years. For additional information on the use, risks and cost of
these practices, see "Additional Investment Practices." The Fund's investment
objective is not fundamental.
The Board of Directors of the Fund has approved, and has recommended to
shareholders for their approval, changes to the U.S. Government Portfolio's
investment objective and policies. If approved by shareholders, the foregoing
paragraph describing the U.S. Government Portfolio's investment objective and
policies shall be replaced in its entirety by the following two paragraphs:
U.S. Government Portfolio ("U.S. Government") is a diversified investment
company that seeks a high level of current income that is consistent with
prudent investment risk. As a matter of fundamental policy the Fund pursues its
objective by investing at least 65% of the value of its total assets in U.S.
Government securities and repurchase agreements and forward contracts relating
to U.S. Government securities. The Fund may invest the remaining 35% of the
value of its total assets in non-U.S. Government mortgage-related and
asset-backed securities. The Fund will not invest in any security rated below
BBB or Baa. The Fund may invest in unrated securities of equivalent quality to
the rated securities in which it may invest, as determined by Alliance. The
Fund expects, but is not required, to dispose of securities that are downgraded
below BBB and Baa or, if unrated, are determined by Alliance to have undergone
similar credit quality deterioration subsequent to their purchase. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings."
The Fund may also (i) enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase
agreements, forward contracts, and dollar rolls, (ii) enter into various
hedging transactions, such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors, (iii)
purchase and sell futures contracts for hedging purposes, and (iv) purchase
call and put options on futures contracts or on securities for hedging
purposes. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these
practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc. ("Limited Maturity Government")
seeks the highest level of current income, consistent with low volatility of
net asset value. As a
16
matter of fundamental policy, the Fund normally has at least 65% of the value
of its total assets invested in U.S. Government securities, including
mortgage-related securities, and repurchase agreements relating to U.S.
Government securities. For a description of these securities, see "Additional
Investment Practices."
In pursuing its investment objective and policies, the Fund takes advantage of
a wide range of maturities of debt securities and adjusts the dollar-weighted
average maturity of its portfolio from time to time, depending on its
assessment of relative yields on securities of different maturities and the
expected effect of future changes in interest rates on the market value of the
Fund's portfolio. At all times, however, each security held by the Fund has
either a remaining maturity of not more than ten years or a duration not
exceeding that of a ten-year Treasury note. Duration is a measure that relates
the price volatility of a security to changes in interest rates. The duration
of a debt security is the weighted average term to maturity, expressed in
years, of the present value of all future cash flows, including coupon payments
and principal repayments. Thus, by definition, duration is always less than or
equal to full maturity.
The Fund believes that because of the nature of its assets, it is not exposed
to any material risk of loss as a result of default on its portfolio
securities. The Fund is, however, exposed to the risk that the prices of such
securities will fluctuate, in some cases significantly, as interest rates
change.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in (i) high quality
asset-backed securities, including mortgage-related securities that are not
U.S. Government securities, (ii) Treasury securities issued by private
corporate issuers, (iii) certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings deposits of domestic and foreign banks having total
assets of more than $1 billion, (iv) higher quality commercial paper or, if not
rated, issued by companies that have high quality debt issues outstanding and
(v) high quality debt securities of corporate issuers.
The Fund may also (i) enter into futures contracts and purchase and write
options on futures contracts, (ii) enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities, (iii) enter into interest rate swaps, caps and
floors, (iv) invest in Eurodollar instruments, (v) purchase and write put and
call options on foreign currencies, (vi) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments, (vii) enter into repurchase agreements
pertaining to the types of securities in which it invests, (viii) use reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls and (ix) make secured loans of its
portfolio securities. For additional information on the use, risks and costs of
these investment practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its total assets in debt
securities denominated in U.S. Dollars or in foreign currencies and issued or
guaranteed by foreign governments or issued by foreign non-governmental
issuers, provided that such foreign debt securities are of high quality. The
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in foreign debt securities will vary
and its portfolio of foreign debt securities may include those of a number of
foreign countries or, depending upon market conditions, those of a single
country. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment."
MORTGAGE FUND
ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc. ("Mortgage Securities Income")
is a diversified investment company that seeks a high level of current income
to the extent consistent with prudent investment risk. The Fund invests
primarily in a diversified portfolio of mortgage-related securities, including
CMOs, and, as a matter of fundamental policy, maintains at least 65% of its
total assets in mortgage-related securities.
The Fund expects that governmental, government-related or private entities may
create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to
those described in this Prospectus. The mortgages underlying these securities
may be instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms
to maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed-rate mortgages. As new
types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to investors,
the Fund will consider making investments in such new types of securities. The
Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in lower-rated mortgage-related
securities. See "Risk Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in
Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities." The average weighted maturity of the
Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is expected to vary between two and
ten years.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of the value of its total assets in (i) U.S.
Government securities, (ii) qualifying bank deposits, (iii) prime commercial
paper or, if not rated, issued by companies which have an outstanding high
quality debt issue, (iv) high grade debt securities secured by mortgages on
commercial real estate or residential rental properties, and (v) high grade
asset-backed securities.
The Fund may also (i) invest in repurchase agreements pertaining to the types
of securities in which it invests, (ii) enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities, (iii) purchase put and call options written by
others and write covered put and call options on the types of securities in
which the Fund may invest for hedging purposes, (iv) enter into interest rate
swaps, caps and floors, (v) enter into interest rate futures contracts, (vi)
invest in variable floating and inverse floating rate instruments, and (vii)
lend portfolio securities. The Fund will not invest in illiquid securities if,
as a result, more than 10% of its total assets would be illiquid. For
additional information on the use, risk and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
MULTI-MARKET FUND
ALLIANCE MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc. ("Multi-Market Strategy") is a
non-diversified investment company that has been designed to offer investors a
higher yield than a money market fund and less fluctuation in net asset value
than a
17
longer-term bond fund. The Fund seeks the highest level of current income,
consistent with what Alliance considers to be prudent investment risk, that is
available from a portfolio of high quality debt securities having remaining
maturities of not more than five years. The Fund seeks high current yields by
investing in a portfolio of debt securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar and
selected foreign currencies. The Fund seeks investment opportunities in
foreign, as well as domestic, securities markets. The Fund normally expects to
maintain at least 70% of its assets in debt securities denominated in foreign
currencies.
In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund seeks to minimize credit risk
and fluctuations in net asset value by investing only in short-term debt
securities. Normally, a high proportion of the Fund's portfolio consists of
money market instruments. Alliance actively manages the Fund's portfolio in
accordance with a multi-market investment strategy, allocating the Fund's
investments among securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar and the currencies
of a number of foreign countries and, within each such country, among different
types of debt securities. Alliance adjusts the Fund's exposure to each currency
such that the percentage of assets invested in securities of a particular
country or denominated in a particular currency varies in accordance with
Alliance's assessment of the relative yield and appreciation potential of such
securities and the relative strength of a country's currency. Fundamental
economic strength, credit quality and interest rate trends are the principal
factors considered by Alliance in determining whether to increase or decrease
the emphasis placed upon a particular type of security or industry sector
within a Fund's investment portfolio. The Fund does not invest more than 25% of
its net assets in debt securities denominated in a single currency other than
the U.S. Dollar.
The returns available from short-term foreign currency-denominated debt
instruments can be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. Alliance
believes that the use of foreign currency hedging techniques, including
"cross-hedges" (see "Additional Investment Practices--Forward Foreign Currency
Exchange Contracts"), can help protect against declines in the U.S. Dollar
value of income available for distribution to shareholders and declines in the
net asset value of the Fund's shares resulting from adverse changes in currency
exchange rates. For example, the return available from securities denominated
in a particular foreign currency would diminish in the event the value of the
U.S. Dollar increased against such currency. Such a decline could be partially
or completely offset by an increase in value of a cross-hedge involving a
forward exchange contract to sell a different foreign currency, where such
contract is available on terms more advantageous to the Fund than a contract to
sell the currency in which the position being hedged is denominated. It is
Alliance's belief that cross-hedges can therefore provide significant
protection of net asset value in the event of a general rise in the U.S. Dollar
against foreign currencies. However, a cross-hedge cannot protect against
exchange rate risks perfectly, and if Alliance is incorrect in its judgment of
future exchange rate relationships, the Fund could be in a less advantageous
position than if such a hedge had not been established.
The Fund invests in debt securities denominated in the currencies of countries
whose governments are considered stable by Alliance. In addition to the U.S.
Dollar, such currencies include, among others, the Australian Dollar, Austrian
Schilling, British Pound Sterling, Canadian Dollar, Danish Krone, Dutch
Guilder, French Franc, Irish Pound, Italian Lira, Japanese Yen, Mexican Peso,
New Zealand Dollar, Norwegian Krone, Spanish Peseta, Swedish Krona, Swiss Franc
and German Mark. The Fund expects to invest in debt securities denominated in
the Euro.
An issuer of debt securities purchased by the Fund may be domiciled in a
country other than the country in whose currency the instrument is denominated.
In addition, the Fund may purchase debt securities (sometimes referred to as
"linked" securities) that are denominated in one currency while the principal
amounts of, and value of interest payments on, such securities are determined
with reference to another currency.
The Fund may invest in debt securities issued by supranational organizations
including the World Bank, which was chartered to finance development projects
in developing member countries; the European Union; the European Coal and Steel
Community, which is an economic union of various European nations' steel and
coal industries; and the Asian Development Bank, which is an international
development bank established to lend funds, promote investment and provide
technical assistance to member nations in the Asian and Pacific regions.
The Fund seeks to minimize investment risk by limiting its portfolio
investments to debt securities of high quality. Accordingly, the Fund's
portfolio securities will consist of (i) U.S. Government securities, (ii) high
quality foreign government securities, (iii) obligations issued by
supranational entities and corporate debt securities having a high quality
rating, (iv) certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued or
guaranteed by, or time deposits maintained at, banks (including foreign
branches of foreign banks) having total assets of more than $500 million, and
determined by Alliance to be of high quality, and (v) prime commercial paper or
unrated commercial paper determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality and
issued by U.S. or foreign companies having outstanding high quality debt
securities.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund concentrates at least 25% of its
total assets in debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign companies
engaged in the banking industry, including bank holding companies. Such
investments may include certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers'
acceptances, and obligations issued by bank holding companies, as well as
repurchase agreements entered into with banks (as distinct from non-banks) in
accordance with the policies set forth with respect to the Funds in "Additional
Investment Practices--Repurchase Agreements." See "Risk
Considerations--Investment in the Banking Industry."
18
The Fund may also (i) invest in indexed commercial paper, (ii) enter into
futures contracts and purchase and write options on futures contracts, (iii)
purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies, (iv) purchase or
sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts, (v) enter into interest rate
swaps, caps and floors, (vi) invest in variable, floating and inverse floating
rate instruments, (vii) make secured loans of its portfolio securities, and
(viii) enter into repurchase agreements. The Fund will not invest in illiquid
securities if, as a result, more than 10% of its assets would be so invested.
For additional information on the use, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
The Global Bond Funds are non-diversified investment companies that have been
designed to offer investors a high level of current income through investments
primarily in foreign government securities.
ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc. ("North American
Government Income") seeks the highest level of current income, consistent with
what Alliance considers to be prudent investment risk, that is available from a
portfolio of debt securities issued or guaranteed by the United States, Canada
and Mexico, their political subdivisions (including Canadian provinces but
excluding states of the United States), agencies, instrumentalities or
authorities ("Government securities"). The Fund invests in investment grade
securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar, the Canadian Dollar and the Mexican
Peso and expects to maintain at least 25% of its assets in securities
denominated in the U.S. Dollar. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in debt securities issued by governmental entities of
Argentina ("Argentine Government securities"). The Fund expects that it will
not retain a debt security which is down graded below BBB or Baa, or, if
unrated, determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit quality
deterioration, subsequent to purchase by the Fund. There may be circumstances,
however, such as the downgrading to below investment grade of all of the
securities of a governmental issuer in one of the countries in which the Fund
has substantial investments, under which the Fund, after considering all the
circumstances, would conclude that it is in the best interests of the
shareholders to retain its holdings in securities of that issuer. The average
weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is
expected to vary between one year or less and 30 years.
Alliance believes that the increasingly integrated economic relationship among
the United States, Canada and Mexico, characterized by the reduction and
projected elimination of most barriers to free trade among the three nations
and the growing coordination of their fiscal and monetary policies, will over
the long term benefit the economic performance of all three countries and
promote greater correlation of currency fluctuation among the U.S. and Canadian
Dollars and the Mexican Peso. See, however, Appendix B and the Fund's Statement
of Additional Information with respect to the current state of the Mexican
economy.
Alliance will actively manage the Fund's assets in relation to market
conditions and general economic conditions and adjust the Fund's investments in
an effort to best enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. Thus,
the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in a particular country or
denominated in a particular currency will vary in accordance with Alliance's
assessment of the relative yield and appreciation potential of such securities
and the relationship of the country's currency to the U.S. Dollar. The Fund
invests at least, and normally substantially more than, 65% of its total assets
in Government securities. To the extent that its assets are not invested in
Government securities, however, the Fund may invest the balance of its total
assets in investment grade debt securities issued by the governments of
countries located in Central and South America or any of their political
subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities or authorities, provided that such
securities are denominated in their local currencies. The Fund will not invest
more than 10% of its total assets in debt securities issued by the governmental
entities of any one such country, except that the Fund may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in Argentine Government securities. The Fund will normally
invest at least 65% of its total assets in income-producing securities. For a
general description of Canada, Mexico and Argentina, see Appendix B and the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Canadian Government securities include the sovereign debt of Canada or any of
its provinces and Government of Canada bonds and Government of Canada Treasury
bills. Government of Canada Treasury bills are debt obligations with maturities
of less than one year. A new issue of Government of Canada bonds frequently
consists of several different bonds with maturities ranging from one to 25
years.
All Canadian provinces have outstanding bond issues and several provinces also
guarantee bond issues of provincial authorities, agents and Crown corporations.
Each new issue yield is based upon a spread from an outstanding Government of
Canada issue of comparable term and coupon. Many Canadian municipalities,
municipal financial authorities and Crown corporations raise funds through the
bond market in order to finance capital expenditures. Unlike U.S. municipal
securities, which have special tax status, Canadian municipal securities have
the same tax status as other Canadian Government securities and trade similarly
to such securities. The Canadian municipal market may be less liquid than the
provincial bond market.
Canadian Government securities in which the Fund may invest include a modified
pass-through vehicle issued pursuant to the program established under the
National Housing Act of Canada. Certificates issued pursuant to this program
benefit from the guarantee of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a
federal Crown corporation that is (except for certain limited purposes) an
agency of the Government of Canada whose guarantee is an unconditional
obligation of the Government of Canada in most circumstances (similar to that
of GNMA in the United States).
19
Mexican Government securities denominated and payable in the Mexican Peso
include (i) Cetes, which are book-entry securities sold directly by the Mexican
Government on a discount basis and with maturities that range from seven to 364
days, (ii) Bonds, which are long-term development bonds issued directly by the
Mexican Government with a minimum term of 364 days, and (iii) Ajustabonos,
which are adjustable-rate bonds with a minimum three-year term issued directly
by the Mexican Government with the face amount adjusted each quarter by the
quarterly inflation rate.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in Argentine Government
securities that are denominated and payable in the Argentine Peso. Argentine
Government securities include (i) Bonos del Tesoro ("BOTE"), which are
obligations of the Argentine Treasury, and (ii) Bonos de Consolidacion
Economica ("BOCON"), which are economic consolidation bonds issued directly by
the Argentine Government with maturities of up to ten years. Although not all
Argentine Government securities are rated investment grade quality by S&P,
Moody's, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, Alliance believes that there are unrated
Argentine Government securities that are of investment grade quality.
The Fund may also (i) enter into futures contracts and purchase and write
options on futures contracts for hedging purposes, (ii) purchase and write put
and call options on foreign currencies, (iii) purchase or sell forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, (iv) write covered put and call options and
purchase put and call options on U.S. Government and foreign government
securities traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges, and write put and
call options for cross-hedging purposes, (v) enter into interest rate swaps,
caps and floors, (vi) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale
of securities, (vii) invest in variable, floating and inverse floating rate
instruments, (viii) make secured loans of its portfolio securities, and (ix)
enter into repurchase agreements. The Fund will not invest in illiquid
securities if, as a result, 10% of its net assets would be so invested. For
additional information on the use, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices." The Fund also maintains borrowings of
approximately one-third of its total assets less liabilities (other than the
amount borrowed). See "Risk Considerations--Effects of Borrowing."
ALLIANCE GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc. ("Global Dollar Government") seeks
primarily a high level of current income, and secondarily capital appreciation.
In seeking to achieve these objectives, the Fund invests at least 65% of its
total assets in sovereign debt obligations. The Fund's investments in sovereign
debt obligations will emphasize obligations of a type customarily referred to
as "Brady Bonds" that are issued as part of debt restructurings and that are
collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by zero coupon U.S.
Government securities ("collateralized Brady Bonds"). See "Additional
Investment Practices--Brady Bonds" and "Risk Considerations--Sovereign Debt
Obligations." The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in U.S.
and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income securities. See "Risk Considerations--U.S.
Corporate Fixed-Income Securities." The Fund will limit its investments in
sovereign debt obligations and U.S. and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income
securities to U.S. Dollar-denominated securities. Alliance expects that, based
upon current market conditions, the Fund's portfolio of U.S. fixed-income
securities will have an average maturity range of approximately nine to 15
years and the Fund's portfolio of non-U.S. fixed-income securities will have an
average maturity range of approximately 15 to 25 years. Alliance anticipates
that the Fund's portfolio of sovereign debt obligations will have a longer
average maturity.
Substantially all of the Fund's assets will be invested in lower-rated
securities, which may include securities having the lowest rating for
non-subordinated debt instruments (i.e., rated C by Moody's or CCC or lower by
S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch) and unrated securities of comparable investment
quality. These securities are considered to have extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing, to have a current identifiable
vulnerability to default, to be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest
and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or
economic conditions, and/or to be in default or not current in the payment of
interest or principal. For a description of bond ratings, see Appendix A. The
Fund may also invest in investment grade securities. Unrated securities will be
considered for investment by the Fund when Alliance believes that the financial
condition of the issuers of such obligations and the protection afforded by the
terms of the obligations themselves limit the risk to the Fund to a degree
comparable to that of rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's
investment objectives and policies. As of August 31, 1998, the percentages of
the Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or considered by Alliance to be
of equivalent quality to securities rated) in particular rating categories were
5% in A and above, 3% in Baa or BBB 50% in Ba or BB, 22% in B, 3% in CC, 1% in
C and 18% in non-rated. See "Risk Considerations--Securities Ratings,"
"--Investment in Fixed-Income Securities Rated Baa and BBB," "--Investment in
Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities" and Appendix A.
With respect to its investments in sovereign debt obligations and non-U.S.
corporate fixed-income securities, the Fund will emphasize investments in
countries that are considered at the time of purchase to be emerging or
developing countries by the World Bank. A substantial part of the Fund's
investment focus is expected to be in securities or obligations of Argentina,
Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia and Venezuela because these
countries are now, or are expected by Alliance at a future date to be, the
principal participants in debt restructuring programs (including, in the case
of Argentina, Mexico, the Philippines and Venezuela, issuers of currently
outstanding Brady Bonds) that, in Alliance's opinion, will provide the most
attractive investment opportunities for the Fund. Alliance anticipates that
other countries that will provide investment opportunities for the Fund
include, among others, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Jordan, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Thailand, Turkey and Uruguay. See
"Additional Investment Practices--Brady Bonds."
20
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in the sovereign debt
obligations and corporate fixed-income securities of issuers in any one of
Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia or Venezuela, each
of which is an emerging market country, and the Fund will limit investments in
the sovereign debt obligations of each such country (or of any other single
foreign country) to less than 25% of its total assets. The Fund expects that it
will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in the sovereign debt
obligations and corporate fixed-income securities of issuers in any other
single foreign country and is not required to invest any minimum amount of its
assets in the securities or obligations of issuers located in any particular
country.
A substantial portion of the Fund's investments will be in (i) securities which
were initially issued at discounts from their face values ("Discount
Obligations") and (ii) securities purchased by the Fund at a price less than
their stated face amount or, in the case of Discount Obligations, at a price
less than their issue price plus the portion of "original issue discount"
previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a "market discount."
The Fund may also (i) invest in structured securities, (ii) invest in fixed and
floating rate loans that are arranged through private negotiations between an
issuer of sovereign debt obligations and one or more financial institutions and
in participations in and assignments of these types of loans, (iii) invest in
other investment companies, (iv) invest in warrants, (v) enter into interest
rate swaps, caps and floors, (vi) enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities, (vii) make secured loans of its portfolio
securities, (viii) enter into repurchase agreements pertaining to the types of
securities in which it invests, (ix) use reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls, (x) enter into standby commitment agreements, (xi) make short
sales of securities or maintain a short position, (xii) write put and call
options on securities of the types in which it is permitted to invest and write
call options for cross-hedging purposes, (xiii) purchase and sell
exchange-traded options on any securities index composed of the types of
securities in which it may invest, and (xiv) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments. The Fund may also at any time, with respect
to up to 35% of its total assets, temporarily invest funds awaiting
reinvestment or held for reserves for dividends and other distributions to
shareholders in U.S. Dollar-denominated money market instruments. For
additional information on the use, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices." While the Fund does not currently intend to
do so, it reserves the right to borrow an amount not to exceed one-third of the
Fund's assets less liabilities (other than the amount borrowed). See "Risk
Considerations--Effects of Borrowing."
ALLIANCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc. ("Global Strategic Income") is a
non-diversified investment company that seeks primarily a high level of current
income and secondarily capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its investment
objectives by investing primarily in a portfolio of fixed-income securities of
U.S. and non-U.S. companies and U.S. Government and foreign government
securities and supranational entities, including lower-rated securities. The
Fund may also use derivative instruments to attempt to enhance income. The
average weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is
expected to vary between five years and 30 years in accordance with Alliance's
changing perceptions of the relative attractiveness of various maturity ranges.
Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the value of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in the fixed-income securities of issuers located in at
least three countries, one of which may be the United States. No more than 25%
of the value of its total assets, however, will be invested in the securities
of any one foreign government. U.S. Government securities in which the Fund may
invest include mortgage-related securities and zero coupon securities.
Fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest include preferred stock,
mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and zero coupon securities.
The Fund may also invest in rights and warrants (for debt securities or for
equity securities that are acquired in connection with debt instruments), and
loan participations and assignments.
The Fund will maintain at least 65% of the value of its total assets in
investment grade securities and may maintain not more than 35% of the value of
its total assets in lower-rated securities. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings" and "--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities." Unrated securities will be considered for investment
by the Fund when Alliance believes that the financial condition of the issuers
of such obligations and the protection afforded by the terms of the obligations
themselves limit the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated
securities which are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and
policies. Lower-rated securities in which the Fund may invest include Brady
Bonds and fixed-income securities of issuers located in emerging markets. There
is no minimum rating requirement applicable to the Fund's investments in
lower-rated fixed-income securities.
The Fund may also: (i) invest in foreign currencies, (ii) purchase and write
put and call options on securities and foreign currencies, (iii) purchase or
sell forward foreign exchange contracts, (iv) invest in variable, floating and
inverse floating rate instruments, (v) invest in indexed commercial paper, (vi)
invest in structured securities, (vii) lend portfolio securities amounting to
not more than 25% of its total assets, (viii) enter into repurchase agreements
pertaining to the types of securities in which it invests, (ix) use reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls, (x) purchase and sell securities on a
forward commitment basis, (xi) enter into standby commitments, (xii) enter into
contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of fixed-income
securities or foreign currencies, or contracts based on financial indices,
including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign government
securities or common stock, and purchase and write options on futures
contracts, (xiii) invest in Eurodollar instruments, (xiv) enter into interest
rate swaps, caps and floors, and (xv) make
21
short sales of securities or maintain a short position. For additional
information on the use, risks and costs of these policies and practices see
"Additional Investment Practices" and "Risk Considerations." The Fund may
borrow in order to purchase securities or make other investments, although it
currently intends to limit its ability to borrow to an amount not to exceed 25%
of its total assets. See "Risk Considerations--Effects of Borrowing."
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
Corporate Bond Portfolio ("Corporate Bond") is a diversified investment company
that seeks primarily to maximize income over the long term consistent with
providing reasonable safety in the value of each shareholder's investment, and
secondarily to increase its capital through appreciation of its investments in
order to preserve and, if possible, increase the purchasing power of each
shareholder's investment. In pursuing these objectives, the Fund's policy is to
invest in readily marketable securities which give promise of relatively
attractive yields, but which do not involve substantial risk of loss of
capital. The Fund follows a policy of maintaining at least 65% of its net
assets invested in debt securities. Such objectives and policies cannot be
changed without the approval of the shareholders. Although the Fund also
follows a policy of maintaining at least 65% of its total assets invested in
corporate bonds, it is permitted to invest in securities of non-corporate
issuers.
The Fund follows an investment strategy which in certain respects can be
regarded as more aggressive than the strategies of many other funds investing
primarily in corporate bonds. In this regard, the Fund's investment portfolio
normally tends to have a relatively long average maturity and duration, and to
place significant emphasis on both foreign corporate and sovereign debt
obligations and corporate bonds that are expected to benefit from improvement
in their issuers' credit fundamentals. Consequently, in recent years the Fund
frequently has experienced greater net asset value volatility than most other
corporate bond funds. Prospective investors in the Fund should therefore be
prepared to accept the degree of volatility associated with its investment
strategy. See "Risk Considerations."
There is no minimum rating requirement applicable to the Fund's investments in
fixed-income securities, except the Fund expects that it will not retain a
security that is downgraded below B, or if unrated, determined by Alliance to
have undergone similar credit quality deterioration subsequent to purchase.
Currently, the Fund believes its objectives and policies may best be
implemented by investing at least 65% of its total assets in fixed-income
securities considered investment grade or higher. The remainder of the Fund's
assets may be invested in lower-rated fixed-income securities. See "Risk
Considerations--Securities Ratings," "--Investment in Fixed-Income Securities
Rated Baa and BBB," "--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities" and
Appendix A. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, on a weighted average
basis, the percentages of the Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or
considered by Alliance to be of equivalent quality to securities rated) in
particular rating categories were 24% in A and above, 51% in Baa or BBB, 22% in
Ba or BB, 3% in B, 1% in CC, 1% in CCC and 1% in non rated securities.
The Fund may invest up to 50% of the value of its total assets in foreign debt
securities which will consist primarily of corporate fixed-income securities
and sovereign debt obligations. Not more than 15% of the Fund's total assets
may be invested in sovereign debt obligations in the form of foreign
government loan participations and assignments, which may be lower rated and
considered to be predominantly speculative as regards the issuer's capacity to
pay interest and repay principal. All of the Fund's investments, whether
foreign or domestic, are U.S. Dollar-denominated.
Within the foregoing limitations, the Fund has complete flexibility as to the
types of securities in which it will invest and the relative proportions
thereof, and the Fund plans to vary the proportions of its holdings of long-
and short-term fixed-income securities and of equity securities in order to
reflect its assessment of prospective cyclical changes even if such action may
adversely affect current income. However, substantially all of the Fund's
investments will be income producing. The average weighted maturity of the
Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is expected to vary between one
year or less and 30 years.
The Fund may also (i) invest in structured securities, (ii) invest in fixed and
floating rate loans that are arranged through private negotiations between an
issuer of sovereign debt obligations and one or more financial institutions and
in participations in and assignments of these type of loans, (iii) for hedging
purposes, purchase put and call options written by others and write covered put
and call options on the types of securities in which the Fund may invest, (iv)
for hedging purposes, enter into various hedging transactions, such as interest
rate swaps, caps and floors, (v) invest in variable, floating and inverse
floating rate instruments, (vi) invest in zero coupon and pay-in-kind
securities, and (vii) invest in CMOs and multi-class pass-through
mortgage-related securities. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will
not purchase illiquid securities. For additional information on the use, risks
and costs of these practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc. ("High Yield") is a diversified management
investment company that seeks primarily to achieve high total return by
maximizing current income and, to the extent consistent with that objective,
capital appreciation. The Fund pursues this objective by investing primarily in
a diversified mix of high yield, below investment grade fixed-income securities
involving greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income than
higher quality fixed-income securities. The below investment grade debt
securities in which the Fund invests are known as "junk bonds." The Fund is
managed to maximize current income by taking advantage of market developments,
yield disparities and variations in the creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund
uses various strategies in attempting to achieve its objective.
22
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in high yield fixed-income securities rated below investment grade by
two or more NRSROs (i.e., rated lower than Baa by Moody's or lower than BBB by
S&P) or unrated but deemed by Alliance to be equivalent to such lower-rated
securities. The Fund will not, however, invest more than 10% of its total
assets in (i) fixed-income securities which are rated lower than B3 or B- or
their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated are of equivalent quality
as determined by Alliance, and (ii) money market instruments of any entity
which has an outstanding issue of unsecured debt that is rated lower than B3 or
B- or their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated is of equivalent
quality as determined by Alliance.
As of August 31, 1998, on a weighted average basis, the percentages of the
Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or considered by Alliance to be of
equivalent quality to securities rated) in particular rating categories were 5%
in A and above, 4% in Ba or BB, 73% in B, 5% in CCC and 13% in unrated
securities. The Fund did not invest in securities rated below CCC by each of
Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch or, if not rated, considered by Alliance
to be of equivalent quality to securities so rated.
Certain of the Fund's investments may be in fixed-income securities which
provide high current yields because of risks other than credit. For example,
the Fund may invest in securities which have prepayment risks, and non-U.S.
dollar denominated foreign securities, which have currency risks.
See Appendix A, "Bond Ratings," for a description of each rating category. In
the event that any securities held by the Fund fall below those ratings, the
Fund will not be obligated to dispose of such securities and may continue to
hold such securities if, in the opinion of Alliance, such investment is
considered appropriate under the circumstances.
A portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in foreign securities, and the
Fund may buy and sell foreign currencies principally for the purpose of
preserving the value of foreign securities or in anticipation of purchasing
foreign securities. See "Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment" and
"--Currency Considerations."
In addition, and although not to be emphasized, in furtherance of its
investment objective, the Fund may (i) invest in mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) invest in
loan participations and assignments of loans to corporate, governmental, or
other borrowers originally made by institutional lenders or lending syndicates,
(iv) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities and
purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, (v)
write covered put and call options on fixed-income securities, securities
indices and foreign currencies and purchase put or call options on fixed-income
securities, securities indices and foreign curencies, (vi) purchase and sell
futures contracts and related options on debt securities and on indices of debt
securities, (vii) enter into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific
currency for hedging purposes only, and (viii) lend portfolio securities. For
additional information on the uses, risks and costs of these practices, see
"Additional Investment Practices."
In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may from time to time make investments
in (i) U.S. Government securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances, bank notes, time deposits and interest bearing savings deposits
issued or guaranteed by certain domestic and foreign banks, (iii) commercial
paper (rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or, if not rated, issued
by domestic or foreign companies having high quality outstanding debt
securities) and participation interests in loans extended by banks to such
companies, (iv) corporate debt obligations with remaining maturities of less
than one year rated at least high quality as well as corporate debt obligations
rated at least high grade provided the corporation also has outstanding an
issue of commercial paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 Moody's, and (v)
floating rate or master demand notes.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Some or all of the Funds may engage in the following investment practices to
the extent described in this Prospectus. See the Statement of Additional
Information of each Fund for a further discussion of the uses, risks and costs
of engaging in these practices.
DERIVATIVES. The Funds may use derivatives in furtherance of their investment
objectives. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is
derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. These
assets, rates, and indices may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities,
interest rates, currency exchange rates, bond indices and stock indices.
Derivatives can be used to earn income or protect against risk, or both. For
example, one party with unwanted risk may agree to pass that risk to another
party who is willing to accept the risk, the second party being motivated, for
example, by the desire either to earn income in the form of a fee or premium
from the first party, or to reduce its own unwanted risk by attempting to pass
all or part of that risk to the first party.
Derivatives can be used by investors such as the Funds to earn income and
enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of a portfolio, and either
to replace more traditional direct investments or to obtain exposure to
otherwise inaccessible markets. Each of the Funds is permitted to use
derivatives for one or more of these purposes, although most of the Funds
generally use derivatives primarily as direct investments in order to enhance
yields and broaden portfolio diversification. Each of these uses entails
greater risk than if derivatives were used solely for hedging purposes.
Derivatives are a valuable tool which, when used properly, can provide
significant benefit to Fund shareholders. A Fund may take a significant
position in those derivatives that are within its investment policies if, in
Alliance's judgement, this represents the most effective response to current or
anticipated market conditions. MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, HIGH YIELD and GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME, in particular, generally make extensive use of carefully
selected forwards and other derivatives to achieve the currency hedging
23
that is an integral part of their investment strategy. Alliance's use of
derivatives is subject to continuous risk assessment and control from the
standpoint of each Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Derivatives may be (i) standardized, exchange-traded contracts or (ii)
customized, privately negotiated contracts. Exchange-traded derivatives tend to
be more liquid and subject to less credit risk than those that are privately
negotiated.
There are four principal types of derivative instruments--options, futures,
forwards and swaps--from which virtually any type of derivative transaction can
be created.
OPTIONS--An option, which may be standardized and exchange-traded, or
customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement that, for a premium
payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the
obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount
based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the exercise
price) during a period of time or on a specified date. A call option entitles
the holder to purchase, and a put option entitles the holder to sell, the
underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset,
rate or index). Likewise, when an option is exercised the writer of the option
is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or to purchase (in the case
of a put option) the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an
underlying asset, rate or index).
FUTURES--A futures contract is an agreement that obligates the buyer to buy
and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset (or settle
for cash the value of a contract based on an underlying asset, rate or index)
at a specific price on the contract maturity date. Futures contracts are
standardized, exchange-traded instruments and are fungible (i.e., considered to
be perfect substitutes for each other). This fungibility allows futures
contracts to be readily offset or cancelled through the acquisition of equal
but opposite positions, which is the primary method in which futures contracts
are liquidated. A cash-settled futures contract does not require physical
delivery of the underlying asset but instead is settled for cash equal to the
difference between the values of the contract on the date it is entered into
and its maturity date.
FORWARDS--A forward contract is an obligation by one party to buy, and the
other party to sell, a specific quantity of an underlying commodity or other
tangible asset for an agreed upon price at a future date. Forward contracts are
customized, privately negotiated agreements designed to satisfy the objectives
of each party. A forward contract usually results in the delivery of the
underlying asset upon maturity of the contract in return for the agreed upon
payment.
SWAPS--A swap is a customized, privately negotiated agreement that obligates
two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals (payment
dates) based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or
rates (interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps, currency exchange
rates in the case of currency swaps) for a specified amount of an underlying
asset (the "notional" principal amount). The payment flows are netted against
each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. Except
for currency swaps, the notional principal amount is used solely to calculate
the payment streams but is not exchanged. With respect to currency swaps,
actual principal amounts of currencies may be exchanged by the counterparties
at the initiation, and again upon the termination, of the transaction.
Debt instruments that incorporate one or more of these building blocks for the
purpose of determining the principal amount of and/or rate of interest payable
on the debt instruments are often referred to as "structured securities." An
example of this type of structured security is indexed commercial paper. The
term is also used to describe certain securities issued in connection with the
restructuring of certain foreign obligations. See "Indexed Commercial Paper"
and "Structured Securities" below. The term "derivative" is also sometimes used
to describe securities involving rights to a portion of the cash flows from an
underlying pool of mortgages or other assets from which payments are passed
through to the owner of, or that collateralize, the securities. These
securities are described below under "Mortgage-Related Securities" and "Other
Asset-Backed Securities."
Derivatives involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than,
the risks presented by more traditional investments. Following is a general
discussion of important risk factors and issues concerning the use of
derivatives that investors should understand before investing in a Fund.
MARKET RISK--This is the general risk attendant to all investments that the
value of a particular investment will change in a way detrimental to the Fund's
interest.
MANAGEMENT RISK--Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that
require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated
with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not
only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without
the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible
market conditions. In particular, the use and complexity of derivatives require
the maintenance of adequate controls to monitor the transactions entered into,
the ability to assess the risk that a derivative adds to a Fund's portfolio,
and the ability to forecast price, interest rate or currency exchange rate
movements correctly.
CREDIT RISK--This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by a Fund as a
result of the failure of another party to a derivative (usually referred to as
a "counterparty") to comply with the terms of the derivative contract. The
credit risk for exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for
privately negotiated derivatives, since the clearing house, which is the issuer
or counterparty to each exchange-traded derivative, provides a guarantee of
performance. This guarantee is supported by a daily payment system (i.e.,
24
margin requirements) operated by the clearing house in order to reduce overall
credit risk. For privately negotiated derivatives, there is no similar clearing
agency guarantee. Therefore, the Funds consider the creditworthiness of each
counterparty to a privately negotiated derivative in evaluating potential
credit risk.
LIQUIDITY RISK--Liquidity risk exists when a particular instrument is
difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly
large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately
negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or
liquidate a position at an advantageous price.
LEVERAGE RISK--Since many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse
changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, rate or index can result
in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative
itself. In the case of swaps, the risk of loss generally is related to a
notional principal amount, even if the parties have not made any initial
investment. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss,
regardless of the size of the initial investment.
OTHER RISKS--Other risks in using derivatives include the risk of mispricing
or improper valuation of derivatives and the inability of derivatives to
correlate perfectly with underlying assets, rates and indices. Many
derivatives, in particular privately negotiated derivatives, are complex and
often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash
payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a Fund.
Derivatives do not always perfectly or even highly correlate or track the value
of the assets, rates or indices they are designed to closely track.
Consequently, a Fund's use of derivatives may not always be an effective means
of, and sometimes could be counterproductive to, furthering the Fund's
investment objective.
DERIVATIVES USED BY THE FUNDS. Following is a description of specific
derivatives currently used by one or more of the Funds.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. In purchasing an option on securities, a Fund would be
in a position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the price of the
underlying securities increased (in the case of a call) or decreased (in the
case of a put) by an amount in excess of the premium paid; otherwise the Fund
would experience a loss not greater than the premium paid for the option. Thus,
a Fund would realize a loss if the price of the underlying security declined or
remained the same (in the case of a call) or increased or remained the same (in
the case of a put) or otherwise did not increase (in the case of a put) or
decrease (in the case of a call) by more than the amount of the premium. If a
put or call option purchased by a Fund were permitted to expire without being
sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund.
A Fund may write a put or call option in return for a premium, which is
retained by the Fund whether or not the option is exercised. Except with
respect to uncovered call options written for cross-hedging purposes, none of
the Funds will write uncovered call or put options on securities. A call option
written by a Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security, has an
absolute and immediate right to acquire that security upon conversion or
exchange of another security it holds, or holds a call option on the underlying
security with an exercise price equal to or less than that of the call option
it has written. A put option written by a Fund is covered if the Fund holds a
put option on the underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or
greater than that of the put option it has written.
The risk involved in writing an uncovered put option is that there could be a
decrease in the market value of the underlying securities. If this occurred, a
Fund could be obligated to purchase the underlying security at a higher price
than its current market value. Conversely, the risk involved in writing an
uncovered call option is that there could be an increase in the market value of
the underlying security, and a Fund could be obligated to acquire the
underlying security at its current price and sell it at a lower price. The risk
of loss from writing an uncovered put option is limited to the exercise price
of the option, whereas the risk of loss from writing an uncovered call option
is potentially unlimited.
A Fund may write a call option on a security that it does not own in order to
hedge against a decline in the value of a security that it owns or has the
right to acquire, a technique referred to as "cross-hedging." A Fund would
write a call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a covered
call option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge transaction
exceeds that to be received from writing a covered call option, while at the
same time achieving the desired hedge. The correlation risk involved in
cross-hedging may be greater than the correlation risk involved with other
hedging strategies.
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, CORPORATE
BOND and HIGH YIELD generally purchase or write privately negotiated options on
securities. A Fund that does so will effect such transactions only with
investment dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks
or savings and loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance. Alliance has
adopted procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such counterparties.
Privately negotiated options purchased or written by a Fund may be illiquid,
and it may not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time. See "Illiquid Securities" below. Neither MORTGAGE
SECURITIES INCOME nor CORPORATE BOND will purchase an option on a security if,
immediately thereafter, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options purchased
by such Fund would exceed 2% of the Fund's total assets. Nor will either such
Fund write an option if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate value of the
Fund's portfolio securities subject to outstanding options would exceed 15% of
the Fund's total assets.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than taking or making delivery of a
security at a specified price, an
25
option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive, upon
exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the chosen
index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a
put) the exercise price of the option.
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. A Fund invests in options on foreign currencies
that are privately negotiated or traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges for the
purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. Dollar value of foreign
currency denominated securities held by a Fund and against increases in the
U.S. Dollar cost of securities to be acquired. The purchase of an option on a
foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in
exchange rates, although if rates move adversely, a Fund may forfeit the entire
amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
RIGHTS AND WARRANTS. GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest in warrants, and
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may invest in rights and warrants, which are option
securities permitting their holders to subscribe for other securities. GLOBAL
DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest in warrants, and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may
invest in rights and warrants, for debt securities or for equity securities
that are acquired in connection with debt instruments. Rights are similar to
warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration. Rights and
warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the
underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result,
an investment in rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than
certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a right or a
warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying
securities, and a right or a warrant ceases to have value if it is not
exercised prior to its expiration date. GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may invest up
to 20% of its total assets in rights and warrants.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Futures contracts that a
Fund may buy and sell may include futures contracts on fixed-income or other
securities or foreign currencies, and contracts based on interest rates or
financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign
government securities or corporate debt securities.
Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures
contracts upon exercise. Options on futures contracts written or purchased by a
Fund will be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges and, except with respect to
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, will be used only for
hedging purposes.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
INCOME and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME will not enter into a futures contract or
write or purchase an option on a futures contract if immediately thereafter the
market values of the outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and the
currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the
Fund would exceed 50% of its total assets. MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME will not
write or purchase options on futures contracts. Nor will LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME or GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME enter into a futures contract or,
if otherwise permitted, write or purchase an option on a futures contract, if
immediately thereafter the aggregate of initial margin deposits on all the
outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and premiums paid on outstanding
options on futures contracts would exceed 5% of the market value of the total
assets of the Fund. In addition, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME and GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME will not enter into any futures contract (i) other than one on
fixed-income securities or based on interest rates, or (ii) if immediately
thereafter the sum of the then aggregate futures market prices of financial
instruments required to be delivered under open futures contract sales and the
aggregate futures market prices of instruments required to be delivered under
open futures contract purchases would exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's
total assets.
HIGH YIELD will not purchase or sell futures contracts or options on futures
contracts unless either (i) the futures contracts or options thereon are for
"bona fide hedging" purposes (as that term is defined under the Commodities
Futures Trading Commission regulations) or (ii) if for other purposes, the sum
of amounts of initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish
non-hedging positions would not exceed 5% of the Fund's liquidation value.
EURODOLLAR INSTRUMENTS. Eurodollar instruments are essentially U.S.
Dollar-denominated futures contracts or options thereon that are linked to
LIBOR. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate
for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME intend to use
Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in
LIBOR (to which many short-term borrowings and floating rate securities in
which each Fund invests are linked).
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. Each Fund that purchases or sells
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") attempts to
minimize the risk to it from adverse changes in the relationship between the
U.S. Dollar and other currencies. A Fund may enter into a forward contract, for
example, when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. Dollar price
of the security (a "transaction hedge"). When a Fund believes that a foreign
currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. Dollar, it may
enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that foreign currency
approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities
denominated in such foreign currency, or when the Fund believes that the U.S.
Dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may
enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a
fixed dollar amount (a "position hedge"). Instead of entering into a position
hedge, a Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a
different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. Dollar amount where the Fund
believes that the U.S. Dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the
forward contract will fall whenever there is a
26
decline in the U.S. Dollar value of the currency in which portfolio securities
of the Fund are denominated (a "cross-hedge").
FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Forward commitments are forward contracts for the purchase
or sale of securities, including purchases on a "when-issued" basis or
purchases or sales on a "delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward
commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such
as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt
restructuring or approval of a proposed financing by appropriate authorities
(i.e., a "when, as and if issued" trade).
When forward commitments with respect to fixed-income securities are
negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at
the time the commitment is made, but payment for and delivery of the securities
take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two
months after the transaction, but settlements beyond two months may be
negotiated. Securities purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject
to market fluctuation, and no interest or dividends accrues to the purchaser
prior to the settlement date. At the time a Fund enters into a forward
commitment, it records the transaction and thereafter reflects the value of the
security purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining
its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in
such valuation would be canceled if the required conditions did not occur and
the trade were canceled.
The use of forward commitments helps a Fund to protect against anticipated
changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell securities in its
portfolio on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling bond
prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, a Fund
might sell a security in its portfolio and purchase the same or a similar
security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the
benefit of currently higher cash yields. No forward commitments will be made by
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT or GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME if, as a result, the Fund's aggregate
forward commitments under such transactions would be more than 25% of the total
assets of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and 30% of the total assets of each of the
other Funds.
A Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under a forward commitment may
be sold prior to the settlement date. The Funds enter into forward commitments,
however, only with the intention of actually receiving securities or delivering
them, as the case may be. If a Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the right
to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its
right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may realize a gain
or incur a loss.
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS (SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS). Each Fund that may enter
into interest rate swap, cap or floor transactions expects to do so primarily
for hedging purposes, which may include preserving a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio or protecting against an
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Funds do not intend to use these transactions in a speculative manner.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of
floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a
contractually-based principal (or "notional") amount. Interest rate swaps are
entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with
the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the
two payments). Interest rate caps and floors are similar to options in that the
purchase of an interest rate cap or floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent
that a specified index exceeds (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the
case of a floor) a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest
on a notional amount from the party selling the interest rate cap or floor. A
Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and floors on either an
asset-based or liability-based basis, depending upon whether it is hedging its
assets or liabilities.
There is no limit on the amount of interest rate transactions that may be
entered into by a Fund that is permitted to enter into such transactions.
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME may enter into interest rate swaps involving payments in the same
currency or in different currencies. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, LIMITED
MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND will not enter into an interest rate
swap, cap or floor transaction unless the unsecured senior debt or the
claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is then rated in the highest
rating category of at least one NRSRO. Each of MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME will enter into interest
rate swap, cap or floor transactions with its respective custodian, and with
other counterparties, but only if: (i) for transactions with maturities under
one year, such other counterparty has outstanding prime commercial paper; or
(ii) for transactions with maturities greater than one year, the counterparty
has high quality debt securities outstanding.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of
banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents
utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has
become well established and relatively liquid. Caps and floors are less liquid
than swaps. These transactions do not involve the delivery of securities or
other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, unless there is a
counterparty default, the risk of loss to a Fund from interest rate
transactions is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is
contractually obligated to make.
27
STANDBY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS. Standby commitment agreements are similar to put
options that commit a Fund, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated
amount of a security that may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of
the issuer. The price and coupon of the security are fixed at the time of the
commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement, the Fund is paid a
commitment fee regardless of whether the security ultimately is issued. The
Funds will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. No Fund will enter into a standby
commitment with a remaining term in excess of 45 days. The Funds will limit
their investments in standby commitments so that the aggregate purchase price
of the securities subject to the commitments does not exceed 20% or 25% with
respect to GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, of their respective assets.
There is no guarantee that the security subject to a standby commitment will be
issued. In addition, the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date
may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security
is at the option of the issuer, a Fund will bear the risk of capital loss in
the event the value of the security declines and may not benefit from an
appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period if the
issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.
INDEXED COMMERCIAL PAPER. Indexed commercial paper may have its principal
linked to changes in foreign currency exchange rates whereby its principal
amount is adjusted upwards or downwards (but not below zero) at maturity to
reflect changes in the referenced exchange rate. Each Fund that invests in such
commercial paper may do so without limitation. A Fund will receive interest and
principal payments on such commercial paper in the currency in which such
commercial paper is denominated, but the amount of principal payable by the
issuer at maturity will change in proportion to the change (if any) in the
exchange rate between the two specified currencies between the date the
instrument is issued and the date the instrument matures. While such commercial
paper entails the risk of loss of principal, the potential for realizing gains
as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates enables a Fund to
hedge (or cross-hedge) against a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of
investments denominated in foreign currencies while providing an attractive
money market rate of return. A Fund will purchase such commercial paper for
hedging purposes only, not for speculation.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. Government securities may be backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States, supported only by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or backed only by the credit of the
issuing agency itself. These securities include:
(i) the following U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States and differ only in their interest rates,
maturities and times of issuance: U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year
or less with no interest paid and hence issued at a discount and repaid at full
face value upon maturity), U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one to ten years
with interest payable every six months) and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally
maturities of greater than ten years with interest payable every six months);
(ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, such as securities issued by GNMA, the Farmers Home Administration,
the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Export-Import Bank, the
General Services Administration and the Small Business Administration; and
(iii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Government, such as securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC, and governmental
CMOs.
The maturities of the U.S. Government securities listed in paragraphs (i) and
(ii) above usually range from three months to 30 years. Such securities, except
GNMA certificates, normally provide for periodic payments of interest in fixed
amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. For
information regarding GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC certificates and CMOs, see
"Mortgage-Related Securities" below.
U.S. Government securities also include zero coupon securities and
principal-only securities and certain SMRS. In addition, other U.S. Government
agencies and instrumentalities have issued stripped securities that are similar
to SMRS. Such securities include those that are issued with an IO class and a
PO class. See "Mortgage-Related Securities" and "Zero Coupon and Principal-Only
Securities" below. Although these stripped securities are purchased and sold by
institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as
brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result,
established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these
securities may be illiquid.
Guarantees of securities by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of principal and interest on the
securities, and do not guarantee the securities' yield or value or the yield or
value of the shares of a Fund that holds the securities.
U.S. Government securities are considered among the safest of fixed-income
investments. As a result, however, their yields are generally lower than the
yields available from other fixed-income securities.
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. The mortgage-related securities in which a Fund
may invest typically are securities representing interests in pools of mortgage
loans made to home owners. The mortgage loan pools may be assembled for sale to
investors (such as a Fund) by governmental or private organizations.
Mortgage-related securities issued by GNMA are
28
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States; those issued by FNMA
and FHLMC are not so backed. Mortgage-related securities bear interest at
either a fixed rate or an adjustable rate determined by reference to an index
rate. Mortgage-related securities frequently provide for monthly payments that
consist of both interest and principal, unlike more traditional debt
securities, which normally do not provide for periodic repayments of principal.
Securities representing interests in pools created by private issuers generally
offer a higher rate of interest than securities representing interests in pools
created by governmental issuers because there are no direct or indirect
governmental guarantees of the underlying mortgage payments. However, private
issuers sometimes obtain committed loan facilities, lines of credit, letters of
credit, surety bonds or other forms of liquidity and credit enhancement to
support the timely payment of interest and principal with respect to their
securities if the borrowers on the underlying mortgages fail to make their
mortgage payments. The ratings of such non-governmental securities are
generally dependent upon the ratings of the providers of such liquidity and
credit support and would be adversely affected if the rating of such an
enhancer were downgraded. A Fund may buy mortgage-related securities without
credit enhancement if the securities meet the Fund's investment standards.
One type of mortgage-related security is of the "pass-through" variety. The
holder of a pass-through security is considered to own an undivided beneficial
interest in the underlying pool of mortgage loans and receives a pro rata share
of the monthly payments made by the borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of
any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. Prepayments of
mortgages resulting from the sale, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying
properties are also paid to the holders of these securities, which, as
discussed below, frequently causes these securities to experience significantly
greater price and yield volatility than experienced by traditional fixed-income
securities. Some mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by
GNMA, are referred to as "modified pass-through" securities. The holders of
these securities are entitled to the full and timely payment of principal and
interest, net of certain fees, regardless of whether payments are actually made
on the underlying mortgages.
Another form of mortgage-related security is a "pay-through" security, which is
a debt obligation of the issuer secured by a pool of mortgage loans pledged as
collateral that is legally required to be paid by the issuer, regardless of
whether payments are actually made on the underlying mortgages. Collateralized
mortgage obligations (CMOs) are the predominant type of "pay-through"
mortgage-related security. In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is
issued in multiple classes. Each class of a CMO, often referred to as a
"tranche," is issued at a specific coupon rate and has a stated maturity or
final distribution date. Principal prepayments on collateral underlying a CMO
may cause one or more tranches of the CMO to be retired substantially earlier
than the stated maturities or final distribution dates of the collateral. The
principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may be allocated among
several classes of a series of a CMO in many ways. In a common structure,
payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the underlying
mortgages are applied to the classes of the series of a CMO in the order of
their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates, so that no
payment of principal will be made on any class of a CMO until all other classes
having an earlier stated maturity or final distribution date have been paid in
full. One or more tranches of a CMO may have coupon rates that reset
periodically, or "float," at a specified increment over an index such as LIBOR.
Floating-rate CMOs may be backed by fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. To
date, fixed-rate mortgages have been more commonly utilized for this purpose.
Floating-rate CMOs are typically issued with lifetime caps on the coupon rate
thereon. These caps, similar to the caps on adjustable-rate mortgages described
below, represent a ceiling beyond which the coupon rate on a floating-rate CMO
may not be increased regardless of increases in the interest rate index to
which the floating-rate CMO is tied. The collateral securing the CMOs may
consist of a pool of mortgages, but may also consist of mortgage-backed bonds
or pass-through securities. CMOs may be issued by a U.S. Government
instrumentality or agency or by a private issuer. Although payment of the
principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately
issued CMOs may be guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, these CMOs represent
obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by
GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC, any other governmental agency or any other person or entity.
Another type of mortgage-related security, known as adjustable-rate mortgage
securities (ARMS), bears interest at a rate determined by reference to a
predetermined interest rate or index. There are two main categories of rates or
indices: (i) rates based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities and (ii)
indices derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a
moving average of mortgage rates. Some rates and indices closely mirror changes
in market interest rate levels, while others tend to lag changes in market rate
levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile.
ARMS may be secured by fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages. ARMS
secured by fixed-rate mortgages generally have lifetime caps on the coupon
rates of the securities. To the extent that general interest rates increase
faster than the interest rates on the ARMS, these ARMS will decline in value.
The adjustable-rate mortgages that secure ARMS will frequently have caps that
limit the maximum amount by which the interest rate or the monthly principal
and interest payments on the mortgages may increase. These payment caps can
result in negative amortization (i.e., an increase in the balance of the
mortgage loan). Furthermore, since many adjustable-rate mortgages only reset on
an annual basis, the values of ARMS tend to fluctuate to the extent that
changes in prevailing interest rates are not immediately reflected in the
interest rates payable on the underlying adjustable-rate mortgages.
29
Stripped mortgage-related securities (SMRS) are mortgage-related securities
that are usually structured with two classes of securities collateralized by a
pool of mortgages or a pool of mortgaged-backed bonds or pass-through
securities, with each class receiving different proportions of the principal
and interest payments from the underlying assets. A common type of SMRS has one
class of interest-only securities (IOs) receiving all of the interest payments
from the underlying assets; while the other class of securities, principal-only
securities (POs), receives all of the principal payments from the underlying
assets. IOs and POs are extremely sensitive to interest rate changes and are
more volatile than mortgage-related securities that are not stripped. IOs tend
to decrease in value as interest rates decrease, while POs generally increase
in value as interest rates decrease. If prepayments of the underlying mortgages
are greater than anticipated, the amount of interest earned on the overall pool
will decrease due to the decreasing principal balance of the assets. Changes in
the values of IOs and POs can be substantial and occur quickly, such as
occurred in the first half of 1994 when the value of many POs dropped
precipitously due to increases in interest rates. For this reason, none of the
Funds relies on IOs and POs as the principal means of furthering its investment
objective.
The value of mortgage-related securities is affected by a number of factors.
Unlike traditional debt securities, which have fixed maturity dates,
mortgage-related securities may be paid earlier than expected as a result of
prepayments of underlying mortgages. Such prepayments generally occur during
periods of falling mortgage interest rates. If property owners make unscheduled
prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will result in the early
payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. In that event, a Fund
may be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the
mortgage-related securities in investments that provide as high a yield as the
mortgage-related securities. Early payments associated with mortgage-related
securities cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and
yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities.
The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by the level of general
interest rates, general economic conditions and other social and demographic
factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage
prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of
mortgage-related securities. Conversely, during periods of rising interest
rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective life of
mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in
market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a
mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, a Fund may not be able to
realize the rate of return it expected.
Although the market for mortgage-related securities is becoming increasingly
liquid, those issued by certain private organizations may not be readily
marketable. In particular, the secondary markets for CMOs, IOs and POs may be
more volatile and less liquid than those for other mortgage-related securities,
thereby potentially limiting a Fund's ability to buy or sell those securities
at any particular time.
As with fixed-income securities generally, the value of mortgage-related
securities can also be adversely affected by increases in general interest
rates relative to the yield provided by such securities. Such an adverse effect
is especially possible with fixed-rate mortgage securities. If the yield
available on other investments rises above the yield of the fixed-rate mortgage
securities as a result of general increases in interest rate levels, the value
of the mortgage-related securities will decline. Although the negative effect
could be lessened if the mortgage-related securities were to be paid earlier
(thus permitting a Fund to reinvest the prepayment proceeds in investments
yielding the higher current interest rate), as described above the rates of
mortgage prepayments and early payments of mortgage-related securities
generally tend to decline during a period of rising interest rates.
Although the values of ARMS may not be affected as much as the values of
fixed-rate mortgage securities by rising interest rates, ARMS may still decline
in value as a result of rising interest rates. Although, as described above,
the yields on ARMS vary with changes in the applicable interest rate or index,
there is often a lag between increases in general interest rates and increases
in the yield on ARMS as a result of relatively infrequent interest rate reset
dates. In addition, adjustable-rate mortgages and ARMS often have interest rate
or payment caps that limit the ability of the adjustable-rate mortgages or ARMS
to fully reflect increases in the general level of interest rates.
OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The securitization techniques used to develop
mortgage-related securities are being applied to a broad range of financial
assets. Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various
types of assets, including automobile loans and leases, credit card
receivables, home equity loans, equipment leases and trade receivables, are
being securitized in structures similar to the structures used in mortgage
securitizations. These asset-backed securities are subject to risks associated
with changes in interest rates and prepayment of underlying obligations similar
to the risks of investment in mortgage-related securities discussed above.
Each type of asset-backed security also entails unique risks depending on the
type of assets involved and the legal structure used. For example, credit card
receivables are generally unsecured obligations of the credit card holder and
the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off
certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
There have also been proposals to cap the interest rate that a credit card
issuer may charge. In some transactions, the value of the asset-backed security
is dependent on the performance of a third party acting as credit enhancer or
servicer. Furthermore, in some transactions (such as those involving the
securitization of vehicle loans or leases) it may be administratively
burdensome
30
to perfect the interest of the security issuer in the underlying collateral and
the underlying collateral may become damaged or stolen.
ZERO COUPON AND PRINCIPAL-ONLY SECURITIES. Zero coupon securities and
principal-only (PO) securities are debt securities that have been issued
without interest coupons or stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and
include receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations and coupons. Such a security pays no interest to its holder during
its life. Its value to an investor consists of the difference between its face
value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is
generally an amount significantly less than its face value. Such securities
usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and are subject
to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates
than debt obligations of comparable maturities and credit quality that make
current distributions of interest. On the other hand, because there are no
periodic interest payments to be reinvested prior to maturity, these securities
eliminate reinvestment risk and "lock in" a rate of return to maturity.
Zero coupon Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury bills issued without interest
coupons. Principal-only Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury notes and bonds
that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and receipts or
certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations.
Currently the only U.S. Treasury security issued without coupons is the
Treasury bill. Although the U.S. Treasury does not itself issue Treasury notes
and bonds without coupons, under the U.S. Treasury STRIPS program interest and
principal payments on certain long-term Treasury securities may be maintained
separately in the Federal Reserve book entry system and may be separately
traded and owned. In addition, in the last few years a number of banks and
brokerage firms have separated ("stripped") the principal portions from the
coupon portions of U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and sold them separately in
the form of receipts or certificates representing undivided interests in these
instruments (which instruments are generally held by a bank in a custodial or
trust account). The staff of the Commission has indicated that, in its view,
these receipts or certificates should be considered as securities issued by the
bank or brokerage firm involved and, therefore, should not be included in a
Fund's categorization of U.S. Government securities. The Funds disagree with
the staff's position but will not treat such securities as U.S. Government
securities until final resolution of the issue.
Current federal tax law requires that a holder (such as a Fund) of a zero
coupon security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was
purchased as income each year even though the holder receives no interest
payment in cash on the security during the year. As a result, in order to make
the distributions necessary for a Fund not to be subject to federal income or
excise taxes, the Fund might be required to pay out as an income distribution
each year an amount, obtained by liquidation of portfolio securities or
borrowings if necessary, greater than the total amount of cash that the Fund
has actually received as interest during the year. Each Fund believes, however,
that it is highly unlikely that it would be necessary to liquidate portfolio
securities or borrow money in order to make such required distributions or to
meet its investment objective. For a discussion of the tax treatment of zero
coupon Treasury securities, see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes--Zero
Coupon Treasury Securities" in the Statement of Additional Information of each
Fund that is permitted to invest in such securities.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND may also invest in "pay-in-kind"
debentures (i.e., debt obligations the interest on which may be paid in the
form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which have
characteristics similar to zero coupon securities.
VARIABLE, FLOATING AND INVERSE FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS. Fixed-income
securities may have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Variable and
floating rate securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically,
according to a specified formula. A "variable" interest rate adjusts at
predetermined intervals (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly), while a "floating"
interest rate adjusts whenever a specified benchmark rate (such as the bank
prime lending rate) changes.
A Fund may invest in fixed-income securities that pay interest at a coupon rate
equal to a base rate, plus additional interest for a certain period of time if
short-term interest rates rise above a predetermined level or "cap." The amount
of such an additional interest payment typically is calculated under a formula
based on a short-term interest rate index multiplied by a designated factor.
Leveraged inverse floating rate debt instruments are sometimes known as inverse
floaters. The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite
direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is
indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent
that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the
change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in
inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in market value, such
that, during periods of rising interest rates, the market values of inverse
floaters will tend to decrease more rapidly than those of fixed rate securities.
STRUCTURED SECURITIES. Structured securities in which GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and CORPORATE BOND may invest represent interests in
entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the
investment characteristics of sovereign debt obligations, with respect to
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, or foreign government
securities, with respect to CORPORATE BOND. This type of restructuring involves
the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of
specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or Brady Bonds) and the
issuance by that entity of one or more classes of structured securities backed
by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on
the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued
31
structured securities to create securities with different investment
characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest
rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with respect to structured
securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying
instruments. Because structured securities typically involve no credit
enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the
underlying instruments. Structured securities of a given class may be either
subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class.
Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present
greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities. GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT may invest up to 25% of its total assets, and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME and CORPORATE BOND may invest without limit, in these types of
structured securities.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. A Fund's investments in loans are expected
in most instances to be in the form of participations in loans and assignments
of all or a portion of loans from third parties. A Fund's investment in loan
participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual
relationship only with the lender and not with the borrower. A Fund will
acquire participations only if the lender interpositioned between the Fund and
the borrower is a lender having total assets of more than $25 billion and whose
senior unsecured debt is rated investment grade or higher. When a Fund
purchases a loan assignment from a lender it will acquire direct rights against
the borrower on the loan. Because loan assignments are arranged through private
negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the
rights and obligations acquired by a Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may
differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
The assignability of certain sovereign debt obligations, with respect to GLOBAL
DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, or foreign government
securities, with respect to CORPORATE BOND and HIGH YIELD, is restricted by the
governing documentation as to the nature of the assignee such that the only way
in which the Fund may acquire an interest in a loan is through a participation
and not an assignment. A Fund may have difficulty disposing of assignments and
participations because to do so it will have to assign such securities to a
third party. Because there may not be a liquid market for such investments,
they can probably be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors.
The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse effect on the value
of such investments and a Fund's ability to dispose of particular
participations and assignments when necessary to meet its liquidity needs in
response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for
participations and assignments also may make it more difficult for the Fund to
assign a value to these investments for purposes of valuing the Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value.
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may invest up to 25%, and
CORPORATE BOND may invest up to 15%, of their total assets, in loan
participations and assignments. The government that is the borrower on the loan
will be considered by a Fund to be the issuer of a loan participation or
assignment for purposes of its fundamental investment policy that it may not
invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of issuers conducting
their principal business activities in the same industry (i.e., foreign
government).
BRADY BONDS. Brady Bonds are created through the exchange of existing
commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection
with debt restructurings under a plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of
the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Bonds have been
issued only recently, and, accordingly, do not have a long payment history.
They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies
(although most are U.S. Dollar-denominated) and they are actively traded in the
over-the-counter secondary market.
U.S. Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate
par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full
as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations that
have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady
Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in
the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest
payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value
recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute
supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady
Bonds are often viewed as having up to four valuation components: (i)
collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity, (ii) collateralized
interest payments, (iii) uncollateralized interest payments, and (iv) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect
to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of
the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as
collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors,
nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral
will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted
Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face
amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then
been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as
speculative.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures,
corporate notes and preferred stocks that are convertible into common stock.
Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the same general
characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which provide a stable
stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity securities
of the same or similar issuers. The price of a
32
convertible security will normally vary with changes in the price of the
underlying equity security, although the higher yield tends to make the
convertible security less volatile than the underlying equity security. As with
debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decrease
as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates decline. While
convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than
non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they enable investors to
benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.
Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or
lower by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch and comparable unrated securities may
share some or all of the risks of debt securities with those ratings. For a
description of these risks, see "Risk Considerations--Investment in Lower-Rated
Fixed-Income Securities."
SHORT SALES. A short sale is effected by selling a security that a Fund does
not own, or if the Fund owns the security, is not to be delivered upon
consummation of the sale. A short sale is "against the box" if a Fund owns or
has the right to obtain without payment securities identical to those sold
short. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT each may make
short sales only against the box and only for the purpose of deferring
realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition,
each of these Funds may not make a short sale if, as a result, more than 10% of
net assets (taken at market value), with respect to GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
and 10% of total assets, with respect to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, would be
held as collateral for short sales.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may make a short sale in anticipation that the market
price of that security will decline. When the Fund makes a short sale of a
security that it does not own, it must borrow from a broker-dealer the security
sold short and deliver the security to the broker-dealer upon conclusion of the
short sale. The Fund may be required to pay a fee to borrow particular
securities and is often obligated to pay over any payments received on such
borrowed securities. The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed security
will be secured by collateral deposited with a broker-dealer qualified as a
custodian. Depending on the arrangements the Fund makes with the broker-dealer
from which it borrowed the security regarding remittance of any payments
received by the Fund on such security, the Fund may or may not receive any
payments (e.g., dividends or interest) on its collateral deposited with the
broker-dealer.
In order to defer realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may also make short sales "against the box"
of securities which are eligible for such deferal. The Fund may not make a
short sale, if as a result, more than 25% of its total assets would be held as
collateral for short sales.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short
sale and the time a Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a
loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a short-term
capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the
transaction costs described above. Although a Fund's gain is limited to the
price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically
unlimited.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. A repurchase agreement arises when a buyer purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon
future date, normally a day or a few days later. The resale price is greater
than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period
the buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements permit a Fund to
keep all of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. A Fund requires continual
maintenance of collateral in an amount equal to, or in excess of, the resale
price. If a vendor defaults on its repurchase obligation, a Fund would suffer a
loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale of the collateral were less
than the repurchase price. If a vendor goes bankrupt, a Fund might be delayed
in, or prevented from, selling the collateral for its benefit. There is no
percentage restriction on any Fund's ability to enter into repurchase
agreements, except that SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT may enter into repurchase
agreements on not more than 25% of its total assets. The Funds may enter into
repurchase agreements with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or
"primary dealers" (as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York),
although LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT currently enter into repurchase
agreements only with their custodians and such primary dealers.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve sales by a Fund of portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by
the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price. During
the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Fund continues to receive
principal and interest payments on these securities. Generally, the effect of
such a transaction is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested
in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase
agreement, while it will be able to keep the interest income associated with
those portfolio securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the
interest cost to a Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the
cost of otherwise obtaining the cash.
Dollar rolls involve sales by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current
month and the Fund's simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially
similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During
the roll period, a Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities.
A Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the
lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop")
as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.
33
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls involve the risk that the market
value of the securities a Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement
may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, a Fund's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be
restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or
receiver, whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities.
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls are speculative techniques and
are considered borrowings by the Funds. SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT may enter
into reverse repurchase agreements with commercial banks and registered
broker-dealers in order to increase income, in an amount up to 33-1/3% of its
total assets. Under normal circumstances, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT does not
expect to engage in reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls with respect
to greater than 50% of its total assets. Reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls together with any borrowings by GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT will not
exceed 33% of its total assets less liabilities (other than amounts borrowed).
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with
commercial banks and registered broker-dealers in order to increase income, in
an amount up to 25% of its total assets. Reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls together with any borrowings by GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME will not
exceed 25% of its total assets. See "Risk Considerations--Effects of Borrowing."
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. A Fund may make secured loans of portfolio
securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided that cash,
liquid high grade debt securities or bank letters of credit equal to at least
100% of the market value of the securities loaned is deposited and maintained
by the borrower with the Fund. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as
with other secured extensions of credit, consist of possible loss of rights in
the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to
lend securities to a particular borrower, Alliance will consider all relevant
facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. While
securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income earned
thereon and the Fund may invest any cash collateral in portfolio securities,
thereby earning additional income, or receive an agreed-upon amount of income
from a borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. Each Fund will have
the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities or equivalent
securities in order to exercise ownership rights such as voting rights,
subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or distributions. A Fund
may pay reasonable finders', administrative and custodial fees in connection
with a loan. A Fund will not lend portfolio securities in excess of 50%, with
respect to HIGH YIELD, 25%, with respect to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT and
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, and 20%, with respect to each of LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT, MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, of its total assets, nor will a
Fund lend portfolio securities to any officer, director, employee or affiliate
of the Fund or Alliance.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Subject to any more restrictive applicable investment
policies, none of the Funds will maintain more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities. Illiquid securities generally include (i) direct
placements or other securities that are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available market (e.g.,
when trading in the security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted
securities, when market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or
offers), including many currency swaps and any assets used to cover currency
swaps, (ii) over-the-counter options and assets used to cover over-the-counter
options, and (iii) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days. Rule
144A securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have
a readily available market are not deemed illiquid. Alliance will monitor the
liquidity of each Fund's Rule 144A portfolio securities under the supervision
of the Directors of that Fund. A Fund that invests in illiquid securities may
not be able to sell such securities and may not be able to realize their full
value upon sale.
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may invest
in other investment companies whose investment objectives and policies are
consistent with those of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest not
more than 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies.
In addition, under the 1940 Act the Fund may not own more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting stock of any investment company and not more than 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any
investment company. If the Fund acquired shares in investment companies,
shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund
(including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such
investment companies (including management and advisory fees).
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS. A Fund may, following written notice to its shareholders,
take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently
contemplated for use by the Fund, or are not available but may yet be
developed, to the extent such investment practices are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Such
investment practices, if they arise, may involve risks that are different from
or exceed those involved in the practices described above.
DEFENSIVE POSITION. For temporary defensive purposes, each Fund may invest in
certain types of short-term, liquid, high grade or high quality (depending on
the Fund) debt securities. These securities may include U.S. Government
securities, qualifying bank deposits, money market instruments, prime
commercial paper and other types of short-term debt securities, including notes
and bonds. For Funds that may invest in foreign countries, such securities may
also include short-term, foreign-currency denominated securities of the type
mentioned above issued by foreign governmental entities, companies and
supranational organizations. For a complete description of the types of
securities in which a Fund may invest while in a temporary defensive position,
see the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. Portfolio turnover rates are set forth under "Financial
Highlights." These rates of portfolio turnover are greater than those of most
other investment companies. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves
correspondingly greater brokerage and other expenses than a lower rate, which
must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover also
may result in the realization of substantial net short-term capital gains. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in each Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies listed below,
which may not be changed without the approval of its shareholders. Additional
investment restrictions with respect to a Fund are set forth in its Statement
of Additional Information.
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT may not (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets
in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and
repurchase agreements relating thereto), although up to 25% of the Fund's total
assets may be invested without regard to this restriction, or (ii) invest 25%
or more of its total assets in the securities of any one industry.
U.S. GOVERNMENT may not (i) borrow money except from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes and then only in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of
its total assets at the time the borrowing is made, (ii) make loans to other
persons, (iii) effect a short sale of any security, (iv) purchase securities on
margin, but it may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of securities, or (v) write, purchase or sell
puts, calls or combinations thereof.
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT may not (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets
in the securities of any one issuer or own more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer (other than U.S. Government securities),
except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to the 5% and 10% limitations, (ii) invest 25% or more of its
total assets in securities of companies engaged principally in any one
industry, except that this restriction does not apply to investments in the
mortgage and mortgage-financed industry (in which more than 25% of the value of
the Fund's total assets will, except for temporary defensive positions, be
invested) or U.S. Government securities, (iii) borrow money except from banks
for emergency or temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value
of the total assets of the Fund, except that the Fund may engage in reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls in an amount up to 50% of the Fund's
total assets, and (iv) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its
assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME may not (i) invest more than 5% of the value of its
total assets in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities), except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may
be invested without regard to this limitation, (ii) invest more than 25% of the
value of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting their
principal business activities in a single industry, except that this limitation
shall not apply to investments in the mortgage and mortgage-financed industry
(in which more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets will, except
for temporary defensive positions, be invested) or U.S. Government securities,
(iii) borrow money except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes,
including the meeting of redemption requests which might require the untimely
disposition of securities, borrowing in the aggregate may not exceed 15%, and
borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemptions may not exceed 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
made, outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets will be repaid before any subsequent investments are made, (iv) pledge,
hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except in an amount of
not more than 15% of the value of its total assets to secure borrowings for
temporary or emergency purposes and except as provided in (vi) below, provided,
however, that this limitation does not apply to deposits made in connection
with the entering into and holding of interest rate futures contracts, (v)
invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets in the aggregate in
illiquid securities or other illiquid investments and repurchase agreements
maturing in more than seven days, or (vi) lend its portfolio securities if
immediately after such a loan more than 20% of the value of the Fund's total
assets would be subject to such loans.
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry other than the
banking industry, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S.
Government securities, (ii) borrow money, except the Fund may, in accordance
with provisions of the 1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after such
borrowing, there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act,
and (b) borrow for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding
5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, or (iii) pledge, hypothecate,
mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted
borrowings.
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total
assets in securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry
except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government securities, (ii)
borrow money, except that the Fund may, in accordance with provisions of the
1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after such borrowing, there is asset
coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act, and (b) borrow for
temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of
the total assets of the Fund, or (iii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or
otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
35
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may not (i) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in any
one industry, except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government
securities, (ii) purchase more than 10% of any class of the voting securities
of any one issuer, (iii) borrow money, except the Fund may, in accordance with
provisions of the 1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after such borrowing,
there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act, (b) borrow
for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value
of the total assets of the Fund, and (c) enter into reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls, (iv) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise
encumber its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings, or (v) purchase a
security if, as a result (unless the security is acquired pursuant to a plan of
reorganization or an offer of exchange), the Fund would own more than 3% of the
total outstanding voting stock of any investment company or more than 5% of the
value of the Fund's net assets would be invested in securities of any one or
more investment companies.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME may not (i) borrow money, except the Fund may, in
accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act, (a) borrow from a bank, if after
such borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the 1940
Act, (b) borrow for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding
5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, and (c) enter into reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls, or (ii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage
or otherwise encumber its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
CORPORATE BOND may not (i) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer other than U.S. Government securities, or (ii) own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer.
HIGH YIELD may not (i) invest in any one industry if that investment would make
the Fund's holding in that industry exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets and
(ii) will not make an investment unless, when considering all its other
investments, 75% of the value of its assets would consist of cash, cash items,
U.S. Government Securities, securities of other investment companies and other
securities.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. The value of each Fund's shares will fluctuate with
the value of its investments. The value of each Fund's investments will change
as the general level of interest rates fluctuates. During periods of falling
interest rates, the values of a Fund's securities will generally rise, although
if falling interest rates are viewed as a precursor to a recession, the values
of a Fund's securities may fall along with interest rates. Conversely, during
periods of rising interest rates, the values of a Fund's securities will
generally decline. Changes in interest rates have a greater effect on
fixed-income securities with longer maturities and durations than those with
shorter maturities and durations.
In seeking to achieve a Fund's investment objective, there will be times, such
as during periods of rising interest rates, when depreciation and realization
of capital losses on securities in a Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable.
Moreover, medium- and lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of
comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market
values than higher-rated securities under certain market conditions. Such
fluctuations after a security is acquired do not affect the cash income
received from that security but will be reflected in the net asset value of a
Fund.
U.S. CORPORATE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. The U.S. corporate fixed-income
securities in which GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and HIGH YIELD invest may include
securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings such as takeovers
or leveraged buyouts, which may pose particular risks. Securities issued to
finance corporate restructurings may have special credit risks due to the
highly leveraged conditions of the issuer. In addition, such issuers may lose
experienced management as a result of the restructuring. Furthermore, the
market price of such securities may be more volatile to the extent that
expected benefits from the restructuring do not materialize. The Funds may also
invest in U.S. corporate fixed-income securities that are not current in the
payment of interest or principal or are in default, so long as Alliance
believes such investment is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives.
The Funds' rights with respect to defaults on such securities will be subject
to applicable U.S. bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries. Consequently, a Fund whose investment portfolio includes such
securities may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower
liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in securities of U.S. companies.
These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events generally
affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant blocks of
securities, than is usual in the United States. Securities registration,
custody and settlements may in some instances be subject to delays and legal
and administrative uncertainties. Furthermore, foreign investment in the
securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to
varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude
investment in certain securities and may increase the cost and expenses of a
Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the
proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the countries is controlled
under regulations, including in some cases the need for certain advance
government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a
country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions
on foreign capital remittances. A Fund could also be adversely affected by
delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for
repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on
investment. Investing in local markets may
36
require a Fund to adopt special procedures or seek local governmental approvals
or other actions, any of which may involve additional costs to a Fund. The
liquidity of a Fund's investments in any country in which any of these factors
exists could be affected, and Alliance will monitor the effect of any such
factor or factors on a Fund's investments. Furthermore, transaction costs
including brokerage commissions for transactions both on and off the securities
exchanges in many foreign countries are generally higher than in the U.S.
Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not subject to the
same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as
insider trading rules, restrictions on market manipulation, shareholder proxy
requirements and timely disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting
and auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases
significantly, from U.S. standards in important respects, and less information
may be available to investors in foreign securities than to investors in U.S.
securities. Substantially less information is publicly available about certain
non-U.S. issuers than is available about most U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country or the
Fund's investments in that country. In the event of nationalization,
expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment in
securities in the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries
governing business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less
protection to security holders such as the Fund than that provided by U.S. laws.
Alliance believes that, except for currency fluctuations between the U.S.
Dollar and the Canadian Dollar, the matters described above are not likely to
have a material adverse effect on NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME'S
investments in the securities of Canadian issuers or investments denominated in
Canadian Dollars. The factors described above are more likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Fund's investments in the securities of Mexican
and other non-Canadian foreign issuers, including investments in securities
denominated in Mexican Pesos or other non-Canadian foreign currencies. If not
hedged, however, currency fluctuations could affect the unrealized appreciation
and depreciation of Canadian Government securities as expressed in U.S. Dollars.
CURRENCY CONSIDERATIONS. Those Funds that invest some portion of their assets
in securities denominated in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies will
be adversely affected by reductions in the value of those currencies relative
to the U.S. Dollar. These changes will affect a Fund's net assets,
distributions and income. If the value of the foreign currencies in which a
Fund receives income falls relative to the U.S. Dollar between receipt of the
income and the making of Fund distributions, a Fund may be required to
liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund has
insufficient cash in U.S. Dollars to meet the distribution requirements that
the Fund must satisfy to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes. Similarly, if an exchange rate declines between the time a
Fund incurs expenses in U.S. Dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the
amount of the currency required to be converted into U.S. Dollars in order to
pay expenses in U.S. Dollars could be greater than the equivalent amount of
such expenses in the currency at the time they were incurred. In light of these
risks, a Fund may engage in certain currency hedging transactions, which
themselves involve certain special risks. See "Additional Investment Practices"
above.
SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS. No established secondary markets may exist for many
of the sovereign debt obligations in which GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME will invest. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an
adverse effect on the market price and a Fund's ability to dispose of
particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity requirements or in
response to specific economic events such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain
sovereign debt obligations may also make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain
accurate market quotations for the purpose of valuing its portfolio. Market
quotations are generally available on many sovereign debt obligations only from
a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of
those dealers or prices for actual sales.
By investing in sovereign debt obligations, the Funds will be exposed to the
direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic changes in
various countries. Political changes in a country may affect the willingness of
a foreign government to make or provide for timely payments of its obligations.
The country's economic status, as reflected, among other things, in its
inflation rate, the amount of its external debt and its gross domestic product,
will also affect the government's ability to honor its obligations.
The sovereign debt obligations in which the Funds will invest in many cases
pertain to countries that are among the world's largest debtors to commercial
banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and other
financial institutions. In recent years, the governments of some of these
countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their external debt
obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring
of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other
things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by
negotiating new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding
principal and unpaid interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to
finance interest payments. Certain governments have not been able to make
payments of interest on or principal of sovereign debt obligations as those
payments have come due. Obligations arising from past restructuring
37
agreements may affect the economic performance and political and social
stability of those issuers.
The ability of governments to make timely payments on their obligations is
likely to be influenced strongly by the issuer's balance of payments, including
export performance, and its access to international credits and investments. To
the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other
than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be
adversely affected. To the extent that a country develops a trade deficit, it
will need to depend on continuing loans from foreign governments, multi-lateral
organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign
governments and on inflows of foreign investment. The access of a country to
these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal of
external funding could adversely affect the capacity of a government to make
payments on its obligations. In addition, the cost of servicing debt
obligations can be affected by a change in international interest rates since
the majority of these obligations carry interest rates that are adjusted
periodically based upon international rates.
The Funds are permitted to invest in sovereign debt obligations that are not
current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default so long as
Alliance believes it to be consistent with the Funds' investment objectives.
The Funds may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with
respect to certain sovereign debt obligations it holds. For example, remedies
from defaults on certain sovereign debt obligations, unlike those on private
debt, must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party
itself. Legal recourse therefore may be significantly diminished. Bankruptcy,
moratorium and other similar laws applicable to issuers of sovereign debt
obligations may be substantially different from those applicable to issuers of
private debt obligations. The political context, expressed as the willingness
of an issuer of sovereign debt obligations to meet the terms of the debt
obligation, for example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no
assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not
contest payments to the holders of securities issued by foreign governments in
the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.
EFFECTS OF BORROWING. A Fund's loan agreements provide for additional
borrowings and for repayments and reborrowings from time to time, and each Fund
that may borrow expects to effect borrowings and repayments at such times and
in such amounts as will maintain investment leverage in an amount approximately
equal to its borrowing target. The loan agreements provide for a selection of
interest rates that are based on the bank's short-term funding costs in the
U.S. and London markets.
Borrowings by a Fund result in leveraging of the Fund's shares of common stock.
Utilization of leverage, which is usually considered speculative, however,
involves certain risks to a Fund's shareholders. These include a higher
volatility of the net asset value of a Fund's shares of common stock and the
relatively greater effect on the net asset value of the shares. So long as a
Fund is able to realize a net return on its investment portfolio that is higher
than the interest expense paid on borrowings, the effect of leverage will be to
cause the Fund's shareholders to realize a higher current net investment income
than if the Fund were not leveraged. On the other hand, interest rates on U.S.
Dollar-denominated and foreign currency-denominated obligations change from
time to time as does their relationship to each other, depending upon such
factors as supply and demand forces, monetary and tax policies within each
country and investor expectations. Changes in such factors could cause the
relationship between such rates to change so that rates on U.S.
Dollar-denominated obligations may substantially increase relative to the
foreign currency-denominated obligations in which the Fund may be invested. To
the extent that the interest expense on borrowings approaches the net return on
a Fund's investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the Fund's
shareholders will be reduced, and if the interest expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to shareholders, a Fund's use of leverage would result in
a lower rate of return than if a Fund were not leveraged. Similarly, the effect
of leverage in a declining market could be a greater decrease in net asset
value per share than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case if a
Fund's current investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest
expense on borrowings, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain
of its investments, thereby reducing the net asset value of a Fund's shares.
In the event of an increase in rates on U.S. Government securities or other
changed market conditions, to the point where leverage by MULTI-MARKET
STRATEGY, GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME or NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME could
adversely affect the Funds' shareholders, as noted above, or in anticipation
of such changes, each Fund may increase the percentage of its investment
portfolio invested in U.S. Government securities, which would tend to offset
the negative impact of leverage on Fund shareholders. Each Fund may also
reduce the degree to which it is leveraged by repaying amounts borrowed.
Under the 1940 Act, a Fund is not permitted to borrow unless immediately after
such borrowing there is "asset coverage," as that term is defined and used in
the 1940 Act, of at least 300% for all borrowings of the Fund. In addition,
under the 1940 Act, in the event asset coverage falls below 300%, a Fund must
within three days reduce the amount of its borrowing to such an extent that the
asset coverage of its borrowings is at least 300%. Assuming, for example,
outstanding borrowings representing not more than one-third of a Fund's total
assets less liabilities (other than such borrowings), the asset coverage of the
Fund's portfolio would be 300%; while outstanding borrowings representing 25%
of the Fund's total assets less liabilities (other than such borrowings), the
asset coverage of the Fund's portfolio would be 400%. A Fund will maintain
asset coverage of outstanding borrowings of at least 300% and if necessary
will, to the extent possible, reduce the amounts borrowed by making repayments
38
from time to time in order to do so. Such repayments could require a Fund to
sell portfolio securities at times considered disadvantageous by Alliance and
such sales could cause the Fund to incur related transaction costs and to
realize taxable gains.
Each of MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL
STRATEGIC INCOME and GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT may borrow to repurchase its
shares or to meet redemption requests. In addition, each Fund may borrow for
temporary purposes (including the purposes mentioned in the preceding sentence)
in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the assets of the Fund.
Borrowings for temporary purposes are not subject to the 300% asset average
limit described above. See "Certain Fundamental Investment Policies."
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY,
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME may also borrow through the use of reverse repurchase agreements, and
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT, LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC
INCOME also through the use of dollar rolls to the extent permitted by the 1940
Act. See "Investment Objectives and Policies--Reverse Repurchase Agreements and
Dollar Rolls."
INVESTMENT IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY. Due to its investment policies with respect
to investments in the banking industry, MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY will have greater
exposure to the risk factors which are characteristic of such investments. In
particular, the value of and investment return on the Fund's shares will be
affected by economic or regulatory developments in or related to the banking
industry. Sustained increases in interest rates can adversely affect the
availability and cost of funds for a bank's lending activities, and a
deterioration in general economic conditions could increase the exposure to
credit losses. The banking industry is also subject to the effects of the
concentration of loan portfolios in particular businesses such as real estate,
energy, agriculture or high technology-related companies; competition within
those industries as well as with other types of financial institutions; and
national and local governmental regulation. In addition, the Fund's investments
in commercial banks located in several foreign countries are subject to
additional risks due to the combination in such banks of commercial banking and
diversified securities activities. As discussed above, however, the Fund will
seek to minimize their exposure to such risks by investing only in debt
securities which are determined to be of high quality.
SECURITIES RATINGS. The ratings of fixed-income securities by S&P, Moody's,
Duff & Phelps and Fitch are a generally accepted barometer of credit risk. They
are, however, subject to certain limitations from an investor's standpoint. The
rating of an issuer is heavily weighted by past developments and does not
necessarily reflect probable future conditions. There is frequently a lag
between the time a rating is assigned and the time it is updated. In addition,
there may be varying degrees of difference in credit risk of securities within
each rating category.
INVESTMENT IN FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES RATED BAA AND BBB. Securities rated Baa
or BBB are considered to have speculative characteristics and share some of the
same characteristics as lower-rated securities, as described below. Sustained
periods of deteriorating economic conditions or of rising interest rates are
more likely to lead to a weakening in the issuer's capacity to pay interest and
repay principal than in the case of higher-rated securities.
INVESTMENT IN LOWER-RATED FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Lower-rated securities are
subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated
securities. They are also generally considered to be subject to greater market
risk than higher-rated securities, and the capacity of issuers of lower-rated
securities to pay interest and repay principal is more likely to weaken than is
that of issuers of higher-rated securities in times of deteriorating economic
conditions or rising interest rates. In addition, lower-rated securities may be
more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic conditions than
investment grade securities. Securities rated Ba or BB are judged to have
speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. Securities rated B are
judged to have highly speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative.
Such securities may have small assurance of interest and principal payments.
Securities rated Baa by Moody's are also judged to have speculative
characteristics.
The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active than that
for higher-rated securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which
these securities can be sold. To the extent that there is no established
secondary market for lower-rated securities, a Fund may experience difficulty
in valuing such securities and, in turn, the Fund's assets.
Alliance will try to reduce the risk inherent in investment in lower-rated
securities through credit analysis, diversification and attention to current
developments and trends in interest rates and economic and political
conditions. However, there can be no assurance that losses will not occur.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower-rated securities, Alliance's
research and credit analysis are a correspondingly more important aspect of its
program for managing a Fund's securities than would be the case if a Fund did
not invest in lower-rated securities. In considering investments for the Fund,
Alliance will attempt to identify those high-yielding securities whose
financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is
expected to improve in the future. Alliance's analysis focuses on relative
values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage,
earnings prospects, and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
NON-RATED SECURITIES. Non-rated securities will also be considered for
investment by NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT,
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME, CORPORATE BOND and HIGH YIELD when Alliance believes
that the financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the
protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves,
39
limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities
which are consistent with the Fund's objective and policies.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each of MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME is a
"non-diversified" investment company, which means the Fund is not limited in
the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single
issuer. However, each Fund intends to conduct its operations so as to qualify
to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" for purposes of the Code, which
will relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its
earnings are distributed to shareholders. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information. To so qualify, among
other requirements, each Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close
of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with
respect to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its total assets will
be invested in the securities of a single issuer and the Fund will not own more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. A Fund's
investments in U.S. Government securities are not subject to these limitations.
Because each of MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY, NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME, GLOBAL
DOLLAR GOVERNMENT and GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME is a non-diversified investment
company, it may invest in a smaller number of individual issuers than a
diversified investment company, and an investment in such Fund may, under
certain circumstances, present greater risk to an investor than an investment
in a diversified investment company.
Foreign government securities are not treated like U.S. Government securities
for purposes of the diversification tests described in the preceding paragraph,
but instead are subject to these tests in the same manner as the securities of
non-governmental issuers. In this regard sovereign debt obligations issued by
different issuers located in the same country are often treated as issued by a
single issuer for purposes of these diversification tests. Certain issuers of
structured securities and loan participations may be treated as separate
issuers for the purposes of these tests. Accordingly, in order to meet the
diversification tests and thereby maintain its status as a regulated investment
company, each of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
will be required to diversify its portfolio of foreign government securities in
a manner which would not be necessary if the Fund had made similar investments
in U.S. Government securities.
YEAR 2000 AND EURO. Many computer systems and applications in use today process
transactions using two-digit date fields for the year of the transaction,
rather than the full four digits. If these systems are not modified or
replaced, transactions occurring after 1999 could be processed as year "1900",
which could result in processing inaccuracies and computer system failures.
This is commonly known as the Year 2000 problem. In addition to the Year 2000
problem, the European Economic and Monetary Union has established a single
currency, the Euro Currency ("Euro") that will replace the national currency of
certain European countries effective January 1, 1999. Computer systems and
applications must be adapted in order to be able to process Euro sensitive
information accurately beginning in 1999. Should any of the computer systems
employed by the Funds' major service providers fail to process Year 2000 or
Euro related information properly, that could have a significant negative
impact on the Funds' operations and the services that are provided to the
Funds' shareholders. In addition, to the extent that the operations of issuers
of securities held by the Funds are impaired by the Year 2000 problem or the
Euro, or prices of securities held by the Funds decline as a result of real or
perceived problems relating to the Year 2000 or the Euro, the value of the
Funds' shares may be materially affected.
With respect to the Year 2000, the Funds have been advised that the Adviser,
Principal Underwriter and Transfer Agent (collectively, "Alliance") began to
address the Year 2000 issue several years ago in connection with the
replacement or upgrading of certain computer systems and applications. During
1997, Alliance began a formal Year 2000 initiative, which established a
structured and coordinated process to deal with the Year 2000 issue. Alliance
reports that it has completed its assessment of the Year 2000 issues on its
domestic and international computer systems and applications. Currently,
management of Alliance expects that the required modifications for the majority
of its significant systems and applications that will be in use on January 1,
2000, will be completed and tested by the end of 1998. Full integration testing
of these systems and testing of interfaces with third-party suppliers will
continue through 1999. At this time, management of Alliance believes that the
costs associated with resolving this issue will not have a material adverse
effect on its operations or on its ability to provide the level of services it
currently provides to the Funds.
With respect to the Euro, the Funds have been advised that Alliance has
established a project team to assess changes that will be required in
connection with the introduction of the Euro. Alliance reports that its project
team has assessed all systems, including those developed or managed internally,
as well as those provided by vendors, in order to determine the modifications
that will be required to process accurately transactions denominated in Euro
after 1998. At this time, management of Alliance expects that the required
modifications for the introduction of the Euro will be completed and tested
before the end of 1998. Management of Alliance believes that the costs
associated with resolving this issue will not have a material adverse effect on
its operations or on its ability to provide the level of services it currently
provides to the Funds.
The Funds and Alliance have been advised by the Funds' Custodians that they are
also in the process of reviewing their systems with the same goals. As of the
date of this prospectus, the Funds and Alliance have no reason to believe that
the Custodians will be unable to achieve these goals.
40
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
_______________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You can purchase shares of any of the Funds at a price based on the next
calculated net asset value after receipt of a proper purchase order either
through broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries, or directly
through Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), each Fund's principal
underwriter. The minimum initial investment in each Fund (whether by cash or
through exchange from another Alliance Mutual Fund) is $250. The minimum for
subsequent investments in each Fund is $50. Investments of $25 or more are
allowed under the automatic investment program of each Fund. Share certificates
are issued only upon request. See the Subscription Application and Statements
of Additional Information for more information.
Existing shareholders may make subsequent purchases by electronic funds
transfer if they have completed the appropriate section of the Subscription
Application or the Shareholder Options form obtained from Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. ("AFS"), each Fund's registrar, transfer agent and dividend
disbursing agent. Telephone purchase orders can be made by calling 800-221-5672
and may not exceed $500,000.
Each Fund offers three classes of shares through this Prospectus, Class A,
Class B and Class C. The Funds may refuse any order to purchase shares. In this
regard, the Funds reserve the right to restrict purchases of Fund shares
(including through exchanges) when they appear to evidence a pattern of
frequent purchases and sales made in response to short-term considerations.
CLASS A SHARES--INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE
You can purchase Class A shares at net asset value plus an initial sales
charge, as follows:
Initial Sales Charge
as % of Commission to
Net Amount as % of Dealer/Agent as %
Amount Purchased Invested Offering Price of Offering Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $100,000 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
$100,000 to less
than $250,000 3.36 3.25 3.00
$250,000 to less
than $500,000 2.30 2.25 2.00
$500,000 to less
than $1,000,000 1.78 1.75 1.50
On purchases of $1,000,000 or more, you pay no initial sales charge but may pay
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") equal to 1% of the lesser of net
asset value at the time of redemption or original cost if you redeem within one
year; Alliance may pay the dealer or agent a fee of up to 1% of the dollar
amount purchased. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for reduced
or eliminated sales charges in accordance with a Fund's Combined Purchase
Privilege, Cumulative Quantity Discount, Statement of Intention, Privilege for
Certain Retirement Plans, Reinstatement Privilege and Sales at Net Asset Value
programs. Consult the Subscription Application and Statements of Additional
Information.
CLASS B SHARES--DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE
You can purchase Class B shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge. A Fund will thus receive the full amount of your purchase. However, you
may pay a CDSC if you redeem shares within three years (four years in the case
of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and HIGH YIELD) after purchase. The amount of the
CDSC (expressed as a percentage of the lesser of the current net asset value or
original cost) will vary according to the number of years from the purchase of
Class B shares until the redemption of those shares.
The amount of the CDSC for Class B shares for each Fund is as set forth below.
Class B shares of a Fund purchased prior to the date of this Prospectus may be
subject to a different CDSC schedule, which was disclosed in the Fund's
prospectus in use at the time of purchase and is set forth in the Fund's
current Statement of Additional Information.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and HIGH YIELD:
- ---------------------------------------
Year Since Purchase CDSC
First 4.0%
Second 3.0%
Third 2.0%
Fourth 1.0%
Fifth and thereafter None
ALL OTHER FUNDS:
- ---------------------------------------
Year Since Purchase CDSC
First 3.0%
Second 2.0%
Third 1.0%
Fourth and thereafter None
Class B shares are subject to higher distribution fees than Class A shares for
a period of six years, eight years in the case of GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and
HIGH YIELD (after which they convert to Class A shares). The higher fees mean a
higher expense ratio, so Class B shares pay correspondingly lower dividends and
may have a lower net asset value than Class A shares.
CLASS C SHARES--ASSET-BASED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE
You can purchase Class C shares at net asset value without any initial sales
charge. A Fund will thus receive the full amount of your purchase, and, if you
hold your shares for one year or more, you will receive the entire net asset
value of your shares upon redemption. Class C shares incur higher distribution
fees than Class A shares and do not convert to any other class of shares of the
Fund. The higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class C shares pay
correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower net asset value than Class
A shares.
Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC
equal to 1% of the lesser of their original cost or net asset value at the time
of redemption.
APPLICATION OF THE CDSC
Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment are not subject to
the CDSC. The CDSC is deducted from the amount of the redemption and is paid to
AFD. The CDSC will be
41
waived on redemptions of shares following the death or disability of a
shareholder, to meet the requirements of certain qualified retirement plans or
pursuant to a monthly, bimonthly or quarterly systematic withdrawal plan. See
the Statements of Additional Information.
HOW THE FUNDS VALUE THEIR SHARES
The net asset value of each class of shares of a Fund is calculated by dividing
the value of the Fund's net assets allocable to that class by the outstanding
shares of that class. Shares are valued each day the Exchange is open as of the
close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The securities in
a Fund are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of
market quotations or, if such quotations are not readily available, such other
methods as the Fund's Directors or Trustees believe accurately reflect fair
market value.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Certain employee benefit plans, including employer-sponsored tax-qualified
401(k) plans and other defined contribution retirement plans ("Employee Benefit
Plans"), may establish requirements as to the purchase, sale or exchange of
shares of the Funds, including maximum and minimum initial investment
requirements, that are different from those described in this Prospectus.
Employee Benefit Plans may also not offer all classes of shares of the Funds.
In order to enable participants investing through Employee Benefit Plans to
purchase shares of the Funds, the maximum and minimum investment amounts may be
different for shares purchased through Employee Benefit Plans from those
described in this Prospectus. In addition, the Class A, Class B and Class C
CDSC may be waived for investments made through Employee Benefit Plans.
GENERAL
The decision as to which class of shares is most beneficial to you depends on
the amount and intended length of your investment. If you are making a large
investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales charge, you might consider
Class A shares. If you are making a smaller investment, you might consider
Class B shares because 100% of your purchase is invested immediately. If you
are unsure of the length of your investment, you might consider Class C shares
because there is no initial sales charge and, as long as the shares are held
for one year or more, no CDSC. Consult your financial agent. Dealers and agents
may receive differing compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C
shares. There is no size limit on purchases of Class A shares. The maximum
purchase of Class B shares is $250,000. The maximum purchase of Class C shares
is $1,000,000.
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME and HIGH YIELD offer a fourth class of shares, Advisor
Class shares, by means of separate prospectuses. Advisor Class shares may be
purchased and held solely by (i) accounts established under a fee-based program
sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial
intermediary and approved by AFD, (ii) a self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plan (e.g., a 401(k) plan) that has at least 1,000
participants or $25 million in assets and (iii) certain other categories of
investors described in the prospectuses for the Advisor Class, including
investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with,
Alliance and its affiliates or the Funds. Advisor Class shares are offered
without any initial sales charge or CDSC and without an ongoing distribution
fee and are expected, therefore, to have different performance than Class A,
Class B or Class C shares. You may obtain more information about Advisor Class
shares by contacting AFS at 800-221-5672 or by contacting your financial
representative.
A transaction, service, administrative or other similar fee may be charged by
your broker-dealer, agent, financial intermediary or other financial
representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Class A, Class
B or Class C shares made through such financial representative. Such financial
intermediaries may also impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale
or exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed
by a Fund, including requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent
investment amounts.
In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers or agents, AFD from
time to time pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents,
including EQ Financial Consultants Inc., an affiliate of AFD, in connection
with the sale of shares of the Funds. Such additional amounts may be utilized,
in whole or in part, in some cases together with other revenues of such dealers
or agents, to provide additional compensation to registered representatives who
sell shares of the Funds. On some occasions, such cash or other incentives will
be conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of the shares
of a Fund and/or other Alliance Mutual Funds during a specific period of time.
Such incentives may take the form of payment for attendance at seminars, meals,
sporting events or theater performances, or payment for travel, lodging and
entertainment incurred in connection with travel by persons associated with a
dealer or agent and their immediate family members to urban or resort locations
within or outside the United States. Such dealer or agent may elect to receive
cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu of such payments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem" your shares (i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund) on
any day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value (less any
applicable CDSC) next calculated after the Fund receives your request in proper
form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you within seven days. However, for
shares recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer, a Fund will
not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic
funds transfer has been collected (which may take up to 15 days).
SELLING SHARES THROUGH YOUR BROKER
Your broker must receive your request before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, and your
broker must transmit your request to the Fund by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, for
you to receive that
42
day's net asset value (less any applicable CDSC). Your broker is responsible
for furnishing all necessary documentation to a Fund and may charge you for
this service.
SELLING SHARES DIRECTLY TO A FUND
Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to AFS, along with
certificates, if any, that represent the shares you want to sell. For your
protection, signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a member firm of a
national stock exchange or other eligible guarantor institution. Stock power
forms are available from your financial intermediary, AFS and many commercial
banks. Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by
corporations, intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. For
details contact:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
800-221-5672
Alternatively, a request for redemption of shares for which no stock
certificates have been issued can also be made by telephone to 800-221-5672.
Telephone redemption requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund
business day in order to receive that day's net asset value, and, except for
certain omnibus accounts, may be made only once per day. A shareholder who has
completed the appropriate section of the Subscription Application, or the
Shareholder Options form obtained from AFS, can elect to have the proceeds of
his or her redemption sent to his or her bank via an electronic funds transfer.
Proceeds of telephone redemptions also may be sent by check to a shareholder's
address of record. Redemption requests by electronic funds transfer may not
exceed $100,000 and redemption requests by check may not exceed $50,000.
Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in nominees or "street
name" accounts or retirement plan accounts or shares held by a shareholder who
has changed his or her address of record within the previous 30 calendar days.
GENERAL
The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes. Under
unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for
up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The Funds
reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to
increase the account value before the account is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty
reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions
to AFS. AFS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephonic requests to
purchase, sell or exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to
verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses
resulting from unauthorized transactions if it fails to do so. Dealers and
agents may charge a commission for handling telephonic requests. The telephone
service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more information about these
services or your account, call AFS's toll-free number, 800-221-5672. Some
services are described in the attached Subscription Application. A shareholder
manual explaining all available services will be provided upon request. To
request a shareholder manual, call 800-227-4618.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your shares of any Fund for shares of the same class of other
Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market fund
managed by Alliance). Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset values next
determined, without sales or service charges. Exchanges may be made by
telephone or written request. Telephone exchange requests must be received by
AFS by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to receive that
day's net asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges for the purpose of
determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption and, in the case of Class B
shares, for the purpose of conversion to Class A shares. After an exchange,
your Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance
with the conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the Alliance
Mutual Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original shares"). When
redemption occurs, the CDSC applicable to the original shares is applied.
Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund into which you are
exchanging before submitting the request. Call AFS at 800-221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. An exchange is a taxable capital transaction for federal
tax purposes. The exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on
60 days' written notice.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
_______________________________________________________________________________
ADVISER
Alliance, which is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices at
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under
an advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to provide investment advice
and, in general, to conduct the management and investment program of each Fund,
subject to the general supervision and control of the Directors or Trustees of
the Fund.
Alliance is a leading international investment manager supervising client
accounts with assets as of June 30, 1998 totaling more than $262 billion (of
which approximately $107 billion represented the assets of investment
companies). Alliance's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit
funds, public employee retirement systems, investment companies, foundations
and endowment funds. The 58 registered investment companies managed by Alliance
comprising 123 separate investment portfolios currently have over three million
shareholder accounts. As of June 30, 1998,
43
Alliance was retained as an investment manager for employee benefit plan assets
of 32 of the Fortune 100 companies.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole general partner of,
and the owner of a 1% general partnership interest in, Alliance, is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States ("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies in the United
States, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies
Incorporated, a holding company controlled by AXA-UAP, a French insurance
holding company. Certain information concerning the ownership and control of
Equitable by AXA-UAP is set forth in each Fund's Statement of Additional
Information under "Management of the Fund."
The following table lists the person or persons who are primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio, the length of time that
each person has been primarily responsible, and each person's principal
occupation during the past five years.
Principal occupation
Employee; time period; during the past
Fund title with ACMC five years
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term U.S. Patricia J. Young since 1995 Associated with
Government -Senior Vice President Alliance.
Jeffrey S. Phlegar since 1997 Associated with
-Senior Vice President Alliance.
U.S. Government Wayne D. Lyski since 1983 Associated with
-Executive Vice President Alliance.
Patricia J. Young since 1997 (see above)
-(see above)
Jeffrey S. Phlegar (see above)
since 1997-(see above)
Limited Maturity Patricia J. Young (see above)
Government since inception-(see above)
Jeffrey S. Phlegar (see above)
since 1997-(see above)
Mortgage Securities Patricia J. Young since (see above)
Income 1992-(see above)
Jeffrey S. Phlegar (see above)
since 1997-(see above)
Multi-Market Strategy Douglas J. Peebles since Associated with
inception-Senior Vice Alliance.
President
North American Wayne D. Lyski since inception (see above)
Government Income -(see above)
Global Dollar Wayne D. Lyski since inception (see above)
Government -(see above)
Global Strategic Wayne D. Lyski since inception (see above)
Income -(see above)
Douglas J. Peebles since (see above)
inception-(see above)
Corporate Bond Wayne D. Lyski since (see above)
1987-(see above)
Paul J. DeNoon since Associated with
January 1992-Vice Alliance.
President
High Yield Wayne C. Tappe Associated with
since 1991-Senior Alliance.
Vice President
Nelson Jantzen Associated with
since 1991-Senior Alliance.
Vice President
PERFORMANCE OF A SIMILARLY MANAGED PORTFOLIO
Alliance is the investment adviser of a portfolio (the "Historical Portfolio")
of a registered investment company, sold only to separate accounts of insurance
companies in connection with variable life insurance contracts and variable
annuities certificates and contracts (the "Contracts"), that has substantially
the same investment objective and policies and has been managed in accordance
with essentially the same investment strategies and techniques as those of HIGH
YIELD. See "Description of the Funds." Alliance since July 22, 1993, and prior
thereto, Equitable Capital Management Corporation, whose advisory business
Alliance acquired on that date, have served as investment adviser to the
Historical Portfolio since its inception in 1987. Wayne C. Tappe, who together
with Nelson Jantzen is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
HIGH YIELD, has been the person principally responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Historical Portfolio since 1995.
The following tables set forth performance results for the Historical Portfolio
since its inception (January 2, 1987), together with those of HIGH YIELD and
the Lipper High Current Yield Mutual Funds Average as a comparative benchmark.
As of September 30, 1998, the assets in the Historical Portfolio totalled
approximately $ million.
The performance data do not reflect account charges applicable to the Contracts
or imposed at the insurance company separate account level, which, if
reflected, would lower the performance of the Historical Portfolio. In
addition, the performance data do not reflect the Fund's higher expenses,
which, if reflected, would lower the performance of the Historical Portfolio.
The performance data have not been adjusted for corporate or individual taxes,
if any, payable with respect to the Historical Portfolio. The rates of return
shown for the Historical Portfolio are not an estimate or guarantee of future
investment performance of the Fund.
The Lipper High Current Yield Mutual Funds Average is a survey of the
performance of a large number of mutual funds the investment objective of each
of which is similar to that of the Fund. Nonetheless, the investment policies
pursued by Funds in the survey may differ from those of HIGH YIELD and the
Historical Portfolio. This survey is published by Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc. ("Lipper"), a firm recognized for its reporting of performance of actively
managed funds. According to Lipper, performance data are presented net of
investment management fees, operating expenses and, for funds with Rule 12b-1
plans, asset-based sales charges.
44
The performance results presented below are based on percent changes in net
asset values of the Historical Portfolio with dividends and capital gains
reinvested. Cumulative rates of return reflect performance over a stated period
of time. Annualized rates of return represent the rate of growth that would
have produced the corresponding cumulative return had performance been constant
over the entire period.
ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN
PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO/BENCHMARK 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Portfolio (4.84)% 12.39% 11.13% 11.20% 10.58%
Lipper High Current Yield
Mutual Funds Average (1.77) 8.23 7.78 9.18 8.85
High Yield 8.34**
CUMULATIVE RATES OF RETURN
PERIODS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO/BENCHMARK 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS INCEPTION*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Portfolio (4.84)% 41.95% 69.47% 189.20% 226.05%
Lipper High Current Yield
Mutual Funds Average (1.77) 26.86 45.69 142.21 172.92
* JANUARY 2, 1987
** RATE OF RETURN IS ANNUALIZED, FOR CLASS A SHARES, ASSUMING IMPOSITION OF THE
MAXIMUM 4.25% SALES CHARGE. THE FUND COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON APRIL 22, 1997.
EXPENSES OF HIGH YIELD
In addition to the payments to Alliance under its Advisory Agreement, HIGH
YIELD pays certain other costs, including (i) custody, transfer and dividend
disbursing expenses, (ii) fees of the Directors who are not affiliated with
Alliance, (iii) legal and auditing expenses, (iv) clerical, accounting and
other office costs, (v) costs of printing the Fund's prospectuses and
shareholder reports, (vi) costs of maintaining the Fund's existence, (vii)
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, (viii) costs of
stationary and supplies, (ix) expenses and fees related to registration and
filing with the Commission and with state regulatory authorities, and (x) upon
the approval of the Board of Directors, costs of personnel of Alliance or its
affiliates rendering clerical, accounting and other office services and (xi)
such promotional, shareholder servicing and other expenses as may be
contemplated by the Distribution Services Agreement, described below.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENTS
Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Commission under the 1940 Act permits an investment
company to pay expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in
accordance with a duly adopted plan. Each Fund has adopted one or more "Rule
12b-1 plans" (for each Fund, a "Plan") and has entered into a Distribution
Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with AFD. Pursuant to its Plan, a Fund
pays to AFD a Rule 12b-1 distribution services fee, which may not exceed an
annual rate of .30% (.50% with respect to SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT) of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares,
1.00% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the
Class B shares and 1.00% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets
attributable to the Class C shares, for distribution expenses. The Trustees of
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT currently limit payments with respect to Class A
shares under the Plan to .30% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets
attributable to Class A shares. The Plans provide that a portion of the
distribution services fee in an amount not to exceed .25% of the aggregate
average daily net assets of each Fund attributable to each class of shares
constitutes a service fee used for personal service and/or the maintenance of
shareholder accounts.
The Plans provide that AFD will use the distribution services fee received from
a Fund in its entirety for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or other
persons for providing distribution assistance, (ii) to otherwise promote the
sale of shares of the Fund and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers, depository
institutions and other financial intermediaries for providing administrative,
accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's shareholders. In this
regard, some payments under the Plans are used to compensate financial
intermediaries with trail or maintenance commissions in an amount equal to
.25%, annualized, with respect to Class A shares and Class B shares, and 1.00%,
annualized, with respect to Class C shares, of the assets maintained in a Fund
by their customers. Distribution services fees received from the Funds, except
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, with respect to Class A shares will not be used to
pay any interest expenses, carrying charges or other financing costs or
allocation of overhead of AFD. Distribution services fees received from the
Funds, with respect to Class B and Class C shares, may be used for these
purposes. The Plans also provide that Alliance may use its own resources to
finance the distribution of each Fund's shares.
The Funds are not obligated under the Plans to pay any distribution services
fee in excess of the amounts set forth above. Except as noted below for
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT, with respect to Class A shares of each Fund,
distribution expenses accrued by AFD in one fiscal year may not be paid from
distribution services fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
AFD's compensation with respect to Class B and Class C shares under the Plans
of the other Funds is directly tied to the expenses incurred by AFD. Actual
distribution expenses for Class B and Class C shares for any given year,
however, will probably exceed the distribution services fees payable under the
applicable Plan with respect to the class involved and, in the case of Class B
and Class C shares, payments received from CDSCs. The excess will be carried
forward by AFD and reimbursed from distribution services fees payable under the
Plan with respect to the class involved and, in the case of Class B and Class C
shares, payments subsequently received through CDSCs, so long as the Plan is in
effect. Since AFD's compensation under the Plan of SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT
is not directly tied to its expenses incurred, the amount of compensation
received by it during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses.
Unreimbursed distribution expenses incurred as of the end of each Fund's most
recently completed fiscal year, and carried
45
over for reimbursement in future years in respect of the Class B and Class C
shares for all Funds (except SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT), were, as of that
time, as follows:
Amount of Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
(As % of Net Assets of Class)
--------------------------------------------
Class B Class C
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government $ 7,204,946 (1.85%) $ 4,179,954 (3.65%)
Limited Maturity Government $ 356,382 (.56%) $ 2,860,904 (8.09%)
Mortgage Securities Income $10,423,667 (2.53%) $ 2,946,979 (9.52%)
Multi-Market Strategy $ 9,474,320 (4.15%) $ 553,610 (43.71%)
North American Government Income $36,319,865 (2.02%) $ 4,072,381
Global Dollar Government $ 4,281,388 (5.37%) $ 860,038 (3.63%)
Corporate Bond $13,555,599 (2.66%) $ 2,876,562 (1.13%)
Global Strategic Income $ 994,542 (9.91%) $ 188,869 (7.41%)
High Yield $11,190,075 (4.15%) $ 523,224 (1.08%)
The Plans are in compliance with rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual asset-based sales
charges and service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class of shares to
.75% and .25%, respectively, of the average annual net assets attributable to
that class. The rules also limit the aggregate of all front-end, deferred and
asset-based sales charges imposed with respect to a class of shares by a mutual
fund that also charges a service fee to 6.25% of cumulative gross sales of
shares of that class, plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws may limit the ability of a
bank or other depository institution to become an underwriter or distributor of
securities. However, in the opinion of the Funds' management, based on the
advice of counsel, these laws do not prohibit such depository institutions from
providing services for investment companies such as the administrative,
accounting and other services referred to in the Agreements. In the event that
a change in these laws prevented a bank from providing such services, it is
expected that other service arrangements would be made and that shareholders
would not be adversely affected. The State of Texas requires that shares of a
Fund may be sold in that state only by dealers or other financial institutions
that are registered there as broker-dealers.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
_______________________________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends on shares of a Fund will be declared on each Fund business day from
the Fund's net investment income. Dividends on shares for Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays will be declared on the previous business day. Each Fund pays
dividends on its shares after the close of business on the twentieth day of
each month or, if such day is not a business day, the first business day
thereafter. At your election (which you may change at least 30 days prior to
the record date for a particular dividend or distribution), dividends and
distributions are paid in cash or reinvested without charge in additional
shares of the same class having an aggregate net asset value as of the payment
date of the dividend or distribution equal to the cash amount thereof.
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you
may, within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend
or distribution in additional shares of that Fund without charge by returning
to Alliance, with appropriate instructions, the check representing such
dividend or distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be
deemed to have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions
in shares of that Fund.
Cash dividends can be paid by check or, if the shareholder so elects,
electronically via the ACH network. There is no sales or other charge in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
Dividends paid by a Fund, if any, with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day
and will be in the same amount, except that the higher distribution services
fees applicable to Class B and Class C shares, and any incremental transfer
agency costs relating to Class B shares, will be borne exclusively by the class
to which they relate.
While it is the intention of each Fund to distribute to its shareholders
substantially all of each fiscal year's net income and net realized capital
gains, if any, the amount and timing of any such dividend or distribution must
necessarily depend upon the realization by such Fund of income and capital
gains from investments. There is no fixed dividend rate, and there can be no
assurance that a Fund will pay any dividends or realize any capital gains.
If you buy shares just before a Fund deducts a distribution from its net asset
value, you will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a portion of
the price back as a taxable distribution.
FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may
be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. To the extent that
any Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the source, each Fund
intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements of the Code to
"pass through" to the Fund's shareholders credits or deductions for foreign
income taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that any Fund will be able to
do so. Furthermore, a shareholder's ability to claim a foreign tax credit or
deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by a Fund may be subject to certain
limitations (including a holding period limitation) imposed by the Code, as a
result of which a shareholder may not be permitted to claim a full credit or
deduction for the amount of such taxes.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Each Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code. So long as a Fund distributes at least 90% of its income,
qualification as a
46
regulated investment company relieves that Fund of Federal income taxes on that
part of its taxable income, including net capital gain, which it pays out to
its shareholders. Dividends out of net ordinary income and distributions of net
short-term capital gains are taxable to the recipient shareholders as ordinary
income. The investment objectives of the Funds are such that only a small
portion, if any, of a Fund's distributions is expected to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. In addition, corporate
shareholders who receive qualifying distributions must meet the holding-period
requirements in the Code in order to take the dividends-received deduction.
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital
gain over net short-term capital loss) are taxable as long-term capital gain,
regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares in a Fund. Distributions
of net capital gain may be taxable at different rates depending on the length
of time a Fund holds its assets.
Under current federal tax law, the amount of an income dividend or capital
gains distribution declared by a Fund during October, November or December of a
year to shareholders of record as of a specified date in such a month that is
paid during January of the following year is includable in the prior year's
taxable income of shareholders that are calendar year taxpayers.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares of a Fund will
have the effect of reducing the net asset value of such shares by the amount of
such dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or distribution made
shortly after the purchase of such shares by a shareholder, although in effect
a return of capital to that particular shareholder, would be taxable to him or
her as described above. Any loss realized on the sale of shares held six months
or less will be a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of
net capital gain received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.
A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares of a Fund held
by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such as an individual retirement account,
403(b)(7) retirement plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan,
generally will not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will
be taxable to individual participants under applicable tax rules without regard
to the character of the income earned by the qualified plan.
A Fund will be required to withhold 31% of any payments made to a shareholder
if the shareholder has not provided a certified taxpayer identification number
to the Fund, or the Secretary of the Treasury notifies a Fund that a
shareholder has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be
shown on the shareholder's federal income tax return.
Under certain circumstances, if a Fund realizes losses (e.g., from fluctuations
in currency exchange rates) after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the
dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. Returns of
capital are generally nontaxable, but will reduce a shareholder's basis in
shares of a Fund. If that basis is reduced to zero (which could happen if the
shareholder does not reinvest distributions and returns of capital are
significant) any further returns of capital will be taxable as capital gain.
See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statements of Additional
Information. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the federal tax status
of dividends and capital gains and return of capital distributions made by a
Fund for the preceding year. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax
advisers regarding their own tax situation. Distributions by a Fund may be
subject to state and local taxes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, a Fund may
consider sales of its shares as a factor in the selection of dealers to enter
into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
Each of the following Funds is a Maryland corporation organized in the year
indicated: U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO and CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO (each a
series of Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.) (1973), ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY
GOVERNMENT FUND, INC. (1992), ALLIANCE MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND, INC.
(1983), ALLIANCE MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST, INC. (1991), ALLIANCE NORTH
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, INC. (1992), ALLIANCE GLOBAL DOLLAR
GOVERNMENT FUND, INC. (1993), ALLIANCE GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST, INC.
(1995) and ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC. (1996). Prior to March 1, 1996,
ALLIANCE LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND, INC. was known as Alliance Mortgage
Strategy Trust, Inc. Prior to January 4, 1993, CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO was
known as Monthly Income Portfolio. ALLIANCE SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND is
a series of The Alliance Portfolios, a Massachusetts business trust that was
organized in 1987. Prior to August 2, 1993, The Alliance Portfolios was known
as The Equitable Funds and SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT was known as The
Equitable Short-Term U.S. Government Fund.
It is anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will not be held;
shareholder meetings will be held only when required by federal or state law.
Shareholders have available certain procedures for the removal of Directors or
Trustees.
A shareholder in a Fund will be entitled to share pro rata with other holders
of the same class of shares all dividends and distributions arising from the
Fund's assets and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net
asset value of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable
CDSC. The Funds are empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional portfolios, which may have different investment objectives and
policies than those of the Fund, and additional classes of shares within the
Fund. If
47
an additional portfolio or class were established in a Fund, each share of the
portfolio or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes.
Generally, shares of each portfolio and class would vote together as a single
class on matters, such as the election of Directors or Trustees, that affect
each portfolio and class in substantially the same manner. Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of each Fund have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and
other rights, except that each class bears its own distribution and transfer
agency expenses. Each class of shares of each Fund votes separately with
respect to a Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and other matters for which
separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are freely
transferable, are entitled to dividends as determined by the Directors and
Trustees and, in liquidation of a Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets
of the Fund. Since this Prospectus sets forth information about all the Funds,
it is theoretically possible that a Fund might be liable for any materially
inaccurate or incomplete disclosure in this Prospectus concerning another Fund.
Based on the advice of counsel, however, the Funds believe that the potential
liability of each Fund with respect to the disclosure in this Prospectus
extends only to the disclosure relating to that Fund. Certain additional
matters relating to a Fund's organization are discussed in its Statement of
Additional Information.
PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action Complaint
("Complaint") styled In re ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST,
INC. SECURITIES LITIGATION was filed in the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York ("District Court") against the Fund, Alliance,
ACMC, AFD, The Equitable Companies Incorporated ("ECI"), a parent of the
Adviser, and certain current and former officers and directors of the Fund and
ACMC, alleging violations of the federal securities laws, fraud and breach of
fiduciary duty in connection with the Fund's investments in Mexican and
Argentine securities. The Complaint sought certification of a plaintiff class
of all persons who purchased or owned Class A, B or C shares of the Fund from
March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994. Plaintiffs alleged that during 1995
the Fund's losses exceeded $750,000,000 and sought as relief unspecified
damages, costs and attorney's fees.
On September 26, 1996, the District Court granted defendants' motion to dismiss
all counts of the Complaint ("First Decision"). On October 11, 1996, plaintiffs
filed a motion for reconsideration of the First Decision. On November 25, 1996,
the District Court denied plaintiffs' motion for reconsideration of the First
Decision. On October 29, 1997, the United States Court of Appeals for the
Second Circuit ("Court of Appeals") issued an order granting defendants' motion
to strike and dismissing plaintiffs' appeal of the First Decision.
On October 29, 1996, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to file an amended
complaint ("Amended Complaint"). In the Amended Complaint, plaintiffs asserted
claims against the Fund, Alliance, ACMC, AFD, ECI, and certain current and
former officers of the Fund and ACMC alleging violations of the federal
securities laws, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. The principal allegations
of the Amended Complaint related to the Fund's hedging practices, the Fund's
investments in certain mortgage-backed securities, and the risk and objectives
of the Fund as described in the Fund's marketing materials. The Amended
Complaint made similar requests for class certification and damages as made in
the Complaint. On July 15, 1997, the District Court denied plaintiffs' motion
for leave to file the Amended Complaint and dismissed the case ("Second
Decision").
On November 17, 1997, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal of the Second
Decision to the Court of Appeals. On October 15, 1998, the Court of Appeals
affirmed in part and reversed in part the Second Decision. The Court of Appeals
affirmed the District Court's denial of plaintiffs' motion for leave to file
the Amended Complaint insofar as the Amended Complaint alleged that defendants
had made misrepresentations and omissions relating to the Funds' investments in
certain mortgage-backed securities and in the Fund's marketing materials. The
Court of Appeals reversed the District Court's decision to deny plaintiffs'
motions for leave to file the Amended Complaint insofar as the Amended
Complaint alleged that defendants had made actionable misrepresentations and
omissions relating to the Fund's hedging practices.
The Fund and Alliance believe that the allegations in the Complaint and the
Amended Complaint are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against
those claims.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
AFS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, acts as each Fund's registrar, transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee based upon the number of
shareholder accounts maintained for the Fund. The transfer agency fee with
respect to Class B shares will be higher than the transfer agency fee with
respect to Class A shares or Class C shares.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
AFD, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the principal underwriter of shares
of the Funds.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Funds advertise their "yield" and "total return," which
are computed separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. A Fund's yield
for any 30-day (or one-month) period is computed by dividing the net investment
income per share earned during such period by the maximum public offering price
per share on the last day of the period, and then annualizing such 30-day (or
one-month) yield in accordance with a formula prescribed by the Commission
which provides for compounding on a semi-annual basis. A Fund may also state in
sales literature an "actual distribution rate" for each class which is computed
in the same manner as yield except that actual income dividends declared per
share during the period in question are substituted for net investment income
per share. The actual distribution rate is computed
48
separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Advertisements of a Fund's
total return disclose its average annual compounded total return for the
periods prescribed by the Commission. A Fund's total return for each such
period is computed by finding, through the use of a formula prescribed by the
Commission, the average annual compounded rate of return over the period that
would equate an assumed initial amount invested to the value of the investment
at the end of the period. For purposes of computing total return, income
dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of a Fund are assumed
to have been reinvested when paid and the maximum sales charges applicable to
purchases and redemptions of a Fund's shares are assumed to have been paid. A
Fund's advertisements may quote performance rankings or ratings of a Fund by
financial publications or independent organizations such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. or compare a Fund's performance to various
indices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the Statements of Additional Information, which have been
incorporated by reference herein, do not contain all the information set forth
in the Registration Statements filed by the Funds with the Commission under the
Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge, at
the offices of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH
OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
THIS PROSPECTUS IS INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE AN OFFER BY EACH FUND ONLY OF THE
SECURITIES OF WHICH IT IS THE ISSUER AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
BY ANY FUND OF THE SECURITIES OF ANY OTHER FUND WHOSE SECURITIES ARE ALSO
OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. NO FUND INTENDS TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION AS TO
THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS PROSPECTUS RELATING TO
ANY OTHER FUND. SEE "GENERAL INFORMATION--ORGANIZATION."
49
APPENDIX A: BOND RATINGS
_______________________________________________________________________________
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa--Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba--Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B--Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa--Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca--Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C--Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Absence of Rating--When no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that are
not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published
in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note--Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES
AAA--Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA--Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A--Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB--Debt rated BBB normally exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C--Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC or C is regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
A-1
BB--Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative debt.
However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business,
financial or economic conditions which could lead to an inadequate capacity to
pay interest and repay principal.
B--Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than debt rated BB, but there
is capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Adverse business, financial or
economic conditions will likely impair the capacity or willingness to pay
principal or repay interest.
CCC--Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to pay interest and
repay principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic
conditions, there is not likely to be capacity to pay interest or repay
principal.
CC--Debt rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C--The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition
has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments are being
continued.
D--The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually ocurred.
Plus (+) or Minus (-)--The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
NR--Not rated.
DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.
AAA--Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
AA+,AA, AA- --High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is
modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A, A- --Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors
are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, BBB- --Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.
BB+, BB, BB- --Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations
when due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate
according to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move
up or down frequently within this category.
B+, B, B- --Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will
not be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctutate widely
according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes.
Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or
into a higher or lower rating grade.
CCC--Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as
to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends. Protection
factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
DD--Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
and/or interest payments.
DP--Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
FITCH IBCA, INC.
AAA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality.
The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay
principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F- 1+.
A--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
BB--Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B--Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout
the life of the issue.
CCC--Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default.
The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic
environment.
CC--Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
A-2
C--Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, D--Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) Minus (-)--Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD or D categories.
NR--Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
A-3
APPENDIX B: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA, MEXICO AND ARGENTINA
_______________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA
Canada consists of a federation of ten Provinces and two federal territories
(which generally fall under federal authority) with a constitutional division
of powers between the federal and Provincial governments. The Parliament of
Canada has jurisdiction over all areas not assigned exclusively to the
Provincial legislatures, and has jurisdiction over such matters as the federal
public debt and property, the regulation of trade and commerce, currency and
coinage, banks and banking, national defense, the postal services, navigation
and shipping and unemployment insurance.
The Canadian economy is based on the free enterprise system, with business
organizations ranging from small owner-operated businesses to large
multinational corporations. Manufacturing and resource industries are large
contributors to the country's economic output, but as in many other highly
developed countries, there has been a gradual shift from a largely
goods-producing economy to a predominantly service-based one. Agriculture and
other primary production play a small but key role in the economy. Canada is
also an exporter of energy to the United States in the form of natural gas (of
which Canada has substantial reserves) and hydroelectric power, and has
significant mineral resources.
Canadian Dollars are fully exchangeable into U.S. Dollars without foreign
exchange controls or other legal restriction. Since the major developed-country
currencies were permitted to float freely against one another, the range of
fluctuation in the U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar exchange rate generally has been
narrower than the range of fluctuation between the U.S. Dollar and most other
major currencies. Since 1991, Canada generally has experienced a weakening of
its currency. The Canadian Dollar reached an all-time low of 1.5770 Canadian
Dollars per U.S. Dollars per U.S. Dollar on August 27, 1998. On October 13,
1998 the Canadian Dollar-U.S. Dollar exchange rate was 1.5510:1. The range of
fluctuation that has occurred in the past is not necessarily indicative of the
range of fluctuation that will occur in the future. Future rates of exchange
cannot be accurately predicted.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
The United Mexican States ("Mexico") is a nation formed by 31 states and a
Federal District (Mexico City). The Political Constitution of Mexico, which
took effect on May 1, 1917, established Mexico as a Federal Republic and
provides for the separation of executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The President and the members of the General Congress are elected by popular
vote.
Prior to 1994, when Mexico experienced an economic crisis that led to the
devaluation of the Peso in December 1994, the Mexican economy experienced
improvement in a number of areas, including growth in gross domestic product
and a substantial reduction in the rate of inflation and in the public sector
financial deficit. Much of the past improvement in the Mexican economy was due
to a series of economic policy initiatives intended to modernize and reform the
Mexican economy, control inflation, reduce the financial deficit, increase
public revenues through the reform of the tax system, establish a competitive
and stable currency exchange rate, liberalize trade restrictions and increase
investment and productivity, while reducing the government's role in the
economy. In this regard, the Mexican government launched a program for
privatizing certain state owned enterprises, developing and modernizing the
securities markets, increasing investment in the private sector and permitting
increased levels of foreign investment.
In 1994 Mexico faced internal and external conditions that resulted in an
economic crisis that continues to affect the Mexican economy adversely. Growing
trade and current account deficits, which could no longer be financed by
inflows of foreign capital, were factors contributing to the crisis. A
weakening economy and unsettling political and social developments caused
investors to lose confidence in the Mexican economy. This resulted in a large
decline in foreign reserves followed by a sharp and rapid devaluation of the
Mexican Peso. The ensuing economic and financial crisis resulted in higher
inflation and domestic interest rates, a contraction in real gross domestic
product and a liquidity crisis.
In response to the adverse economic conditions that developed at the end of
1994, the Mexican government instituted a new economic program; and the
government and the business and labor sectors of the economy entered into a new
accord in an effort to stabilize the economy and the financial markets. To help
relieve Mexico's liquidity crisis and restore financial stability to Mexico's
economy, the Mexican government also obtained financial assistance from the
United States, other countries and certain international agencies conditioned
upon the implementation and continuation of the economic reform program.
In October 1995, and again in October 1996, the Mexican government announced
new accords designed to encourage economic growth and reduce inflation. While
it cannot be accurately predicted whether these accords will continue to
achieve their objectives, the Mexican economy has stabilized since the economic
crisis of 1994, and the high inflation and high interest rates that continued
to be a factor after 1994 have subsided as well. After declining for five
consecutive quarters beginning with the first quarter of 1995, Mexico's gross
domestic product began to grow in the second quarter of 1996. That growth was
sustained in 1996 and 1997, resulting in increases of 5.2% and 7.0%,
respectively. The growth rate for the first half of 1998 was 5.4%. In addition,
inflation dropped from a 52% annual rate in 1995 to a 27.7% annual rate in 1996
and a 15.7% annual rate in 1997. For the first eight months of 1998, the
inflation rate fluctuated between
B-1
15.0% and 15.5% on an annualized basis. Mexico's economy is influenced by
international economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, and
by world prices for oil and other commodities. The recovery of the economy will
require continued economic and fiscal discipline as well as stable political
and social conditions. In addition, there is no assurance that Mexico's
economic policy initiatives will be successful or that succeeding
administrations will continue these initiatives.
Under economic policy initiatives implemented on and after December 1987, the
Mexican government introduced a series of schedules allowing for the gradual
devaluation of the Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar. These gradual
devaluations continued until December 1994. On December 22, 1994, the Mexican
government announced that it would permit the Peso to float freely against
other currencies, resulting in a precipitous decline against the U.S. Dollar.
By December 31, 1996, the Peso-Dollar exchange rate had decreased approximately
40% from that on December 22, 1994. After dropping approximately 55% from 1994
through 1996, in 1997, the average annual Peso-Dollar exchange rate decreased
approximately 4% from that in 1996. At the end of the first nine months of
1998, the Peso-Dollar exchange rate decreased approximately 25% from the end of
1997.
Mexico has in the past imposed strict foreign exchange controls. There is no
assurance that future regulatory actions in Mexico would not affect the Fund's
ability to obtain U.S. Dollars in exchange for Mexican Pesos.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA
The Republic of Argentina ("Argentina") consists of 23 provinces and the
federal capital of Buenos Aires. Its federal constitution provides for an
executive branch headed by a President, a legislative branch and a judicial
branch. Each province has its own constitution, and elects its own governor,
legislators and judges, without the intervention of the federal government.
The military has intervened in the political process on several occasions since
1930 and has ruled the country for 22 of the past 68 years. The most recent
military government ruled the country from 1976 to 1983. Four unsuccessful
military uprisings have occurred since 1983, the most recent in December 1990.
Shortly after taking office in 1989, the country's current President adopted
market-oriented and reformist policies, including an aggressive privatization
program, a reduction in the size of the public sector and an opening of the
economy to international competition.
In the decade prior to the announcement of a new economic plan in March 1991,
the Argentine economy was characterized by low and erratic growth, declining
investment rates and rapidly worsening inflation. Despite its strengths, which
include a well-balanced natural resource base and a high literacy rate, the
Argentine economy failed to respond to a series of economic plans in the
1980's. The 1991 economic plan represented a pronounced departure from its
predecessors in calling for raising revenues, cutting expenditures and reducing
the public deficit. The extensive privatization program commenced in 1989 was
accelerated, the domestic economy deregulated and opened up to foreign trade
and the frame-work for foreign investment reformed. As a result of the economic
stabilization reforms, gross domestic product has increased each year since
1991, with the exception of 1995. During 1997, gross domestic product increased
an estimated 8.4% from 1996. Preliminary data indicate that during the first
quarter of 1998 gross domestic product increased 6.9% from the first quarter of
1997. The rate of inflation is generally viewed to be under control.
Significant progress was also made between 1991 and 1994 in rescheduling
Argentina's debt with both external and domestic creditors, which improved
fiscal cash flows in the medium term and allowed a return to voluntary credit
markets. There is no assurance that Argentina's economic policy initiatives
will be successful or that succeeding administrations will continue these
initiatives.
In 1995 economic policy was directed toward the effects of the Mexican currency
crisis. The Mexican currency crisis led to a run on Argentine bank deposits,
which was brought under control by a series of measures designed to strengthen
the financial system. The measures included the "dollarization" of banking
reserves, the establishment of two trust funds and strengthening bank reserve
requirements.
In 1991 the Argentine government enacted currency reforms, which required the
domestic currency to be fully backed by international reserves, in an effort to
make the Argentine Peso fully convertible into the U.S. Dollar at a rate of one
to one.
The Argentine Peso has been the Argentine currency since January 1, 1992. Since
that date, the rate of exchange from the Argentine Peso to the U.S. Dollar has
remained approximately one to one. The fixed exchange rate has been
instrumental in stabilizing the economy, but has not reduced pressures from
high rates of unemployment. It is not clear that the government will be able to
resist pressure to devalue the currency. However, the historic range is not
necessarily indicative of fluctuations that may occur in the exchange rate over
time and future rates of exchange cannot be accurately predicted. The Argentine
foreign exchange market was highly controlled until December 1989, when a free
exchange rate was established for all foreign currency transactions. Argentina
has eliminated restrictions on foreign direct investment and capital
repatriation. In 1993, legislation was adopted abolishing previous requirements
of a three-year waiting period for capital repatriation. Under the legislation,
foreign investors are permitted to remit profits at any time.
B-2
ALLIANCE BOND FUNDS SUBSCRIPTION APPLICATION
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO
HIGH YIELD FUND
TO OPEN YOUR NEW ALLIANCE ACCOUNT...
Please complete the application and mail it to:
ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES, INC.
P.O. BOX 1520
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07096-1520
For certified or overnight deliveries, send to:
ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES, INC.
500 PLAZA DRIVE
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07094
SECTION 1 YOUR ACCOUNT REGISTRATION (REQUIRED)
Complete one of the available choices. To ensure proper tax reporting to the
IRS:
* Individuals, Joint Tenants, Transfer on Death and Gift/Transfer to a Minor:
. Indicate your name(s) exactly as it appears on your social security
card.
* Transfer on Death:
. Ensure that your state participates
* Trust/Other:
. Indicate the name of the entity exactly as it appeared on the notice
you received from the IRS when your Employer Identification number
was assigned.
SECTION 2 YOUR ADDRESS (REQUIRED) Complete in full.
* Non-Resident Alien:
. Indicate your permanent country of residence.
SECTION 3 YOUR INITIAL INVESTMENT (REQUIRED)
For each Fund in which you are investing: 1 Write the three digit Fund number
in the column titled 'INDICATE THREE DIGIT FUND NUMBER LOCATED BELOW'.
2 Write the dollar amount of your initial purchase in the column titled
'INDICATE DOLLAR AMOUNT'. (If you are eligible for a reduced sales charge,
you must also complete Section 4F). 3 Check off a distribution option for
your dividends. 4 Check off a distribution option for your capital gains.
All distributions (dividends and capital gains) will be reinvested into your
fund account unless you direct otherwise. If you want distributions sent
directly to your bank account, then you must complete Section 4D and attach
a preprinted, voided check for that account. If you want your distributions
sent to a third party you must complete Section 4E.
SECTION 4 YOUR SHAREHOLDER OPTIONS (COMPLETE ONLY THOSE OPTIONS YOU WANT)
A. AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS (AIP) - You can make periodic investments into
any of your Alliance Funds in one of three ways. First, by a periodic
withdrawal ($25 minimum) directly from your bank account and invested into an
Alliance Fund. Second, you can direct your distributions (dividends and
capital gains) from one Alliance Fund into another Fund. Or third, you can
automatically exchange monthly ($25 minimum) shares of one Alliance Fund for
shares of another Fund. To elect one of these options, complete the
appropriate portion of Section 4A & 4D. If more than one dividend direction
or monthly exchange is desired, please call our Literature Center to obtain a
Shareholder Account Services Options Form for completion.
B. TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS VIA EFT - Complete this option if you would like to
be able to transact via telephone between your fund account and your bank
account.
C. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS (SWP) - Complete this option if you wish to
periodically redeem dollars from one of your fund accounts. Payments can be
made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your bank account or by check.
D. BANK INFORMATION - If you have elected any options that involve
transactions between your bank account and your fund account or have elected
cash distribution options and would like the payments sent to your bank
account, please tape a preprinted, voided check of the account you wish to use
to this section of the application.
E. THIRD PARTY PAYMENT DETAILS - If you have chosen cash distributions and/or
a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and would like the payments sent to a person
and/or address other than those provided in section 1 or 2, complete this
option. Medallion Signature Guarantee is required if your account is not
maintained by a broker dealer.
F. REDUCED CHARGES (CLASS A ONLY) - Complete if you would like to link fund
accounts that have combined balances that might exceed $100,000 so that future
purchases will receive discounts. Complete if you intend to purchase over
$100,000 within 13 months.
SECTION 5 SHAREHOLDER AUTHORIZATION (REQUIRED) All owners must sign. If it
is a custodial, corporate, or trust account, the custodian, an authorized
officer, or the trustee respectively must sign.
IF WE CAN ASSIST YOU IN ANY WAY, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL US AT: (800)
221-5672.
FOR LITERATURE CALL: (800) 227-4618
THE ALLIANCE BOND FUNDS SUBSCRIPTION APPLICATION
_______________________________________________________________________________
1. YOUR ACCOUNT REGISTRATION (Please Print in Capital Letters and Mark Check
Boxes Where Applicable)
__ Individual Account { __ Male __ Female } - or - __ Joint Account - or -
__ Transfer On Death { __ Male __ Female } - or - __ Gift/Transfer to a Minor
___________________________________________ ____ ____________________________
Owner or Custodian (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
________________________________________________________________________
(First Name) Joint Owner*, Transfer On Death Beneficiary or Minor
____ ______________________________
(MI) (Last Name)
______________-____-_________________
Social Security Number of Owner or Minor (required to open account)
If Uniform Gift/Transfer to Minor Account: ________ Minor's State of Residence
If Joint Tenants Account: * The Account will be registered "Joint Tenants with
right of Survivorship" unless you indicate otherwise below:
__ In Common __ By Entirety __ Community Property
__ Trust - or - __ Corporation - or - Other________________________________
___________________________________________ ____ ____________________________
Name of Trustee if applicable (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Name of Trust or Corporation or Other Entity
_______________________________________________________________________________
Name of Trust or Corporation or Other Entity continued
_________________________
Trust Dated (MM,DD,YYYY)
________________________________________
Tax ID Number (required to open account)
__ Employer ID Number - OR - __ Social Security Number
2. YOUR ADDRESS
__________________________ ___________________________________________________
Street Number Street Name
_______________________________________________ ______ ______________________
City State Zip code
____________________________ ________-________-____________
If Non-U.S., Specify Country Daytime Phone Number
__ U.S. Citizen __ Resident Alien __ Non-Resident Alien
80888GEN-TABFAPP-P1
1
3. YOUR INITIAL INVESTMENT
The minimum investment is $250 per fund.
The maximum investment in Class B is $250,000; Class C is $1,000,000.
I hereby subscribe for shares of the following Alliance Bond Fund(s) and elect
distribution options as indicated.
BROKER/DEALER USE ONLY: WIRE CONFIRM # _________________________
DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS:
R REINVEST DISTRIBUTIONS into my fund account.
C SEND MY DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH to the address I have provided in Section 2.
(Complete Section 4D for direct deposit to your bank account. Complete Section
4E for payment to a third party)
D DIRECT MY DISTRIBUTIONS TO ANOTHER ALLIANCE FUND. Complete the appropriate
portion of Section 4A to direct your distributions (dividends and capital
gains) to another Alliance Fund (the $250 minimum investment requirement
applies to Funds into which distributions are directed).
Indicate three digit Fund Indicate Dollar Distributions Options *Check One*
number located below Amount Dividends Capital Gains
- ------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
_______________ $______________ R C D R C D
_______________ $______________ R C D R C D
_______________ $______________ R C D R C D
TOTAL INVESTMENT $______________
MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ALLIANCE FUNDS
ALLIANCE BOND FUND NAMES AND NUMBERS
_______________________________________________________________________________
For checkwriting privileges, please send the enclosed signature card with
your application. Checkwriting is offered on Class A and Class C shares
only, and is not offered on Corporate Bond Portfolio and High Yield Fund.
A Medallion Signature Guarantee is required if your account is not maintained
by a broker/dealer. For Class C shares, checkwriting may result in the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge against your account. The
minimum amount for checkwriting is $500.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Initial Sales Contingent Deferred Asset-Based
Charge Sales Charge Sales Charge
A B C
------------- ------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUNDS
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND 37 51 337
U.S. GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO 46 76 346
LIMITED MATURITY GOVERNMENT FUND 88 89 388
MORTGAGE SECURITIES INCOME FUND 52 63 352
MULTI-MARKET FUNDS
MULTI-MARKET STRATEGY TRUST 22 23 322
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST 55 56 355
GLOBAL DOLLAR GOVERNMENT FUND 166 266 366
GLOBAL STRATEGIC INCOME TRUST 124 224 324
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO 95 295 395
HIGH YIELD FUND 103 203 303
</TABLE>
80888GEN-TABFAPP-P2
2
4. YOUR SHAREHOLDER OPTIONS
A. AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS (AIP)
__ WITHDRAW FROM MY BANK ACCOUNT VIA EFT*
I authorize Alliance to draw on my bank account for investment in my fund
account(s) as indicated below (Complete Section 4D also for the bank account
you wish to use).
1- ___________ ______________________ ______ , _________.00 __
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
2- ___________ ______________________ ______ , _________.00 __
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
3- ___________ ______________________ ______ , _________.00 __
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Frequency:
M = monthly
Q = quarterly
A = Annually
* ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER. YOUR BANK MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL
AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE ASSOCIATION (NACHA)
__ DIRECT MY DISTRIBUTIONS
As indicated in Section 3, I would like my dividends and/or capital gains
directed to the same class of shares of another Alliance Fund.
FROM: ___________ ______________________________ - __
Fund Number Account Number (If existing)
TO: ___________ ______________________________ - __
Fund Number Account Number (If existing)
__ EXCHANGE MY SHARES MONTHLY
I authorize Alliance to transact monthly exchanges, within the same class of
shares, between my fund accounts as listed below.
FROM: ___________ ______________________________ - __
Fund Number Account Number (If existing)
______ ,___________.00 ________
Amount ($25 minimum) Day of Exchange**
TO: ___________ ______________________________ - __
Fund Number Account Number (If existing)
** SHARES EXCHANGED WILL BE REDEEMED AT THE NET ASSET VALUE ON THE "DAY OF
EXCHANGE" (IF THE "DAY OF EXCHANGE" IS NOT A FUND BUSINESS DAY, THE EXCHANGE
TRANSACTION WILL BE PROCESSED ON THE NEXT FUND BUSINESS DAY). THE EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE IS NOT AVAILABLE IF SHOCK CERTIFICATES HAVE BEEN ISSUED.
B. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS VIA EFT
You can call our toll-free number 1-800-221-5672 and instruct Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. in a recorded conversation to purchase, redeem or exchange
shares for your account. Purchase and redemption requests will be processed
via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to and from your bank account.
INSTRUCTIONS:
* Review the information in the Prospectus about telephone transaction
services.
* If you select the telephone purchase or redemption privilege, you must write
"VOID" across the face of a check from the bank account you wish to use and
attach it to Section 4D of this application.
__ PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS VIA EFT
I hereby authorize Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to effect the purchase and/or
redemption of Fund shares for my account according to my telephone instructions
or telephone instructions from my Broker/Agent, and to withdraw money or credit
money for such shares via EFT from the bank account I have selected. The
maximum redemption amount is $100,000 per day.
For shares recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer,
redemption proceeds will not be made available until the Fund is reasonably
assured the check or electronic funds transfer has been collected, normally
for 15 calendar days after the purchase date.
80888GEN-TABFAPP-P3
3
4. YOUR SHAREHOLDER OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
C. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS (SWP)
In order to establish a SWP, you must reinvest all dividends and capital gains.
__ I authorize Alliance to transact periodic redemptions from my fund account
and send the proceeds to me as indicated below.
1- ___________ ______________________ ______ , _________.00 __
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
2- ___________ ______________________ ______ , _________.00 __
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
3- ___________ ______________________ ______ , _________.00 __
Fund Number Beginning Date (MM,DD) Amount ($25 minimum) Frequency
Frequency:
M = monthly
Q = quarterly
A = Annually
PLEASE SEND MY SWP PROCEEDS TO:
__ My Address of Record (via check)
__ My checking account-via EFT (complete section 4D)
Your bank must be a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association
(NACHA) in order for you to receive SWP proceeds directly into your bank
account. Otherwise payment will be made by check
__ The Payee and address specified in section 4E (via check)
(Medallion Signature Guarantee required)
D. BANK INFORMATION This bank account information will be used for:
__ Distributions (Section 3)
__ Telephone Transactions (Section 4B)
__ Automatic Investments (Section 4A)
__ Withdrawals (Section 4C)
PLEASE TAPE A PRE-PRINTED VOIDED CHECK HERE*
* THE ABOVE SERVICES CANNOT BE ESTABLISHED WITHOUT A PRE-PRINTED VOIDED CHECK.
FOR EFT TRANSACTIONS, THE FUND REQUIRES SIGNATURES OF BANK ACCOUNT OWNERS
EXACTLY AS THEY APPEAR ON BANK RECORDS. IF THE REGISTRATION AT THE BANK
DIFFERS FROM THAT ON THE ALLIANCE MUTUAL FUND, ALL PARTIES MUST SIGN IN SECTION
5.
VOID
ABA Routing Number
Check Number
Bank Account Number
______________________________
Your Bank's ABA Routing Number
______________________________________________
Your Bank Account Number
__ Checking Account __ Savings Account
80888GEN-TABFAPP-P4
4
4. YOUR SHAREHOLDER OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
E. THIRD PARTY PAYMENT DETAILS Your signature(s) in Section 5 must be
Medallion Signature Guaranteed if your account is not maintained by a
broker/dealer. This third party payee information will be used for:
__ Distributions (section 3) __ Systematic Withdrawals (section 4C)
_________________________________ _____ _____________________________________
Name (First Name) (MI) (Last Name)
___________________________ __________________________________________________
Street Number Street Name
______________________________________________ _____ ________________________
City State Zip code
F. REDUCED CHARGES (CLASS A ONLY) If you, your spouse or minor children
own shares in other Alliance Funds, you may be eligible for a reduced sales
charge. Please complete the Right of Accumulation section or the Statement
of Intent section.
__ A. RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION
Please link the tax identification numbers or account numbers listed below for
Right of Accumulation privileges, so that this and future purchases will
receive any discount for which they are eligible.
_________________________ _________________________ _________________________
Tax ID or Account Number Tax ID or Account Number Tax ID or Account Number
__ B. STATEMENT OF INTENT
I want to reduce my sales charge by agreeing to invest the following amount
over a 13-month period:
__ $100,000 __ $250,000 __ $500,000 __ $1,000,000
If the full amount indicated is not purchased within 13 months, I understand
that an additional sales charge must be paid from my account.
DEALER/AGENT AUTHORIZATION - FOR SELECTED DEALERS OR AGENTS ONLY.
We hereby authorize Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to act as our agent in
connection with transactions under this authorization form; and we guarantee
the signature(s) set forth in Section 5, as well as the legal capacity of the
shareholder.
_________________________________________ ____________________________________
Dealer/Agent Firm Authorized Signature
____________________________________ ____ ___________________________________
Representative First Name MI Last Name
_________________________________________ ____________________________________
Dealer/Agent Firm Number Representative Number
_________________________________________ ____________________________________
Branch Number Branch Telephone Number
_______________________________________________________________________________
Branch Office Address
_______________________________________________ _____ _______________________
City State Zip Code
80888GEN-TABFAPP-P5
5
5. SHAREHOLDER AUTHORIZATION -- THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED
TELEPHONE EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS BY CHECK
Unless I have checked one or both boxes below, these privileges will
automatically apply, and by signing this application, I hereby authorize
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to act on my telephone instructions, or on
telephone instructions from any person representing himself to be an authorized
employee of an investment dealer or agent requesting a redemption or exchange
on my behalf. (NOTE: Telephone exchanges may only be processed between
accounts that have identical registrations.) Telephone redemption checks will
only be mailed to the name and address of record; and the address must not have
changed within the last 30 days. The maximum telephone redemption amount is
$50,000. This service can be enacted once every 30 days.
__ I do not elect the telephone exchange service
__ I do not elect the telephone redemption by check service
By selecting any of the above telephone privileges, I agree that neither the
Fund nor Alliance, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. or other Fund Agent will be liable for any loss, injury, damage or expense
as a result of acting upon telephone instructions purporting to be on my
behalf, that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine, and that neither the
Fund nor any such party will be responsible for the authenticity of such
telephone instructions. I understand that any or all of these privileges may
be discontinued by me or the Fund at any time. I understand and agree that the
Fund reserves the right to refuse any telephone instructions and that my
investment dealer or agent reserves the right to refuse to issue any telephone
instructions I may request.
For non-residents only: Under penalties of perjury, I certify that to the best
of my knowledge and belief, I qualify as a foreign person as indicated in
Section 2.
I am of legal age and capacity and have received and read the Prospectus and
agree to its terms.
I CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE NUMBER SHOWN IN SECTION 1 OF THIS
FORM IS MY CORRECT TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR I AM WAITING FOR A NUMBER TO BE
ISSUED TO ME AND THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THIS ACCOUNT IS SUBJECT TO
BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION
OF THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP
WITHHOLDING.
______________________________________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
______________________________________________________ _______________________
Signature Date
Medallion Signature Guarantee required if completing Section 4E and your mutual
fund is not maintained by a broker dealer
80888GEN-TABFAPP-P6
6
SIGNATURE CARD
Dealer/Bank Name: _______________________________________
FUND ACCT. NO.:* ________________________________________
FUND NAME:* _____________________________________________
*Information Necessary to Complete Request
ACCOUNT NAME(S) AS REGISTERED:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER ADDRESS:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:*
_________________________________________________________
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES:
1. _________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________
Joint Accounts check one:
__ Either owner is authorized to sign Redemption Checks
__ All owners are required to sign Redemption Checks
(If no box is checked, only one signature will be required.)
Checkbooks are not transferable to other accounts. If you change account
numbers, change funds or change of ownership you must reapply for check-writing.
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Subject to conditions on reverse side.
SIGNATURE CARD
The payment of funds is authorized by the signature(s) appearing on the reverse
side. Each signatory guarantees the genuineness of the other signatures.
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (the "Bank") is hereby appointed agent by
the person(s) signing this card (the "Depositor(s)") and, as agent, is
authorized and directed, upon presentment of checks to the Bank.
(1) IF PERTAINING TO AN ALLIANCE DEPOSIT ACCOUNT (THE "ACCOUNT") - to direct
Alliance, which as the Depositor's agent and nominee maintains such Account on
the Depositors behalf at one or more depository institutions, to withdraw funds
from the Account in the amounts of such checks for deposit in this checking
account. Alliance hereby appointed the Depositor's agent and, where
appropriate, messenger for the purpose of effecting such withdrawals.
(2) IF PERTAINING TO AN ALLIANCE MUTUAL FUND (THE "FUND") - to transmit such
checks to the Fund or its transfer agent as requests to redeem shares
registered in the name of the Depositor(s) in the amounts of such checks for
deposit in this checking account.
This checking arrangement is subject to the applicable terms and restrictions,
including charges, set forth in the current Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information for each Alliance mutual fund or deposit account as to
which the Depositor has arranged to redeem shares or withdraw funds by
check-writing. The Bank is further authorized to effect withdrawals or
redemptions to defray the Bank's charges relating to this checking arrangement.
The Depositor(s) agrees that he shall be subject to the rules and regulations
of the Bank pertaining to this checking arrangement as amended from time to
time, that the Bank has the right not to honor checks which do not meet the
Banks normal standards for checks presented to it, that the Bank and Alliance
have the right to change, modify or terminate this check-writing service at
any time; and that the Bank shall be liable only for its own negligence.
MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE - Signatures must be guaranteed by an institution
that is an "eligible guarantor" as defined in Rule 17 Ad-15 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. This would include such institutions such as banks and
brokerage firms.
Send this card with any necessary authorizing documentation to:
ALLIANCE FUND SERVICES
ATTN: CHECKWRITING DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 1520
SECAUCUS, NJ 07096-1520
MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE (see reverse)
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE
HIGH YIELD
FUND
c/o Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
Prospectus and Application
(Advisor Class)
November 2, 1998
Table of Contents
Page
The Fund at a Glance.......................................
Expense Information........................................
Financial Highlights.......................................
Glossary...................................................
Description of the Fund....................................
Investment Objective...................................
Investment Policies....................................
Additional Investment Practices........................
Certain Fundamental Investment Policies................
Certain Risk Considerations............................
Purchase and Sale of Shares................................
Management of the Fund.....................................
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.........................
Conversion Feature.........................................
General Information........................................
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, New York 10105
<PAGE>
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks high total
return by maximizing current income and, to the extent consistent
with that objective, capital appreciation. The Fund pursues this
objective by investing primarily in a diversified mix of high
yield, below investment grade fixed-income securities involving
greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and
income than higher quality fixed income securities.
The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information that a
prospective investor should know about the Fund before investing.
A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Fund dated
November 2, 1998, which provides further information regarding
certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and other matters
which may be of interest to some investors, has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein
by reference. For a free copy, call or write Alliance Fund
Services, Inc. at the indicated address or call the "For
Literature" telephone number shown above.
This Prospectus offers the Advisor Class shares of the Fund,
which may be purchased at net asset value without any initial or
contingent deferred sales charges and without ongoing
distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares are offered solely
to (i) investors participating in fee-based programs meeting
certain standards established by Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter, (ii) participants in
self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plans (e.g.,
401(k) plans) that meet certain minimum standards and
(iii) certain other categories of investors described in the
Prospectus, including investment advisory clients of, and certain
other persons associated with, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
and its affiliates or the Fund. See "Purchase and Sale of
Shares." An investment in these securities is not a deposit or
obligation of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank and is not
federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully and to
retain it for future reference.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Alliance Capital [LOGO]
2
<PAGE>
SM These are registered marks used under license from the owner,
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
3
<PAGE>
The Fund At A Glance
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more
detailed information contained in this Prospectus.
The Fund's Investment Adviser Is . . .
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a global
investment adviser providing diversified services to institutions
and individuals through a broad line of investments including
more than 120 mutual funds. Since 1971, Alliance has earned a
reputation as a leader in the investment world with over $262
billion in assets under management as of June 30, 1998. Alliance
provides investment management services to employee benefit plans
for 32 of the FORTUNE 100 companies.
The Fund
Seeks . . . high total return by maximizing current income and,
to the extent consistent with that objective, capital
appreciation.
Invests principally in . . . A diversified mix of high yield,
below investment grade fixed-income securities.
A Word About Risk . . .
The prices of the Fund's shares will fluctuate as the daily
prices of the individual bonds in which it invests fluctuate, so
that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than
their original cost. Price fluctuations may be caused by changes
in the general level of interest rates or changes in bond credit
quality ratings. Changes in interest rates have a greater effect
on bonds with longer maturities than those with shorter
maturities. The Fund invests in high-yield, high-risk bonds that
are rated below investment grade and are considered to have
predominantly speculative characteristics. The prices of non-
U.S. dollar denominated bonds also fluctuate with changes in
foreign exchange rates. Because the Fund invests a portion of
its assets in non-U.S. securities, an investment in the Fund
involves risks not associated with Funds that invest primarily in
securities of U.S. issuers. While the Fund invests principally
in fixed-income securities, in order to achieve its investment
objectives, the Fund may at times use certain types of derivative
instruments, such as options, futures and forwards. These
instruments involve risks different from, and, in certain cases,
greater than, the risks presented by more traditional
investments. These risks are fully discussed in this Prospectus.
See "Description of the Fund--Additional Investment Practices"
and "--Certain Risk Considerations."
4
<PAGE>
Getting Started. . .
Shares of the Fund are available through your financial
representative. The Fund offers multiple classes of shares, of
which only the Advisor Class is offered by this Prospectus.
Advisor Class shares may be purchased at net asset value without
any initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are not
subject to ongoing distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares
may be purchased and held solely (i) through accounts established
under a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a
registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and
approved by Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), the Fund's
principal underwriter, (ii) through a self-directed defined
contribution employee benefit plan (e.g., a 401(k) plan) that has
at least 1,000 participants or $25 million in assets, (iii) by
investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons
associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Fund and (iv)
through registered investment advisers or other financial
intermediaries who charge a management, consulting or other fee
for their service and who purchase shares through a broker or
agent approved by AFD and clients of such registered investment
advisers or financial intermediaries whose accounts are linked to
the master account of such investment adviser or financial
intermediary on the books of such approved broker or agent. A
shareholder's Advisor Class shares will automatically convert to
Class A shares of the Fund under certain circumstances. See
"Conversion Feature--Conversion to Class A Shares." Generally, a
fee-based program must charge an asset-based or other similar fee
and must invest at least $250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the
Fund in order to be approved by AFD for investment in Advisor
Class shares. For more detailed information about who may
purchase and hold Advisor Class shares see the Statement of
Additional Information. Fee-based and other programs through
which Advisor Class shares may be purchased may impose different
requirements with respect to investment in Advisor Class shares
than described above. For detailed information about purchasing
and selling shares, see "Purchase and Sale of Shares."
Alliance Capital [LOGO]
(R) These are registered marks used under license from the owner,
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
5
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
EXPENSE INFORMATION
_______________________________________________________________
Shareholder Transaction Expenses are one of several factors to
consider when you invest in the Fund. The following table
summarizes your maximum transaction costs from investing in the
Advisor Class shares of the Fund and estimated annual expenses
for Advisor Class shares of the Fund. For the Fund, the
"Example" following the table below shows the cumulative expenses
attributable to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in Advisor Class
shares for the periods specified.
Advisor
Class Shares
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)............ None
Sales charge imposed on dividend reinvestments... None
Deferred sales charge............................ None
Exchange fee..................................... None
_______________________________________________________________
Operating Expenses Advisor Class
Management fees.................................. .75%
12b-1 fees....................................... None
Other expenses (a)............................... .39%
Total fund operating expenses (b)................ 1.14%
Example Advisor Class
After 1 year..................................... $ 12
After 3 years.................................... $ 36
After 5 years.................................... $ 63
After 10 years................................... $139
_______________________________________________________________
(a) These expenses include a transfer agency fee payable to
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alliance,
based on a fixed dollar amount charged to the Fund for each
shareholder's account.
(b) The expense information does not reflect any charges or
expenses imposed by your financial representative or your
employee benefit plan.
6
<PAGE>
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in
the Fund will bear directly or indirectly. The Example set forth
above assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and
utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Commission
regulations. "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for
the Fund's current fiscal year. The Example should not be
considered representative of past or future expenses; actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Actual returns
will vary.
_______________________________________________________________
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
_______________________________________________________________
The following table presents per share income and capital changes
for an Advisor Class share outstanding throughout the period
indicated. The information in the table has been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors of the Fund. A
report of Ernst & Young LLP on the information appears in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following
information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes which are included in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in
the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders, which may be obtained
without charge by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS")
at the address or "For Literature" telephone number shown on the
cover of this Prospectus.
7
<PAGE>
ADVISOR CLASS
__________________________
April 22, 1997(a)
Year Ended to
August 31, 1998 August 31, 1997
Net asset value, beginning of period........ $11.17 $10.00
_______ ______
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income (b)................... 1.11 .40
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions.............................. (.32) 1.13
_______ _______
Net increase in net asset value from
operations................................ .79 1.53
_______ _______
Less: Dividends and Distributions
Dividends from net investment income........ (1.05) (.36)
Distributions in excess of net
investment income........................ (.01) -0-
Distributions from net realized gains (.14) -0-
______ ______
Total dividends and distributions (1.20) (.36)
Net asset value, end of period.............. $10.76 $11.17
======== =======
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset
value (c)................................. 6.68% 15.44%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)... $2,256 $321
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements... 1.14% 1.40%(d)
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements... 1.16% 2.82%(d)
Net investment income, net of waivers/
reimbursements.......................... 9.25% 8.20%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate................... 311% 73%
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding.
(c) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial
investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of
the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions
at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the
last day of the period. Initial sales charge or contingent
deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of
8
<PAGE>
total investment return. Total investment return calculated
for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d) Annualized.
_______________________________________________________________
GLOSSARY
_______________________________________________________________
The following terms are used in this Prospectus. Many of these
terms are explained in greater detail under "Description of the
Fund---Additional Investment Practices" and in Appendix A.
Bonds are fixed, floating and variable rate debt obligations.
Debt Securities are bonds, debentures, notes, bills and
repurchase agreements.
Fixed-Income Securities are debt securities, convertible
securities and preferred stocks and include floating rate and
variable rate instruments. Fixed-income securities may be rated
(or if unrated, for purposes of the Fund's investment policies
may be determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality to
those rated) triple-A (Aaa or AAA), high quality (Aa or AA or
above), high grade (A or above) or investment grade (Baa or BBB
or above) by, as the case may be, Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps or
Fitch, or may be lower-rated securities, as defined below. In
the case of "split-rated" fixed-income securities (i.e.,
securities assigned non-equivalent credit quality ratings, such
as Baa by Moody's but BB by S&P, or, to take another example, Ba
by Moody's and BB by S&P but B by Fitch), the Fund will use the
rating deemed by Alliance to be the most appropriate under the
circumstances.
Lower-Rated Securities are fixed-income securities rated Ba or BB
or below, or determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality,
and are commonly referred to as "junk bonds."
Equity Securities are common and preferred stocks, securities
convertible into common and preferred stocks, and rights and
warrants to subscribe for the purchase of common and preferred
stocks.
Convertible Securities are bonds, debentures, corporate notes and
preferred stocks that are convertible into common and preferred
stock.
U.S. Government Securities are securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These
securities include securities backed by the full faith and credit
9
<PAGE>
of the United States, those supported by the right of the issuer
to borrow from the U.S. Treasury and those backed only by the
credit of the issuing agency itself. The first category includes
U.S. Treasury Securities (which are U.S. Treasury bills, notes
and bonds) and certificates issued by GNMA (see below). U.S.
Government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States include certificates issued by FNMA and FHLMC
(see below).
Mortgage-Related Securities are pools of mortgage loans that are
assembled for sale to investors (such as mutual funds) by various
governmental, government-related and private organizations.
These securities include:
ARMS, which are adjustable-rate mortgage securities;
CMOS, which are collateralized mortgage obligations;
GNMA Certificates, which are securities issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association;
FNMA Certificates, which are securities issued by the
Federal National Mortgage Association; and
FHLMC Certificates, which are securities issued by the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate.
NRSRO is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
Moody's is Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
S&P is Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
Duff & Phelps is Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
Fitch is Fitch IBCA, Inc.
Rule 144A Securities are securities that may be resold pursuant
to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act").
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Exchange is the New York Stock Exchange.
10
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
_______________________________________________________________
The Fund is a diversified management investment company. The
Fund's investment objective is "fundamental" and cannot be
changed without a shareholder vote. Except as otherwise noted,
the Fund's investment policies are not fundamental and thus can
be changed without a shareholder vote. The Fund will not change
these policies without notifying its shareholders. There is no
guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's fundamental investment objective is to achieve high
total return by maximizing current income and, to the extent
consistent with that objective, capital appreciation. The Fund
pursues this objective by investing primarily in a diversified
mix of high yield, below investment grade fixed-income securities
involving greater volatility of price and risk of principal and
income than higher quality fixed-income securities. The below
investment grade debt securities in which the Fund invests are
known as "junk bonds."
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund attempts to achieve its objective by investing primarily
in a diversified mix of high yield, below investment grade fixed-
income securities involving greater volatility of price and risk
of principal and income than higher fixed-income securities. The
Fund is managed to maximize current income by taking advantage of
market developments, yield disparities and variations in the
creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund uses various strategies in
attempting to achieve its objective.
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in high yield fixed-income securities
rated below investment grade by two or more NRSROs (i.e., rated
lower than Baa by Moody's or lower than BBB by S&P) or unrated
but deemed by Alliance to be equivalent to such lower-rated
securities. The Fund will not, however, invest more than 10% of
its total assets in (i) fixed-income securities which are rated
lower than B3 or B- or their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or
if unrated are of equivalent quality as determined by Alliance,
and (ii) money market instruments of any entity which has an
outstanding issue of unsecured debt that is rated lower than B3
or B- or their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated is
of equivalent quality as determined by Alliance.
11
<PAGE>
As of August 31, 1998, on a weighted average basis, the
percentages of the Fund's assets invested in securities rated (or
considered by Alliance to be of equivalent quality to securities
rated) in particular rating categories were 5% in A and above, 4%
in Ba or BB, 73% in B, 5% in CCC and 13% in unrated securities.
The Fund did not invest in securities rated below CCC by each of
Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch or, if not rated,
considered by Alliance to be of equivalent quality to securities
so rated.
Certain of the Fund's investments may be in fixed-income
securities which provide high current yields because of risks
other than credit. For example, the Fund may invest in
securities which have prepayment risks, and non-U.S. dollar
denominated foreign securities, which have currency risks.
See Appendix A, "Bond Ratings," for a description of each rating
category. In the event that any securities held by the Fund fall
below those ratings, the Fund will not be obligated to dispose of
such securities and may continue to hold such securities if, in
the opinion of Alliance, such investment is considered
appropriate under the circumstances.
A portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in foreign
securities, and the Fund may buy and sell foreign currencies
principally for the purpose of preserving the value of foreign
securities or in anticipation of purchasing foreign securities.
See "Certain Risk Considerations--Foreign Investment" and "-
- -Currency Considerations."
In addition, and although not to be emphasized, in furtherance of
its investment objective, the Fund may (i) invest in mortgage-
backed and asset-backed securities, (ii) enter into repurchase
agreements, (iii) invest in loan participations and assignments
of loans to corporate, governmental, or other borrowers
originally made by institutional lenders or lending syndicates,
(iv) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities and purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis, (v) write covered put and call options on
fixed-income securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies and purchase put or call options on fixed-income
securities, securities indices and foreign currencies,
(vi) purchase and sell futures contracts and related options on
debt securities and on indices of debt securities, (vii) enter
into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific currency
for hedging purposes only, and (viii) lend portfolio securities.
For additional information on the uses, risks and costs of these
practices, see "Additional Investment Practices."
In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may from time to time make
investments in (i) U.S. Government securities, (ii) certificates
12
<PAGE>
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, bank notes, time deposits and
interest bearing savings deposits issued or guaranteed by certain
domestic and foreign banks, (iii) commercial paper (rated at
least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or, if not rated, issued
by domestic or foreign companies having high quality outstanding
debt securities) and participation interests in loans extended by
banks to such companies, (iv) corporate debt obligations with
remaining maturities of less than one year rated at least high
quality as well as corporate debt obligations rated at least high
grade provided the corporation also has outstanding an issue of
commercial paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's,
and (v) floating rate or master demand notes. For a description
of these investments, see the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Derivatives. The Fund may use derivatives in furtherance of its
investment objectives. Derivatives are financial contracts whose
value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying
asset, reference rate or index. These assets, rates and indices
may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities, interest
rates, currency exchange rates, bond indices and stock indices.
Derivatives can be used to earn income or protect against risk,
or both. For example, one party with unwanted risk may agree to
pass that risk to another party who is willing to accept the
risk, the second party being motivated, for example, by the
desire either to earn income in the form of a fee or premium from
the first party, or to reduce its own unwanted risk by attempting
to pass all or part of that risk to the first party.
Derivatives can be used by investors such as the Fund to earn
income and enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile
of a portfolio, and either to replace more traditional direct
investments or to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible
markets. Each of these uses entails greater risk than if
derivatives were used solely for hedging purposes. Derivatives
are a valuable tool which, when used properly, can provide
significant benefit to Fund shareholders. The Fund may take a
significant position in those derivatives that are within its
investment policies if, in Alliance's judgment, this represents
the most effective response to current or anticipated market
conditions. Alliance's use of derivatives is subject to
continuous risk assessment and control from the standpoint of the
Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Derivatives may be (i) standardized, exchange-traded contracts or
(ii) customized, privately negotiated contracts. Exchange-traded
derivatives tend to be more liquid and subject to less credit
risk than those that are privately negotiated.
13
<PAGE>
The basic types of derivative instruments in which the Fund may
invest are options, futures and forwards.
Options. An option, which may be standardized and exchange-
traded, or customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement
that, for a premium payment or fee, gives the option holder (the
buyer) the right but not the obligation to buy or sell the
underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an
underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified price (the
exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date.
A call option entitles the holder to purchase, and a put option
entitles the holder to sell, the underlying asset (or settle for
cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index).
Likewise, when an option is exercised the writer of the option is
obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or to purchase
(in the case of a put option) the underlying asset (or settle for
cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index).
Futures. A futures contract is an agreement that obligates the
buyer to buy and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an
underlying asset (or settle for cash the value of a contract
based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specific price
on the contract maturity date. Futures contracts are
standardized, exchange-traded instruments and are fungible (i.e.,
considered to be perfect substitutes for each other). This
fungibility allows futures contracts to be readily offset or
canceled through the acquisition of equal but opposite positions,
which is the primary method in which futures contracts are
liquidated. A cash-settled futures contract does not require
physical delivery of the underlying asset but instead is settled
for cash equal to the difference between the values of the
contract on the date it is entered into and its maturity date.
Forwards. A forward contract is an obligation by one party to
buy, and the other party to sell, a specific quantity of an
underlying commodity or other tangible asset for an agreed upon
price at a future date. Forward contracts are customized,
privately negotiated agreements designed to satisfy the
objectives of each party. A forward contract usually results in
the delivery of the underlying asset upon maturity of the
contract in return for the agreed upon payment.
The term "derivative" is also sometimes used to describe
securities involving rights to a portion of the cash flows from
an underlying pool of mortgages or other assets from which
payments are passed through to the owner of, or that
collateralize, the securities. These securities are described
below under "Additional Investment Practices--Mortgage-Related
Securities." Derivatives involve risks different from, and, in
certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more
traditional investments. Following is a general discussion of
14
<PAGE>
important risk factors and issues concerning the use of
derivatives that investors should understand before investing in
the Fund.
Market Risk. This is the general risk attendant to all
investments that the value of a particular investment will change
in a way detrimental to the Fund's interest.
Management Risk. Derivative products are highly specialized
instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses
different from those associated with stocks and bonds. The use
of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the
underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without
the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under
all possible market conditions. In particular, the use and
complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate
controls to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to
assess the risk that a derivative adds to the Fund's portfolio,
and the ability to forecast price, interest rate or currency
exchange rate movements correctly.
Credit Risk. This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by
the Fund as a result of the failure of another party to a
derivative (usually referred to as a "counterparty") to comply
with the terms of the derivative contract. The credit risk for
exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for privately
negotiated derivatives, since the clearing house, which is the
issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded derivative,
provides a guarantee of performance. This guarantee is supported
by a daily payment system (i.e., margin requirements) operated by
the clearing house in order to reduce overall credit risk. For
privately negotiated derivatives, there is no similar clearing
agency guarantee. Therefore, the Fund considers the
creditworthiness of each counterparty to a privately negotiated
derivative in evaluating potential credit risk.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when a particular
instrument is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative
transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is
illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated
derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or
liquidate a position at an advantageous price.
Leverage Risk. Since many derivatives have a leverage component,
adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset,
rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the
amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives
have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of
the initial investment.
15
<PAGE>
Other Risks. Other risks in using derivatives include the risk
of mispricing or improper valuation of derivatives and the
inability of derivatives to correlate perfectly with underlying
assets, rates and indices. Many derivatives, in particular
privately negotiated derivatives, are complex and often valued
subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash
payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the
Fund. Derivatives do not always perfectly or even highly
correlate or track the value of the assets, rates or indices they
are designed to closely track. Consequently, the Fund's use of
derivatives may not always be an effective means of, and
sometimes could be counterproductive to, furthering the Fund's
investment objective.
DERIVATIVES THAT MAY BE USED BY THE FUND
Following is a description of specific derivatives which the Fund
may use.
Options On Securities. In purchasing an option on securities,
the Fund would be in a position to realize a gain if, during the
option period, the price of the underlying securities increased
(in the case of a call) or decreased (in the case of a put) by an
amount in excess of the premium paid; otherwise the Fund would
experience a loss not greater than the premium paid for the
option. Thus, the Fund would realize a loss if the price of the
underlying security declined or remained the same (in the case of
a call) or increased or remained the same (in the case of a put)
or otherwise did not increase (in the case of a put) or decrease
(in the case of a call) by more than the amount of the premium.
If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to
expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would
represent a loss to the Fund.
The Fund may write a put or call option in return for a premium,
which is retained by the Fund whether or not the option is
exercised. A call option written by the Fund is "covered" if the
Fund owns the underlying security, has an absolute and immediate
right to acquire that security upon conversion or exchange of
another security it holds, or holds a call option on the
underlying security with an exercise price equal to or less than
that of the call option it has written. A put option written by
the Fund is covered if the Fund holds a put option on the
underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or greater
than that of the put option it has written.
The Fund may purchase or write privately negotiated options on
securities. If the Fund does so, it will effect such
transactions only with investment dealers and other financial
institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and loan
institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance. Alliance has
16
<PAGE>
adopted procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such
counterparties. Privately negotiated options purchased or
written by the Fund may be illiquid, and it may not be possible
for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at an advantageous
time.
Options On Securities Indices. An option on a securities index
is similar to an option on a security except that, rather than
taking or making delivery of a security at a specified price, an
option on a securities index gives the holder the right to
receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the
closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of
a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of
the option.
Options On Foreign Currencies. The Fund invests in options on
foreign currencies that are privately negotiated or traded on
U.S. or foreign exchanges for the purpose of protecting against
declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency denominated
securities held by the Fund and against increases in the U.S.
dollar cost of such securities to be acquired. The purchase of
an option on a foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge
against fluctuations in exchange rates, although if rates move
adversely, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium
plus related transaction costs.
Futures Contracts And Options On Futures Contracts. Futures
contracts that the Fund may buy and sell may include futures
contracts on fixed-income or other securities or foreign
currencies, and contracts based on interest rates or financial
indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities,
foreign government securities or corporate debt securities.
Options on futures contracts are options that call for the
delivery of futures contracts upon exercise. Options on futures
contracts written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on U.S.
or foreign exchanges.
The Fund will not purchase or sell futures contracts or options
on futures contracts unless either (i) the futures contracts or
options thereon are for "bona fide hedging" purposes (as that
term is defined under the Commodities Futures Trading Commission
regulations) or (ii) if for other purposes, the sum of amounts of
initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish non-
hedging positions would not exceed 5% of the Fund's liquidation
value.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. In purchasing or
selling forward contracts on foreign currencies ("forward
contracts"), the Fund attempts to minimize the risk to it from
adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and
other currencies. The Fund may enter into a forward contract,
17
<PAGE>
for example, when it enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to
"lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security (a "transaction
hedge"). When the Fund believes that a foreign currency may
suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may
enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the
Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency,
or when the Fund believes that the U.S. dollar may suffer a
substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may enter into
a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a
fixed dollar amount (a "position hedge"). Instead of entering
into a position hedge, the Fund may, in the alternative, enter
into a forward contract to sell a different foreign currency for
a fixed U.S. dollar amount where the Fund believes that the U.S.
dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward
contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar
value of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund
are denominated (a "cross-hedge").
Forward Commitments. Forward commitments are forward contracts
for the purchase or sale of securities, including purchases on a
"when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a "delayed delivery"
basis. When forward commitments with respect to fixed-income
securities are negotiated, the price, which is generally
expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is
made, but payment for and delivery of the securities take place
at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two
months after the transaction, but settlements beyond two months
may be negotiated. Securities purchased or sold under a forward
commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest or
dividends accrues to the purchaser prior to the settlement date.
At the time the Fund enters into a forward commitment, it records
the transaction and thereafter reflects the value of the security
purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in
determining its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or
depreciation reflected in such valuation would be canceled if the
required conditions did not occur and the trade were canceled.
The use of forward commitments helps the Fund to protect against
anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. For instance,
in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the
Fund might sell securities in its portfolio on a forward
commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling bond prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the
Fund might sell a security in its portfolio and purchase the same
or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment
basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher cash
yields.
18
<PAGE>
The Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under a forward
commitment may be sold prior to the settlement date. The Fund
enters into forward commitments, however, only with the intention
of actually receiving securities or delivering them, as the case
may be. If the Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the right to
acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or
dispose of its right to deliver or receive against a forward
commitment, it may realize a gain or incur a loss.
Mortgage-Related Securities. The mortgage-related securities in
which the Fund may invest typically are securities representing
interests in pools of mortgage loans made to home owners. The
mortgage loan pools may be assembled for sale to investors (such
as the Fund) by governmental or private organizations. Mortgage-
related securities issued by GNMA are backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States; those issued by FNMA and FHLMC
are not so backed. Mortgage-related securities bear interest at
either a fixed rate or an adjustable rate determined by reference
to an index rate. Mortgage-related securities frequently provide
for monthly payments that consist of both interest and principal,
unlike more traditional debt securities, which normally do not
provide for periodic repayments of principal.
Securities representing interests in pools created by private
issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than securities
representing interests in pools created by governmental issuers
because there are no direct or indirect governmental guarantees
of the underlying mortgage payments. However, private issuers
sometimes obtain committed loan facilities, lines of credit,
letters of credit, surety bonds or other forms of liquidity and
credit enhancement to support the timely payment of interest and
principal with respect to their securities if borrowers on the
underlying mortgages fail to make their mortgage payments. The
ratings of such non-governmental securities are generally
dependent upon the ratings of the providers of such liquidity and
credit support and would be adversely affected if the rating of
such an enhancer were downgraded. A Fund may buy mortgage-
related securities without credit enhancement if the securities
meet the Fund's investment standards. Although the market for
mortgage-related securities is becoming increasingly liquid,
those of certain private organizations may not be readily
marketable.
One type of mortgage-related security is of the "pass-through"
variety. The holder of a pass-through security is considered to
own an undivided beneficial interest in the underlying pool of
mortgage loans and receives a pro rata share of the monthly
payments made by the borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of
any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities.
Prepayments of mortgages resulting from the sale, refinancing or
foreclosure of the underlying properties are also paid to the
19
<PAGE>
holders of these securities, which, as discussed below,
frequently causes these securities to experience significantly
greater price and yield volatility than experienced by
traditional fixed-income securities. Some mortgage-related
securities, such as securities issued by GNMA, are referred to as
"modified pass-through" securities. The holders of these
securities are entitled to the full and timely payment of
principal and interest, net of certain fees, regardless of
whether payments are actually made on the underlying mortgages.
Another form of mortgage-related security is a "pay-through"
security, which is a debt obligation of the issuer secured by a
pool of mortgage loans pledged as collateral that is legally
required to be paid by the issuer, regardless of whether payments
are actually made on the underlying mortgages. Collateralized
mortgage obligations (CMOs) are the predominant type of "pay-
through" mortgage-related security. In a CMO, a series of bonds
or certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each class of a
CMO, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific
coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date.
Principal prepayments on collateral underlying a CMO may cause
one or more tranches of the CMO to be retired substantially
earlier than the stated maturities or final distribution dates of
the principal. The principal and interest on the underlying
mortgages may be allocated among several classes of a series of a
CMO in many ways. In a common structure, payments of principal,
including any principal prepayments, on the underlying mortgages
are applied to the classes of the series of a CMO in the order of
their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates,
so that no payment of principal will be made on any class of a
CMO until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity or
final distribution date have been paid in full. One or more
tranches of a CMO may have coupon rates that reset periodically,
or "float," at a specified increment over an index such as LIBOR.
Floating-rate CMOs may be backed by fixed or adjustable rate
mortgages. To date, fixed-rate mortgages have been more commonly
utilized for this purpose. Floating-rate CMOs are typically
issued with lifetime caps on the coupon rate thereon. These
caps, similar to the caps on adjustable-rate mortgages described
below, represent a ceiling beyond which the coupon rate on a
floating-rate CMO may not be increased regardless of increases in
the interest rate index to which the floating-rate CMO is tied.
The collateral securing the CMOs may consist of a pool of
mortgages, but may also consist of mortgage-backed bonds or pass-
through securities. CMOs may be issued by a U.S. Government
instrumentality or agency or by a private issuer. Although
payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying
collateral securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by
GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, these CMOs represent obligations solely of
the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by GNMA,
20
<PAGE>
FNMA, FHLMC, any other governmental agency or any other person or
entity.
Another type of mortgage-related security, known as adjustable-
rate mortgage securities (ARMS), bears interest at a rate
determined by reference to a predetermined interest rate or
index. There are two main categories of rates or indices:
(i) rates based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities and
(ii) indices derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of
funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Some rates
and indices closely mirror changes in market interest rate
levels, while others tend to lag changes in market rate levels
and tend to be somewhat less volatile.
ARMS may be secured by fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate
mortgages. ARMS secured by fixed-rate mortgages generally have
lifetime caps on the coupon rates of the securities. To the
extent that general interest rates increase faster than the
interest rates on the ARMS, these ARMS will decline in value.
The adjustable-rate mortgages that secure ARMS will frequently
have caps that limit the maximum amount by which the interest
rate or the monthly principal and interest payments on the
mortgages may increase. These payment caps can result in
negative amortization (i.e., an increase in the balance of the
mortgage loan). Furthermore, since many adjustable-rate
mortgages only reset on an annual basis, the values of ARMS tend
to fluctuate to the extent that changes in prevailing interest
rates are not immediately reflected in the interest rates payable
on the underlying adjustable-rate mortgages.
The value of mortgage-related securities is affected by a number
of factors. Unlike traditional debt securities, which have fixed
maturity dates, mortgage-related securities may be paid earlier
than expected as a result of prepayments of underlying mortgages.
Such prepayments generally occur during periods of falling
mortgage interest rates. If property owners make unscheduled
prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will
result in the early payment of the applicable mortgage-related
securities. In that event, the Fund may be unable to invest the
proceeds from the early payment of the mortgage-related
securities in investments that provide as high a yield as the
mortgage-related securities. Early payments associated with
mortgage-related securities cause these securities to experience
significantly greater price and yield volatility than experienced
by traditional fixed-income securities. The occurrence of
mortgage prepayments is affected by the level of general interest
rates, general economic conditions and other social and
demographic factors. During periods of falling interest rates,
the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby
tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities.
Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction
21
<PAGE>
in prepayments may increase the effective life of mortgage-
related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in
market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life
of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the
Fund may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.
As with fixed-income securities generally, the value of mortgage-
related securities can also be adversely affected by increases in
general interest rates relative to the yield provided by such
securities. Such an adverse effect is especially possible with
fixed-rate mortgage securities. If the yield available on other
investments rises above the yield of the fixed-rate mortgage
securities as a result of general increases in interest rate
levels, the value of the mortgage-related securities will
decline. Although the negative effect could be lessened if the
mortgage-related securities were to be paid earlier (thus
permitting the Fund to reinvest the prepayment proceeds in
investments yielding the higher current interest rate), as
described above the rates of mortgage prepayments and early
payments of mortgage-related securities tend to decline during
periods of rising interest rates.
Although the values of ARMS may not be affected by rising
interest rates as much as such rates affect the value of fixed-
rate mortgage securities, ARMS may still decline in value as a
result of rising interest rates. Although, as above, the yields
on ARMS vary with changes in the applicable interest rate or
indices, there is often a lag between increases in general
interest rates and increases in the yield on ARMS as a result of
relatively infrequent interest rate reset dates. In addition,
adjustable-rate mortgages and ARMS often have interest rate or
payment caps that limit the ability of the adjustable-rate
mortgages or ARMS to fully reflect increases in the general level
of interest rates.
Other Asset-Backed Securities. The securitization techniques
used to develop mortgage-related securities are being applied to
a broad range of financial assets. Through the use of trusts and
special purpose corporations, various types of assets, including
automobile loans and leases, credit card receivables, home equity
loans, equipment leases and trade receivables, are being
securitized in structures similar to the structures used in
mortgage securitizations. These asset-backed securities are
subject to risks associated with changes in interest rates and
prepayment of underlying obligations similar to the risks of
investment in mortgage-related securities discussed above.
Each type of asset-backed security also entails unique risks
depending on the type of assets involved and the legal structure
used. For example, credit card receivables are generally
unsecured obligations of the credit card holder and the debtors
22
<PAGE>
are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right
to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby
reducing the balance due. There have also been proposals to cap
the interest rate that a credit card issuer may charge. In some
transactions, the value of the asset-backed security is dependent
on the performance of a third party acting as credit enhancer or
servicer. Furthermore, in some transactions (such as those
involving the securitization of vehicle loans or leases) it may
be administratively burdensome to perfect the interest of the
security issuer in the underlying collateral and the underlying
collateral may become damaged or stolen.
Loan Participations and Assignments. The Fund's investments in
loans are expected in most instances to be in the form of
participations in loans and assignments of all or a portion of
loans from third parties. The Fund's investment in loan
participations typically will result in the Fund having a
contractual relationship only with the lender and not with the
borrower. The Fund will acquire participations only if the
lender interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower is a
lender having total assets of more than $25 billion and whose
senior unsecured debt is rated investment grade or higher. When
the Fund purchases a loan assignment from a lender it will
acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. Because
loan assignments are arranged through private negotiations
between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the
rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of
an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those
held by the assigning lender.
The assignability of certain loans to foreign governments is
restricted by the governing documentation as to the nature of the
assignee such that the only way in which the Fund may acquire an
interest in a loan is through a participation and not an
assignment. A Fund may have difficulty disposing of assignments
and participations because to do so it will have to assign such
investments to a third party. Because there may not be a liquid
market for such investments, they can probably be sold only to a
limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid
secondary market may have an adverse effect on the value of such
investments and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular
participations and assignments when necessary to meet its
liquidity needs in response to a specific economic event such as
a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The
lack of a liquid secondary market for participations and
assignments also may make it more difficult for the Fund to
assign a value to these securities for purposes of valuing the
Fund's portfolio and calculating its net asset value.
23
<PAGE>
Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible
securities have the same general characteristics as non-
convertible debt securities, which provide a stable stream of
income with generally higher yields than those of equity
securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a
convertible security will normally vary with changes in the price
of the underlying equity security, although the higher yield
tends to make the convertible security less volatile than the
underlying equity security. As with debt securities, the market
value of convertible securities tends to decrease as interest
rates rise and increase as interest rates decline. While
convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend
yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality,
they enable investors to benefit from increases in the market
price of the underlying common stock. Convertible debt
securities that are rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or lower
by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch and comparable unrated securities
may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with those
ratings. For a description of these risks, see "Certain Risk
Considerations--Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income
Securities."
Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement arises when a
buyer purchases a security and simultaneously agrees to resell it
to the vendor at an agreed-upon future date, normally a day or a
few days later. The resale price is greater than the purchase
price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period the
buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements
permit the Fund to keep all of its assets at work while retaining
"overnight" flexibility in pursuit of investments of a longer-
term nature. The Fund requires continual maintenance of
collateral in an amount equal to, or in excess of, the resale
price. If a vendor defaults on its repurchase obligation, the
Fund would suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the
sale of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. If a
vendor goes bankrupt, the Fund might be delayed in, or prevented
from, selling the collateral for its benefit.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may make secured loans
of portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial
institutions, provided that liquid assets equal to at least 100%
of the market value of the securities loaned is deposited and
maintained by the borrower with the Fund. The risks in lending
portfolio securities, as with other secured extensions of credit,
consist of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular borrower, Alliance will consider all
relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness
of the borrower. While securities are on loan, the borrower will
pay the Fund any income earned thereon and the Fund may invest
any cash collateral in portfolio securities, thereby earning
24
<PAGE>
additional income, or receive an agreed upon amount of income
from a borrower that has delivered equivalent collateral. The
Fund will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned
securities or equivalent securities in order to exercise
ownership rights such as voting rights, subscription rights and
rights to dividends, interest or distributions. The Fund may pay
reasonable finders', administrative and custodial fees in
connection with a loan. The Fund may lend securities with a
value of up to 50% of its total assets to broker-dealers approved
by the Fund's Board of Directors. The Fund will not lend
portfolio securities to any officer, director, employee or
affiliate of the Fund or Alliance.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund will not maintain more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities
generally include (i) direct placements or other securities that
are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or for
which there is no readily available market (e.g., when trading in
the security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted securities,
when market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or
offers), including many currency swaps and any assets used to
cover currency swaps, (ii) over-the-counter options and assets
used to cover over-the-counter options, and (iii) repurchase
agreements not terminable within seven days. Rule 144A
securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale
but have a readily available market are not deemed illiquid.
Alliance will monitor the liquidity of the Fund's Rule 144A
portfolio securities under the supervision of the Directors of
the Fund. The Fund may not be able to sell such securities and
may not be able to realize their full value upon sale.
Future Developments. The Fund may, following written notice to
its shareholders, take advantage of other investment practices
that are not currently contemplated for use by the Fund, or are
not available but may yet be developed, to the extent such
investment practices are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment
practices, if they arise, may involve risks that are different
from or exceed those involved in the practices described above.
Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund
may invest in certain types of short term, liquid, high grade
debt securities. These securities may include U.S. Government
securities, qualifying bank deposits, money market instruments,
prime commercial paper, and other types of short-term debt
securities, including notes and bonds. Such securities may also
include short-term, foreign-currency denominated securities of
the type mentioned above issued by foreign governmental entities,
companies and supranational organizations. For a complete
description of the types of securities in which the Fund may
25
<PAGE>
invest while in a temporary defensive position, see the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Portfolio Turnover. Alliance anticipates that the Fund's annual
turnover rate will not exceed 500%. A 500% annual turnover rate
would occur if all the securities in the Fund's portfolio are
replaced five times in a period of one year. A high rate of
portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses than
a lower rate, which must be borne by the Fund and its
shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may result in the
realization of substantial net short-term capital gains. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund may not (i) invest in any one industry if that
investment would make the Fund's holding in that industry exceed
25% of the Fund's total assets and (ii) will not make an
investment unless, when considering all its other investments,
75% of the value of its assets would consist of cash, cash items,
U.S. Government Securities, securities of other investment
companies and other securities. These policies are fundamental
and may not be changed without the approval of the Fund's
shareholders. Additional investment restrictions with respect to
the Fund are set forth in its Statement of Additional
Information.
CERTAIN RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Fixed-Income Securities. The value of the Fund's shares will
fluctuate with the value of its investments. The value of the
Fund's investments will change as the general level of interest
rates fluctuates. During periods of falling interest rates, the
values of the Fund's securities will generally rise, although if
falling interest rates are viewed as precursor to a recession,
the values of the Fund's securities may fall along with interest
rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the
values of the Fund's securities will generally decline. Changes
in interest rates have a greater effect on fixed-income
securities with longer maturities and durations than those with
shorter maturities and durations.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, there will
be times, such as during periods of rising interest rates, when
depreciation and realization of capital losses on securities in
the Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable. Moreover, medium- and
lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of comparable
quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market
values than higher-rated securities under certain market
conditions. Such fluctuations after a security is acquired do
26
<PAGE>
not affect the cash income received from that security but will
be reflected in the net asset value of the Fund.
U.S. Corporate Fixed-Income Securities. The U.S. corporate
fixed-income securities in which the Fund invests may include
securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings
such as takeovers or leveraged buyouts, which may pose particular
risks. Securities issued to finance corporate restructurings may
have special credit risks due to the highly leveraged conditions
of the issuer. In addition, such issuers may lose experienced
management as a result of the restructuring. Furthermore, the
market price of such securities may be more volatile to the
extent that expected benefits from the restructuring do not
materialize. The Fund may also invest in U.S. corporate fixed-
income securities that are not current in the payment of interest
or principal or are in default, so long as Alliance believes such
investment is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives.
The Fund's rights with respect to defaults on such securities
will be subject to applicable U.S. bankruptcy, moratorium and
other similar laws.
Foreign Investment. The securities markets of many foreign
countries are relatively small, with the majority of market
capitalization and trading volume concentrated in a limited
number of companies representing a small number of industries.
Consequently, if the Fund's investment portfolio includes such
securities, the Fund may experience greater price volatility and
significantly lower liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in
securities of U.S. companies. These markets may be subject to
greater influence by adverse events generally affecting the
market, and by large investors trading significant blocks of
securities, than is usual in the United States. Securities
registration, custody and settlements may in some instances be
subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties.
Furthermore, foreign investment in the securities markets of
certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying
degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or
preclude investment in certain securities and may increase the
cost and expenses of the Fund. In addition, the repatriation of
investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities
from certain of the countries is controlled under regulations,
including in some cases the need for certain advance government
notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a
country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary
restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could also
be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any
required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by
the application to it of other restrictions on investment.
Investing in local markets may require the Fund to adopt special
procedures or seek local governmental approvals or other actions,
any of which may involve additional costs to the Fund. The
27
<PAGE>
liquidity of the Fund's investments in any country in which any
of these factors exists could be affected, and Alliance will
monitor the effect of any such factor or factors on the Fund's
investments. Furthermore, transaction costs including brokerage
commissions for transactions both on and off the securities
exchanges in many foreign countries are generally higher than in
the U.S.
Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not
subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with
respect to such matters as insider trading rules, restrictions on
market manipulation, shareholder proxy requirements and timely
disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting and
auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases
significantly, from U.S. standards in important respects, and
less information may be available to investors in foreign
securities than to investors in U.S. securities. Substantially
less information is publicly available about certain non-U.S.
issuers than is available about most U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects
as growth of gross domestic product or gross national product,
rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-
sufficiency and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage,
political changes, government regulation, political or social
instability or diplomatic developments could affect adversely the
economy of a foreign country or the Fund's investments in that
country. In the event of nationalizations, expropriation or
other confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment in
the country involved. In addition, laws in foreign countries
governing business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency may
provide less protection to security holders such as the Fund than
that provided by U.S. laws.
Currency Considerations. Because the Fund may invest some
portion of its assets in securities denominated in, and which
receive revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be
adversely affected by reductions in the value of those currencies
relative to the U.S. dollar. These changes will affect the
Fund's net assets, distributions and income. If the value of the
foreign currencies in which the Fund receives income falls
relative to the U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and the
making of Fund distributions, the Fund may be required to
liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the Fund
has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet the distribution
requirements that the Fund must satisfy to qualify as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes. Similarly,
if an exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs
expenses in U.S. dollars and the time cash expenses are paid, the
28
<PAGE>
amount of the currency required to be converted into U.S. dollars
in order to pay expenses in U.S. dollars could be greater than
the equivalent amount of such expenses in the currency at the
time they were incurred. In light of these risks, the Fund may
engage in certain currency hedging transactions, which
themselves, involve certain special risks. See "Additional
Investment Practices" above.
Securities Ratings. The ratings of fixed-income securities by
S&P, Moody's, Duff & Phelps and Fitch are a generally accepted
barometer of credit risk. They are, however, subject to certain
limitations from an investor's standpoint. The rating of an
issuer is heavily weighted by past developments and does not
necessarily reflect probable future conditions. There is
frequently a lag between the time a rating is assigned and the
time it is updated. In addition, there may be varying degrees of
difference in credit risk of securities within each rating
category.
Investment in Fixed-Income Securities Rated BAA and BBB.
Securities rated Baa or BBB are considered to have speculative
characteristics and share some of the same characteristics as
lower-rated securities, as described below. Sustained periods of
deteriorating economic conditions or of rising interest rates are
more likely to lead to a weakening in the issuer's capacity to
pay interest and repay principal than in the case of higher-rated
securities.
Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities. Lower-rated
securities are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and
interest than higher-rated securities. They are also generally
considered to be subject to greater market risk than higher-rated
securities, and the capacity of issuers of lower-rated securities
to pay interest and repay principal is more likely to weaken than
is that of issuers of higher-rated securities in times of
deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. In
addition, lower-rated securities may be more susceptible to real
or perceived adverse economic conditions than investment grade
securities. Securities rated Ba or BB are judged to have
speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay
principal. Securities rated B are judged to have highly
speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative. Such
securities may have small assurance of interest and principal
payments. Securities rated Baa by Moody's are also judged to
have speculative characteristics.
The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less
active than that for higher-rated securities, which can adversely
affect the prices at which these securities can be sold. To the
extent that there is no established secondary market for lower-
29
<PAGE>
rated securities, the Fund may experience difficulty in valuing
such securities and, in turn, the Fund's assets.
Alliance will try to reduce the risk inherent in investment in
lower-rated securities through credit analysis, diversification
and attention to current developments and trends in interest
rates and economic and political conditions. However, there can
be no assurance that losses will not occur. Since the risk of
default is higher for lower-rated securities, Alliance's research
and credit analysis are a correspondingly more important aspect
of its program for managing the Fund's securities than would be
the case if the Fund did not invest in lower-rated securities.
In considering investments for the Fund, Alliance will attempt to
identify those high-yielding securities whose financial condition
is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is
expected to improve in the future. Alliance's analysis focuses
on relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend
coverage, asset coverage, earnings and cash flow prospects, and
the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
Non-Rated Securities. Non-rated securities will also be
considered for investment by the Fund when Alliance believes that
the financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the
protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves,
limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of
rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's objective
and policies.
Year 2000 and Euro. Many computer systems and applications in
use today process transactions using two-digit date fields for
the year of the transaction, rather than the full four digits.
If these systems are not modified or replaced, transactions
occurring after 1999 could be processed as year "1900", which
could result in processing inaccuracies and computer system
failures. This is commonly known as the Year 2000 problem. In
addition to the Year 2000 problem, the European Economic and
Monetary Union has established a single currency, the Euro
Currency ("Euro") that will replace the national currency of
certain European countries effective January 1, 1999. Computer
systems and applications must be adapted in order to be able to
process Euro sensitive information accurately beginning in 1999.
Should any of the computer systems employed by the Fund's major
service providers fail to process Year 2000 or Euro related
information properly, that could have a significant negative
impact on the Fund's operations and the services that are
provided to the Fund's shareholders. In addition, to the extent
that the operations of issuers of securities held by the Fund are
impaired by the Year 2000 problem or the Euro, or prices of
securities held by the Fund decline as a result of real or
perceived problems relating to the Year 2000 or the Euro, the
value of the Fund's shares may be materially affected.
30
<PAGE>
With respect to the Year 2000, the Fund has been advised that
Alliance, the Fund's investment adviser, Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter, and
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., the Fund's registrar, transfer
agent and dividend disbursing agent (collectively, "Alliance"),
began to address the Year 2000 issue several years ago in
connection with the replacement or upgrading of certain computer
systems and applications. During 1997, Alliance began a formal
Year 2000 initiative, which established a structured and
coordinated process to deal with the Year 2000 issue. Alliance
reports that it has completed its assessment of the Year 2000
issues on its domestic and international computer systems and
applications. Currently, management of Alliance expects that the
required modifications for the majority of its significant
systems and applications that will be in use on January 1, 2000,
will be completed and tested by the end of 1998. Full
integration testing of these systems and testing of interfaces
with third-party suppliers will continue through 1999. At this
time, management of Alliance believes that the costs associated
with resolving this issue will not have a material adverse effect
on its operations or on its ability to provide the level of
services it currently provides to the Fund.
With respect to the Euro, the Fund has been advised that Alliance
has established a project team to assess changes that will be
required in connection with the introduction of the Euro.
Alliance reports that its project team has assessed all systems,
including those developed or managed internally, as well as those
provided by vendors, in order to determine the modifications that
will be required to process accurately transactions denominated
in Euro after 1998. At this time, management of Alliance expects
that the required modifications for the introduction of the Euro
will be completed and tested before the end of 1998. Management
of Alliance believes that the costs associated with resolving
this issue will not have a material adverse effect on its
operations or on its ability to provide the level of services it
currently provides to the Fund.
The Fund and Alliance have been advised by the Fund's Custodian
that it is also in the process of reviewing its systems with the
same goals. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund and
Alliance have no reason to believe that the Custodian will be
unable to achieve these goals.
31
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
_______________________________________________________________
HOW TO BUY SHARES
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares, of which only the
Advisor Class is offered by this Prospectus. Advisor Class
shares of the Fund may be purchased through your financial
representative at net asset value without any initial or
contingent deferred sales charges and are not subject to ongoing
distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares may be purchased and
held solely (i) through accounts established under a fee-based
program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer
or other financial intermediary and approved by AFD, (ii) through
a self-directed defined contribution employee benefit plan (e.g.
a 401(k) plan) that has at least 1,000 participants or $25
million in assets, (iii) by investment advisory clients of, and
certain other persons associated with, Alliance and its
affiliates or the Fund and (iv) through registered investment
advisers or other financial intermediaries who charge a
management, consulting or other fee for their service and who
purchase shares through a broker or agent approved by AFD and
clients of such registered investment advisers or financial
intermediaries whose accounts are linked to the master account of
such investment adviser or financial intermediary on the books of
such approved broker or agent. For more detailed information
about who may purchase and hold Advisor Class shares see the
Statement of Additional Information. A shareholder's Advisor
Class shares will automatically convert to Class A shares of the
Fund under certain circumstances. For a more detailed
description of the conversion feature and Class A shares, see
"Conversion Feature." Generally, a fee-based program must charge
an asset-based or other similar fee and must invest at least
$250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the Fund in order to be
approved by AFD for investment in Advisor Class shares. Share
certificates are issued only upon request. See the Subscription
Application and the Statement of Additional Information for more
information.
The Fund may refuse any order to purchase Advisor Class shares.
In this regard, the Fund reserves the right to restrict purchases
of Advisor Class shares (including through exchanges) when there
appears to be evidence of a pattern of frequent purchases and
sales made in response to short-term considerations.
32
<PAGE>
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
The net asset value of Advisor Class shares of the Fund is
calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets
allocable to the Advisor Class by the outstanding shares of the
Advisor Class. Shares are valued each day the Exchange is open
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time). The securities in the Fund are valued at their current
market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if
such quotations are not readily available, such other methods as
the Fund's Directors believe would accurately reflect fair market
value.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem," i.e., sell your shares in the Fund to the Fund
on any day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your
financial representative. The price you will receive is the net
asset value next calculated after the Fund receives your request
in proper form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you within
seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check or
electronic funds transfer, the Fund will not send proceeds until
it is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds
transfer has been collected (which may take up to 15 days). If
you are in doubt about what documents are required by your fee
based program or employee benefit plan, you should contact your
financial representative.
Selling Shares Through Your Financial Representative
Your financial representative must receive your request before
4:00 p.m. Eastern time, and your financial representative must
transmit your request to the Fund by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, for
you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial
representative is responsible for furnishing all necessary
documentation to the Fund and may charge you for this service.
Selling Shares Directly To the Fund
Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS"), along with certificates, if
any, that represent the shares you want to sell. For your
protection, signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a member
firm of a national stock exchange or other eligible guarantor
institution. Stock power forms are available from your financial
representative, AFS and many commercial banks. Additional
documentation is required for the sale of shares by corporations,
intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners. For
details contact:
33
<PAGE>
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
800-221-5672
Alternatively, a request for redemption of shares for which no
stock certificates have been issued can also be made by telephone
to 800-221-5672. Telephone redemption requests must be made by
4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to receive
that day's net asset value and, except for certain omnibus
accounts, may be made only once in any 30-day period. A
shareholder who has completed the Telephone Transactions section
of the Subscription Application, or the Shareholder Options form
obtained from AFS, can elect to have the proceeds of his or her
redemption sent to his or her bank via an electronic funds
transfer. Proceeds of telephone redemptions also may be sent by
check to a shareholder's address of record. Except for certain
omnibus accounts, redemption requests by electronic funds
transfer may not exceed $100,000 and redemption requests by check
may not exceed $50,000. Telephone redemption is not available
for shares held in nominee or "street name" accounts or
retirement plan accounts or shares held by a shareholder who has
changed his or her address of record within the previous 30
calendar days.
General
The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax
purposes. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend
redemptions or postpone payment for up to seven days or longer,
as permitted by federal securities law. The Fund reserves the
right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days'
written notice to increase the account value before the account
is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have
difficulty reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should
issue written instructions to AFS. AFS is not responsible for
the authenticity of telephonic requests to purchase, sell or
exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to verify
that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for
losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it failed to
do so. Dealers and agents may charge a commission for handling
telephonic requests. The telephone service may be suspended or
terminated at any time without notice.
34
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more
information about these services or your account, call AFS's
toll-free number, 800-221-5672.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your Advisor Class shares of the Fund for
Advisor Class shares of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including
AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market fund managed by Alliance).
Exchanges of shares are made at the net asset value next
determined and without sales or service charges. Exchanges may
be made by telephone or written request. Telephone exchange
requests must be received by AFS by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a
Fund business day in order to receive that day's net asset value.
Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund into
which you are exchanging before submitting the request. Call AFS
at 800-221-5672 to exchange uncertificated shares. An exchange
is a taxable capital transaction for federal tax purposes. The
exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on 60
days' written notice.
General
If you are a Fund shareholder through an account established
under a fee-based program, your fee-based program may impose
requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
Advisor Class shares of the Fund that are different from those
described in this Prospectus.
A transaction, service, administrative or other similar fee may
be charged by your broker-dealer, agent, financial intermediary
or other financial representative with respect to the purchase,
sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares made through such
financial representative. Such financial intermediaries may also
impose requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or
exchange of shares that are different from, or in addition to,
those imposed by a Fund, including requirements as to the minimum
initial and subsequent investment amounts.
The Fund offers three classes of shares other than the Advisor
Class, which are Class A, Class B and Class C. All classes of
shares of the Fund have a common investment objective and
investment portfolio. Class A shares are offered with an initial
sales charge and pay a distribution services fee. Class B shares
have a contingent deferred sales charge (a "CDSC") and also pay a
distribution services fee. Class C shares have no initial sales
charge or CDSC as long as they are not redeemed within one year
of purchase, but pay a distribution services fee. Because
35
<PAGE>
Advisor Class shares have no initial sales charge or CDSC and pay
no distribution services fee, Advisor Class shares are expected
to have different performance from Class A, Class B or Class C
shares. You may obtain more information about Class A, Class B
and Class C shares, which are not offered by this Prospectus, by
contacting AFS by telephone at 800-221-5672 or by contacting your
financial representative.
_______________________________________________________________
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
_______________________________________________________________
ADVISER
Alliance, which is a Delaware limited partnership with principal
offices at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105,
has been retained under an Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory
Agreement") to provide investment advice and, in general, to
conduct the management and investment program of the Fund,
subject to the general supervision and control of the Directors
of the Fund.
Alliance is a leading international investment manager
supervising client accounts with assets as of June 30, 1998
totaling more than $262 billion (of which more than $107 billion
represented the assets of investment companies). Alliance's
clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit funds,
public employee retirement systems, investment companies,
foundations and endowment funds. The 58 registered investment
companies managed by Alliance comprising 123 separate investment
portfolios currently have over two million shareholders. As of
June 30, 1998 Alliance was retained as an investment manager for
32 of the Fortune 100 companies.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole
general partner of, and the owner of a 1% general partnership
interest in, Alliance, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies in the
United States, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Equitable Companies Incorporated, a holding company controlled by
AXA-UAP, a French insurance holding company. Certain information
concerning the ownership and control of Equitable by AXA-UAP is
set forth in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information under
"Management of the Fund."
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays Alliance a fee at the
annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The
fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Fund has entered into
a distribution services agreement with Alliance Fund
36
<PAGE>
Distributors, Inc. The agreement provides that Alliance may use
its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund's
shares.
The employees primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Fund's portfolio are Wayne C. Tappe and Nelson Jantzen.
Mr. Tappe is a Senior Vice President of Alliance, with which he
has been associated since 1991. Mr. Jantzen is a Senior Vice
President of Alliance, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1991.
PERFORMANCE OF A SIMILARLY MANAGED PORTFOLIO
Alliance is the investment adviser of a portfolio (the
"Historical Portfolio") of a registered investment company, sold
only to separate accounts of insurance companies in connection
with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuities
certificates and contracts (the "Contracts"), that has
substantially the same investment objective and policies and has
been managed in accordance with essentially the same investment
strategies and techniques as those of the Fund. See "Description
of the Fund." Alliance since July 22, 1993, and prior thereto,
Equitable Capital Management Corporation, whose advisory business
Alliance acquired on that date, have served as investment adviser
to the Historical Portfolio since its inception in 1987.
Mr. Tappe has been the person principally responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Historical Portfolio since 1995.
The following tables set forth performance results for the
Historical Portfolio since its inception (January 2, 1987),
together with those of the Lipper High Current Yield Mutual Funds
Average as a comparative benchmark. As of September 30, 1998,
the assets in the Historical Portfolio totalled approximately
$571 million. The data below do not represent the performance of
the Fund.
The performance data do not reflect account charges applicable to
the Contracts or imposed at the insurance company separate
account level which, if reflected, would lower the performance of
the Historical Portfolio. In addition, the performance data do
not reflect the Fund's higher expenses, which, if reflected,
would lower the performance of the Historical Portfolio. The
performance data have not been adjusted for corporate or
individual taxes, if any, payable with respect to the Historical
Portfolio. The rates of return shown for the Historical
Portfolio are not an estimate or guarantee of future investment
performance of the Fund.
The Lipper High Current Yield Mutual Funds Average is a survey of
the performance of a large number of mutual funds the investment
objective of each of which is similar to that of the Fund.
37
<PAGE>
Nonetheless, the investment policies pursued by funds in the
survey may differ from those of the Fund and the Historical
Portfolio. This survey is published by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), a firm recognized for its reporting of
performance of actively managed funds. According to Lipper,
performance data are presented net of investment management fees,
operating expenses and, for funds with Rule 12b-1 plans, asset-
based sales charges.
The performance results presented below are based on percent
changes in net asset values of the Historical Portfolio with
dividends and capital gains reinvested. Cumulative rates of
return reflect performance over a stated period of time.
Annualized rates of return represent the rate of growth that
would have produced the corresponding cumulative return had
performance been constant over the entire period.
Annualized Rates of Return
Periods Ended September 30, 1998
_____________________________________________________________________________
Portfolio/Benchmark 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Inception
Historical Portfolio........ (4.84)% 12.39% 11.13% 11.20% 10.58%
Lipper High Current Yield
Mutual Funds Average...... (1.77) 8.23 7.78 9.18 8.85
High Yield.................. (4.69) -- -- -- 8.34
Cumulative Rates of Return
Periods Ending September 30, 1998
____________________________________________________________________________
Portfolio/Benchmark 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Inception
Historical Portfolio........ (4.84)% 41.95% 69.47% 189.20% 226.05%
Lipper High Current Yield
Mutual Funds Average...... (1.77) 26.86 45.69 142.21 172.92
High Yield.................. (4.69) -- -- -- 14.37%
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
In addition to the payments to Alliance under the Advisory
Agreement, the Fund pays certain other costs, including
(i) custody, transfer and dividend disbursing expenses, (ii) fees
of the Directors who are not affiliated with Alliance,
(iii) legal and auditing expenses, (iv) clerical, accounting and
other office costs, (v) costs of printing the Fund's prospectuses
and shareholder reports, (vi) costs of maintaining the Fund's
existence, (vii) interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and
commissions, (viii) costs of stationery and supplies,
(ix) expenses and fees related to registration and filing with
38
<PAGE>
the Commission and filings with state regulatory authorities,
(x) upon the approval of the Board of Directors, costs of
personnel of Alliance or its affiliates rendering clerical,
accounting and other office services and (xi) such promotional,
shareholder servicing and other expenses as may be contemplated
by the Distributions Services Agreement, described below.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services Agreement with
AFD with respect to the Advisor Class Shares. The Glass-Steagall
Act and other applicable laws may limit the ability of a bank or
other depository institution to become an underwriter or
distributor of securities. However, in the opinion of the Fund's
management, based on the advice of counsel, these laws do not
prohibit such depository institutions from providing services for
investment companies such as the administrative, accounting and
other services referred to in the Agreement. In the event that a
change in these laws prevented a bank from providing such
services, it is expected that other service arrangements would be
made and that shareholders would not be adversely affected.
_______________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
_______________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends on shares of the Fund from the Fund's net investment
income, if any, will be declared on each Fund business day.
Dividends on shares for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays will be
declared on the previous business day. The Fund pays dividends
on its shares after the close of business on the twentieth day of
each month or, if that day is not a business day, the first
business day thereafter. At your election (which you may change
at least 30 days prior to the record date for a particular
dividend or distribution), dividends and distributions will be
paid in cash or reinvested without charge in additional shares of
the same class having an aggregate net asset value as of the
payment date of the dividend or distribution equal to the cash
amount thereof.
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution
in cash you may, within 120 days following the date of its
payment, reinvest the dividend or distribution in additional
shares without charge by returning to Alliance, with appropriate
instructions, the check representing such dividend or
distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will
be deemed to have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends
and distributions in shares of the Fund. Cash dividends can be
39
<PAGE>
paid by check or, if the shareholder so elects, electronically
via the ACH network. There is no sales or other charge in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions.
While it is the intention of the Fund to distribute to its
shareholders substantially all of each fiscal year's net income
and net realized capital gains, if any, the amount and timing of
any such dividend or distribution must necessarily depend upon
the realization by the Fund of income and capital gains from
investments. There is no fixed dividend rate, and there can be
no assurance that the Fund will pay any dividends or realize any
capital gains. If you buy shares just before the Fund deducts a
distribution from its net asset value, you will pay the full
price for the shares and then receive a portion of the price back
as a taxable distribution.
FOREIGN INCOME TAXES
Investment income received by the Fund from sources within
foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld
at the source.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Fund intends to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated
investment company" under the Code. To the extent that the Fund
distributes its taxable income and net capital gain to its
shareholders, qualification as a regulated investment company
relieves the Fund of federal income and excise taxes on that part
of its taxable income, including net capital gain, which it pays
out to its shareholders. Dividends out of net ordinary income
and distributions of net short-term capital gains are taxable to
the recipient shareholders as ordinary income. The investment
objective of the Fund is such that only a small portion, if any,
of the Fund's distributions is expected to qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-
term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are taxable
as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a shareholder
has held shares in the Fund.
Under current federal tax law, the amount of an income dividend
or capital gains distribution declared by the Fund during
October, November or December of a year to shareholders of record
as of a specified date in such a month that is paid during
January of the following year is includable in the prior year's
taxable income of shareholders that are calendar year
taxpayers.
40
<PAGE>
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder on shares
of the Fund will have the effect of reducing the net asset value
of such shares by the amount of such dividend or distribution.
Furthermore, a dividend or distribution made shortly after the
purchase of such shares by a shareholder, although in effect a
return of capital to that particular shareholder, would be
taxable to him or her as described above. If a shareholder held
shares six months or less and during that period received a
distribution of net capital gain, any loss realized on the sale
of such shares during such six-month period would be a long-term
capital loss to the extent of such distribution.
A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to shares
of the Fund held by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such as an
individual retirement account, a section 403(b)(7) retirement
plan or corporate pension or profit-sharing plan, generally will
not be taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will
be taxable to individual participants under applicable tax rules
without regard to the character of the income earned by the
qualified plan.
The Fund will be required to withhold 31% of any payments made to
a shareholder if the shareholder has not provided a certified
taxpayer identification number to the Fund, or the Secretary of
the Treasury notifies the Fund that a shareholder has not
reported all interest and dividend income required to be shown on
the shareholder's Federal income tax return.
Under certain circumstances, if the Fund realizes losses from
fluctuations in currency exchange rates after paying a dividend,
all or a portion of the dividend may subsequently be
characterized as a return of capital. See "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
Shareholders will be advised annually as to the federal tax
status of dividends and capital gains distributions made by the
Fund for the preceding year. Shareholders are urged to consult
their tax advisers regarding their own tax situation.
Distributions by the Fund may be subject to state and local
taxes.
41
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
CONVERSION FEATURE
_______________________________________________________________
CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES
Advisor Class shares may be held solely through the fee-based
program accounts, employee benefit plans and registered
investment advisory or other financial intermediary relationships
described above under "Purchase and Sale of Shares--How to Buy
Shares," and by investment advisory clients of, and certain other
persons associated with, Alliance and its affiliates or the Fund.
If (i) a holder of Advisor Class shares ceases to participate in
a fee-based program or plan, or to be associated with an
investment adviser or financial intermediary, in each case that
satisfies the requirements to purchase shares set forth under
"Purchase and Sale of Shares--How to Buy Shares" or (ii) the
holder is otherwise no longer eligible to purchase Advisor Class
shares as described in this Prospectus (each, a "Conversion
Event"), then all Advisor Class shares held by the shareholder
will convert automatically and without notice to the shareholder,
other than the notice contained in this Prospectus, to Class A
shares of the Fund during the calendar month following the month
in which the Fund is informed of the occurrence of the Conversion
Event. The failure of a shareholder or a fee-based program to
satisfy the minimum investment requirements to purchase Advisor
Class shares will not constitute a Conversion Event. The
conversion would occur on the basis of the relative net asset
values of the two classes without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Class A shares are subject to a
distribution fee that may not exceed an annual rate of .25%. The
higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class A shares pay
correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower net asset
value than Advisor Class shares.
_______________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
________________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and
execution, the Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor
in the selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions
with the Fund.
42
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION
The Fund is a Maryland corporation organized on December 19,
1996. It is anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will
not be held; shareholder meetings will be held only when required
by Federal or state law. Shareholders have available certain
procedures for the removal of Directors.
A shareholder in the Fund will be entitled to share pro rata with
other holders of the same class of shares all dividends and
distributions arising from the Fund's assets and, upon redeeming
shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Fund
represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC. The
Fund is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional portfolios, which may have different investment
objectives and policies than those of the Fund, and additional
classes of shares within the Fund. If an additional portfolio or
class were established in the Fund, each share of the portfolio
or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes.
Generally, shares of each portfolio and class would vote as a
single series or class on matters, such as the election of
Directors, that affect each portfolio and class in substantially
the same manner. Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class
shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other
rights, except that each class bears its own transfer agency
expenses, each of Class A, Class B and Class C shares bears its
own distribution expenses and Class B shares and Advisor Class
shares convert to Class A shares under certain circumstances.
Each class of shares votes separately with respect to matters for
which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.
Shares are freely transferable, are entitled to dividends as
determined by the Directors and, in liquidation of the Fund, are
entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund. Certain
additional matters relating to the Fund's organization are
discussed in its Statement of Additional Information.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT
AND DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT
AFS, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at
500 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, acts as the Fund's
registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee
based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the
Fund.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
AFD, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance, located at
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the
Principal Underwriter of shares of the Fund.
43
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Fund advertises its "total return," which
is computed separately for each class of shares, including
Advisor Class shares. Such advertisements disclose the Fund's
average annual compounded total return for the periods prescribed
by the Commission. The Fund's total return for each such period
is computed by finding, through the use of a formula prescribed
by the Commission, the average annual compounded rate of return
over the period that would equate an assumed initial amount
invested to the value of the investment at the end of the period.
For purposes of computing total return, income, dividends and
capital gains distributions paid on shares of the Fund are
assumed to have been reinvested when paid and the maximum sales
charges applicable to purchases and redemptions of Fund shares
are assumed to have been paid. The Fund's advertisements may
quote performance rankings or ratings of the Fund by financial
publications or independent organizations such as Lipper and
Morningstar, Inc. or compare the Fund's performance to various
indices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information,
which is incorporated by reference herein, do not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the
Fund with the Commission under the Securities Act. Copies of the
Registration Statement may be obtained at a reasonable charge
from the Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
44
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A: BOND RATINGS
_______________________________________________________________
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and
are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments
are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin
and principal is secure. While the various protective elements
are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most likely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.
Aa--Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what
are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower
than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as
large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other
elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
larger than the Aaa securities.
A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade
obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest
are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly
secured. Interest payment and principal security appear
adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.
Ba--Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be
very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good
and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B--Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over
any long period of time may be small.
A-1
<PAGE>
Caa--Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues
may be in default or there may be present elements of danger
with respect to principal or interest.
Ca--Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default
or have other marked shortcomings.
C--Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds
and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Absence of Rating--When no rating has been assigned or where a
rating has been suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons
unrelated to the quality of the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the
following:
1 An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or
companies that are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the
issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating
is not published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material
circumstances arise, the effects of which preclude satisfactory
analysis; if there is no longer available reasonable up-to-date
data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is called for
redemption; or for other reasons.
Note--Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each
generic rating classification from Aa through B in its corporate
bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the
modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic
rating category.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES
AAA--Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely
strong.
A-2
<PAGE>
AA--Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only
in small degree.
A--Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB--Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to
pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits
adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or
changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened
capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C--Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as
having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect
to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates
the least degree of speculation and CCC the highest. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB--Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative debt. However, it faces major ongoing
uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or
economic conditions which could lead to an inadequate capacity
to pay interest and repay principal.
B--Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than debt rated
BB, but there is capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely
impair the capacity or willingness to pay principal or repay
interest.
CCC--Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic
conditions to pay interest and repay principal. In the event
of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, there is
not likely to be capacity to pay interest or repay principal.
CC--Debt rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C--The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a
bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been
taken, but payments are being continued.
D--The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective;
rather, it is used only where a default has actually occurred.
A-3
<PAGE>
Plus(+) or Minus (-)--The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified
by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within the major rating categories.
NR--Not rated.
DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.
AAA--Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible,
being only slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
AA+,AA, AA---High credit quality. Protection factors are strong.
Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time because
of economic conditions.
A+, A, A---Protection factors are average but adequate. However,
risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, BBB---Below average protection factors but still
considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable
variability in risk during economic cycles.
BB+,BB, BB---Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet
obligations when due. Present or prospective financial
protection factors fluctuate according to industry conditions
or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or down
frequently within this category.
B+, B, B---Below investment grade and possessing risk that
obligations will not be met when due. Financial protection
factors will fluctuate widely according to economic cycles,
industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential exists
for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into
a higher or lower rating grade.
CCC--Well below investment grade securities. Considerable
uncertainty exists as to timely payment of principal or
interest. Protection factors are narrow and risk can be
substantial with unfavorable economic/industry conditions,
and/or with unfavorable company developments.
DD--Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled
principal and/or interest payments.
DP--Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
A-4
<PAGE>
FITCH IBCA, INC.
AAA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong
ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely
to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as
bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
generally rated F-1+.
A--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
principal is considered to be strong, but may be more
vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes
in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more
likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of
these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for
bonds with higher ratings.
BB--Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to
pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by
adverse economic changes. However, business and financial
alternatives can be identified which could assist the obligor
in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B--Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this
class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the
probability of continued timely payment of principal and
interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and
the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
CCC--Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if
not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet
obligations requires an advantageous business and economic
environment.
The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business
and economic environment.
A-5
<PAGE>
CC--Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of
interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C--Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal.
DDD,DD, D--Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal
payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be
valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in
liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD represents
the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D
represents the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus(+) Minus (-)--Plus and minus signs are used with a rating
symbol to indicate the relative position of a credit within the
rating category. Plus and minus signs, however, are not used
in the AAA, DDD, DD or D categories.
NR--Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
A-6
<PAGE>
(LOGO) ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
____________________________________________________________
P.O. Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
____________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
November 2, 1998
____________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus
but supplements and should be read in conjunction with the
current Prospectus that offers Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), and
the Prospectus that offers the Advisor Class shares of the
Fund (the "Advisor Class Prospectus" and, together with the
Prospectus that offers the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares, the "Prospectus"). Copies of such Prospectuses may
be obtained by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at
the address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown
above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Description of the Fund................................
Management of the Fund.................................
Expenses of the Fund...................................
Purchase of Shares.....................................
Redemption and Repurchase of Shares....................
Shareholder Services...................................
Net Asset Value........................................
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.....................
Portfolio Transactions.................................
General Information....................................
Report of Independent Auditors and
Financial Statement.................................. 79
Appendix A: Options................................... A-1
Appendix B: Bond Ratings.............................. B-1
Appendix C: Certain Employee Benefit Plans............ C-1
______________________
(R): This registered service mark used under license from the
owner, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
_________________________________________________________________
Except as otherwise indicated, the investment policies
of the Fund are not "fundamental policies" and may, therefore, be
changed by the Board of Directors without a shareholder vote.
However, the Fund will not change its investment policies without
contemporaneous written notice to its shareholders. The Fund's
investment objectives may not be changed without shareholder
approval. There can be, of course, no assurance that the Fund
will achieve its investment objectives.
Investment Objective
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management
investment company whose fundamental investment objective is to
achieve high total return by maximizing current income and, to
the extent consistent with that objective, capital appreciation.
The Fund will pursue this objective by investing primarily in a
diversified mix of high yield, below investment grade fixed-
income securities involving greater volatility of price and risk
of principal and income than higher quality fixed-income
securities. The below investment grade debt securities in which
the Fund may invest are known as "junk bonds."
Investment Policies
The Fund attempts to achieve its objective by investing
primarily in a diversified mix of high yield, below investment
grade fixed-income securities involving greater volatility of
price and risk of principal and income than higher fixed-income
securities. The Fund will be managed to maximize current income
by taking advantage of market developments, yield disparities and
variations in the creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund will use
various strategies in attempting to achieve its objective.
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in high yield fixed-income
securities rated below investment grade by two or more NRSROs
(i.e., rated lower than Baa by Moody's Investors Services, Inc.
("Moody's") or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services ("S&P")) or unrated but deemed by the Alliance Capital
Management L.P., the Fund's investment adviser (the "Adviser"),
to be equivalent to such lower-rated securities. The Fund will
not, however, invest more than 10% of its total assets in (i)
fixed-income securities which are rated lower than B3 or B- or
their equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated are of
equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser, and (ii) money
market instruments of any entity which has an outstanding issue
2
<PAGE>
of unsecured debt that is rated lower than B3 or B- or their
equivalents by two or more NRSROs or if unrated is of equivalent
quality as determined by the Adviser.
Certain of the Fund's investments will be in fixed-
income securities which are providing high current yields because
of risks other than credit. For example, the Fund may invest in
securities which have prepayment risks, and non-U.S. dollar
denominated foreign securities, which may have currency risks.
See Appendix B, "Bond Ratings," for a description of
each rating category. In the event that any securities held by
the Fund fall below those ratings, the Fund will not be obligated
to dispose of such securities and may continue to hold such
securities if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such investment is
considered appropriate under the circumstances.
Although not to be emphasized, in furtherance of its
investment objective, the Fund may (i) invest in mortgage-backed
and other asset-backed securities, (ii) enter into repurchase
agreements, (iii) invest in loan participations and assignments
of loans to corporate, governmental, or other borrowers
originally made by institutional lenders or lending syndicates,
(iv) enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of
securities and purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis, (v) write covered put and call options on
fixed-income securities, securities indices and foreign
currencies and purchase put or call options on fixed-income
securities, securities indices and foreign currencies,
(vi) purchase and sell futures contracts and related options on
debt securities and on indices of debt securities, (vii) enter
into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific currency
for hedging purposes only, (viii) invest in foreign securities
and buy and sell foreign currencies principally for the purpose
of preserving the value of foreign securities or in anticipation
or purchasing foreign securities provided, however, that the
value of foreign issues denominated in foreign currencies shall
not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets and the value of
foreign issues denominated in United States currency shall not
exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets, and (ix) lend portfolio
securities.
In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may from time to
time make investments in (1) U.S. Government Securities,
(2) certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, bank notes,
time deposits and interest bearing savings deposits issued or
guaranteed by certain domestic and foreign banks, (3) commercial
paper (rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or, if not
rated, issued by domestic or foreign companies having high
quality outstanding debt securities) and participation interests
in loans extended by banks to such companies, (4) corporate debt
3
<PAGE>
obligations with remaining maturities of less than one year rated
at least high quality as well as corporate debt obligations rated
at least high grade provided the corporation also has outstanding
an issue of commercial paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1
by Moody's, and (5) floating rate or master demand notes.
Additional Investment Policies and Practices
The following additional investment policies supplement
those set forth above.
Options. The Fund may (a) write covered call options on
fixed-income securities or securities indices for the purpose of
increasing its return or to provide a partial hedge against a
decline in the value of its portfolio securities or both, (b)
write covered put options on fixed-income securities or
securities indices in order to earn additional income or (in the
case of put options written on individual securities) to purchase
the underlying securities at a price below the current market
price, (c) purchase put or call options on fixed-income
securities and securities indices in order to hedge against
changes in interest rates or stock prices which may adversely
affect the prices of securities that the Fund wants to purchase
at a later date, to hedge its existing investments against a
decline in value, or to attempt to reduce the risk of missing a
market or industry segment advance, and (d) purchase put and call
options and write covered put and call options against declines
in the dollar value of portfolio securities and against increases
in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired (i.e. as a hedge
and not for speculation).
A put option gives the purchaser of such option, upon
payment of a premium, the right to deliver a specified amount of
a security to the writer of the option on or before a fixed date
at a predetermined price. A call option gives the purchaser of
the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to call upon the
writer to deliver a specified amount of a security on or before a
fixed date at a predetermined price. A call option written by
the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security
covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to
acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or
for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by
its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities
held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund
holds a call on the same security and in the same principal
amount as the call written where the exercise price of the call
held (i) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call
written or (ii) is greater than the exercise price of the call
written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid
assets in a segregated account with the Custodian. A put option
written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund maintains liquid
4
<PAGE>
assets with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated
account with the Custodian, or else holds a put on the same
security and in the same principal amount as the put written
where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater
than the exercise price of the put written. The premium paid by
the purchaser of an option will reflect, among other things, the
relationship of the exercise price to the market price and
volatility of the underlying security, the remaining term of the
option, supply and demand and interest rates. It would realize a
loss if the price of the underlying security increased or
remained the same or did not decrease during that period by more
than the amount of the premium. If a put or call option
purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold
or exercised, its premium would be lost by the Fund.
A call option is for cross-hedging purposes if the Fund
does not own the underlying security, and is designed to provide
a hedge against a decline in value in another security which the
Fund owns or has the right to acquire. In such circumstances,
the Fund collateralizes its obligation under the option by
maintaining in a segregated account with the Custodian liquid
assets in an amount not less than the market value of the
underlying security, marked to market daily. The Fund would write
a call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a
covered call option, when the premium to be received from the
cross-hedge transaction would exceed that which would be received
from writing a covered call option, while at the same time
achieving the desired hedge.
In purchasing a call option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the underlying security increased by an amount in excess
of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
underlying security declined or remained the same or did not
increase during the period by more than the amount of the
premium. In purchasing a put option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the underlying security declined by an amount in excess
of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
underlying security increased or remained the same or did not
decrease during that period by more than the amount of the
premium. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were
permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium
would be lost by the Fund.
If a put option written by the Fund were exercised, the
Fund would be obligated to purchase the underlying security at
the exercise price. If a call option written by the Fund were
exercised, the Fund would be obligated to sell the underlying
security at the exercise price. The risk involved in writing a
put option is that there could be a decrease in the market value
5
<PAGE>
of the underlying security caused by rising interest rates or
other factors. If this occurred, the option could be exercised
and the underlying security would then be sold by the option
holder to the Fund at a higher price than its current market
value. The risk involved in writing a call option is that there
could be an increase in the market value of the underlying
security caused by declining interest rates or other factors. If
this occurred, the option could be exercised and the underlying
security would then be sold by the Fund at a lower price than its
current market value. These risks could be reduced by entering
into a closing transaction. The Fund retains the premium
received from writing a put or call option whether or not the
option is exercised. See Appendix A for a discussion of the use,
risks and costs of option trading.
The Fund may purchase or write options on securities of
the types in which it is permitted to invest in privately
negotiated (i.e., over-the-counter) transactions. The Fund will
effect such transactions only with investment dealers and other
financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and
loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by the Adviser and the
Adviser has adopted procedures for monitoring the
creditworthiness of such entities. Options purchased or written
by the Fund in negotiated transactions are illiquid and it may
not be possible for the Fund to effect a closing transaction at a
time when the Adviser believes it would be advantageous to do so.
See "Illiquid Securities."
Options on Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase
and sell exchange-traded options on any securities index composed
of the types of securities in which it may invest. An option on
a securities index is similar to an option on a security except
that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of a
security at a specified price, an option on a securities index
gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the
option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the chosen
index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in
the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. There are
no specific limitations on the Fund's purchasing and selling of
options on securities indices.
Through the purchase of listed index options, the Fund
could achieve many of the same objectives as through the use of
options on individual securities. Price movements in the Fund's
portfolio securities probably will not correlate perfectly with
movements in the level of the index and, therefore, the Fund
would bear a risk of loss on index options purchased by it if
favorable price movements of the hedged portfolio securities do
not equal or exceed losses on the options or if adverse price
movements of the hedged portfolio securities are greater than
gains realized from the options.
6
<PAGE>
Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward
commitments for the purchase or sale of securities. Such
transactions may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or
purchases or sales on a "delayed delivery" basis. In some cases,
a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a
subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger,
corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as
and if issued" trade).
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the
price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at
the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the
securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement
date occurs within two months after the transaction, but delayed
settlements beyond two months may be negotiated. Securities
purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to
market fluctuation, and no interest accrues to the purchaser
prior to the settlement date. At the time the Fund enters into a
forward commitment, it will record the transaction and thereafter
reflect the value of the security purchased or, if a sale, the
proceeds to be received, in determining its net asset value. Any
unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflected in such
valuation of a "when, as and if issued" security would be
canceled in the event that the required condition did not occur
and the trade was canceled.
The use of forward commitments enables the Fund to
protect against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices.
For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling
bond prices, the Fund might sell securities in its portfolio on a
forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the
Fund might sell a security in its portfolio and purchase the same
or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment
basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher cash
yields. However, if the Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the
direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required
to complete such when-issued or forward transactions at prices
inferior to the then current market values.
The Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under
a forward commitment may be sold prior to the settlement date,
but the Fund will enter into forward commitments only with the
intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as
the case may be. To facilitate such transactions, the Custodian
will maintain, in a segregated account of the Fund, liquid assets
having value equal to, or greater than, any commitments to
purchase securities on a forward commitment basis and, with
respect to forward commitments to sell portfolio securities of
the Fund, the portfolio securities themselves. If the Fund,
however, chooses to dispose of the right to receive or deliver a
7
<PAGE>
security subject to a forward commitment prior to the settlement
date of the transaction, it may incur a gain or loss. In the
event the other party to a forward commitment transaction were to
default, the Fund might lose the opportunity to invest money at
favorable rates or to dispose of securities at favorable prices.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. The
Fund may invest in futures contracts and options thereon in order
to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates that might
otherwise have an adverse effect on the value of the Fund's
assets or assets it intends to acquire, sell stock index futures
contracts and related options to hedge the equity portion of the
Fund's assets or equity assets it intends to acquire with regard
to market as distinguished from stock-specific risk, and enter
into futures contracts and related options on foreign currencies
in order to limit its exchange risk.
Mortgage-Related Securities. The mortgage-related
securities in which the Fund principally invests provide funds
for mortgage loans made to residential home buyers. These
include securities which represent interests in pools of mortgage
loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage
loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as the Fund) by
various governmental, government-related and private
organizations.
Interests in pools of mortgage-related securities differ
from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for
periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal
payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these
securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both
interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a
"pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual
borrowers on their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees
paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional
payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the
sale of the underlying residential property, refinancing or
foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some
mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are described
as "modified pass-through." These securities entitle the holder
to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the
mortgage pool, net of certain fees, regardless of whether or not
the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The average life of pass-through pools varies with the
maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition,
a pool's term may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments
of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages. The
occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors
8
<PAGE>
including the level of interest rates, general economic
conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social
and demographic conditions. As prepayment rates of individual
pools vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict the
average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed-rate
30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume that
prepayments will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of
mortgages with other maturities or different characteristics will
have varying average life assumptions. The assumed average life
of pools of mortgages having terms of less than 30 years, is less
than 12 years, but typically not less than 5 years.
Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted
by investment dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the
underlying instruments and the associated average life
assumption. In periods of falling interest rates the rate of
prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual
average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities.
Conversely, in periods of rising interest rates the rate of
prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual
average life of the pool. Historically, actual average life has
been consistent with the 12-year assumption referred to above.
Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield to differ from
the assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may
occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original
investment, thus affecting the yield of the Fund. The
compounding effect from reinvestment of monthly payments received
by the Fund will increase the yield to shareholders compared with
bonds that pay interest semi-annually.
The principal governmental (i.e., backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States Government) guarantor of
mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is a wholly-owned
United States Government corporation within the Department of
Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee,
with the full faith and credit of the United States Government,
the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued
by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan
institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed
by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.
Government-related (i.e., not backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States Government) guarantors include
the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation. The Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA") is a government-sponsored corporation owned
entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general
regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved
seller/servicers which include state and federally-chartered
savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial
9
<PAGE>
banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through
securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of
principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States Government. The Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") is a corporate
instrumentality of the United States Government whose stock is
owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. Participation
certificates issued by FHLMC, which represent interests in
mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio, are guaranteed by
FHLMC as to the timely payment of interest and ultimate
collection of principal but are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private
mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other
secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of
conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may also
be the originators of the underlying mortgage loans as well as
the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created
by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of
interest than government and government-related pools because
there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payments
in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and
principal of these pools is supported by various forms of
insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool
and hazard insurance. The insurance and guarantees are issued by
government entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the
issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a
mortgage-related security meets the Fund's investment quality
standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers
can meet their obligations under the policies. The Fund may buy
mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if
through an examination of the loan experience and practices of
the poolers the Adviser determines that the securities meet the
Fund's quality standards. Although the market for such
securities is becoming increasingly liquid, securities issued by
certain private organizations may not be readily marketable. The
Fund will not maintain more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities.
Mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may invest
may also include collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs").
CMOs are debt obligations issued generally by finance
subsidiaries or trusts that are secured by mortgage-backed
certificates, including, in many cases, certificates issued by
government-related guarantors, including GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC,
together with certain funds and other collateral. Although
payment of the principal of and interest on the mortgage-backed
certificates pledged to secure the CMOs may be guaranteed by
GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, the CMOs represent obligations solely of the
10
<PAGE>
issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC or
any other governmental agency, or by any other person or entity.
The issuers of CMOs typically have no significant assets other
than those pledged as collateral for the obligations.
The Fund also expects that governmental, government-
related or private entities may create mortgage loan pools
offering pass-through investments in addition to those described
above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be
alternative mortgage instruments, that is, mortgage instruments
whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to
maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed rate
mortgages. As new types of mortgage-related securities are
developed and offered to investors, the Adviser will, consistent
with the Fund's investment objective, policies and quality
standards, consider making investments in such new types of
securities.
Other Asset-Backed Securities. In general, the
collateral supporting asset-backed securities is of shorter
maturity than mortgage loans and is less likely to experience
unexpected levels of prepayments. As with mortgage-related
securities, asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of
assets representing the obligations of a number of different
parties and use similar credit enhancement techniques.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into
repurchase agreements pertaining to the types of securities in
which it invests with member banks of the Federal Reserve System
or "primary dealers" (as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York) in such securities. There is no percentage
restriction on the Fund's ability to enter into repurchase
agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
the Custodian and such primary dealers. A repurchase agreement
arises when a buyer purchases a security and simultaneously
agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon future date,
normally one day or a few days later. The resale price is
greater than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon
interest rate which is effective for the period of time the
buyer's money is invested in the security and which is related to
the current market rate rather than the coupon rate on the
purchased security. The Fund requires continual maintenance by
its custodian for its account in the Federal Reserve/Treasury
Book Entry System of collateral in an amount equal to, or in
excess of, the resale price. In the event a vendor defaulted on
its repurchase obligation, the Fund might suffer a loss to the
extent that the proceeds from the sale of the collateral were
less than the repurchase price. In the event of a vendor's
bankruptcy, the Fund might be delayed in, or prevented from,
selling the collateral for its benefit. The Fund's Board of
Directors has established procedures, which are periodically
11
<PAGE>
reviewed by the Board, pursuant to which the Adviser monitors the
creditworthiness of the dealers with which the Fund enters into
repurchase agreement transactions.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund has adopted the following
investment policy which may be changed by the vote of the Board
of Directors.
The Fund will not maintain more than 15% of its net
assets (taken at market value) in illiquid securities. For this
purpose, illiquid securities include, among others (a) direct
placements or other securities which are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or for which there is no
readily available market (e.g., trading in the security is
suspended or, in the case of unlisted securities, market makers
do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers), (b) over-the-
counter options purchased or written by the Fund and all assets
used to cover written over-the-counter options, and
(c) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days.
Historically, illiquid securities have included
securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended ("Securities Act") and securities which are
otherwise not readily marketable. Securities which have not been
registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private
placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly
from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual funds do not
typically hold a significant amount of these restricted or other
illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale
and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an
adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a
mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other
illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might
thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven
days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted
securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional
expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a
public offering of securities.
In recent years, however, a large institutional market
has developed for certain securities that are not registered
under the Securities Act including repurchase agreements, foreign
securities and corporate bonds. Institutional investors depend
on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered
security can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor
a demand for repayment. The fact that there are contractual or
legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain
institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such
investments.
12
<PAGE>
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets (taken at
market value) in restricted securities, other than securities
issued under Rule 144A, issued under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act, which exempts from registration "transactions by
an issuer not involving any public offering." Section 4(2)
instruments are restricted in the sense that they can be resold
only in transactions that are exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and only to institutional
investors; they cannot be resold to the general public without
registration.
Securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A of the
Securities Act that have legal or contractual restrictions on
resale but have a readily available market are not deemed
illiquid for purposes of this limitation. More specifically,
Rule 144A allows a broader institutional trading market for
securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the
general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act for resales of
certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. An
insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested
in purchasing certain restricted securities held by the Fund,
however, could affect adversely the marketability of such
portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of
such securities promptly or at reasonable prices. Rule 144A has
already produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted
securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue
to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent
inception of the PORTAL System sponsored by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., an automated system for
the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities
of domestic and foreign issuers.
The Adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board
of Directors, will monitor the liquidity of restricted securities
in the Fund's portfolio that are eligible for resale pursuant to
Rule 144A. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser will
consider, inter alia, the following factors: (1) the frequency of
trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers
making quotations to purchase or sell the security; (3) the
number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) the
number of dealers undertaking to make a market in the
security;(5) the nature of the security (including its
unregistered nature) and the nature of the marketplace for the
security (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the
method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer);
and (6) any applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") interpretation or position with respect to such
type of securities.
13
<PAGE>
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may make
secured loans of its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
financial institutions provided that liquid assets, or bank
letters of credit equal to at least 100% of the market value of
the securities loaned are deposited and maintained by the
borrower with the Fund. The risks in lending portfolio
securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of
possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
fail financially. In determining whether to lend securities to a
particular borrower, the Adviser (subject to review by the Board
of Directors) will consider all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower. While securities
are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income earned
thereon and the Fund may invest any cash collateral in portfolio
securities, thereby earning additional income, or receive an
agreed-upon amount of income from a borrower who has delivered
equivalent collateral. The Fund will have the right to regain
record ownership of loaned securities or equivalent securities in
order to exercise ownership rights such as voting rights,
subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or other
distributions. The Fund may pay reasonable finders,
administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan. The
Fund will not lend its portfolio securities to any officer,
director, employee or affiliate of the Fund or the Adviser. The
Board of Directors will monitor the Fund's lending of portfolio
securities.
U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government securities
include: (i) U.S. Treasury obligations, which differ only in
their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance as
follows: U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less), U.S.
Treasury notes (maturities of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury
bonds (generally maturities of greater than ten years); and
(ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities that are supported by the full faith and
credit of the United States (such as securities issued by the
Farmers Home Administration, the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA"), the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, the Export-Import Bank, the General Services
Administration and the Maritime Administration and certain
securities issued by the Federal Housing Administration and the
Small Business Administration). The maturities of U.S.
Government securities usually range from three months to 30
years.
Securities issued by GNMA ("GNMA Certificates")
differ in certain respects from other U.S. Government securities,
which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call
dates. GNMA Certificates are mortgage-backed securities
representing part ownership of a pool of mortgage loans. These
14
<PAGE>
loans -- issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan-associations -- are either insured by
the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans
Administration. A "pool" or group of such mortgages is assembled
and, after being approved by GNMA, is offered to investors
through securities dealers. Once approved by GNMA, the timely
payment of interest and principal on each mortgage is guaranteed
by the full faith and credit of the United States. GNMA
Certificates also differ from other U.S. Government securities in
that principal is paid back monthly by the borrower over the term
of the loan rather than returned in a lump sum at maturity. GNMA
Certificates are called "pass-through" securities because both
interest and principal payments (including pre-payments) are
passed through to the holder of the Certificate. Upon receipt,
principal payments are used by the Portfolio to purchase
additional U.S. Government securities.
General. The successful use of the foregoing investment
practices, all of which are highly specialized investment
activities, draws upon the Adviser's special skills and
experience with respect to such instruments and usually depends
on the Adviser's ability to forecast interest rate movements
correctly. Should interest rates move in an unexpected manner,
the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of these
practices or may realize losses and, thus be in an worse position
than if such strategies had not been used. In addition, the
correlation between movements in the prices of such instruments
and movements in the prices of the securities hedged or used for
cover will not be perfect and could produce unanticipated losses.
The Fund's ability to dispose of its position in
options, interest rate transactions and forward commitment
contracts will depend on the availability of liquid markets in
such instruments. Markets for all these vehicles with respect to
a number of fixed-income securities are relatively new and still
developing. If, for example, a secondary market does not exist
with respect to an option purchased or written by the Fund over-
the-counter, it might not be possible to effect a closing
transaction in the option (i.e., dispose of the option) with the
result that (i) an option purchased by the Fund would have to be
exercised in order for the Fund to realize any profit and
(ii) the Fund may not be able to sell portfolio securities
covering an option written by the Fund until the option expires.
Therefore, no assurance can be given that the Fund will be able
to utilize these instruments effectively for the purposes set
forth above.
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in active
short-term trading to benefit from yield disparities among
different issues of securities, to seek short-term profits during
periods of fluctuating interest rates or for other reasons. Such
15
<PAGE>
trading will increase the Fund's rate of turnover and the
incidence of short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income.
The Adviser anticipates that the annual turnover in the Fund will
not be in excess of 500%. An annual turnover rate of 500%
occurs, for example, when all of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio are replaced five times in a period of one year. Such
high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater
expenses than a lower rate, which expenses must be borne by the
Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may
result in the realization of substantial net short-term capital
gains. The portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal period April
22, 1997 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 1997 and
for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 were 73% and 311%,
respectively. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
"General Information--Portfolio Transactions."
Certain Risk Considerations
Risks of Options on Futures Contracts, Forward
Contracts and Options on Foreign Currencies
Unlike transactions entered into by the Fund in futures
contracts, options on foreign currencies and forward contracts
are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with
the exception of certain foreign currency options) by the
Commission. To the contrary, such instruments are traded through
financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign
currency options are also traded on certain national securities
exchanges, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the
Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to Commission regulation.
Similarly, options on securities may be traded over-the-counter.
In an over-the-counter trading environment, many of the
protections afforded to exchange participants will not be
available. Although the purchaser of an option cannot lose more
than the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs,
this entire amount could be lost. Moreover, the option writer
and a trader of forward contracts could lose amounts
substantially in excess of their initial investments, due to the
margin and collateral requirements associated with such
positions.
Options on foreign currencies traded on national
securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the
Commission, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As
a result, many of the protections provided to traders on
organized exchanges will be available with respect to such
transactions. In particular, all foreign currency option
positions entered into on a national securities exchange are
cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation
("OCC"), thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default.
Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a
16
<PAGE>
national securities exchange may be more readily available than
in the over-the-counter market, potentially permitting the Fund
to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or
expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market
movements.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign
currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the
availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as
well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining
of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market,
possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects
of other political and economic events. In addition, exchange-
traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not
presented by the over-the-counter market. For example, exercise
and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through
the OCC, which has established banking relationships in
applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, the
OCC may, if it determines that foreign governmental restrictions
or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency
option exercise, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or
its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and
settlement, such as technical changes in the mechanics of
delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or
prohibitions on exercise.
In addition, futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, forward contracts and options on foreign currencies
may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions are
subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in
or the prices of foreign currencies or securities. The value of
such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other
complex foreign political and economic factors, (ii) lesser
availability than in the United States of data on which to make
trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon
economic events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness
hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different
exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin
requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading
volume.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The Fund may purchase or sell forward foreign currency
exchange contracts ("forward contracts") to attempt to minimize
the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. A forward
contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency
for an agreed price at a future date, and is individually
negotiated and privately traded by currency traders and their
customers. The Fund may enter into a forward contract, for
17
<PAGE>
example, when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale
of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock
in" the U.S. dollar price of the security ("transaction hedge").
The Fund may not engage in transaction hedges with respect to the
currency of a particular country to an extent greater than the
aggregate amount of the Fund's transactions in that currency.
Additionally, for example, when the Fund believes that a foreign
currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S.dollar,
it may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of
that foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of
the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign
currency, or when the Fund believes that the U.S. dollar may
suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may
enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign
currency for a fixed dollar amount ("position hedge"). In this
situation the Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a forward
contract to sell a different foreign currency for a fixed U.S.
dollar amount where the Fund believes that the U.S. dollar value
of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward contract will
fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value of the
currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are
denominated ("cross-hedge"). The Fund's custodian will place
cash not available for investment or liquid assets in a
segregated account of the Fund having a value equal to the
aggregate amount of the Fund's commitments under forward
contracts entered into with respect to position hedges and cross-
hedges. If the value of the securities placed in a segregated
account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in
the account on a daily basis so that the value of the account
will equal the amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to
such contracts. As an alternative to maintaining all or part of
the segregated account, the Fund may purchase a call option
permitting the Fund to purchase the amount of foreign currency
being hedged by a forward sale contract at a price no higher than
the forward contract price or the Fund may purchase a put option
permitting the Fund to sell the amount of foreign currency
subject to a forward purchase contract at a price as high or
higher than the forward contract price. Unanticipated changes in
currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the
Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.
Forward Commitments
The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the
purchase or sale of securities. Such transactions may include
purchases on a "when-issued" basis or purchases or sales on a
"delayed delivery" basis. In some cases, a forward commitment
may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event,
such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate
reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a "when, as and if
issued" trade).
18
<PAGE>
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the
price, which generally is expressed in yield terms, is fixed at
the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the
securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement
date occurs within two months after the transaction, but delayed
settlements beyond two months may be negotiated. Securities
purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to
market fluctuation, and no interest or dividends accrue to the
purchaser prior to the settlement date. At the time the Fund
intends to enter into a forward commitment, it will record the
transaction and thereafter reflect the value of the security
purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in
determining its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or
depreciation reflected in such valuation of a "when, as and if
issued" security would be cancelled in the event that the
required conditions did not occur and the trade was cancelled.
The Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under
a forward commitment may be sold prior to the settlement date,
but the Fund will enter into forward commitments only with the
intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as
the case may be. To facilitate such transactions, the Fund's
custodian will maintain, in a segregated account of the Fund,
liquid assets having value equal to, or greater than, any
commitments to purchase securities on a forward commitment basis
and, with respect to forward commitments to sell portfolio
securities of the Fund, the portfolio securities themselves. If
the Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the right to receive or
deliver a security subject to a forward commitment prior to the
settlement date of the transaction, it may incur a gain or loss.
In the event the other party to a forward commitment transaction
were to default, the Fund might lose the opportunity to invest
money at favorable rates or to dispose of securities at favorable
prices.
Investments in Lower-Rated and Unrated Instruments.
Substantially all of the Fund's assets will be invested in high
yield, high risk debt securities that are rated in the lower
rating categories (i.e., below investment grade) or which are
unrated but are of comparable quality as determined by the
Adviser. Debt securities rated below investment grade are those
rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P and are
considered by those organizations to be subject to greater risk
of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated securities
and are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect
to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
which may in any case decline during sustained periods of
deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. The
Fund may invest in securities having the lowest ratings for non-
subordinated debt instruments assigned by Moody's or S&P (i.e.,
rated C by Moody's or CCC or lower by S&P) and in unrated
19
<PAGE>
securities of comparable investment quality. These securities
are considered to have extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing, to have a current identifiable
vulnerability to default, to be unlikely to have the capacity to
pay interest and repay principal when due in the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, and/or to be in
default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.
Lower-rated securities generally are considered to be
subject to greater market risk than higher-rated securities in
times of deteriorating economic conditions. In addition, lower-
rated securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived
adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than
investment grade securities, although the market values of
securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated
securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate
levels than do those of higher-rated securities. The market for
lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active than that
for higher-quality securities, which can adversely affect the
prices at which these securities can be sold. To the extent that
there is no established secondary market for lower-rated
securities, the Adviser may experience difficulty in valuing such
securities and, in turn, the Fund's assets. In addition, adverse
publicity and investor perceptions about lower-rated securities,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may tend to
decrease the market value and liquidity of such lower-rated
securities. Transaction costs with respect to lower-rated
securities may be higher, and in some cases information may be
less available, than is the case with investment grade
securities.
Many fixed income securities, including certain U.S.
corporate fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest,
contain call or buy-back features which permit the issuer of the
security to call or repurchase it. Such securities may present
risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer exercises such
a "call option" and redeems the security, the Fund may have to
replace the called security with a lower yielding security,
resulting in a decreased rate of return for the Fund.
Ratings of fixed-income securities by Moody's and S&P
are a generally accepted barometer of credit risk. They are,
however, subject to certain limitations from an investor's
standpoint. The rating of a security is heavily weighted by past
developments and does not necessarily reflect probable future
conditions. There is frequently a lag between the time a rating
is assigned and the time it is updated. In addition, there may
be varying degrees of difference in the credit risk of securities
within each rating category.
20
<PAGE>
Non-rated securities will also be considered for
investment by the Fund when the Adviser believes that the
financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the
protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves,
limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of
rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's objectives
and policies.
The Adviser will try to reduce the risk inherent in its
investment approach through credit analysis, diversification and
attention to current developments and trends in interest rates
and economic and political conditions. However, there can be no
assurance that losses will not occur. Since the risk of default
is higher for lower-quality securities, the Adviser's research
and credit analysis are a correspondingly more important aspect
of its program for managing the Fund's securities than would be
the case if the Fund did not invest in lower-rated securities. In
considering investments for the Fund, the Adviser will attempt to
identify those high-yielding securities whose financial condition
is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is
expected to improve in the future. The Adviser's analysis
focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest or
dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objectives,
there will be times, such as during periods of rising interest
rates, when depreciation and realization of capital losses on
securities in the Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable. Moreover,
medium and lower rated securities and non-rated securities of
comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield
and market values than higher-rated securities under certain
market conditions. Such fluctuations after a security is
acquired do not affect the cash income received from that
security but are reflected in the net asset value of the Fund.
Risks of Investments In Foreign Securities. Foreign
issuers are subject to accounting and financial standards and
requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those
applicable to U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and
profits appearing on the financial statements of a foreign issuer
may not reflect its financial position or results of operations
in the way they would be reflected had the financial statement
been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. In addition, for an issuer that keeps
accounting records in local currency, inflation accounting rules
in some of the countries in which the Fund will invest require,
for both tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and
liabilities be restated on the issuer's balance sheet in order to
express items in terms of currency of constant purchasing power.
Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits.
21
<PAGE>
Consequently, financial data may be materially affected by
restatements for inflation and may not accurately reflect the
real condition of those issuers and securities markets.
Substantially less information is publicly available about
certain non-U.S. issuers than is available about U.S. issuers.
Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization,
political, economic or social instability or other similar
developments, such as military coups, have occurred in the past
in countries in which the Fund will invest and could adversely
affect the Fund's assets should these conditions or events recur.
Foreign investment in certain foreign securities is
restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions
or controls may at times limit or preclude foreign investment in
certain foreign securities and increase the costs and expenses of
the Fund. Certain countries in which the Fund will invest
require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign
persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a
particular issuer, limit the investment by foreign persons only
to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less
advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by
domiciliaries of the countries and/or impose additional taxes on
foreign investors.
Certain countries other than those on which the Fund
will focus it investments may require governmental approval for
the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of
sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a
deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the
country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital
remittances. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in,
or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for
repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the
Fund of any restrictions on investments. Investing in local
markets may require the portfolio to adopt special procedures,
seek local governmental approvals or take other actions, each of
which may involve additional costs to the Fund.
Income from certain investments held by the Fund could
be reduced by foreign income taxes, including withholding taxes.
It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax
in advance. The Fund's net asset value may also be affected by
changes in the rates or methods of taxation applicable to the
Fund or to entities in which the Fund has invested. The Adviser
generally will consider the cost of any taxes in determining
whether to acquire any particular investments, but can provide no
assurance that the tax treatment of investments held by the Fund
will not be subject to change.
22
<PAGE>
Debt Securities. The net asset value of the Fund's
shares will change as the general levels of interest rates
fluctuate. When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio
primarily invested in debt securities can be expected to rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio
primarily invest in debt securities can be expected to decline.
Certain debt securities in which the Fund may invest are
floating-rate debt securities. To the extent that the Fund does
not enter into interest rate swaps with respect to such floating-
rate debt securities, the Fund may be subject to greater risk
during periods of declining interest rates.
Future Developments. The Fund may, following written
notice to its shareholders, take advantage of other investment
practices which are not at present contemplated for use by the
Fund or anticipates that the net return on the Fund's investment
portfolio will exceed the interest expense by the Fund on
borrowing.
Fundamental Investment Policies
There are several fundamental investment restrictions
which apply. These restrictions, may not be changed without
shareholder approval, which means the affirmative vote of the
holders of (i) 67% or more or the shares represented at a meeting
at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented,
or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares, whichever is
less. Whenever any investment restriction states a maximum
percentage of the Fund's assets which may be invested in any
security or other asset, it is intended that such maximum
percentage limitation be determined immediately after and as a
result of the Fund's acquisition of such securities or other
assets. Accordingly, any later increases or decreases in
percentage beyond the specified limitation resulting from a
change in values or net assets will not be considered a
violation.
The Fund may not:
(1) underwrite securities issued by other persons except
to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of its
portfolio investments, it may be deemed to be an underwriter
under certain federal securities laws;
(2) make short sales of securities, except when it has,
by reason of ownership of other securities, the right to obtain
securities of equivalent kind and amount that will be held so
long as it is in a short position;
(3) issue senior securities;
23
<PAGE>
(4) purchase real estate or mortgages; however, the Fund
may, as appropriate and consistent with its investment policies
and other investment restrictions (a) buy securities of issuers
which engage in real estate operations and securities which are
secured by interests in real estate (including partnership
interests and shares of real estate investment trusts) and
(b) may hold and sell real estate acquired as a result of
ownership of such securities;
(5) purchase any security on margin or borrow money,
except that this restriction shall not apply to (a) borrowing
from banks for temporary purposes, (b) the pledging of assets to
banks in order to transfer funds for various purposes as required
without interfering with the orderly liquidation of securities in
the Fund (but not for leveraging purposes), or (c) margin
payments or pledges in connection with options, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts or
options on foreign currencies;
(6) make loans except through (a) the purchase of debt
obligations in accordance with its investment objectives and
policies; (b) the lending of portfolio securities; or (c) the use
of repurchase agreements;
(7) purchase or sell commodities (except that the Fund
may purchase and sell futures contracts and related options on
debt securities and on indices of debt securities).
Non-Fundamental Restrictions
The following investment restrictions are not fundamental. They
may be changed without a vote of the Fund's shareholders.
The Fund will not:
(1) invest more than 15% of its assets in securities
restricted as to disposition under federal securities laws, or
securities otherwise considered illiquid or not readily
marketable, including repurchase agreements having a maturity of
more than seven days; however, this restriction will not apply to
securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act,
so long as such securities meet liquidity guidelines to be
established by the Fund's Board of Directors;
(2) trade in foreign exchange (except transactions
incidental to the settlement of purchases or sales of securities
for the Fund) except in connection with its foreign currency
hedging strategies, provided the amount of foreign exchange
underlying such a currency hedging transactions does not exceed
10% of such the Fund's net assets;
24
<PAGE>
(3) acquire securities of any company that is a
securities broker or dealer,a securities underwriter, an
investment adviser of an investment company, or an investment
adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
(other than any such company that derives no more than 15% of its
gross revenues from securities related activities), except the
Fund may purchase bank, trust company, and bank holding company
stock, and except that the Fund may invest, in accordance with
Rule 12d3-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act"), up to 5% of its total assets in any such
company provided that it owns no more than 5% of the outstanding
equity securities of any class plus 10% of the outstanding debt
securities of such company; or
(4) make an investment in order to exercise control or
management over a company.
In addition, the Fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets
in the securities of any one investment company, own more than 3%
of any one investment company's outstanding voting securities, or
have total holdings of investment company securities in excess of
10% of the value of the Fund's assets.
_________________________________________________________________
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
_________________________________________________________________
Directors and Officers
The Directors and officers of the Fund, their ages and
their principal occupations during the past five years are set
forth below. Each such Director and officer is also a director,
trustee or officer of other registered investment companies
sponsored by the Adviser. Unless otherwise specified, the
address of each of the following persons is 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105.
Directors
JOHN D. CARIFA,* 53, Chairman of the Board is the
President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Alliance
Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), with which he has been
associated since prior to 1993.
RUTH BLOCK, 67, was formerly an Executive Vice President
and the Chief Insurance Officer of The Equitable Life Assurance
____________________
* An interested person of the Fund as defined in the 1940
Act.
25
<PAGE>
Society of the United States ("Equitable") since prior to 1993.
She is a Director of Ecolab Incorporated (specialty chemicals)
and Amoco Corporation (oil and gas). Her address is P.O. Box
4623, Stamford, Connecticut 06903.
DAVID H. DIEVLER, 69, is currently an independent
consultant. He was formerly a Senior Vice President of ACMC
until December 1994. His address is P.O. Box 167, Spring Lake,
New Jersey 07762.
JOHN H. DOBKIN, 56, has been the President of Historic
Hudson Valley (historic preservation) since prior to 1993.
Previously, he was Director of the National Academy of Design.
His address is Historic Hudson Valley, 150 White Plains Road,
Tarrytown, New York 10591.
WILLIAM H. FOULK, JR., 66, is an Investment Adviser and
an independent consultant. He was formerly Senior Manager of
Barrett Associates, Inc., a registered investment adviser, with
which he had been associated since prior to 1993. His address is
Room 100, 2 Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.
DR. JAMES M. HESTER, 74, is President of the Harry Frank
Guggenheim Foundation with which he has been associated since
prior to 1993. He was formerly President of New York University,
the New York Botanical Garden and Rector of the United Nations
University. His address is 25 Cleveland Lane, Princeton, New
Jersey 08540.
CLIFFORD L. MICHEL, 59, is a member of the law firm of
Cahill Gordon & Reindel with which he has been associated since
prior to 1993. He is President, and Chief Executive Officer and
Director of Wenonah Development Company (investments) and a
Director of Placer Dome Inc. (mining). His address is St.
Barnard's Road, Gladstone, New Jersey 07934.
DONALD J. ROBINSON, 64, is Senior Counsel of the law
firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and was formerly a senior
partner and a member of the Executive Committee of that firm. He
was also a Trustee of the Museum of the City of New York from
1977 to 1995. His address is 98 Hell's Peak Road, Weston,
Vermont 05161.
Officers
JOHN D. CARIFA, PRESIDENT, see biography above.
KATHLEEN A. CORBET, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, 38, is an
Executive Vice President of ACMC, with which she has been
associated since July 1993. Prior thereto, she headed Equitable
26
<PAGE>
Capital Management Corporation's Fixed Income Management
Department since prior to 1993.
NELSON JANTZEN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, 52, is a Senior
Vice President and Portfolio Manager of ACMC, with which he has
been associated since July 1993. Mr. Jantzen is head of the High
Yield Group and is responsible for the management of domestic
high yield assets. Prior thereto, he was employed by Equitable
Capital since prior to 1993.
WAYNE C. TAPPE, VICE PRESIDENT, 34, is a Vice President
and Portfolio Manager of ACMC, with which he has been associated
since July 1993. Prior thereto, he was employed by Equitable
Capital since prior to 1993.
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR., SECRETARY, 48, is a Senior Vice
President and the General Counsel of Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc. ("AFD") and Alliance Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS"), with which
he has been associated since prior to 1993.
ANDREW L. GANGOLF, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, 43, has been a
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with which
he has been associated since December 1994. Prior thereto he was
a Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Delaware Management
Company, Inc. since prior to 1993.
DOMENICK PUGLIESE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, 37, is a Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with which he has
been associated since May 1995. Prior thereto, he was a Vice
president and Counsel of Concord Holding Corporation since 1994
and Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Prudential
Securities since prior to 1993.
EMILIE D. WRAPP, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, 42, is a Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with which she
has been associated since prior to 1993.
MARK D. GERSTEN, TREASURER and CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,
48, is a Senior Vice President of AFS, with which he has been
associated since prior to 1993.
JUAN RODRIGUEZ, CONTROLLER, 41, is an Assistant Vice
President of AFS, with which he has been associated since prior
to 1993.
The aggregate compensation paid by the Fund to each of
the Directors during its fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, and
the aggregate compensation paid to each of the Directors during
calendar year 1997 by all of the registered investment companies
to which the Adviser provides investment advisory services
(collectively, the "Alliance Fund Complex"), and the total number
27
<PAGE>
of registered investment companies (and separate investment
portfolios within those companies) in the Alliance Fund Complex
with respect to which each of the Directors serves as a director
or trustee, are set forth below. Neither the Fund nor any other
fund in the Alliance Fund Complex provides compensation in the
form of pensions or retirement benefits to any of its directors
or trustees. Each of the Directors is a director or trustee of
one or more other registered investment companies in the Alliance
Fund Complex.
Total Number of
Total Number Investment
of Funds in Portfolios
the Alliance within the
Total Fund Complex, Funds,
Compensation Including the Including the
From the Fund, as to Fund, as to
Alliance Fund which the which the
Aggregate Complex, Director is a Director is a
Compensation Including the Director or Director or
Name of Director From the Fund Fund Trustee Trustee
________________ _____________ _____________ _____________ ________________
John D. Carifa $0 $0 53 118
Ruth Block $4,414 $164,000 40 81
David H. Dievler $4,415 $188,500 46 83
John H. Dobkin $4,380 $126,500 43 80
William H. Foulk, Jr. $4,411 $149,145 48 113
Dr. James M. Hester $4,418 $156,500 40 77
Clifford L. Michel $4,418 $194,500 41 93
Donald J. Robinson $4,414 $217,358 44 107
As of October 9, 1998, the Directors and officers of the
Fund as a group owned approximately 54.16% of the Advisor Class
shares of the Fund and less than 1% of the shares of any other
class of shares of the Fund.
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to
provide investment advice and, in general, to conduct the
management and investment program of the Fund under the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors (see "Management of
the Fund" in the Prospectus).
The Adviser is a leading international investment
manager supervising client accounts with assets as of June 30,
1998, totaling more than $262 billion (of which more than $107
28
<PAGE>
billion represented the assets of investment companies). The
Adviser's clients are primarily major corporate employee benefit
funds, public employee retirement systems, investment companies,
foundations and endowment funds. The 58 registered investment
companies managed by the Adviser, comprising 123 separate
investment portfolios, currently have more than 3.5 million
shareholders. As of September 30, 1998, the Adviser and its
subsidiaries employed approximately 2,000 employees who operate
out of domestic offices and the offices of subsidiaries in
Bahrain, Bangalore, Cairo, Chennai, Hong Kong, Istanbul,
Johannesburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Moscow, Mumbai, New
Delhi, Paris, Pune, Sao Paolo, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo,
Toronto, Vienna and Warsaw. As of June 30, 1998, the Adviser was
retained as an investment manager for employee benefit plan
assets of 32 of the FORTUNE 100 companies.
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the
sole general partner of, and the owner of a 1% general
partnership interest in the Adviser, is an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States ("Equitable"), one of the largest life insurance companies
in the United States and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Equitable Companies Incorporated ("ECI"). ECI is a holding
company controlled by AXA-UAP ("AXA") a French insurance holding
company which at March 1, 1998, beneficially owned approximately
59% of the outstanding voting shares of ECI. As of June 30,
1998, ACMC, Inc. and Equitable Capital Management Corporation,
each a wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of Equitable,
together with Equitable, owned in the aggregate approximately 57%
of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of
beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in the
Adviser.
AXA is a holding company for an international group of
insurance and related financial services companies. AXA's
insurance operations include activities in life insurance,
property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The insurance
operations are diverse geographically, with activities
principally in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific
area. AXA is also engaged in asset management, investment
banking, securities trading, brokerage, real estate and other
financial services activities principally in the United States,
as well as in Western Europe and the Asia/Pacific area.
Based on information provided by AXA, as of March 31,
1998, more than 30% of the voting power of AXA was controlled
directly and indirectly by FINAXA, a French holding company. As
of March 31, 1998 approximately 74% of the voting power of FINAXA
was controlled directly and indirectly by four French mutual
insurance companies (the "Mutuelles AXA"), one of which, AXA
Assurances I.A.R.D. Mutuelle, itself controlled directly and
29
<PAGE>
indirectly more than 42% of the voting power of FINAXA. Acting
as a group, the Mutuelles AXA control AXA and FINAXA.
Certain other clients of the Adviser may have investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. The Adviser
may, from time to time, make recommendations which result in the
purchase or sale of a particular security by its other clients
simultaneously with the Fund. If transactions on behalf of more
than one client during the same period increase the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being
sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity. It is
the policy of the Adviser to allocate advisory recommendations
and the placing of orders in a manner which is deemed equitable
by the Adviser to the accounts involved, including the Fund.
When two or more of the clients of the Adviser (including the
Fund) are purchasing or selling the same security on a given day
from the same broker-dealer, such transactions may be averaged as
to price.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides
investment advisory services and order placement facilities for
the Fund and pays all compensation of Directors and officers of
the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Adviser. The Adviser
or its affiliates also furnish the Fund, without charge,
management supervision and assistance and office facilities and
provides persons satisfactory to the Fund's Board of Directors to
serve as the Fund's officers. For the fiscal period of the Fund
ended August 31, 1997, the Adviser waived its right to receive
advisory fees from the Fund. For the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1998, the Adviser received advisory fees of
$1,369,676.17 from the Fund.
The Fund has, under the Advisory Agreement, assumed the
obligation for payment of all its other expenses. As to the
obtaining of services other than those specifically provided to
the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund may employ its own personnel.
For such services, it also may utilize personnel employed by the
Adviser or its affiliates and, in such event, the services will
be provided to the Fund at cost and the payments therefor must be
specifically approved by the Fund's Directors. For the fiscal
period of the Fund ended August 31, 1997 the Adviser waived its
right to such payments. During the Fund's fiscal year ended
August 31, 1998, the Adviser waived its right to reimbursement of
$44,000 for such services and received $88,015 for such
services.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by
a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities
(as defined in the 1940 Act) or by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's Directors on 60 days' written notice, or by the Adviser on
60 days' written notice, and will automatically terminate in the
30
<PAGE>
event of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement provides that in
the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence
on the part of the Adviser, or of reckless disregard of its
obligations thereunder, the Adviser shall not be liable for any
action or failure to act in accordance with its duties
thereunder.
The Advisory Agreement became effective on February 25,
1997. The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for
successive twelve-month periods (computed from each January 1),
provided, however, that such continuance is specifically approved
at least annually by a vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities or by the Fund's Board of
Directors, including in either case approval by a majority of the
Directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or
interested persons of any such party as defined by the 1940 Act.
Most recently, continuance of the Advisory Agreement was approved
for the period ending December 31, 1999 by the Board of
Directors, including a majority of the Directors who are not
"interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, at their Regular
Meeting held on October 15, 1998.
The Adviser may act as an investment adviser to other
persons, firms or corporations, including investment companies,
and is investment adviser to the following registered investment
companies: Alliance Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, The Alliance Fund, Inc., Alliance All-Asia Investment
Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond Fund,
Inc., Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Global Dollar
Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Strategic
Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Government Reserves, Alliance
Greater China '97 Fund, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income Fund,
Inc., Alliance Institutional Funds, Inc., Alliance International
Fund, Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc., Alliance
Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Money Market
Fund, Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance Municipal
Trust, Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc., Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund,
Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment
Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Select Investor Series, Inc., Alliance Technology Fund,
Inc., Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable
Products Series Fund, Inc., Alliance Worldwide Privatization
Fund, Inc., The Alliance Portfolios and The Hudson River Trust,
all open-end investment companies; and to ACM Government Income
Fund, Inc., ACM Government Securities Fund, Inc., ACM Government
Spectrum Fund, Inc., ACM Government Opportunity Fund, Inc., ACM
Managed Income Fund, Inc., ACM Managed Dollar Income Fund, Inc.,
31
<PAGE>
ACM Municipal Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance All-Market
Advantage Fund, Inc., Alliance World Dollar Government Fund,
Inc., Alliance World Dollar Government Fund II, Inc., The Austria
Fund, Inc., The Korean Investment Fund, Inc., The Spain Fund,
Inc. and The Southern Africa Fund, Inc. all closed-end investment
companies.
_________________________________________________________________
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
_________________________________________________________________
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services
Agreement (the "Agreement") with Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter (the "Principal
Underwriter"), to permit the Principal Underwriter to distribute
the Fund's shares and to permit the Fund to pay distribution
services fees to defray expenses associated with the distribution
of its Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares in
accordance with a plan of distribution which is included in the
Agreement and has been duly adopted and approved in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Commission under the 1940 Act (the
"Rule 12b-1 Plan").
Distribution services fees are accrued daily and paid
monthly and are charged as expenses of the Fund as accrued. The
distribution services fees attributable to the Class B shares and
Class C shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase
such shares through broker-dealers without the assessment of an
initial sales charge, and at the same time to permit the
Principal Underwriter to compensate broker-dealers in connection
with the sale of such shares. In this regard, the purpose and
function of the combined respective contingent deferred sales
charges and respective distribution services fees on the Class B
shares, and the distribution services fee on the Class C shares
are the same as those of the initial sales charge and/or
distribution services fee with respect to the Class A shares in
that in each case the sales charge and distribution services fee
provide for the financing of the distribution of the relevant
class of the Fund's shares.
Under the Agreement, the Treasurer of the Fund reports
the amounts expended under the Rule 12b-1 Plan and the purposes
for which such expenditures were made to the Directors of the
Fund for their review on a quarterly basis. Also, the Agreement
provides that the selection and nomination of Directors who are
not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act)
are committed to the discretion of such disinterested Directors
then in office. The Agreement was initially approved by the
32
<PAGE>
Directors of the Fund at a meeting held on February 25, 1997, and
by the Fund's initial shareholder on March 28, 1997.
In approving the Agreement, the Directors of the Fund
determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that the
Agreement would benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
Information with respect to distribution services fees and other
revenues and expenses of the Principal Underwriter will be
presented to the Directors each year for their consideration in
connection with their deliberations as to the continuance of the
Agreement. In their review of the Agreement, the Directors will
be asked to take into consideration separately with respect to
each class the distribution expenses incurred with respect to
such class. The distribution services fee of a particular class
will not be used to subsidize the provision of distribution
services with respect to any other class.
The Agreement became effective on February 25, 1997.
The Agreement will continue in effect for successive twelve-month
periods (computed from each January 1) with respect to each class
of the Fund, provided, however, that such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by the Directors of the
Fund or by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities (as defined in the Act) of that class, and in
either case, by a majority of the Directors of the Fund who are
not parties to this agreement or interested persons, as defined
in the Act, of any such party (other than as trustees of the
Fund) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Rule 12b-1 Plan or any agreement related
thereto. Most recently, the continuance of the Agreement until
December 31, 1999 was approved by a vote, cast in person, of
Directors, including a majority of the Directors who are not
"interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, at their Regular
Meeting held on October 15, 1998.
The Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds
or such other resources as may be permitted by rules of the
Commission make payments for distribution services to the
Principal Underwriter; the latter may in turn pay part or all of
such compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended August 31, 1998,
with respect to Class A shares, the Fund paid distribution
services fees for expenditures under the Agreement, in the
aggregate amount of $70,152 which constituted approximately .30%
of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Class
A shares during the period, and the Adviser made payments from
its own resources as described above, aggregating $372,660. Of
the $442,812 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under the Plan,
with respect to the Class A shares, $16,485 was spent on
33
<PAGE>
advertising, $6,055 on the printing and mailing of prospectuses
for persons other than current shareholders, $97,788 for
compensation to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries
(including, $34,240 to the Fund's Principal Underwriter),
$163,531 for compensation to sales personnel and, $158,953 was
spent on printing of sales literature, travel, entertainment, due
diligence and other promotional expenses.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended August 31, 1998,
with respect to Class B shares, the Fund paid distribution
services fees for expenditures under the Agreement in the
aggregate amount of $1,329,240, which constituted 1.00% of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares
during the period, and the Adviser made payments from its own
resources, as described above, aggregating $9,510,838. Of the
$10,840,078 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under the Plan, with
respect to Class B shares, $80,103 was spent on advertising,
$27,349 on the printing and mailing of prospectuses for persons
other than current shareholders, $9,788,877 for compensation to
broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (including,
$172,767 to the Fund's Principal Underwriter), $496,910 for
compensation to sales personnel, $281,299 was spent on printing
of sales literature, travel, entertainment, due diligence and
other promotional expenses and $165,540 on interest on Class B
shares financing.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended August 31, 1998,
with respect to Class C shares, the Fund paid distribution
services fees for expenditures under the Agreement, in the
aggregate amount of $249,621 which constituted approximately
1.00% annualized, of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Class C shares during the period, and the Adviser
made payments from its own resources, as described above,
aggregating $444,132. Of the $693,753 paid by the Fund and the
Adviser under the Plan, with respect to Class C shares, $16,413
was spent on advertising, $5,409 on the printing and mailing of
prospectuses for persons other than current shareholders,
$488,086 for compensation to broker-dealers and other financial
intermediaries (including, $34,469 to the Fund's Principal
Underwriter), $99,471 for compensation to sales personnel, and
$54,870 was spent on printing of sales literature, travel,
entertainment, due diligence and other promotional expenses, and
$29,504 on interest on Class C shares financing.
In the event that the Agreement is terminated or not
continued with respect to the Class A shares, Class B shares or
Class C shares, (i) no distribution services fees (other than
current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Principal Underwriter with respect to that class, and
(ii) the Fund would not be obligated to pay the Principal
Underwriter for any amounts expended under the Agreement not
34
<PAGE>
previously recovered by the Principal Underwriter from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such class or
through deferred sales charges.
All material amendments to the Agreement will become
effective only upon approval as provided in the preceding
paragraph; and the Agreement may not be amended in order to
increase materially the costs that the Fund or a particular class
of the Fund may bear pursuant to the Agreement without the
approval of a majority of the holders of the outstanding voting
shares of the Fund or the class or classes of the Fund affected.
The Agreement may be terminated (a) by the Fund without penalty
at any time by a majority vote of the holders of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, voting separately by class, or by
a majority vote of the disinterested Directors or (b) by the
Principal Underwriter. To terminate the Agreement, any party
must give the other parties 60 days' written notice; to terminate
the Rule 12b-1 Plan only, the Fund need not give notice to the
Principal Underwriter. The Agreement will terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment.
Transfer Agency Agreement
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Adviser, receives a transfer agency fee per
account holder of each of the Class A shares, Class B shares,
Class C shares and Advisor Class shares of the Fund, plus
reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The transfer agency
fee with respect to the Class B shares and Class C shares is
higher than the transfer agency fee with respect to the Class A
shares and Advisor Class shares. For the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1998 the Fund paid Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
$130,783 for transfer agency services.
_________________________________________________________________
PURCHASE OF SHARES
_________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus(es) under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Buy Shares."
General
Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis at
a price equal to their net asset value plus an initial sales
charge at the time of purchase ("Class A shares"), with a
contingent deferred sales charge ("Class B shares"), without any
initial sales charge and, as long as the shares are held for one
year or more, without any contingent deferred sales charge
35
<PAGE>
("Class C shares"), or, to investors eligible to purchase Advisor
Class shares, without any initial, contingent deferred or asset-
based sales charge, in each case as described below. Shares of
the Fund that are offered subject to a sales charge are offered
through (i) investment dealers that are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and have entered into
selected dealer agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected dealers"), (ii) depository institutions and other
financial intermediaries or their affiliates, that have entered
into selected agent agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected agents"), and (iii) the Principal Underwriter.
Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be purchased and
held solely (i) through accounts established under fee-based
programs, sponsored and maintained by registered broker-dealers
or other financial intermediaries and approved by the Principal
Underwriter, (ii) through self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that have at least
1,000 participants or $25 million in assets or (iii) by the
categories of investors described in clauses (i) through (iv)
below under "--Sales at Net Asset Value" (other than officers,
directors and present and full-time employees of selected dealers
or agents, or relatives of such person, or any trust, individual
retirement account or retirement plan account for the benefit of
such relative, none of whom is eligible on the basis solely of
such status to purchase and hold Advisor Class shares), or (iv)
by directors and present or retired full-time employees of CB
Richard Ellis, Inc. Generally, a fee-based program must charge
an asset-based or other similar fee and must invest at least
$250,000 in Advisor Class shares of the Fund in order to be
approved by the Principal Underwriter for investment in Advisor
Class shares.
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund either through
selected broker-dealers, agents, financial intermediaries or
other financial representatives, or directly through the
Principal Underwriter. A transaction, service, administrative or
other similar fee may be charged by your broker-dealer, agent,
financial intermediary or other financial representative with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Class A, Class B,
Class C or Advisor Class shares made through such financial
representative. Such financial representative may also impose
requirements with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed
by the Fund, including requirements as to the minimum initial and
subsequent investment amounts. Sales personnel of selected
dealers and agents distributing the Fund's shares may receive
differing compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C or
Advisor Class shares.
36
<PAGE>
The Fund may refuse any order for the purchase of
shares. The Fund reserves the right to suspend the sale of its
shares to the public in response to conditions in the securities
markets or for other reasons.
The public offering price of shares of the Fund is their
net asset value, plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales
charge which will vary depending on the purchase alternative
chosen by the investor, as shown in the table below under "-
- -Class A Shares." On each Fund business day on which a purchase
or redemption order is received by the Fund and trading in the
types of securities in which the Fund invests might materially
affect the value of Fund shares, the per share net asset value is
computed in accordance with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation
and By-Laws as of the next close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its
liabilities, by the total number of its shares then outstanding.
A Fund business day is any day on which the Exchange is open for
trading.
The respective per share net asset values of the
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares are expected
to be substantially the same. Under certain circumstances,
however, the per share net asset values of the Class B and
Class C shares may be lower than the per share net asset values
of the Class A and Advisor Class shares as a result of the
differential daily expense accruals of the distribution and
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to those classes of
shares. Even under those circumstances, the per share net asset
values of the four classes eventually will tend to converge
immediately after the payment of dividends, which will differ by
approximately the amount of the expense accrual differential
among the classes.
The Fund will accept unconditional orders for its shares
to be executed at the public offering price equal to their net
asset value next determined (plus applicable Class A sales
charges), as described below. Orders received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
on each day the Exchange is open for trading are priced at the
net asset value computed as of the close of regular trading on
the Exchange on that day (plus applicable Class A sales charges).
In the case of orders for purchase of shares placed through
selected dealers, agents or financial representatives, as
applicable, the applicable public offering price will be the net
asset value as so determined, but only if the selected dealer,
agent or financial representative receives the order prior to the
close of regular trading on the Exchange and transmits it to the
Principal Underwriter prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. (Certain
selected dealers, agents or financial representatives may enter
37
<PAGE>
into operating agreements permitting them to transmit purchase
information to the Principal Underwriter after 5:00 p.m. Eastern
time and receive that day's asset value.) The selected dealer,
agent or financial representative, as applicable, is responsible
for transmitting such orders by 5:00 p.m. If the selected
dealer, agent or financial representative fails to do so, the
investor's right to that day's closing price must be settled
between the investor and the selected dealer, agent or financial
representative, as applicable. If the selected dealer, agent or
financial representative, as applicable, receives the order after
the close of regular trading on the Exchange, the price will be
based on the net asset value determined as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange on the next day it is open for
trading.
Following the initial purchase of Fund shares, a
shareholder may place orders to purchase additional shares by
telephone if the shareholder has completed the appropriate
portion of the Subscription Application or an "Autobuy"
application obtained by calling the "For Literature" telephone
number shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information. Except with respect to certain omnibus accounts,
telephone purchase orders may not exceed $500,000. Payment for
shares purchased by telephone can be made only by Electronic
Funds Transfer from a bank account maintained by the shareholder
at a bank that is a member of the National Automated Clearing
House Association ("NACHA"). If a shareholder's telephone
purchase request is received before 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on a
Fund business day, the order to purchase shares is automatically
placed the following Fund business day, and the applicable public
offering price will be the public offering price determined as of
the close of business on such following business day.
Full and fractional shares are credited to a
subscriber's account in the amount of his or her subscription.
As a convenience to the subscriber, and to avoid unnecessary
expense to the Fund, stock certificates representing shares of
the Fund are not issued except upon written request to the Fund
by the shareholder or his or her authorized selected dealer or
agent. This facilitates later redemption and relieves the
shareholder of the responsibility for and inconvenience of lost
or stolen certificates. No certificates are issued for
fractional shares, although such shares remain in the
shareholder's account on the books of the Fund.
In addition to the discount or commission amount paid to
dealers or agents, the Principal Underwriter from time to time
pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents, in
connection with the sale of shares of the Fund. Such additional
amounts may be utilized, in whole or in part, to provide
additional compensation to registered representatives who sell
38
<PAGE>
shares of the Fund. On some occasions, cash or other incentives
will be conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar
amount of the shares of the Fund and/or other Alliance Mutual
Funds, as defined below, during a specific period of time. On
some occasions, such cash or other incentives may take the form
of payment for attendance at seminars, meals, sporting events, or
theater performances, or payment for travel, lodging and
entertainment incurred in connection with travel taken by persons
associated with a dealer or agent to urban or resort locations
within or outside the United States. Such dealer or agent may
elect to receive cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu of
such payments.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares each
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the
Fund, have the same rights and are identical in all respects,
except that (i) Class A shares bear the expense of the initial
sales charge (or contingent deferred sales charge, when
applicable) and Class B and Class C shares bear the expense of
the deferred sales charge, (ii) Class B shares and Class C shares
each bear the expense of a higher distribution services fee than
that borne by Class A shares, and Advisor Class shares do not
bear such a fee, (iii) Class B and Class C shares bear higher
transfer agency costs than that borne by Class A and Advisor
Class shares, (iv) each of Class A, Class B and Class C shares
has exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the
Rule 12b-1 Plan pursuant to which its distribution services fee
is paid and other matters for which separate class voting is
appropriate under applicable law, provided that, if the Fund
submits to a vote of the Class A shareholders, an amendment to
the Rule 12b-1 Plan that would materially increase the amount to
be paid thereunder with respect to the Class A shares, then such
amendment will also be submitted to the Class B and Advisor Class
shareholders and the Class A, Class B and Advisor Class
shareholders will vote separately by class, and (v) Class B and
Advisor Class shares are subject to a conversion feature. Each
class has different exchange privileges and certain different
shareholder service options available.
The Directors of the Fund have determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. On an ongoing basis,
the Directors of the Fund, pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state law, will seek to ensure that no
such conflict arises.
39
<PAGE>
Alternative Retail Purchase Arrangements -- Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares**
The alternative purchase arrangements available with
respect to Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares
permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that
is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length
of time the investor expects to hold the shares, and other
circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the
anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class B shares prior to conversion, or the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class C shares, would be less than the initial sales charge and
accumulated distribution services fee on Class A shares purchased
at the same time, and to what extent such differential would be
offset by the higher return of Class A shares. Class A shares
will normally be more beneficial than Class B shares to the
investor who qualifies for reduced initial sales charges on
Class A shares, as described below. In this regard, the
Principal Underwriter will reject any order (except orders from
certain retirement plans and certain employee benefit plans) for
more than $250,000 for Class B shares. (See Appendix C for
information concerning the eligibility of certain employee
benefit plans to purchase Class B shares at net asset value
without being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and
the ineligibility of certain such plans to purchase Class A
shares.) Class C shares will normally not be suitable for the
investor who qualifies to purchase Class A shares at net asset
value. For this reason, the Principal Underwriter will reject
any order for more than $1,000,000 for Class C shares.
Class A shares are subject to a lower distribution
services fee and, accordingly, pay correspondingly higher
dividends per share than Class B shares or Class C shares.
However, because initial sales charges are deducted at the time
of purchase, investors purchasing Class A shares would not have
all their funds invested initially and, therefore, would
initially own fewer shares. Investors not qualifying for reduced
initial sales charges who expect to maintain their investment for
an extended period of time might consider purchasing Class A
shares because the accumulated continuing distribution charges on
Class B shares or Class C shares may exceed the initial sales
charge on Class A shares during the life of the investment.
Again, however, such investors must weigh this consideration
against the fact that, because of such initial sales charges, not
all their funds will be invested initially.
____________________
** Advisor Class shares are sold only to investors described
above in this section under "--General."
40
<PAGE>
Other investors might determine, however, that it would
be more advantageous to purchase Class B shares or Class C shares
in order to have all their funds invested initially, although
remaining subject to higher continuing distribution charges and
being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a four-
year and one-year period, respectively. For example, based on
current fees and expenses, an investor subject to the 4.25%
initial sales charge would have to hold his or her investment
approximately seven years for the Class C distribution services
fee, to exceed the initial sales charge plus the accumulated
distribution services fee of Class A shares. In this example, an
investor intending to maintain his or her investment for a longer
period might consider purchasing Class A shares. This example
does not take into account the time value of money, which further
reduces the impact of the Class C distribution services fees on
the investment, fluctuations in net asset value or the effect of
different performance assumptions.
Those investors who prefer to have all of their funds
invested initially but may not wish to retain Fund shares for the
four-year period during which Class B shares are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge may find it more advantageous to
purchase Class C shares.
During the Fund's fiscal period April 22, 1997
(commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997 and during the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the aggregate amount of
underwriting commission payable with respect to shares of the
Fund was $203,434 and $1,434,547, respectively. Of that amount,
the Principal Underwriter received $6,775 and $44,762,
respectively, representing that portion of the sales charge paid
on shares of the Fund sold during the fiscal period which was not
reallowed to selected dealers (and was, accordingly, retained by
the Principal Underwriter). During the Fund's fiscal period
ended in 1998 and during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998,
the Principal Underwriter received contingent deferred sales
charges of $7,095 and $1, respectively on Class A shares, $14,342
and $251,624, respectively on Class B shares and $2,565 and
$48,433, respectively on Class C shares of the Fund.
Class A Shares
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net
asset value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
41
<PAGE>
Sales Charge
Discount or
Commission
As % of to Dealers
As % of the Public or Agents
Amount of Net Amount Offering As % of
Purchase Invested Price Offering Price
Less than
$100,000. . . 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
$100,000 but
less than
$250,000. . . 3.36 3.25 3.00
$250,000 but
less than
$500,000. . . 2.30 2.25 2.00
$500,000 but
less than
$1,000,000*. . 1.78 1.75 1.50
____________________
* There is no initial sales charge on transactions of $1,000,000
or more.
With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A
shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge equal to 1% of the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares will be waived
on certain redemptions, as described below under "--Class B
Shares." In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class A shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that are not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (for example, because an
initial sales charge was paid with respect to the shares, or they
have been held beyond the period during which the charge applies
or were acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions) and, second, of shares held longest during the
time they are subject to the sales charge. Proceeds from the
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares are paid to
the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sales of Class A shares, such as the payment
of compensation to selected dealers or agents for selling Class A
42
<PAGE>
shares. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more made
through selected dealers or agents, the Adviser may, pursuant to
the Distribution Services Agreement described above, pay such
dealers or agents from its own resources a fee of up to 1% of the
amount invested to compensate such dealers or agents for their
distribution assistance in connection with such purchases.
No initial sales charge is imposed on Class A shares
issued (i) pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of income
dividends or capital gains distributions, (ii) in exchange for
Class A shares of other "Alliance Mutual Funds" (as that term is
defined under "Combined Purchase Privilege" below), except that
an initial sales charge will be imposed on Class A shares issued
in exchange for Class A shares of AFD Exchange Reserves ("AFDER")
that were purchased for cash without the payment of an initial
sales charge and without being subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge or (iii) upon the automatic conversion of Class B
shares or Advisor Class shares as described below under "--Class
B Shares--Conversion Feature" and "--Conversion of Advisor Class
Shares to Class A Shares." The Fund receives the entire net
asset value of its Class A shares sold to investors. The
Principal Underwriter's commission is the sales charge shown
above less any applicable discount or commission "reallowed" to
selected dealers and agents. The Principal Underwriter will
reallow discounts to selected dealers and agents in the amounts
indicated in the table above. In this regard, the Principal
Underwriter may elect to reallow the entire sales charge to
selected dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with the Principal Underwriter. A selected
dealer who receives reallowance in excess of 90% of such a sales
charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities
Act.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing
the offering price of the Class A shares. The example assumes a
purchase of Class A shares of the Fund aggregating less than
$100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges set forth above
at a price based upon the net asset value of Class A shares of
the Fund on August 31, 1998.
43
<PAGE>
Net Asset Value per Class A
Share at August 31, 199 $10.76
Per Share Sales Charge - 4.25%
of offering price (4.44% of
net asset value per share) $ .48
Class A Per Share Offering Price
to the Public $11.24
=======
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternative
may under certain circumstances be entitled to pay (i) no initial
sales charge (but may be subject in most such cases to a
contingent deferred sales charge) or (ii) a reduced initial sales
charge. The circumstances under which investors may pay a reduced
initial sales charge are described below.
Combined Purchase Privilege. Certain persons may
qualify for the sales charge reductions indicated in the schedule
of such charges above by combining purchases of shares of the
Fund into a single "purchase," if the resulting "purchase" totals
at least $100,000. The term "purchase" refers to: (i) a single
purchase by an individual, or to concurrent purchases, which in
the aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an
individual, his or her spouse and their children under the age of
21 years purchasing shares of the Fund for his, her or their own
account(s); (ii) a single purchase by a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single
fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary is involved;
or (iii) a single purchase for the employee benefit plans of a
single employer. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by
any "company," as the term is defined in the 1940 Act, but does
not include purchases by any such company which has not been in
existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other
than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other
registered investment companies at a discount. The term
"purchase" does not include purchases by any group of individuals
whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein
are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an
insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or
clients of an investment adviser. A "purchase" may also include
shares, purchased at the same time through a single selected
dealer or agent, of any other "Alliance Mutual Fund." Currently,
the Alliance Mutual Funds include:
AFD Exchange Reserves
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
44
<PAGE>
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
-Corporate Bond Portfolio
-U.S. Government Portfolio
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
-California Portfolio
-Insured California Portfolio
-Insured National Portfolio
-National Portfolio
-New York Portfolio
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II
-Arizona Portfolio
-Florida Portfolio
-Massachusetts Portfolio
-Michigan Portfolio
-Minnesota Portfolio
-New Jersey Portfolio
-Ohio Portfolio
-Pennsylvania Portfolio
-Virginia Portfolio
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
-Alliance Growth Fund
-Alliance Conservative Investors Fund
-Alliance Growth Investors Fund
-Alliance Short-Term U.S. Government Fund
Prospectuses for the Alliance Mutual Funds may be
obtained without charge by contacting Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number
shown on the front cover of this Statement of Additional
Information.
45
<PAGE>
Cumulative Quantity Discount (Right of Accumulation). An
investor's purchase of additional Class A shares of the Fund may
qualify for a Cumulative Quantity Discount. The applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of:
(i) the investor's current purchase;
(ii) the net asset value (at the close of business
on the previous day) of (a) all shares of the
Fund held by the investor and (b) all shares
of any other Alliance Mutual Fund held by the
investor; and
(iii) the net asset value of all shares described in
paragraph (ii) owned by another shareholder
eligible to combine his or her purchase with
that of the investor into a single "purchase"
(see above).
For example, if an investor owned shares of an Alliance
Mutual Fund worth $200,000 at their then current net asset value
and, subsequently, purchased Class A shares of the Fund worth an
additional $100,000, the sales charge for the $100,000 purchase
would be at the 2.25% rate applicable to a single $300,000
purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.25% rate.
To qualify for the Combined Purchase Privilege or to
obtain the Cumulative Quantity Discount on a purchase through a
selected dealer or agent, the investor or selected dealer or
agent must provide the Principal Underwriter with sufficient
information to verify that each purchase qualifies for the
privilege or discount.
Statement of Intention. Class A investors may also
obtain the reduced sales charges shown in the table above by
means of a written Statement of Intention, which expresses the
investor's intention to invest not less than $100,000 within a
period of 13 months in Class A shares (or Class A, Class B, Class
C and/or Advisor Class shares) of the Fund or any other Alliance
Mutual Fund. Each purchase of shares under a Statement of
Intention will be made at the public offering price or prices
applicable at the time of such purchase to a single transaction
of the dollar amount indicated in the Statement of Intention. At
the investor's option, a Statement of Intention may include
purchases of shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund
made not more than 90 days prior to the date that the investor
signs the Statement of Intention; however, the 13-month period
during which the Statement of Intention is in effect will begin
on the date of the earliest purchase to be included.
46
<PAGE>
Investors qualifying for the Combined Purchase Privilege
described above may purchase shares of the Alliance Mutual Funds
under a single Statement of Intention. For example, if at the
time an investor signs a Statement of Intention to invest at
least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund, the investor and
the investor's spouse each purchase shares of the Fund worth
$20,000 (for a total of $40,000), it will only be necessary to
invest a only a total of $60,000 during the following 13 months
in shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund, to
qualify for the 3.25% sales charge on the total amount being
invested (the sales charge applicable to an investment of
$100,000).
The Statement of Intention is not a binding obligation
upon the investor to purchase the full amount indicated. The
minimum initial investment under a Statement of Intention is 5%
of such amount. Shares purchased with the first 5% of such
amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in the
name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales
charge applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full
amount indicated is not purchased, and such escrowed shares will
be involuntarily redeemed to pay the additional sales charge, if
necessary. Dividends on escrowed shares, whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow.
When the full amount indicated has been purchased, the escrow
will be released. To the extent that an investor purchases more
than the dollar amount indicated on the Statement of Intention
and qualifies for a further reduced sales charge, the sales
charge will be adjusted for the entire amount purchased at the
end of the 13-month period. The difference in the sales charge
will be used to purchase additional shares of the Fund subject to
the rate of the sales charge applicable to the actual amount of
the aggregate purchases.
Investors wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention
in conjunction with their initial investment in Class A shares of
the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus while current
Class A shareholders desiring to do so can obtain a form of
Statement of Intention by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
at the address or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
Certain Retirement Plans. Multiple participant payroll
deduction retirement plans may also purchase shares of the Fund
or any other Alliance Mutual Fund at a reduced sales charge on a
monthly basis during the 13-month period following such a plan's
initial purchase. The sales charge applicable to such initial
purchase of shares of the Fund will be that normally applicable,
under the schedule of the sales charges set forth in this
Statement of Additional Information, to an investment 13 times
47
<PAGE>
larger than such initial purchase. The sales charge applicable
to each succeeding monthly purchase will be that normally
applicable, under such schedule, to an investment equal to the
sum of (i) the total purchase previously made during the 13-month
period and (ii) the current month's purchase multiplied by the
number of months (including the current month) remaining in the
13-month period. Sales charges previously paid during such
period will not be retroactively adjusted on the basis of later
purchases.
Reinstatement Privilege. A shareholder who has caused
any or all of his or her Class A or Class B shares of the Fund to
be redeemed or repurchased may reinvest all or any portion of the
redemption or repurchase proceeds in Class A shares of the Fund
at net asset value without any sales charge, provided that
(i) such reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after the
redemption or repurchase date and (ii) for Class B shares, a
contingent deferred sales charge has been paid and the Principal
Underwriter has approved, at its discretion, the reinvestment of
such shares. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the
net asset value next determined as described above. A
reinstatement pursuant to this privilege will not cancel the
redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss
so realized will be recognized for federal income tax purposes
except that no loss will be recognized to the extent that the
proceeds are reinvested in shares of the Fund within 30 calendar
days after the redemption or repurchase transaction. Investors
may exercise the reinstatement privilege by written request sent
to the Fund at the address shown on the cover of this Statement
of Additional Information.
Sales at Net Asset Value. The Fund may sell its Class A
shares at net asset value (i.e., without an initial sales charge)
and without a contingent deferred sales charge to certain
categories of investors including: (i) investment management
clients of the Adviser or its affiliates; (ii) officers and
present or former Directors of the Fund; present or former
directors and trustees of other investment companies managed by
the Adviser; present or retired full-time employees of the
Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
and their affiliates; officers and directors of ACMC, the
Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; officers, directors and present full-time employees
of selected dealers or agents; or the spouse, sibling, direct
ancestor or direct descendant (collectively "relatives") of any
such person; or any trust, individual retirement account or
retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person or
relative; or the estate of any such person or relative, if such
shares are purchased for investment purposes (such shares may not
be resold except to the Fund); (iii) the Adviser, the Principal
Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates,
48
<PAGE>
certain employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; (iv) registered investment advisers or financial
intermediaries who charge a management, consulting or other fee
for their services and who purchase shares through a broker or
agent approved by the Principal Underwriter and clients of such
registered investment advisers or financial intermediaries whose
accounts are linked to the master account of such investment
adviser or financial intermediary on the books of such approved
broker or agent; (v) persons participating in a fee-based
program, sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer
or other financial intermediary and approved by the Principal
Underwriter, pursuant to which such persons pay an asset-based
fee to such broker-dealer or financial intermediary, or its
affiliate or agent, for service in the nature of investment
advisory or administrative services; (vi) persons who establish
to the Principal Underwriter's satisfaction that they are
investing, within such time period as may be designated by the
Principal Underwriter, proceeds of redemption of shares of such
other registered investment companies as may be designated from
time to time by the Principal Underwriter; and (vii) employer-
sponsored qualified pension or profit-sharing plans (including
Section 401(k) plans), custodial accounts maintained pursuant to
Section 403(b)(7) retirement plans and individual retirement
accounts (including individual retirement accounts to which
simplified employee pension (SEP) contributions are made), if
such plans or accounts are established or administered under
programs sponsored by administrators or other persons that have
been approved by the Principal Underwriter.
Class B Shares
Investors may purchase Class B shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class B shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge at the time of purchase. The Class B shares are
sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge on
the Class B shares are paid to the Principal Underwriter and are
used by the Principal Underwriter to defray the expenses of the
Principal Underwriter related to providing distribution-related
services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the Class B
shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers
and agents for selling Class B shares. The combination of the
contingent deferred sales charge and the distribution services
fee enables the Fund to sell the Class B shares without a sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. The higher
distribution services fee incurred by Class B shares will cause
49
<PAGE>
such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends than those related to Class A shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B shares that
are redeemed within four years of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge at the rates set forth below
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The
charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
To illustrate, assume that an investor purchased 100
Class B shares at $10 per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the
second year after purchase, the net asset value per share is $12
and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10 additional
Class B shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the
investor makes his or her first redemption of 50 Class B shares
(proceeds of $600), 10 Class B shares will not be subject to the
charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 Class B shares, the charge is applied only to the
original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net
asset value of $2 per share. Therefore, $400 of the $600
redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the second year after purchase, as set forth
below).
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if
any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of
payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge as
Year Since Purchase a % of Dollar Amount Subject to Charge
First 4.0%
Second 3.0%
Third 2.0%
Fourth 1.0%
Fifth and thereafter None
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class B shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that were acquired
upon the reinvestment of dividends or distributions and, second,
of shares held longest during the time they are subject to the
sales charge. When shares acquired in an exchange are redeemed,
the applicable contingent deferred sales charge and conversion
schedules will be the schedules that applied at the time of the
50
<PAGE>
purchase of shares of the corresponding class of the Alliance
Mutual Fund originally purchased by the shareholder.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
redemptions of shares (i) following the death or disability, as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), of a shareholder, (ii) to the extent that the redemption
represents a minimum required distribution from an individual
retirement account or other retirement plan to a shareholder who
has attained the age of 70-1/2, (iii) that had been purchased by
present or former Directors of the Fund, by the relative of any
such person, by any trust, individual retirement account or
retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person or
relative, or by the estate of any such person or relative, or
(iv) pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Shareholder
Services-Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below).
Conversion Feature. Eight years after the end of the
calendar month in which the shareholder's purchase order was
accepted, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
shares and will no longer be subject to a higher distribution
services fee. Such conversion will occur on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the two classes, without the
imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The purpose
of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services
fee paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding
long enough for the Principal Underwriter to have been
compensated for distribution expenses incurred in the sale of
such shares.
For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares
purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
paid in respect of Class B shares in a shareholder's account will
be considered to be held in a separate sub-account. Each time
any Class B shares in the shareholder's account (other than those
in the sub-account) convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion
of the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to
Class A.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is
subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel
to the effect that the conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income
tax law. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares may
be suspended if such an opinion is no longer available at the
time such conversion is to occur. In that event, no further
conversions of Class B shares would occur, and shares might
continue to be subject to the higher distribution services fee
for an indefinite period which may extend beyond the period
ending eight years after the end of the calendar month in which
the shareholder's purchase order was accepted.
51
<PAGE>
Class C Shares
Investors may purchase Class C shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class C shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge either at the time of purchase or, as long as the
shares are held for one year or more, upon redemption. Class C
shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund
will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment
and, as long as the shares are held for one year or more, without
a contingent deferred sales charge so that the investor will
receive as proceeds upon redemption the entire net asset value of
his or her Class C shares. The Class C distribution services fee
enables the Fund to sell Class C shares without either an initial
or contingent deferred sales charge, as long as the shares are
held for one year or more. Class C shares do not convert to any
other class of shares of the Fund and incur higher distribution
services fees and transfer agency costs than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares, and will thus have a higher expense ratio
and pay correspondingly lower dividends than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares.
Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1%, charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
the cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on
shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. The contingent deferred sales charge on Class C
shares will be waived on certain redemptions, as described above
under "--Class B Shares."
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class C shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that are not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (for example, because the
shares have been held beyond the period during which the charge
applies or were acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends or
distributions) and, second, of shares held longest during the
time they are subject to the sales charge.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are
paid to the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Class C shares, such as the
payment of compensation to selected dealers and agents for
selling Class C shares. The combination of the contingent
52
<PAGE>
deferred sales charge and the distribution services fee enables
the Fund to sell the Class C shares without a sales charge being
deducted at the time of purchase. The higher distribution
services fee incurred by Class C shares will cause such shares to
have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those
related to Class A shares and Advisor Class shares.
Conversion of Advisor Class Shares to Class A Shares
Advisor Class shares may be held solely through the fee-
based program accounts and employee benefit plans and registered
investment advisory or other financial intermediary relationships
described above under "Purchase of Shares--General," and by
investment advisory clients of, and by certain other persons
associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. If
(i) a holder of Advisor Class shares ceases to participate in the
fee-based program or plan, or to be associated with the
investment adviser or financial intermediary that satisfies the
requirements to purchase shares set forth under "Purchase of
Shares--General" or (ii) the holder is otherwise no longer
eligible to purchase Advisor Class shares as described in the
Advisor Class Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information (each, a "Conversion Event"), then all Advisor Class
shares held by the shareholder will convert automatically and
without notice to the shareholder, other than the notice
contained in the Advisor Class Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, to Class A shares of the Fund during the
calendar month following the month in which the Fund is informed
of the occurrence of the Conversion Event. The failure of a
shareholder or a fee-based program to satisfy the minimum
investment requirements to purchase Advisor Class shares will not
constitute a Conversion Event. The conversion would occur on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the two classes and
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
Class A shares currently bear a .30% distribution services fee
and have a higher expense ratio than Advisor Class shares. As a
result, Class A shares may pay correspondingly lower dividends
and have a lower net asset value than Advisor Class shares.
The conversion of Advisor Class shares to Class A shares
is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares does not constitute a taxable event under
federal income tax law. The conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares may be suspended if such an opinion is no
longer available at the time such conversion is to occur. In
that event, the Advisor Class shareholder would be required to
redeem his Advisor Class shares, which would constitute a taxable
event under federal income tax law.
53
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
_________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Sell Shares." If you are an Advisor Class
shareholder through an account established under a fee-based
program your fee-based program may impose requirements with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares
of the Fund that are different from those described herein. A
transaction fee may be charged by your financial representative
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares made through such financial representative.
Redemption
Subject only to the limitations described below, the
Fund's Articles of Incorporation require that the Fund redeem the
shares tendered to it, as described below, at a redemption price
equal to their net asset value as next computed following the
receipt of shares tendered for redemption in proper form. Except
for any contingent deferred sales charge which may be applicable
to Class A shares, Class B shares or Class C shares, there is no
redemption charge. Payment of the redemption price will be made
within seven days after the Fund's receipt of such tender for
redemption. If a shareholder is in doubt about what documents
are required by his or her fee-based program or employee benefit
plan, the shareholder should contact his or her financial
representative.
The right of redemption may not be suspended or the date
of payment upon redemption postponed for more than seven days
after shares are tendered for redemption, except for any period
during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the Commission determines
that trading thereon is restricted, or for any period during
which an emergency (as determined by the Commission) exists as a
result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or as a result of which it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value
of its net assets, or for such other periods as the Commission
may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the
Fund.
Payment of the redemption price will be made in cash.
The value of a shareholder's shares on redemption or repurchase
may be more or less than the cost of such shares to the
shareholder, depending upon the market value of the Fund's
portfolio securities at the time of such redemption or
54
<PAGE>
repurchase. Redemption proceeds on Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will reflect the deduction of the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any. Payment received by a shareholder upon
redemption or repurchase of his or her shares, assuming the
shares constitute capital assets in his or her hands, will result
in long-term or short-term capital gain (or loss) depending upon
the shareholder's holding period and basis in respect of the
shares redeemed.
To redeem shares of the Fund for which no stock
certificates have been issued, the registered owner or owners
should forward a letter to the Fund containing a request for
redemption. The signature or signatures on the letter must be
guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as defined in
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
To redeem shares of the Fund represented by stock
certificates, the investor should forward the appropriate stock
certificate or certificates, endorsed in blank or with blank
stock powers attached, to the Fund with the request that the
shares represented thereby, or a specified portion thereof, be
redeemed. The stock assignment form on the reverse side of each
stock certificate surrendered to the Fund for redemption must be
signed by the registered owner or owners exactly as the
registered name appears on the face of the certificate or,
alternatively, a stock power signed in the same manner may be
attached to the stock certificate or certificates or, where
tender is made by mail, separately mailed to the Fund. The
signature or signatures on the assignment form must be guaranteed
in the manner described above.
Telephone Redemption By Electronic Funds Transfer.
Each Fund shareholder is entitled to request redemption by
electronic funds transfer of shares for which no share
certificates have been issued by telephone at (800) 221-5672 by a
shareholder who has completed the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application or, in the case of an existing
shareholder, an "Autosell" application obtained from Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. A telephone redemption by electronic funds
transfer may not exceed $100,000 (except for certain omnibus
accounts), and must be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund
business day as defined above. Proceeds of telephone redemptions
will be sent by electronic funds transfer to a shareholder's
designated bank account at a bank selected by the shareholder
that is a member of the NACHA.
Telephone Redemption By Check. Each Fund shareholder is
eligible to request redemption by check, once in any 30-day
period, of Fund shares for which no stock certificates have been
issued by telephone at (800) 221-5672 before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
55
<PAGE>
time on a Fund business day in an amount not exceeding $50,000.
Proceeds of such redemptions are remitted by check to the
shareholder's address of record. A shareholder otherwise eligible
for telephone redemption by check may cancel the privilege by
written instruction to Alliance Fund Services, Inc., or by
checking the appropriate box on the Subscription Application
found in the Prospectus.
Telephone Redemptions - General. During periods of
drastic economic or market developments, such as the market break
of October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information. The
Fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate its telephone
redemption service at any time without notice. Telephone
redemption by check is not available with respect to shares (i)
for which certificates have been issued, (ii) held in nominee or
"street name" accounts, (iii) held by a shareholder who has
changed his or her address of record within the preceding 30
calendar days or (iv) held in any retirement plan account.
Neither the Fund nor the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter or
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. will be responsible for the
authenticity of telephone requests for redemptions that the Fund
reasonably believes to be genuine. The Fund will employ
reasonable procedures in order to verify that telephone requests
for redemptions are genuine, including, among others, recording
such telephone instructions and causing written confirmations of
the resulting transactions to be sent to shareholders. If the
Fund did not employ such procedures, it could be liable for
losses arising from unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
instructions. Selected dealers or agents may charge a commission
for handling telephone requests for redemptions.
Repurchase
The Fund may repurchase shares through the Principal
Underwriter, selected financial intermediaries or selected
dealers or agents. The repurchase price will be the net asset
value next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the request (less the contingent deferred sales charge, if any,
with respect to the Class A, Class B and Class C shares), except
that requests placed through selected dealers or agents before
the close of regular trading on the Exchange on any day will be
executed at the net asset value determined as of such close of
regular trading on that day if received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to its close of business on that day (normally
5:00 p.m. Eastern time). The financial intermediary or selected
56
<PAGE>
dealer or agent is responsible for transmitting the request to
the Principal Underwriter by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. (Certain
selected dealers, agents or financial representatives may enter
into operating agreements permitting them to transmit purchase
information to the Principal Underwriter after 5:00 p.m. Eastern
time and receive that day's asset value.) If the financial
intermediary or selected dealer or agent fails to do so, the
shareholder's right to receive that day's closing price must be
settled between the shareholder and the dealer or agent. A
shareholder may offer shares of the Fund to the Principal
Underwriter either directly or through a selected dealer or
agent. Neither the Fund nor the Principal Underwriter charges a
fee or commission in connection with the repurchase of shares
(except for the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, with
respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). Normally, if
shares of the Fund are offered through a financial intermediary
or selected dealer or agent, the repurchase is settled by the
shareholder as an ordinary transaction with or through the
selected dealer or agent, who may charge the shareholder for this
service. The repurchase of shares of the Fund as described above
is a voluntary service of the Fund and the Fund may suspend or
terminate this practice at any time.
General
The Fund reserves the right to close out an account that
through redemption has remained below $200 for 90 days.
Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to increase the
account value before the account is closed. No contingent
deferred sales charge will be deducted from the proceeds of this
redemption. In the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares
of the Fund recently purchased by check, redemption proceeds will
not be made available until the Fund is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date.
________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--Shareholder Services." The shareholder services set
forth below are applicable to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Advisor Class shares unless otherwise indicated. If you are an
Advisor Class shareholder through an account established under a
fee-based program, your fee-based program may impose requirements
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares of the Fund that are different from those described
57
<PAGE>
herein. A transaction fee may be charged by your financial
representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
Advisor Class shares made through such financial representative.
Automatic Investment Program
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund through an
automatic investment program utilizing electronic funds transfer
drawn on the investor's own bank account. Under such a program,
pre-authorized monthly drafts for a fixed amount (at least $25)
are used to purchase shares through the selected dealer or
selected agent designated by the investor at the public offering
price next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the proceeds from the investor's bank. In electronic form,
drafts can be made on or about a date each month selected by the
shareholder. Investors wishing to establish an automatic
investment program in connection with their initial investment
should complete the appropriate portion of the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Current shareholders should
contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or telephone
numbers shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information to establish an automatic investment program.
Exchange Privilege
You may exchange your investment in the Fund for shares
of the same class of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD
Exchange Reserves, a money market fund managed by Alliance). In
addition, (i) present officers and full-time employees of the
Adviser, (ii) present Directors or Trustees of any Alliance
Mutual Fund and (iii) certain employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates may, on a tax-free
basis, exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class
shares of the Fund. Exchanges of shares are made at the net
asset value next determined and without sales or service charges.
Exchanges may be made by telephone or written request. Telephone
exchange requests must be received by Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to
receive that day's net asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges
for purposes of determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption
and, in the case of Class B shares, for the purpose of conversion
to Class A shares. After an exchange, your Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance with the
conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the
Alliance Mutual Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original
shares"). When redemption occurs, the CDSC applicable to the
original shares is applied.
58
<PAGE>
Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund
into which you are exchanging before submitting the request.
Call Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at (800) 221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. Except with respect to exchanges of Class
A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of the Fund,
exchanges of shares as described above in this section are
taxable transactions for federal income tax purposes. The
exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on
60 days' written notice.
All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirements and any other applicable terms set forth in the
Prospectus for the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are being
acquired. An exchange is effected through the redemption of the
shares tendered for exchange and the purchase of shares being
acquired at their respective net asset values as next determined
following receipt by the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are
being exchanged of (i) proper instructions and all necessary
supporting documents as described in such fund's Prospectus, or
(ii) a telephone request for such exchange in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the following paragraph. Exchanges
involving the redemption of shares recently purchased by check
will be permitted only after the Alliance Mutual Fund whose
shares have been tendered for exchange is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date. Exchanges of shares of Alliance Mutual Funds
will generally result in the realization of a capital gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes.
Each Fund shareholder, and the shareholder's selected
dealer, agent or financial representative, as applicable, are
authorized to make telephone requests for exchanges unless
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., receives written instruction to the
contrary from the shareholder, or the shareholder declines the
privilege by checking the appropriate box on the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Such telephone requests
cannot be accepted with respect to shares then represented by
stock certificates. Shares acquired pursuant to a telephone
request for exchange will be held under the same account
registration as the shares redeemed through such exchange.
Eligible shareholders desiring to make an exchange
should telephone Alliance Fund Services, Inc. with their account
number and other details of the exchange, at (800) 221-5672
before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on a Fund business day as defined
above. Telephone requests for exchange received before 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time on a Fund business day will be processed as of the
close of business on that day. During periods of drastic
economic or market developments, such as the market break of
October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
59
<PAGE>
(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information.
A shareholder may elect to initiate a monthly "Auto
Exchange" whereby a specified dollar amount's worth of his or her
Fund shares (minimum $25) is automatically exchanged for shares
of another Alliance Mutual Fund. Auto Exchange transactions
normally occur on the 12th day of each month, or the Fund
business day prior thereto.
None of the Alliance Mutual Funds, the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter or Alliance Fund Services, Inc. will be
responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests for
exchanges that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. The
Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to verify that
telephone requests for exchanges are genuine, including, among
others, recording such telephone instructions and causing written
confirmations of the resulting transactions to be sent to
shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such procedures, it
could be liable for losses arising from unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. Selected dealers, agents or
financial representatives, as applicable, may charge a commission
for handling telephone requests for exchanges.
The exchange privilege is available only in states where
shares of the Alliance Mutual Fund being acquired may be legally
sold. Each Alliance Mutual Fund reserves the right, at any time
on 60 days' notice to its shareholders, to reject any order to
acquire its shares through exchange or otherwise to modify,
restrict or terminate the exchange privilege.
Retirement Plans
The Fund may be a suitable investment vehicle for part
or all of the assets held in various types of retirement plans,
such as those listed below. The Fund has available forms of such
plans pursuant to which investments can be made in the Fund and
other Alliance Mutual Funds. Persons desiring information
concerning these plans should contact Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the "For Literature" telephone number on the cover of
this Statement of Additional Information, or write to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
Retirement Plans
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
60
<PAGE>
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA"). Individuals who
receive compensation, including earnings from self-employment,
are entitled to establish and make contributions to an IRA.
Taxation of the income and gains paid to an IRA by the Fund is
deferred until distribution from the IRA. An individual's
eligible contribution to an IRA will be deductible if neither the
individual nor his or her spouse is an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan. If the individual or his or
her spouse is an active participant in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, the individual's contributions to an IRA may be
deductible, in whole or in part, depending on the amount of the
adjusted gross income of the individual and his or her spouse.
Employer-Sponsored Qualified Retirement Plans. Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor qualified
money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans, including
Section 401(k) plans ("qualified plans"), under which annual tax-
deductible contributions are made within prescribed limits based
on compensation paid to participating individuals. The minimum
initial investment requirement may be waived with respect to
certain of these qualified plans.
If the aggregate net asset value of shares of the
Alliance Mutual Funds held by a qualified plan reaches $5 million
on or before December 15 in any year, all Class B or Class
C shares of the Fund held by the plan can be exchanged at the
plan's request, without any sales charge, for Class A shares of
the Fund.
Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP"). Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor a SEP
under which they make annual tax-deductible contributions to an
IRA established by each eligible employee within prescribed
limits based on employee compensation.
403(b)(7) Retirement Plan. Certain tax-exempt
organizations and public educational institutions may sponsor
retirement plans under which an employee may agree that monies
deducted from his or her compensation (minimum $25 per pay
period) may be contributed by the employer to a custodial account
established for the employee under the plan.
The Alliance Plans Division of Frontier Trust Company, a
subsidiary of Equitable, which serves as custodian or trustee
under the retirement plan prototype forms available from the
Fund, charges certain nominal fees for establishing an account
and for annual maintenance. A portion of these fees is remitted
to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. as compensation for its services
to the retirement plan accounts maintained with the Fund.
61
<PAGE>
Distributions from retirement plans are subject to
certain Code requirements in addition to normal redemption
procedures. For additional information please contact Alliance
Fund Services, Inc.
Dividend Direction Plan
A shareholder who already maintains, in addition to the
shareholder's Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund
account, a Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class account
with one or more other Alliance Mutual Funds may direct that
income dividends and/or capital gains paid on the shareholder's
Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund shares be
automatically reinvested, in any amount, without the payment of
any sales or service charges, in shares of the same class of such
other Alliance Mutual Fund(s). Further information can be
obtained by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the
address or the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the
cover of this Statement of Additional Information. Investors
wishing to establish a dividend direction plan in connection with
their initial investment should complete the appropriate section
of the Subscription Application found in the Prospectus. Current
shareholders should contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to
establish a dividend direction plan.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
General. Any shareholder who owns or purchases shares
of the Fund having a current net asset value of at least $4,000
(for quarterly or less frequent payments), $5,000 (for bi-monthly
payments) or $10,000 (for monthly payments) may establish a
systematic withdrawal plan under which the shareholder will
periodically receive a payment in a stated amount of not less
than $50 on a selected date. Systematic withdrawal plan
participants must elect to have their dividends and distributions
from the Fund automatically reinvested in additional shares of
the Fund.
Shares of the Fund owned by a participant in the Fund's
systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed as necessary to meet
withdrawal payments and such payments will be subject to any
taxes applicable to redemptions and, except as discussed below,
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Shares acquired
with reinvested dividends and distributions will be liquidated
first to provide such withdrawal payments and thereafter other
shares will be liquidated to the extent necessary, and depending
upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be
depleted. A systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at any
time by the shareholder or the Fund.
62
<PAGE>
Withdrawal payments will not automatically end when a
shareholder's account reaches a certain minimum level. Therefore,
redemptions of shares under the plan may reduce or even liquidate
a shareholder's account and may subject the shareholder to the
Fund's involuntary redemption provisions. See "Redemption and
Repurchase of Shares--General." Purchases of additional shares
concurrently with withdrawals are undesirable because of sales
charges when purchases are made. While an occasional lump-sum
investment may be made by a holder of Class A shares who is
maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan, such investment should
normally be an amount equivalent to three times the annual
withdrawal or $5,000, whichever is less.
Payments under a systematic withdrawal plan may be made
by check or electronically via the Automated Clearing House
("ACH") network. Investors wishing to establish a systematic
withdrawal plan in conjunction with their initial investment in
shares of the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus, while current
Fund shareholders desiring to do so can obtain an application
form by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or
the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
CDSC Waiver for Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
Under a systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 2%
bi-monthly or 3% quarterly of the value at the time of redemption
of the Class B or Class C shares in a shareholder's account may
be redeemed free of any contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class B shares, the waiver applies only
with respect to shares (or, in the case of shares acquired
through one or more exchanges of shares, the original shares)
acquired after July 1, 1995. Class B shares that are not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (such as shares acquired
with reinvested dividends or distributions) will be redeemed
first and will count toward the foregoing limitations. Remaining
Class B shares that are held the longest will be redeemed next.
Redemptions of Class B shares in excess of the foregoing
limitations will be subject to any otherwise applicable
contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class C shares, shares held the longest
will be redeemed first and will count toward the foregoing
limitations. Redemptions in excess of those limitations will be
subject to any otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales
charge.
63
<PAGE>
Statements and Reports
Each shareholder of the Fund receives semi-annual and
annual reports which include a portfolio of investments,
financial statements and, in the case of the annual report, the
report of the Fund's independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, as
well as a confirmation of each purchase and redemption. By
contacting his or her broker or Alliance Fund Services, Inc., a
shareholder can arrange for copies of his or her account
statements to be sent to another person.
Checkwriting
A new Class A or Class C investor may fill out the
Signature Card which is included in the Prospectus to authorize
the Fund to arrange for a checkwriting service through State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") to draw against Class
A or Class C shares of the Fund redeemed from the investor's
account. Under this service, checks may be made payable to any
payee in any amount not less than $500 and not more than 90% of
the net asset value of the Class A or Class C shares in the
investor's account (excluding for this purpose the current
month's accumulated dividends and shares for which certificates
have been issued). A Class A or Class C shareholder wishing to
establish this checkwriting service subsequent to the opening of
his or her Fund account should contact the Fund by telephone or
mail. Corporations, fiduciaries and institutional investors are
required to furnish a certified resolution or other evidence of
authorization. This checkwriting service will be subject to the
Bank's customary rules and regulations governing checking
accounts, and the Fund and the Bank each reserve the right to
change or suspend the checkwriting service. There is no charge
to the shareholder for the initiation and maintenance of this
service or for the clearance of any checks.
When a check is presented to the Bank for payment, the
Bank, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem, at
the net asset value next determined, a sufficient number of full
and fractional shares of the Fund in the shareholder's account to
cover the check. Because the level of net assets in a
shareholder's account constantly changes due, among various
factors, to market fluctuations, a shareholder should not attempt
to close his or her account by use of a check. In this regard,
the Bank has the right to return checks (marked "insufficient
funds") unpaid to the presenting bank if the amount of the check
exceeds 90% of the assets in the account. Canceled (paid) checks
are returned to the shareholder. The checkwriting service
enables the shareholder to receive the daily dividends declared
on the shares to be redeemed until the day that the check is
presented to the Bank for payment.
64
<PAGE>
________________________________________________________________
NET ASSET VALUE
________________________________________________________________
The per share net asset value is computed in accordance
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws at the next
close of regular trading on the Exchange following receipt of a
purchase or redemption order (and on such other days as the
Directors of the Fund deem necessary in order to comply with Rule
22c-1 under the 1940 Act). The Fund's per share net asset value
is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets,
less its liabilities, by the total number of its shares then
outstanding. The net asset value is calculated at the close of
business on each Fund business day.
In accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act,
portfolio securities are valued at current market value or at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has delegated to the Adviser certain of
the Boards duties with respect to the following procedures.
Readily marketable securities listed on the Exchange or on a
foreign securities exchange (other than foreign securities
exchanges whose operations are similar to those of the United
States over-the-counter market) are valued, except as indicated
below, at the last sale price reflected on the consolidated tape
at the close of the Exchange or, in the case of a foreign
securities exchange, at the last quoted sale price, in each case
on the business day as of which such value is being determined.
If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued
at the quoted bid prices on such day. If no bid prices are
quoted on such day, then the security is valued at the mean of
the bid and asked prices at the close of the Exchange on such day
as obtained from one or more dealers regularly making a market in
such security. Where a bid and asked price can be obtained from
only one such dealer, such security is valued at the mean of the
bid and asked price obtained from such dealer unless it is
determined that such price does not represent current market
value, in which case the security shall be valued in good faith
at fair value by, or pursuant to procedures established by, the
Board of Directors. Securities for which no bid and asked price
quotations are readily available are valued in good faith at fair
value by, or in accordance with procedures established by, the
Board of Directors. Readily marketable securities not listed on
the Exchange or on a foreign securities exchange are valued in
like manner. Portfolio securities traded on the Exchange and on
one or more other foreign or other national securities exchanges,
and portfolio securities not traded on the Exchange but traded on
one or more foreign or other national securities exchanges are
valued in accordance with these procedures by reference to the
principal exchange on which the securities are traded.
65
<PAGE>
Readily marketable securities traded only in the over-
the-counter market, securities listed on a foreign securities
exchange whose operations are similar to those of the United
States over-the-counter market, and debt securities listed on a
U.S. national securities exchange whose primary market is
believed to be over-the-counter, are valued at the mean of the
bid and asked prices at the close of the Exchange on such day as
obtained from two or more dealers regularly making a market in
such security. Where a bid and asked price can be obtained from
only one such dealer, such security is valued at the mean of the
bid and asked price obtained from such dealer unless it is
determined that such price does not represent current market
value, in which case the security shall be valued in good faith
at fair value by, or in accordance with procedures established
by, the Board of Directors.
Listed put and call options purchased by the Fund are
valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that
day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on
that day.
Open futures contracts and options thereon will be
valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of
such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no
quotations available for the day of valuations, the last
available closing settlement price will be used.
U.S. Government Securities and other debt instruments
having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at
amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less, or
by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to
maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days
(unless in either case the Board of Directors determines that
this method does not represent fair value).
Fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of
prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are
believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
The prices provided by a pricing service take into account many
factors, including institutional size trading in similar groups
of securities and any developments related to specific
securities.
All other assets of the Fund are valued in good faith at
fair value by, or in accordance with procedures established by,
the Board of Directors.
Trading in securities on Far Eastern and European
securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets is normally
completed well before the close of business of each Fund business
day. In addition, trading in foreign markets may not take place
66
<PAGE>
on all Fund business days. Furthermore, trading may take place
in various foreign markets on days that are not Fund business
days. The Funds calculation of the net asset value per share,
therefore, does not always take place contemporaneously with the
most recent determination of the prices of portfolio securities
in these markets. Events affecting the values of these portfolio
securities that occur between the time their prices are
determined in accordance with the above procedures and the close
of the Exchange will not be reflected in the Fund's calculation
of net asset value unless these prices do not reflect current
market value, in which case the securities will be valued in good
faith at fair value by, or in accordance with procedures
established by, the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may suspend the determination of
the Funds net asset value (and the offering and sales of shares),
subject to the rules of the SEC and other governmental rules and
regulations, at a time when: (1) the Exchange is closed, other
than customary weekend and holiday closings, (2) an emergency
exists as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for
the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or to determine
fairly the value of its net assets, or (3) for the protection of
shareholders, the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right
of redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on
redemption.
For purposes of determining the Funds net asset value
per share, all assets and liabilities initially expressed in a
foreign currency will be converted into U.S. Dollars at the mean
of the current bid and asked prices of such currency against the
U.S. Dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular
participant in the relevant foreign exchange market or on the
basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes
provided by a number of such major banks. If such quotations are
not available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of
exchange will be determined in good faith by, or under the
direction of, the Board of Directors.
The assets attributable to the Class A shares, Class B
shares, Class C shares and Advisor Class shares will be invested
together in a single portfolio. The net asset value of each
class will be determined separately by subtracting the
liabilities allocated to that class from the assets belonging to
that class in conformance with the provisions of a plan adopted
by the Fund in accordance with Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.
67
<PAGE>
________________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
________________________________________________________________
General
The Fund intends for each taxable year to qualify as a
"regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). To so qualify, the Fund must,
among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income
in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with
respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other
disposition of stock or securities or foreign currency, or
certain other income (including, but not limited to, gains from
options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to
its business of investing in stock, securities or currency;
(ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter
of its taxable year, the following two conditions are met: (a) at
least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets is represented by
cash, cash items, U.S. Government Securities, securities of other
regulated investment companies and other securities with respect
to which the Fund's investment is limited, in respect of any one
issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund's total
assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such
issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's
assets is invested in securities of any one issuer (other than
U.S. Government Securities or securities of other regulated
investment companies).
If the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company
for any taxable year and makes timely distributions to its
shareholders of 90% or more of its net investment income for that
year (calculated without regard to its net capital gain, i.e.,
the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net
short-term capital loss) it will not be subject to federal income
tax on the portion of its taxable income for the year (including
any net capital gain) that it distributes to shareholders.
The Fund will also avoid the 4% federal excise tax that
would otherwise apply to certain undistributed income for a given
calendar year if it makes timely distributions to shareholders
equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year,
(ii) 98% of its capital gain net income and foreign currency
gains for the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of such
year, and (iii) any ordinary income or capital gain net income
from the preceding calendar year that was not distributed during
such year. For this purpose, income or gain retained by the Fund
that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to
have been distributed by the Fund by year-end. For federal
income and excise tax purposes, dividends declared and payable to
68
<PAGE>
shareholders of record as of a date in October, November or
December but actually paid during the following January will be
treated as if paid by the Fund on December 31 of such calendar
year, and will be taxable to these shareholders for the year
declared, and not for the year in which the shareholders actually
receive the dividend.
The Fund intends to make timely distributions of the
Fund's income so that the Fund will not be subject to federal
income or excise taxes.
The information set forth in the following discussion
relates solely to the significant United States federal income
tax consequences of dividends and distributions by the Fund and
of sales or redemptions of Fund shares, and assumes that the Fund
qualifies to be taxed as a regulated investment company.
Investors should consult their own tax counsel with respect to
the specific tax consequences of their being shareholders of the
Fund, including the effect and applicability of federal, state
and local tax laws to their own particular situation and the
possible effects of changes therein.
Dividends and Distributions. The Fund intends to make
timely distributions of the Fund's taxable income (including any
net capital gain) so that the Fund will not be subject to federal
income and excise taxes. Dividends of the Fund's net ordinary
income and distributions of any net realized short-term capital
gain are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Until the Directors of the Fund otherwise determine,
each income dividend and capital gains distribution, if any,
declared by the Fund on its outstanding shares will, at the
election of each shareholder, be paid in cash or reinvested in
additional full or fractional shares of the Fund. Election to
receive dividends and distributions in cash or full or fractional
shares is made at the time the shares are initially purchased and
may be changed at any time prior to the record date for a
particular dividend or distribution. Cash dividends can be paid
by check or, if the shareholder so elects, electronically via the
ACH network. There is no sales or other charge in connection
with the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions. Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect
to Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day
and will be in the same amount, except as a result of the
differential daily expense accruals of the distribution and
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to those classes.
Distributions of net capital gain are taxable as long-
term capital gain, regardless of how long a shareholder has held
shares in the Fund. Any dividend or distribution received by a
69
<PAGE>
shareholder on shares of the Fund will have the effect of
reducing the net asset value of such shares by the amount of such
dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a dividend or
distribution made shortly after the purchase of such shares by a
shareholder, although in effect a return of capital to that
particular shareholder, would be taxable to him as described
above. Dividends are taxable in the manner discussed regardless
of whether they are paid to the shareholder in cash or are
reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
After the end of the taxable year, the Fund will notify
shareholders of the federal income tax status of any
distributions made by the Fund to shareholders during such year.
Sales and Redemptions. Any gain or loss arising from a
sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be capital gain
or loss except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if such
shareholder has held such shares for more than one year at the
time of the sale or redemption; otherwise it will be short-term
capital gain or loss. If a shareholder has held shares in the
Fund for six months or less and during that period has received a
distribution of net capital gain, any loss recognized by the
shareholder on the sale of those shares during the six-month
period will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
of the distribution. In determining the holding period of such
shares for this purpose, any period during which a shareholder's
risk of loss is offset by means of options, short sales or
similar transactions is not counted.
Any loss realized by a shareholder on a sale or exchange
of shares of the Fund will be disallowed to the extent the shares
disposed of are replaced within a period of 61 days beginning 30
days before and ending 30 days after the shares are sold or
exchanged. For this purpose, acquisitions pursuant to the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan would constitute a replacement if made
within the period. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in
an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required to
withhold United States federal income tax at the rate of 31% of
all distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the
Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to
make required certifications, or who have been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to backup
withholding. Corporate shareholders and certain other types of
shareholders specified in the Code are exempt from such backup
withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; any
amounts so withheld may be credited against a shareholder's
United States federal income tax liability or refunded.
70
<PAGE>
Foreign Taxes. Income received by the Fund also may be
subject to foreign income taxes, including taxes withheld at the
source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with
many foreign countries which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate
of such taxes or exemption from taxes on such income. It is
impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in
advance since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested
within various countries is not known.
United States Federal Income Taxation of the Fund
The following discussion relates to certain significant
United States federal income tax consequences to the Fund with
respect to the determination of its "investment company taxable
income" each year. This discussion assumes that the Fund will be
taxed as a regulated investment company for each of its taxable
years.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies. If the Fund owns
shares in a foreign corporation that constitutes a "passive
foreign investment company" (a "PFIC") for federal income tax
purposes and the Fund does not elect to treat the foreign
corporation as a "qualified electing fund" within the meaning of
the Code, the Fund may be subject to United States federal income
taxation on a portion of any "excess distribution" it receives
from the PFIC or any gain it derives from the disposition of such
shares, even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend
by the Fund to its United States shareholders. The Fund may also
be subject to additional interest charges in respect of deferred
taxes arising from such distributions or gains. Any tax paid by
the Fund as a result of its ownership of shares in a PFIC will
not give rise to any deduction or credit to the Fund or to any
shareholder. A PFIC means any foreign corporation if, for the
taxable year involved, either (i) it derives at least 75 percent
of its gross income from "passive income" (including, but not
limited to, interest, dividends, royalties, rents and annuities),
or (ii) on average, at least 50 percent of the value (or adjusted
tax basis, if elected) of the assets held by the corporation
produce "passive income." Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997, the Fund could elect for taxable years beginning after 1997
to "mark-to market" stock in a PFIC. Under such an election, the
Fund would include in income each year an amount equal to the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of the PFIC stock as of
the close of the taxable year over the Fund's adjusted basis in
the PFIC stock. The Fund would be allowed a deduction for the
excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the PFIC stock over the
fair market value of the PFIC stock as of the close of the
taxable year, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market
gains included by the Fund for prior taxable years. The Fund's
adjusted basis in the PFIC stock would be adjusted to reflect the
amounts included in, or deducted from, income under this
71
<PAGE>
election. Amounts included in income pursuant to this election,
as well as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the
PFIC stock, would be treated as ordinary income. The deductible
portion of any mark-to-market loss, as well as loss realized on
the sale or other disposition of the PFIC stock to the extent
that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains
previously included by the Fund, would be treated as ordinary
loss. The Fund generally would not be subject to the deferred
tax and interest charge provisions discussed above with respect
to PFIC stock for which a mark-to-market election has been made.
If the Fund purchases shares in a PFIC and the Fund does elect to
treat the foreign corporation as a "qualified electing fund"
under the Code, the Fund may be required to include in its income
each year a portion of the ordinary income and net capital gains
of the foreign corporation, even if this income is not
distributed to the Fund. Any such income would be subject to the
90 percent and calendar year distribution requirements described
above.
Discount Obligations. Under current federal tax law,
the Fund will include in income as interest each year, in
addition to stated interest received on obligations held by the
Fund, amounts attributable to the Fund from holding (i) Discount
Obligations and (ii) securities purchased by the Fund at a price
less than their stated face amount or, in the case of Discount
Obligations, at a price less than their issue price plus the
portion of "original issue discount" previously accrued thereon,
i.e., purchased at a "market discount." Current federal tax law
requires that a holder (such as the Fund) of a Discount
Obligation accrue as income each year a portion of the discount
at which the obligation was purchased by the Fund even though the
Fund does not receive interest payments in cash on the security
during the year which reflect the accrued discount. The Fund
will elect to likewise accrue and include in income each year a
portion of the market discount with respect to a Discount
Obligation or other obligation even though the Fund does not
receive interest payments in cash on the securities which reflect
that accrued discount.
As a result of the applicable rules, in order to make
the distributions necessary for the Fund not to be subject to
federal income or excise taxes, the Fund may be required to pay
out as an income distribution each year an amount significantly
greater than the total amount of cash which the Fund has actually
received as interest during the year. Such distributions will be
made from the cash assets of the Fund, from borrowings or by
liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary. If a
distribution of cash necessitates the liquidation of portfolio
securities, the Adviser will select which securities to sell. The
Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In the event
the Fund realizes net capital gains from such sales, its
72
<PAGE>
shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if
any, than they would have in the absence of such sales.
Currency Fluctuations-"Section 988" Gains or Losses.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the
Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly,
gains or losses from the disposition of foreign currencies, from
the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign
currency, or from the disposition of a forward contract
denominated in a foreign currency which are attributable to
fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the asset and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses,
referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses,
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to its shareholders as
ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount
of the Fund's net capital gain. Because section 988 losses
reduce the amount of ordinary dividends the Fund will be allowed
to distribute for a taxable year, such section 988 losses may
result in all or a portion of prior dividend distributions for
such year being recharacterized as a non-taxable return of
capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend,
reducing each shareholder's basis in his Fund shares. If such
distributions exceed such shareholder's basis, such excess will
be treated as a gain from the sale of shares.
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts. Certain listed
options, regulated futures contracts, and forward foreign
currency contracts are considered "section 1256 contracts" for
federal income tax purposes. Section 1256 contracts held by the
Fund at the end of each taxable year will be "marked to market"
and treated for federal income tax purposes as though sold for
fair market value on the last business day of such taxable year.
Gain or loss realized by the Fund on section 1256 contracts other
than forward foreign currency contracts will be considered 60%
long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Gain or loss
realized by the Fund on forward foreign currency contracts
generally will be treated as section 988 gain or loss and will
therefore be characterized as ordinary income or loss and will
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's net investment
income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary
income, as described above. The Fund can elect to exempt its
section 1256 contracts which are part of a "mixed straddle" (as
described below) from the application of section 1256.
73
<PAGE>
The Treasury Department has the authority to issue
regulations that would permit or require the Fund either to
integrate a foreign currency hedging transaction with the
investment that is hedged and treat the two as a single
transaction, or otherwise to treat the hedging transaction in a
manner that is consistent with the hedged investment. The
regulations issued under this authority generally should not
apply to the type of hedging transactions in which the Fund
intends to engage.
With respect to equity options or options traded over-
the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges, gain or loss
realized by the Fund upon the lapse or sale of such options held
by the Fund will be either long-term or short-term capital gain
or loss depending upon the Fund's holding period with respect to
such option. However, gain or loss realized upon the lapse or
closing out of such options that are written by the Fund will be
treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, if the
Fund exercises an option, or an option that the Fund has written
is exercised, gain or loss on the option will not be separately
recognized but the premium received or paid will be included in
the calculation of gain or loss upon disposition of the property
underlying the option.
Gain or loss realized by the Fund on the lapse or sale
of put and call options on foreign currencies which are traded
over-the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges will be treated
as section 988 gain or loss and will therefore be characterized
as ordinary income or loss and will increase or decrease the
amount of the Fund's net investment income available to be
distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, as described
above. The amount of such gain or loss shall be determined by
subtracting the amount paid, if any, for or with respect to the
option (including any amount paid by the Fund upon termination of
an option written by the Fund) from the amount received, if any,
for or with respect to the option (including any amount received
by the Fund upon termination of an option held by the Fund). In
general, if the Fund exercises such an option on a foreign
currency, or such an option that the Fund has written is
exercised, gain or loss on the option will be recognized in the
same manner as if the Fund had sold the option (or paid another
person to assume the Fund's obligation to make delivery under the
option) on the date on which the option is exercised, for the
fair market value of the option. The foregoing rules will also
apply to other put and call options which have as their
underlying property foreign currency and which are traded over-
the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges to the extent gain or
loss with respect to such options is attributable to fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates.
74
<PAGE>
Tax Straddles. Any option, futures contract, forward
foreign currency contract, currency swap, or other position
entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction with any other
position held by the Fund may constitute a "straddle" for federal
income tax purposes. A straddle of which at least one, but not
all, the positions are section 1256 contracts may constitute a
"mixed straddle". In general, straddles are subject to certain
rules that may affect the character and timing of the Fund's
gains and losses with respect to straddle positions by requiring,
among other things, that (i) loss realized on disposition of one
position of a straddle not be recognized to the extent that the
Fund has unrealized gains with respect to the other position in
such straddle; (ii) the Fund's holding period in straddle
positions be suspended while the straddle exists (possibly
resulting in gain being treated as short-term capital gain rather
than long-term capital gain); (iii) losses recognized with
respect to certain straddle positions which are part of a mixed
straddle and which are non-section 1256 positions be treated as
60% long-term and 40% short-term capital loss; (iv) losses
recognized with respect to certain straddle positions which would
otherwise constitute short-term capital losses be treated as
long-term capital losses; and (v) the deduction of interest and
carrying charges attributable to certain straddle positions may
be deferred. The Treasury Department is authorized to issue
regulations providing for the proper treatment of a mixed
straddle where at least one position is ordinary and at least one
position is capital. No such regulations have yet been issued.
Various elections are available to the Fund which may mitigate
the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to
mixed straddles. In general, the straddle rules described above
do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund all of the
offsetting positions of which consist of section 1256 contracts.
Other Taxation
As noted above, the Fund may be subject to other state
and local taxes.
Taxation of Foreign Shareholders
The foregoing discussion relates only to United States
federal income tax law as it affects shareholders who are United
States citizens or residents or United States corporations. The
effects of federal income tax law on shareholders who are non-
resident alien individuals or foreign corporations may be
substantially different. Foreign investors should therefore
consult their own counsel for further information as to the
United States federal income tax consequences of receipt of
income from the Fund.
75
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
_________________________________________________________________
Subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, the Adviser is responsible for the
investment decisions and the placing of the orders for portfolio
transactions of the Fund. The Fund's portfolio transactions
occur primarily with the issuers, underwriters or major dealers
acting as principals. Such transactions are normally on a net
basis which do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. The
cost of securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes
a commission paid by the issuer to the underwriters; transactions
with dealers normally reflect the spread between bid and ask
prices. Premiums are paid with respect to options purchased by
the Fund and brokerage commissions are payable with respect to
transactions in exchange-traded futures contracts.
The Fund has no obligation to enter into transactions in
portfolio securities with any dealer, issuer, underwriter or
other entity. In placing orders, it is the policy of the Fund to
obtain the best price and execution for its transactions. Where
best price and execution may be obtained from more than one
dealer, the Adviser may, in its discretion, purchase and sell
securities through dealers who provide research, statistical and
other information to the Adviser. Such services may be used by
the Adviser for all of its investment advisory accounts and,
accordingly, not all such services may be used by the Adviser in
connection with the Fund. The supplemental information received
from a dealer is in addition to the services required to be
performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, and the
expenses of the Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a
result of the receipt of such information.
Portfolio securities will not be purchased from or sold
to Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, an
affiliate of the Adviser or any other subsidiary or affiliate of
the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.
_________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________
Capitalization
The authorized capital stock of the Fund consists of
3,000,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value,
3,000,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, $.001 par value,
3,000,000,000 shares of Class C Common Stock, $.001 par value and
76
<PAGE>
3,000,000,000 shares of Advisor Class Common Stock, $.001 par
value. All shares of the Fund, when issued, are fully paid and
non-assessable. The Board of Directors are authorized to
reclassify and issue any unissued shares to any number of
additional series and classes without shareholder approval.
Accordingly, the Board in the future, for reasons such as the
desire to establish one or more additional portfolios with
different investment objectives, policies or restrictions, may
create additional classes or series of shares. Any issuance of
shares of another class or series would be governed by the 1940
Act and the law of the State of Maryland. If shares of another
series were issued in connection with the creation of a second
portfolio, each share of either portfolio would normally be
entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of both
portfolios would vote as a single series on matters, such as the
election of Directors, that affected both portfolios in
substantially the same manner. As to matters affecting each
portfolio differently, such as approval of the Advisory Agreement
and changes in investment policy, shares of each portfolio would
vote as a separate series.
At October 9, 1998 there were 36,388,006 shares of
common stock of the Fund outstanding, including 4,334,432 Class A
shares, 27,024,747 Class B shares, 4,810,872 Class C shares and
217,955 Advisor Class shares. To the knowledge of the Fund, the
following persons owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of
the outstanding shares of the Fund as of October 9, 1998:
No. of % of
Name and Address Shares Class
Class A
MLPF&S 481,522 11.25%
For the Sole Benefit of
its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Class B
MLPF&S 9,698,506 36.13%
For the Sole Benefit of
its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
77
<PAGE>
Class C
MLPF&S 1,443,733 30.29%
For the Sole Benefit of
its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Advisor Class
MLPF&S 26,673 13.61%
For the Sole Benefit of
its Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
John D. Carifa & 81,128 37.22%
Eleanore Carifa
164 North Murray
Ridgewood, NJ 07450-3011
Wayne C. Tappe 36,911 16.94%
1775 York Avenue
Apt. 31A
New York, NY 10128-6921
Trust for Profit Sharing Plan 11,654 5.35%
For Employees of Alliance Capital
Management L.P. Plan C
Attn: Jill Smith 32 Fl.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105-0302
Procedures for calling a shareholders' meeting for the
removal of Directors of the Fund, similar to those set forth in
Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act are available to shareholders of
the Fund. Meetings of shareholders may be called by 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shareholders. The rights of the holders of
shares of a series may not be modified except by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such series.
Custodian
Bank of New York acts as custodian for the assets of the
Fund but plays no part in deciding the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities. Subject to the supervision of the Fund's
78
<PAGE>
Directors, Bank of New York may enter into sub-custodial
agreement for the holding of the Fund's foreign securities.
Principal Underwriter
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, serves as the Fund's
Principal Underwriter, and as such may solicit orders from the
public to purchase shares of the Fund. Under the Distribution
Services Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify the
distributors, in the absence of its willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations
thereunder, against certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
Counsel
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of the
shares offered hereby are passed upon by Seward & Kissel, New
York, New York. Seward & Kissel has relied upon the opinion of
Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, for
matters relating to Maryland law.
Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP, New York, New York, have been
appointed as independent auditors for the Fund.
Yield and Total Return Quotations
From time to time the Fund states its "yield," "actual
distribution rate" and "total return." Computed separately for
each class, the Fund's yield for any 30-day (or one-month) period
is computed by dividing the net investment income per share
earned during such period by the maximum public offering price
per share on the last day of the period, and then annualizing
such 30-day (or one-month) yield in accordance with a formula
prescribed by the Commission which provides for compounding on a
semi-annual basis. The Fund's "actual distribution rate," which
may be stated in sales literature, is computed in the same manner
as yield except that actual income dividends declared per share
during the period in question are substituted for net investment
income per share. The actual distribution rate is compounded
separately for each class of shares. Computed separately for
each class, the Fund's "total return" is its average annual
compounded total return for its most recently completed one-,
five- and ten-year periods (or, if shorter, the period since the
Fund's inception). The Fund's total return for such a period is
computed by finding, through the use of a formula prescribed by
the Commission, the average annual compounded rate of return over
the period that would equate an assumed initial amount invested
79
<PAGE>
to the value of such investment at the end of the period. For
purposes of computing total return, income dividends and capital
gains distributions paid on shares of the Fund are assumed to
have been reinvested when paid and the maximum sales charge
applicable to purchases of Fund shares is assumed to have been
paid.
Yield and total return are calculated separately for
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. Yield and
total return are not fixed and will fluctuate in response to
prevailing market conditions or as a function of the type and
quality of the securities in the Fund's portfolio, its average
portfolio maturity and its expenses. Quotations of yield and
total return do not include any provision for the effect of
individual income taxes. An investor's principal invested in the
Fund is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing
market conditions.
The Fund's yield for the month ended August 31, 1998 was
10.04% for Class A shares, 9.74% for Class B shares, 9.74% for
Class C shares and 10.31% for Advisor Class shares. The Fund's
actual distribution rates for such period for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Advisor Class shares were 9.61%, 9.40%, 9.40% and
10.32%, respectively. The Fund's average total return for the
one-year period ended August 31, 1998 was 6.42%, 5.69% 5.69% and
6.68% for Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares,
respectively. The Fund's average annual total returns for the
period April 22, 1997 (commencement of operations) to August 31,
1998 for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class shares were
14.64%, 13.88%, 13.88% and 14.94%, respectively.
Advertisements quoting performance rankings of the Fund
as measured by financial publications or by independent
organizations such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper")
and Morningstar, Inc. and advertisements presenting the
historical record of payments of income dividends by the Fund may
also from time to time be sent to investors or placed in
newspapers, magazines such as Barrons, Business Week, Changing
Times, Forbes, Investor's Daily, Money Magazine, The New York
Times and The Wall Street Journal or other media on behalf of the
Fund.
Additional Information
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the
shareholder's broker or to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the
address or telephone numbers shown on the front cover of this
Statement of Additional Information. This Statement of
Additional Information does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the
Commission under the Securities Act. Copies of the Registration
80
<PAGE>
Statement may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the
Commission or may be examined, without charge, at the offices of
the Commission in Washington, D.C.
81
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
_________________________________________________________________
82
<PAGE>
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
AUGUST 31, 1998
ALLIANCE CAPITAL
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 1998 ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES OR
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS-82.5%
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE-1.0%
Pacific Aerospace &
Electronics, Inc.
11.25%, 8/01/05 (a) $ 4,000 $ 3,820,000
AIRLINES-2.3%
Aircraft Service
International Group, Inc.
11.00%, 8/15/05 (a) 3,500 3,395,000
Canadian Airlines Corp.
10.00%, 5/01/05 2,200 2,090,000
Trans World Airlines, Inc.
11.375%, 3/01/06 (a) 2,000 1,910,000
11.50%, 12/15/04 1,000 1,015,000
------------
8,410,000
APPAREL-0.5%
Norton McNaughton, Inc.
12.50%, 6/01/05 (a) 2,000 1,890,000
BUILDING/REAL ESTATE-0.7%
LNR Property Corp.
9.375%, 3/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,790,000
Reliant Building
Products, Inc.
Series B
10.875%, 5/01/04 1,000 935,000
------------
2,725,000
BUSINESS SERVICES-4.3%
ATC Group Services, Inc.
12.00%, 1/15/08 2,000 1,770,000
Dialog Corp. Plc.
Series A
11.00%, 11/15/07 2,000 2,110,000
Employee Solutions, Inc.
Series B
10.00%, 10/15/04 2,000 1,880,000
Geologistics Corp.
9.75%, 10/15/07 1,000 915,000
MSX International, Inc.
11.375%, 1/15/08 2,000 1,950,000
TM Group Holdings Plc.
11.00%, 5/15/08 (a) 5,000 4,962,500
T/SF Communications
Corp.
Series B
10.375%, 11/01/07 2,000 1,960,000
------------
15,547,500
CABLE-3.6%
EchoStar DBS Corp.
12.50%, 7/01/02 2,000 2,030,000
Knology Holdings, Inc.
11.875%, 10/15/07 (b) 1,500 765,000
Warrants, expiring 10/15/02 (c) 1,500 6,000
Optel, Inc.
11.50%, 7/01/08 (a) 4,000 3,820,000
Optel, Inc.
Series B
13.00%, 2/15/05 (d) 2,000 2,010,000
TRICOM, SA
11.375%, 9/01/04 2,000 1,615,000
United International
Holdings, Inc.
Series B
10.75%, 2/15/08 (b) 5,000 2,725,000
------------
12,971,000
CHEMICALS-3.3%
Aqua Chemical, Inc.
11.25%, 7/01/08 (a) 5,000 4,850,000
Brunner Mond Group Plc.
11.00%, 7/15/08 (a) 4,000 3,620,000
Climachem, Inc.
Series B
10.75%, 12/01/07 2,000 1,960,000
Trans-Resources, Inc.
Series B
10.75%, 3/15/08 1,500 1,477,500
------------
11,907,500
5
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES OR
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATIONS-15.5%
American Communications
Lines LLC/ACL
10.25%, 6/30/08 (a) $ 3,000 $ 2,917,500
American Mobile Satellite
Warrants, expiring 4/01/08 (c) 5,000 35,000
AMSC Acquisition Co. Inc.
Series B
12.25%, 4/01/08 5,000 3,375,000
CapRock Communications
Corp.
12.00%, 7/15/08 (a) 1,500 1,462,500
Cellco Finance NV
15.00%, 8/01/05 (a) 3,000 2,257,500
Dobson Wireline Co.
12.25%, 6/15/08 (a) 4,000 3,720,000
DTI Holdings, Inc.
12.50%, 3/01/08 (a)(b) 3,000 1,275,000
Warrants, expiring 3/01/08 (c) 15,000 6,270
Econophone, Inc.
11.00%, 2/15/08 (b) 5,000 2,662,500
Exodus Communications,
Inc.
11.25%, 7/01/08 (a) 3,000 2,865,000
Firstworld
Communications, Inc.
13.00%, 4/15/08 (b)(e) 3,250 991,250
ICO Global
Communications
Holdings, Ltd.
15.00%, 8/01/05 (f) 5,000 4,600,000
InterAmericas
Communications Corp.
14.00%, 10/27/07 (a)(g) 1,500 1,417,500
Ionica Group Plc.
13.50%, 8/15/06 2,000 710,000
15.00%, 5/01/07 (b)(h) 4,000 220,000
Level 3 Communications,
Inc.
9.125%, 5/01/08 2,500 2,237,500
Long Distance International,
Inc.
12.25%, 4/15/08 (a)(i) 2,000 1,920,000
Metronet Communications
Warrants, expiring 8/15/07 (c) 1,500 4,500
Northeast Optical Network,
Inc.
12.75%, 8/15/08 4,000 3,800,000
Onepoint Communications
Corp.
14.50%, 6/01/08 (a)(j) 2,000 1,670,000
Pathnet, Inc.
12.25%, 4/15/08 (a)(e) 2,000 1,810,000
Price Communications
Cellular Holdings, Inc.
11.25%, 8/15/08 (k) 4,000 3,580,000
Primus Telecommunications
Warrants, expiring 8/01/04 (c) 1,000 500
Startec Global
Communications Corp.
12.00%, 5/15/08 (a)(l) 3,000 2,685,000
US Xchange LLC
15.00%, 7/01/08 (a) 4,000 4,000,000
Versatel Telecom BV
13.25%, 5/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,930,000
Warrants, expiring 5/15/08 (c) 2,000 3,000
Winstar Communications,
Inc.
10.00%, 3/15/08 (a) 5,000 4,125,000
------------
56,280,520
CONGLOMERATES-1.4%
Wesco Distribution, Inc.
9.125%, 6/01/08 (a) 4,000 3,560,000
Wesco International, Inc.
11.125%, 6/01/08 (a)(b) 3,000 1,530,000
------------
5,090,000
6
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES OR
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER MANUFACTURING-7.5%
AAI Fostergrant, Inc.
10.75%, 7/15/06 (a) $ 5,000 $ 4,700,000
Bell Sports, Inc.
11.00%, 8/15/08 (a) 5,000 4,800,000
E&S Holdings Corp.
Series B
10.375%, 10/01/06 2,500 1,343,750
Evenflo Co., Inc.
11.75%, 8/15/06 (a) 3,000 2,910,000
Hedstrom Corp.
10.00%, 6/01/07 1,000 975,000
Imperial Home Decorating
Group
11.00%, 3/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,910,000
Ntex, Inc.
11.50%, 6/01/06 (a) 3,000 2,925,000
Outsourcing Services
Group, Inc.
10.875%, 3/01/06 (a) 2,000 1,910,000
Samsonite Corp.,
10.75%, 6/15/08 (a) 5,000 3,925,000
Sweetheart Cup, Inc.
9.625%, 9/01/00 2,000 1,780,000
------------
27,178,750
ENERGY-5.5%
Bayard Drilling
Technologies, Inc.
11.00%, 6/30/05 (a) 2,000 1,875,000
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
9.625%, 5/01/05 (a) 5,000 4,125,000
Dailey International, Inc.
Series B
9.50%, 2/15/08 1,000 810,000
Eagle Geophysical, Inc.
10.75%, 7/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,870,000
Gothic Energy Corp.
Warrants, expiring 9/01/04 (c) 14,000 14,000
Gothic Production Corp.
Series B
11.125%, 5/01/05 2,000 1,610,000
Michael Petroleum Corp.
11.50%, 4/01/05 (a) 1,000 935,000
National Energy Group, Inc.
Series D
10.75%, 11/01/06 2,000 1,270,000
Northern Offshore ASA
10.00%, 5/15/05 (a) 1,000 837,500
Petroleos Mexicanos
9.25%, 3/30/18 (a) 2,000 1,480,000
Queens Sand Resources, Inc.
12.50%, 7/01/08 (a) 2,000 1,895,000
Seven Seas Petroleum, Inc.
12.50%, 5/15/05 (a) 1,000 940,000
Southwest Royalties, Inc.
Series B
10.50%, 10/15/04 2,000 1,310,000
Transamerican Energy
Series B
11.50%, 6/15/02 1,500 922,500
------------
19,894,000
FINANCIAL-2.6%
BF Saul Real Estate
Investment Trust
Series B
9.75%, 4/01/08 1,000 930,000
Metris Companies, Inc.
10.00%, 11/01/04 2,000 2,080,000
Nationwide Credit, Inc.
10.25%, 1/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,910,000
Ocwen Asset Investment
Corp.
11.50%, 7/01/05 (a) 4,000 3,540,000
Wilshire Financial Services
Group, Inc.
Series B
13.00%, 8/15/04 1,000 955,000
------------
9,415,000
7
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES OR
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD/BEVERAGES/TOBACCO-3.6%
Colorado Prime
Warrants, expiring 12/31/03 (c) 500 $ 1,000
Favorite Brands
International, Inc.
10.75%, 5/15/06 (a) $ 5,000 3,675,000
Fresh Foods, Inc.
10.75%, 6/01/06 (a) 3,000 2,745,000
Grupo Azucarero Mexico,
SA de CV
11.50%, 1/15/05 (a) 2,000 1,200,000
Mastellone Hermanos, SA
11.75%, 4/01/08 (a) 2,000 1,405,000
RAB Enterprises, Inc.
10.50%, 5/01/05 (a) 3,000 2,865,000
Specialty Foods Corp.
Series B
11.125%, 10/01/02 1,500 1,301,250
------------
13,192,250
HEALTHCARE-0.5%
Fountain View, Inc.
11.25%, 4/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,850,000
INDUSTRIAL-4.0%
Generac Portable
Products LLC
11.25%, 7/01/06 (a) 3,000 2,977,500
Glasstech, Inc.
Series B
12.75%, 7/01/04 750 678,750
Warrants, expiring 6/30/04 (c) 750 937
Insilco Corp.
10.25%, 8/15/07 1,000 1,010,000
Moll Industries, Inc.
10.50%, 7/01/08 (a) 2,000 1,875,000
Morris Materials Handling
9.50%, 4/01/08 (a) 2,000 1,550,000
MVE, Inc.
12.50%, 2/15/02 (m) 2,000 1,920,000
Penhall Acquisition Corp.
12.00%, 8/01/06 (a) 3,000 2,782,500
Scovill Fasteners, Inc.
Series B
11.25%, 11/30/07 2,000 1,930,000
------------
14,724,687
LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT-3.6%
Epic Resorts LLC
13.00%, 6/15/05 (a) 2,500 2,387,500
Warrants, expiring 6/15/05 (c) 2,500 25
HMV Media Group Plc.
10.25%, 5/15/08 (a) 5,000 4,625,000
TVN Entertainment Corp.
14.00%, 8/01/08 (n) 5,000 4,750,000
V2 Music Holdings Plc.
14.00%, 4/15/08 (a)(b)(e) 2,500 1,225,000
------------
12,987,525
MANUFACTURING-3.4%
Amtrol, Inc.
10.625%, 12/31/06 5,000 4,800,000
Dyersburg Corp.
Series B
9.75%, 9/01/07 2,000 1,730,000
Goss Graphic Systems, Inc.
12.00%, 10/15/06 4,500 4,072,500
Windmere-Durable
Holdings, Inc.
10.00%, 7/31/08 2,000 1,930,000
------------
12,532,500
MEDIA-3.6%
Innova S de R.L.
12.875%, 4/01/07 2,000 1,565,000
Jones International
Networks, Ltd.
11.75%, 7/01/05 (a) 5,000 4,737,500
Radio Unica Corp.
11.75%, 8/01/06 (a)(b) 4,000 2,340,000
Regional Independent
Media Group Plc.
10.50%, 7/01/08 (a) 2,500 2,468,750
8
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES OR
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source Media, Inc.
12.00%, 11/01/04 $ 2,000 $ 1,980,000
------------
13,091,250
METALS/MINERALS-4.3%
Acme Metals, Inc.
10.875%, 12/15/07 3,500 2,222,500
Centaur Mining &
Exploration, Ltd.
11.00%, 12/01/07 5,000 4,625,000
DOE Run Resources Corp.
11.25%, 3/15/05 (a) 1,000 955,000
Ormet Corp.
11.00%, 8/15/08 (a) 3,000 2,865,000
P&L Coal Holdings Corp.
9.625%, 5/15/08 (a) 2,000 1,910,000
Pen Holdings, Inc.
9.875%, 6/15/08 (a) 3,000 2,925,000
------------
15,502,500
PAPER/PACKAGING-1.4%
Millar Western Forest
Products
9.875%, 5/15/08 (a) 3,000 2,325,000
Plainwell, Inc.
11.00%, 3/01/08 (a) 1,000 915,000
Riverwood International
Corp.
10.625%, 8/01/07 1,000 915,000
Zeta Consumer Products
11.25%, 11/30/07 (a) 2,000 900,000
------------
5,055,000
RESTAURANTS-2.2%
Ne Restaurant Co., Inc.
10.75%, 7/15/08 (a) 5,000 4,625,000
Planet Hollywood
International, Inc.
12.00%, 4/01/05 2,000 1,400,000
Romacorp, Inc.
12.00%, 7/01/06 (a) 2,000 1,950,000
------------
7,975,000
RETAIL-1.2%
Discovery Zone, Inc.
13.50%, 8/01/02 500 435,000
Warrants, expiring 8/01/07 (c) 500 125
Spin Cycle, Inc.
12.75%, 5/01/05 (a)(b)(o) 2,000 1,170,000
United Auto Group, Inc.
Series A
11.00%, 7/15/07 3,000 2,730,000
------------
4,335,125
SUPERMARKETS-1.8%
Di Giorgio Corp.
Series B
10.00%, 6/15/07 2,000 1,865,000
Pantry, Inc.
10.25%, 10/15/07 1,000 985,000
Richmont Marketing
Specialists, Inc.
10.125%, 12/15/07 (a) 4,000 3,700,000
------------
6,550,000
TECHNOLOGY-2.4%
CHS Electronics, Inc.
9.875%, 4/15/05 5,000 4,575,000
Concentric Network Corp.
Warrants, expiring 12/15/07 (c) 1,000 7,000
Elgar Holdings, Inc.
9.875%, 2/01/08 (a) 2,000 1,790,000
Phase Metrics, Inc.
10.75%, 2/01/05 (a) 3,000 2,250,000
------------
8,622,000
TRANSPORTATION-1.8%
GS Superhighway Holdings
10.25%, 8/15/07 1,500 738,750
Millenium Seacarriers, Inc.
12.00%, 7/15/05 (a)(p) 3,000 2,715,000
9
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES OR
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
(000) U.S. $ VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MTL, Inc.
10.00%, 6/15/06 (a) $ 2,000 $ 1,895,000
Panoceanic Bulk Carriers,
Ltd.
12.00%, 12/15/07 2,000 1,410,000
------------
6,758,750
UTILITIES-0.5%
Cathay International, Ltd.
13.00%, 4/15/08 (a) 3,000 2,025,000
Total Corporate Debt Obligations
(cost $337,361,294) 300,330,857
NON-CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS-1.1%
Dobson Communications
Corp.
12.25% (q) 1,059 1,088,123
HH Acquisition Corp.
13.50% (a) 3,000 2,850,000
Total Non-Convertible Preferred Stocks
(cost $4,061,198) 3,938,123
TIME DEPOSIT-13.8%
Bank of New York
5.125%, 9/01/98
(cost $50,134,000) 50,134 50,134,000
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-97.4%
(cost $391,556,492) 354,402,980
Other assets less liabilities-2.6% 9,575,463
NET ASSETS-100% $ 363,978,443
(a) Securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities
Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from
registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At August 31, 1998,
these securities amounted to $190,163,750 or 52.2% of net assets.
(b) Indicates a security that has a zero coupon that remains in effect until a
predetermined date at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective.
(c) Non-income producing security.
(d) Consists of $2,000,000 senior notes and 1,635 shares of common stock.
(e) Security trades with warrants expiring April 15, 2008.
(f) Security trades with warrants expiring August 1, 2005.
(g) Security trades with warrants expiring October 27, 2007.
(h) Security trades with warrants expiring May 1, 2007.
(i) Security trades with warrants expiring April 13, 2008.
(j) Security trades with warrants expiring June 1, 2008.
(k) Paid-in-kind (PIK) Bond.
(l) Security trades with warrants expiring May 15, 2008.
(m) Security trades with warrants expiring February 15, 2002.
(n) Security trades with warrants expiring August 1, 2008.
(o) Security trades with warrants expiring May 1, 2005.
(p) Security trades with warrants expiring July 15, 2005.
(q) PIK preferred, quarterly stock payments.
See notes to financial statements.
10
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 1998 ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
ASSETS
Investments in securities, at value (cost $391,556,492) $ 354,402,980
Cash, at value (cost $7,093,864) 7,094,868
Interest receivable 8,195,803
Receivable for capital stock sold 7,257,781
Deferred organization expenses 207,819
Total assets 377,159,251
LIABILITIES
Payable for investment securities purchased 9,286,131
Payable for capital stock redeemed 2,161,470
Dividends payable 995,927
Distribution fee payable 281,067
Advisory fee payable 232,667
Accrued expenses 223,546
Total liabilities 13,180,808
NET ASSETS $ 363,978,443
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS
Capital stock, at par $ 33,859
Additional paid-in capital 394,073,918
Distributions in excess of net investment income (341,284)
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign
currency transactions 7,364,458
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign
currency denominated assets and liabilities (37,152,508)
$ 363,978,443
CALCULATION OF MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
CLASS A SHARES
Net asset value and redemption price per share
($43,959,671/4,087,243 shares of capital stock
issued and outstanding) $10.76
Sales charge--4.25% of public offering price .48
Maximum offering price $11.24
CLASS B SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share
($269,425,908/25,065,287 shares of capital stock
issued and outstanding) $10.75
CLASS C SHARES
Net asset value and offering price per share
($48,336,522/4,496,759 shares of capital stock
issued and outstanding) $10.75
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share
($2,256,342/209,729 shares of capital stock
issued and outstanding $10.76
See notes to financial statements.
11
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest $18,770,099
Dividends 66,922 $ 18,837,021
EXPENSES
Advisory fee 1,369,676
Distribution fee - Class A 70,152
Distribution fee - Class B 1,329,240
Distribution fee - Class C 249,621
Transfer agency 186,169
Registration 137,014
Administrative 132,015
Custodian 113,198
Audit and legal 67,229
Amortization of organization expenses 57,123
Printing 30,442
Directors' fees 19,561
Miscellaneous 2,669
Total expenses 3,764,109
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed
by the Adviser (See Note B) (44,000)
Net expenses 3,720,109
Net investment income 15,116,912
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Net realized gain on investment transactions 8,237,360
Net realized loss on foreign currency
transactions (45,958)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of:
Investments (38,676,674)
Foreign currency denominated assets and
liabilities 1,004
Net loss on investments and foreign currency
transactions (30,484,268)
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $(15,367,356)
See notes to financial statements.
12
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
YEAR ENDED APRIL 22, 1997(A)
AUGUST 31, TO
1998 AUGUST 31, 1997
------------ ------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE)IN NET ASSETS
FROM OPERATIONS
Net investment income $ 15,116,912 $ 701,404
Net realized gain on investments and
foreign currency transactions 8,191,402 307,747
Net change in unrealized appreciation
of investments and foreign currency
denominated assets and liabilities (38,675,670) 1,523,162
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
from operations (15,367,356) 2,532,313
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO
SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A (2,079,155) (100,429)
Class B (10,873,437) (573,256)
Class C (2,039,187) (97,883)
Advisor Class (125,133) (9,165)
Distributions in excess of net
investment income
Class A (4,665) -0-
Class B (171,932) -0-
Class C (38,955) -0-
Advisor Class (445) -0-
Net realized gain on investments
Class A (138,240) -0-
Class B (888,367) -0-
Class C (148,083) -0-
Advisor Class (5,959) -0-
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS
Net increase 338,777,324 55,230,153
Total increase 306,896,410 56,981,733
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period 57,082,033 100,300
End of period $363,978,443 $57,082,033
(a) Commencement of operations.
See notes to financial statements.
13
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUGUST 31, 1998 ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE A: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated in the state of
Maryland on December 19, 1996 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. Prior to commencement of operations on April 22, 1997, the Fund had no
operations other than the sale to Alliance Capital Management L.P. (the
"Adviser") of 10 shares each of Class A, Class B and Class C and 10,000 shares
of Advisor Class for the aggregate amount of $100 each on Class A, Class B and
Class C shares and $100,000 on the Advisor Class shares on February 26, 1997.
The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. Class A
shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not
exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A
shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1%. Class B shares are currently sold with a
contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 4% to zero depending on
the period of time the shares are held. Class B shares will automatically
convert to Class A shares eight years after the end of the calendar month of
purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase. Advisor Class
shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are
not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. Advisor Class shares are offered
to investors participating in fee based programs and to certain retirement plan
accounts. All four classes of shares have identical voting, dividend,
liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears different
distribution expenses and has exclusive voting rights with respect to its
distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make
certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund.
1. SECURITY VALUATION
Portfolio securities traded on a national securities exchange or on a foreign
securities exchange (other than foreign securities exchanges whose operations
are similar to those of the United States over-the-counter market) are
generally valued at the last reported sale price or, if there was no sale on
such day, the last bid price quoted on such day. If no bid prices are quoted,
then the security is valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices as obtained
on that day from one or more dealers regularly making a market in that
security. Securities traded on the over-the-counter market, securities listed
on a foreign securities exchange whose operations are similar to the United
States over-the-counter market and securities listed on a national securities
exchange whose primary market is believed to be over-the-counter are valued at
the mean of the closing bid and asked prices provided by two or more dealers
regularly making a market in such securities. U.S. government securities and
other debt securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost unless this method does not represent fair value. Securities for which
market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by, or in accordance with procedures approved by, the
Board of Directors. Fixed income securities may be valued on the basis of
prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect
the fair market value of such securities.
2. CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under
forward exchange currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the
mean of the quoted bid and asked price of such currencies against the U.S.
dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S.
dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired
or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of
exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized foreign exchange gains and losses represent foreign exchange gains
and losses from sales and maturities of debt securities and forward currency
exchange contracts, holding of foreign currencies, exchange gains or losses
realized between the trade and settlement dates on security transactions, and
the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign taxes
receivable recorded on the Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts
actually received or paid. Net currency gains and losses from valuing foreign
currency denominated assets and liabilities at year end exchange
14
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized depreciation of
investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
3. TAXES
It is the Fund's policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its
investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to
shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are
required.
4. ORGANIZATION EXPENSES
Organization costs of $285,600 have been deferred and are being amortized on a
straight-line basis through April, 2002.
5. INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Interest income is accrued daily. Dividend income is recorded on ex-dividend
date. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are
purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified
cost basis. The Fund accretes discount as adjustment to interest income.
6. INCOME AND EXPENSES
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata
basis by each settled class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in
the Fund represented by the shares of such class, except that each class's
transfer agent fees and distribution fees, if any, are charged only against the
assets of that class.
7. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date. Income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with
federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these differences are
permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on
their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such
reclassification. During the current fiscal year, permanent differences,
primarily due to foreign currency losses, resulted in a net increase in
accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions
and a corresponding increase in distributions in excess of net investment
income. This reclassification had no affect on net assets.
NOTE B: ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Under the terms of an investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays Alliance
Capital Management L.P. (the "Adviser") an advisory fee at an annual rate of
.75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. Such fee is accrued
daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Adviser provides certain legal and
accounting services for the Fund. For the year ended August 31, 1998, the
Adviser voluntarily agreed to waive its fees in the amount of $44,000 for such
services.
The Fund compensates Alliance Fund Services, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Adviser) under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and
facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. Such compensation
amounted to $130,783 for the year ended August 31, 1998.
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser)
serves as the Distributor of the Fund's shares. The Distributor received
front-end sales charges of $44,762 from the sale of Class A shares, and
$251,624 and $48,433 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon
redemptions by shareholders of Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for
the year ended August 31, 1998.
NOTE C: DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the "Agreement")
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the
Agreement, the Fund pays a distribution fee to the Distributor at an annual
rate of up to .30 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares and 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
the Class B and Class C shares. There is no distribution fee on the Advisor
Class shares. Such fee is accrued daily
15
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such
payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional
activities. The Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution
costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amount of $11,190,075 and $523,224, for
Class B and Class C shares, respectively; such costs may be recovered from the
Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect. In accordance
with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed
distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year
for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its
own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund's shares.
NOTE D: INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments
and U.S. government obligations) aggregated $811,386,580 and $531,514,874,
respectively, for the year ended August 31, 1998. There were no purchases or
sales of U.S. government or government agency obligations for the year ended
August 31, 1998.
At August 31, 1998, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was
the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross
unrealized appreciation of investments was $299,293 and gross unrealized
depreciation of investments was $37,452,805, resulting in net unrealized
depreciation of $37,153,512 (excluding foreign currency transactions).
NOTE E: CAPITAL STOCK
There are 12,000,000,000 shares of $.001 par value capital stock authorized,
divided into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor
Class shares. Each class consists of 3,000,000,000 authorized shares.
Transactions in capital stock were as follows:
SHARES AMOUNT
--------------------------- ------------------------------
APRIL 22, APRIL 22,
YEAR ENDED 1997(A) YEAR ENDED 1997(A)
AUG. 31, TO AUG. 31, TO
1998 AUG. 31, 1997 1998 AUG. 31, 1997
------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
CLASS A
Shares sold 5,027,959 662,265 $ 59,133,579 $ 7,166,202
Shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends and
distributions 112,980 5,192 1,324,915 57,153
Shares converted
from Class B 64,645 800 748,102 8,899
Shares redeemed (1,645,740) (140,868) (19,212,486) (1,561,101)
Net increase 3,559,844 527,389 $ 41,994,110 $ 5,671,153
CLASS B
Shares sold 24,230,640 3,983,130 $284,787,774 $ 43,164,351
Shares issued
in reinvestment
of dividends and
distributions 344,031 13,930 4,028,181 153,591
Shares converted
to Class A (64,645) (800) (748,102) (8,899)
Shares redeemed (3,322,484) (118,525) (38,535,879) (1,302,901)
Net increase 21,187,542 3,877,735 $249,531,974 $ 42,006,142
(a) Commencement of operations.
16
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SHARES AMOUNT
--------------------------- ------------------------------
APRIL 22, APRIL 22,
YEAR ENDED 1997(A) YEAR ENDED 1997(A)
AUG. 31, TO AUG. 31, TO
1998 AUG. 31, 1997 1998 AUG. 31, 1997
------------ ------------ -------------- --------------
CLASS C
Shares sold 6,268,114 708,988 $ 73,913,613 $ 7,691,629
Shares issued
in reinvestment
of dividends and
distributions 74,074 3,959 868,654 43,572
Shares redeemed (2,523,883) (34,503) (29,681,577) (378,081)
Net increase 3,818,305 678,444 $ 45,100,690 $ 7,357,120
ADVISOR CLASS
Shares sold 224,696 18,485 $ 2,660,506 $ 193,285
Shares issued
in reinvestment
of dividends and
distributions 8,780 380 103,247 4,153
Shares redeemed (52,458) (154) (613,203) (1,700)
Net increase 181,018 18,711 $ 2,150,550 $ 195,738
NOTE F: BANK BORROWING
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund,
participate in a $750 million revolving credit facility (the "Facility") to
provide short-term financing if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in
connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the
Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in the
miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize
the Facility during the year ended August 31, 1998.
(a) Commencement of operations.
17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
CLASS A
--------------------------------
APRIL 22,
1997(A)
YEAR ENDED TO
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31,
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.17 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (b) 1.03 .37
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions (.27) 1.15
Net increase in net asset value from
operations .76 1.52
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (1.02) (.35)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income (.01) -0-
Distributions from net realized gains (.14) -0-
Total dividends and distributions (1.17) (.35)
Net asset value, end of period $10.76 $11.17
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (c) 6.42% 15.33%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $43,960 $5,889
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements 1.43% 1.70%(d)
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements 1.46% 3.11%(d)
Net investment income, net of waivers/
reimbursements 8.89% 8.04%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate 311% 73%
See footnote summary on page 21.
18
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
CLASS B
----------------------------
APRIL 22,
1997(A)
YEAR ENDED TO
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31,
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.17 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (b) .96 .31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions (.28) 1.19
Net increase in net asset value from
operations .68 1.50
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.95) (.33)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income (.01) -0-
Distributions from net realized gains (.14) -0-
Total dividends and distributions (1.10) (.33)
Net asset value, end of period $10.75 $11.17
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (c) 5.69% 15.07%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $269,426 $43,297
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements 2.13% 2.40%(d)
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements 2.16% 3.85%(d)
Net investment income, net of waivers/
reimbursements 8.18% 7.19%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate 311% 73%
See footnote summary on page 21.
19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
CLASS C
----------------------------
APRIL 22,
1997(A)
YEAR ENDED TO
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31,
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.17 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (b) .96 .32
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions (.28) 1.18
Net increase in net asset value from
operations .68 1.50
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (.95) (.33)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income (.01) -0-
Distributions from net realized gains (.14) -0-
Total dividends and distributions (1.10) (.33)
Net asset value, end of period $10.75 $11.17
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (c) 5.69% 15.07%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $48,337 $7,575
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements 2.13% 2.40%(d)
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements 2.16% 3.84%(d)
Net investment income, net of waivers/
reimbursements 8.17% 7.24%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate 311% 73%
See footnote summary on page 21.
20
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
ADVISOR CLASS
------------------------------
APRIL 22,
1997(A)
YEAR ENDED TO
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31,
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.17 $10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (b) 1.11 .40
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency
transactions (.32) 1.13
Net increase in net asset value from
operations .79 1.53
LESS: DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income (1.05) (.36)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income (.01) -0-
Distributions from net realized gains (.14) -0-
Total dividends and distributions (1.20) (.36)
Net asset value, end of period $10.76 $11.17
TOTAL RETURN
Total investment return based on net
asset value (c) 6.68% 15.44%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $2,256 $321
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements 1.14% 1.40%(d)
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements 1.16% 2.82%(d)
Net investment income, net of waivers/
reimbursements 9.25% 8.20%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate 311% 73%
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding.
(c) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and
redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or contingent
deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of total investment
return. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year
is not annualized.
(d) Annualized.
21
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND
_______________________________________________________________________________
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), including the portfolio of
investments, as of August 31, 1998, and the related statement of operations for
the year then ended, and the statement of changes in net assets and financial
highlights for the year then ended and for the period from April 22, 1997
(commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits 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 and financial
highlights 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 securities owned as of
August 31, 1998, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc. at August 31, 1998, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, and the changes in its net assets and the
financial highlights for the year then ended and for the period from April 22,
1997 to August 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
New York, New York
October 7, 1998
22
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A: OPTIONS
_________________________________________________________________
Options
The Fund will only write "covered" put and call options,
unless such options are written for cross-hedging purposes. The
manner in which such options will be deemed "covered" is
described in the Prospectus under the heading "Investment
Objective and Policies -- Investment Practices -- Options."
The writer of an option may have no control over when
the underlying securities must be sold, in the case of a call
option, or purchased, in the case of a put option, since with
regard to certain options, the writer may be assigned an exercise
notice at any time prior to the termination of the obligation.
Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains
the amount of the premium. This amount, of course, may, in the
case of a covered call option, be offset by a decline in the
market value of the underlying security during the option period.
If a call option is exercised, the writer experiences a profit or
loss from the sale of the underlying security. If a put option
is exercised, the writer must fulfill the obligation to purchase
the underlying security at the exercise price, which will usually
exceed the then market value of the underlying security.
The writer of a listed option that wishes to terminate
its obligation may effect a "closing purchase transaction." This
is accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the
option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that
the writer's position will be canceled by the clearing
corporation. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase
transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option.
Likewise, an investor who is the holder of a listed option may
liquidate its position by effecting a "closing sale transaction".
This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as
the option previously purchased. There is no guarantee that
either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can be
effected.
Effecting a closing transaction in the case of a written
call option will permit the Fund to write another call option on
the underlying security with either a different exercise price or
expiration date or both, or in the case of a written put option
will permit the Fund to write another put option to the extent
that the exercise price thereof is secured by deposited cash or
short-term securities. Also, effecting a closing transaction
will permit the cash or proceeds from the concurrent sale of any
securities subject to the option to be used for other Fund
A-1
<PAGE>
investments. If the Fund desires to sell a particular security
from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will
effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale
of the security.
The Fund will realize a profit from a closing
transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the
premium received from writing the option or is more than the
premium paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss
from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is
more than the premium received from writing the option or is less
than the premium paid to purchase the option. Because increases
in the market price of a call option will generally reflect
increases in the market price of the underlying security, any
loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to
be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund.
An option position may be closed out only where there
exists a secondary market for an option of the same series. If a
secondary market does not exist, it might not be possible to
effect closing transactions in particular options with the result
that the Fund would have to exercise the options in order to
realize any profit. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing
purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able
to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it
delivers the underlying security upon exercise. Reasons for the
absence of a liquid secondary market include the following:
(i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options, (ii) restrictions may be imposed by a national
securities exchange ("Exchange") on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both, (iii) trading halts, suspensions or
other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular
classes or series of options or underlying securities,
(iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an Exchange, (v) the facilities of an Exchange or
the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate
to handle current trading volume, or (vi) one or more Exchanges
could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at
some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a
particular class or series of options), in which event the
secondary market on that Exchange (or in that class or series of
options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options on
that Exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing
Corporation as a result of trades on that Exchange would continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The Fund may write options in connection with buy-and-
write transactions; that is, the Fund may purchase a security and
then write a call option against that security. The exercise
price of the call the Fund determines to write will depend upon
A-2
<PAGE>
the expected price movement of the underlying security. The
exercise price of a call option may be below ("in-the-money"),
equal to ("at-the-money") or above ("out-of-the-money") the
current value of the underlying security at the time the option
is written. Buy-and-write transactions using in-the-money call
options may be used when it is expected that the price of the
underlying security will remain flat or decline moderately during
the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using at-the-money
call options may be used when it is expected that the price of
the underlying security will remain fixed or advance moderately
during the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using out-
of-the-money call options may be used when it is expected that
the premiums received from writing the call option plus the
appreciation in the market price of the underlying security up to
the exercise price will be greater than the appreciation in the
price of the underlying security alone. If the call options are
exercised in such transactions, the Fund's maximum gain will be
the premium received by it for writing the option, adjusted
upwards or downwards by the difference between the Fund's
purchase price of the security and the exercise price. If the
options are not exercised and the price of the underlying
security declines, the amount of such decline will be offset in
part, or entirely, by the premium received.
The writing of covered put options is similar in terms
of risk/return characteristics to buy-and-write transactions. If
the market price of the underlying security rises or otherwise is
above the exercise price, the put option will expire worthless
and the Fund's gain will be limited to the premium received. If
the market price of the underlying security declines or otherwise
is below the exercise price, the Fund may elect to close the
position or take delivery of the security at the exercise price
and the Fund's return will be the premium received from the put
option minus the amount by which the market price of the security
is below the exercise price. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money, and
in-the-money put options may be used by the Fund in the same
market environments that call options are used in equivalent buy-
and-write transactions.
The Fund may purchase put options to hedge against a
decline in the value of its portfolio. By using put options in
this way, the Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have
realized in the underlying security by the amount of the premium
paid for the put option and by transaction costs.
The Fund may purchase call options to hedge against an
increase in the price of securities that the Fund anticipates
purchasing in the future. The premium paid for the call option
plus any transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any,
realized by the Fund upon exercise of the option, and, unless the
A-3
<PAGE>
price of the underlying security rises sufficiently, the option
may expire worthless to the Fund.
A-4
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B
BOND RATINGS
_________________________________________________________________
STANDARD & POOR'S
A Standard & Poor's corporate debt rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to
a specific obligation. Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating
assigned by Standard & Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and
repay principal is extremely strong. Debt rated "AA" has a very
strong capacity to pay interest and to repay principal and
differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree. Debt
rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
a debt of a higher rated category.
The ratings from "AA" and "A" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within
the major rating categories.
MOODY'S
Excerpts from Moody's description of its corporate bond
ratings: Aaa - judged to be the best quality, carry the smallest
degree of investment risk; Aa - judged to be of high quality by
all standards; A - possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as higher medium grade obligations; Baa
- - considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither
highly protected nor poorly secured.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE
AAA. Securities of this rating are regarded as strictly
high-grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by
Directors and fiduciary institutions, and liable to but slight
market fluctuation other than through changes in the money rate.
The factor last named is of importance varying with the length of
maturity. Such securities are mainly senior issues of strong
companies, and are most numerous in the railway and public
utility fields, though some industrial obligations have this
rating. The prime feature of an AAA rating is showing of
earnings several times or many times interest requirements with
such stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond
reasonable question whatever changes occur in conditions. Other
features may enter in, such as a wide margin of protection
through collateral security or direct lien on specific property
as in the case of high class equipment certificates or bonds that
B-1
<PAGE>
are first mortgages on valuable real estate. Sinking funds or
voluntary reduction of the debt by call or purchase are often
factors, while guarantee or assumption by parties other than the
original debtor may also influence the rating.
AA. Securities in this group are of safety virtually
beyond question, and as a class are readily salable while many
are highly active. Their merits are not greatly unlike those of
the AAA class, but a security so rated may be of junior through
strong lien--in many cases directly following an AAA security--or
the margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The issue may be
the obligation of a small company, strongly secured but
influenced as to ratings by the lesser financial power of the
enterprise and more local type of market.
A. A securities are strong investments and in many cases
of highly active market, but are not so heavily protected as the
two upper classes or possibly are of similar security but less
quickly salable. As a class they are more sensitive in standing
and market to material changes in current earnings of the
company. With favoring conditions such securities are likely to
work into a high rating, but in occasional instances changes
cause the rating to be lowered.
B-2
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX C:
CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
_________________________________________________________________
Employee benefit plans described below which are
intended to be tax-qualified under section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Tax Qualified Plans"), for
which Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or an
affiliate thereof ("Merrill Lynch") is recordkeeper (or with
respect to which recordkeeping services are provided pursuant to
certain arrangements as described in paragraph (ii) below)
("Merrill Lynch Plans") are subject to specific requirements as
to the Fund shares which they may purchase. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Statement of
Additional Information, the following Merrill Lynch Plans are not
eligible to purchase Class A shares and are eligible to purchase
Class B shares of the Fund at net asset value without being
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge:
(i) Plans for which Merrill Lynch is the recordkeeper on a
daily valuation basis, if when the plan is established
as an active plan on Merrill Lynch's recordkeeping
system:
(a) the plan is one which is not already
investing in shares of mutual funds or
interests in other commingled investment
vehicles of which Merrill Lynch Asset
Management, L.P. is investment adviser or
manager ("MLAM Funds"), and either (A) the
aggregate assets of the plan are less than
$3 million or (B) the total of the sum of
(x) the employees eligible to participate in
the plan and (y) those persons, not
including any such employees, for whom a
plan account having a balance therein is
maintained, is less than 500, each of (A)
and (B) to be determined by Merrill Lynch in
the normal course prior to the date the plan
is established as an active plan on Merrill
Lynch's recordkeeping system (an "Active
Plan"); or
(b) the plan is one which is already investing
in shares of or interests in MLAM Funds and
the assets of the plan have an aggregate
value of less than $5 million, as determined
C-1
<PAGE>
by Merrill Lynch as of the date the plan
becomes an Active Plan.
For purposes of applying (a) and (b), there
are to be aggregated all assets of any Tax-
Qualified Plan maintained by the sponsor of
the Merrill Lynch Plan (or any of the
sponsor's affiliates) (determined to be such
by Merrill Lynch) which are being invested
in shares of or interests in MLAM Funds,
Alliance Mutual Funds or other mutual funds
made available pursuant to an agreement
between Merrill Lynch and the principal
underwriter thereof (or one of its
affiliates) and which are being held in a
Merrill Lynch account.
(ii) Plans for which the recordkeeper is not Merrill Lynch,
but which are recordkept on a daily valuation basis by
a recordkeeper with which Merrill Lynch has a
subcontracting or other alliance arrangement for the
performance of recordkeeping services, if the plan is
determined by Merrill Lynch to be so eligible and the
assets of the plan are less than $3 million.
Class B shares of the Fund held by any of the
above-described Merrill Lynch Plans are to be replaced at
Merrill Lynch's direction through conversion, exchange or
otherwise by Class A shares of the Fund on the earlier of
the date that the value of the plan's aggregate assets first
equals or exceeds $5 million or the date on which any Class
B share of the Fund held by the plan would convert to a
Class A share of the Fund as described under "Purchase of
Shares" and "Redemption and Repurchase of Shares."
Any Tax Qualified Plan, including any Merrill Lynch
Plan, which does not purchase Class B shares of the Fund
without being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
under the above criteria is eligible to purchase Class B
shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge as well
as other classes of shares of the Fund as set forth above
under "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption and Repurchase of
Shares."
C-2
<PAGE>
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements
Included in the Registrant's Prospectus filed
herewith:
Financial Highlights
Included in the Registrant's Statement of
Additional Information.
Portfolio of Investments, August 31, 1998
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, August 31,
1998
Statement of Operations, August 31, 1998
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, April 22, 1997
(commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997
and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998
Notes to Financial Statements, August 31, 1998
Financial Highlights, for Class A, Class B, Class
C and Advisor Class shares for the period August
22, 1997 (commencement of operations) to August
31, 1997 and for the fiscal year ended August 31,
1998.
Report of Independent Auditors
Included in Part C of the Registration Statement.
All other financial statements or schedules are
not required or the required information is shown
in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the
notes thereto.
(b) Exhibits
(1) Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
- Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and 811-
09160) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on December 20, 1996.
(2) By-Laws of the Registrant - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
Nos. 333-18505 and 811-09160) filed with the
C-1
<PAGE>
Securities and Exchange Commission on
December 20, 1996.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Advisory Agreement between the Registrant
and Alliance Capital Management L.P. -
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and 811-09160)
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1997.
(6) (a) Distribution Services Agreement
between the Registrant and Alliance
Fund Distributors, Inc. - Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 6(a) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 2 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and
811-09160) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31,
1997.
(b) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement
between Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc. and selected dealers offering
shares of Registrant - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 6(b) to Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 of the
Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and
811-09160) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 3,
1997.
(c) Form of Selected Agent Agreement
between Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc. and selected agents making
available shares of Registrant -
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
6(c) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
of the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos.
333-18505 and 811-09160) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission
on April 3, 1997.
C-2
<PAGE>
(7) Not applicable.
(8) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and
The Bank of New York - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 8 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505
and 811-09160) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(9) Transfer Agency Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
- Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and 811-09160)
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1997.
(10) (a) Opinion and Consent of Seward & Kissel
- Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10(a) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
of Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and
811-09160), filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 3,
1997.
(b) Opinion and Consent of Venable,
Baetjer & Howard, LLP - Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 of the
Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and
811-09160), filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on April 3,
1997.
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants - Filed
herewith.
(12) Not applicable.
(13) Not applicable.
(14) Not applicable.
(15) Rule 12b-1 Plan - See Exhibit 6(a) hereto.
(16) Not applicable.
C-3
<PAGE>
(17) Financial Data Schedule - Filed herewith.
(18) Rule 18f-3 Plan - Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 18 to Pre-Effective Amendment No.
1 of the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-18505 and 811-
09160) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 3, 1997.
OTHER EXHIBIT: Powers of Attorney of John D. Carifa,
Ruth Block, David H. Dievler, John H.
Dobkin, William H. Foulk, James M.
Hester, Clifford L. Michel, and Donald
J. Robinson - Filed herewith.
ITEM 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with
Registrant.
None.
ITEM 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
Not applicable.
ITEM 27. Indemnification.
It is the Registrant's policy to indemnify its
directors and officers, employees and other agents
to the maximum extent permitted by Section 2-418
of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Maryland and as set forth in Article EIGHTH of
Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, filed as
Exhibit 1 in response to Item 24, Article VII and
Article VIII of Registrant's By-Laws, filed as
Exhibit 2 in response to Item 24, and Section 10
of the proposed Distribution Services Agreement,
filed as Exhibit 6(a) in response to Item 24, all
as set forth below. The liability of the
Registrant's directors and officers is dealt with
in Article EIGHTH of Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, as set forth below. The Adviser's
liability for any loss suffered by the Registrant
or its shareholders is set forth in Section 4 of
the proposed Advisory Agreement, filed as
Exhibit 5 in response to Item 24, as set forth
below.
Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation
Law reads as follows:
C-4
<PAGE>
"2-418 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS,
OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.--(a) In this
section the following words have the meanings
indicated.
(1) "Director" means any person who
is or was a director of a corporation and
any person who, while a director of a
corporation, is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, or
agent of another foreign or domestic
corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit
plan.
(2) "Corporation" includes any
domestic or foreign predecessor entity of a
corporation in a merger, consolidation, or
other transaction in which the predecessor's
existence ceased upon consummation of the
transaction.
(3) "Expenses" include attorney's
fees.
(4) "Official capacity" means the
following:
(i) When used with respect to
a director, the office of director in the
corporation; and
(ii) When used with respect to
a person other than a director as
contemplated in subsection (j), the elective
or appointive office in the corporation held
by the officer, or the employment or agency
relationship undertaken by the employee or
agent in behalf of the corporation.
(iii) "Official capacity" does
not include service for any other foreign or
domestic corporation or any partnership,
joint venture, trust, other enterprise, or
employee benefit plan.
(5) "Party" includes a person who
was, is, or is threatened to be made a named
defendant or respondent in a proceeding.
C-5
<PAGE>
(6) "Proceeding" means any
threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative, or investigative.
(b) (1) A corporation may indemnify
any director made a party to any proceeding
by reason of service in that capacity unless
it is established that:
(i) The act or omission of the
director was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding; and
1. Was committed in bad
faith; or
2. Was the result of
active and deliberate dishonesty; or
(ii) The director actually
received an improper personal benefit in
money, property, or services; or
(iii) In the case of any
criminal proceeding, the director had
reasonable cause to believe that the act or
omission was unlawful.
(2) (i) Indemnification may be
against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements, and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by the director in
connection with the proceeding.
(ii) However, if the proceeding
was one by or in the right of the
corporation, indemnification may not be made
in respect of any proceeding in which the
director shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the corporation.
(3) (i) The termination of any
proceeding by judgment, order or settlement
does not create a presumption that the
director did not meet the requisite standard
of conduct set forth in this subsection.
(ii) The termination of any
proceeding by conviction, or a plea of nolo
contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of
C-6
<PAGE>
an order of probation prior to judgment,
creates a rebuttable presumption that the
director did not meet that standard of
conduct.
(c) A director may not be indemnified
under subsection (b) of this section in
respect of any proceeding charging improper
personal benefit to the director, whether or
not involving action in the director's
official capacity, in which the director was
adjudged to be liable on the basis that
personal benefit was improperly received.
(d) Unless limited by the charter:
(1) A director who has been
successful, on the merits or otherwise, in
the defense of any proceeding referred to in
subsection (b) of this section shall be
indemnified against reasonable expenses
incurred by the director in connection with
the proceeding.
(2) A court of appropriate
jurisdiction upon application of a director
and such notice as the court shall require,
may order indemnification in the following
circumstances:
(i) If it determines a
director is entitled to reimbursement under
paragraph (1) of this subsection, the court
shall order indemnification, in which case
the director shall be entitled to recover
the expenses of securing such reimbursement;
or
(ii) If it determines that the
director is fairly and reasonably entitled
to indemnification in view of all the
relevant circumstances, whether or not the
director has met the standards of conduct
set forth in subsection (b) of this section
or has been adjudged liable under the
circumstances described in subsection (c) of
this section, the court may order such
indemnification as the court shall deem
proper. However, indemnification with
respect to any proceeding by or in the right
of the corporation or in which liability
C-7
<PAGE>
shall have been adjudged in the
circumstances described in subsection (c)
shall be limited to expenses.
(3) A court of appropriate
jurisdiction may be the same court in which
the proceeding involving the director's
liability took place.
(e) (1) Indemnification under
subsection (b) of this section may not be
made by the corporation unless authorized
for a specific proceeding after a
determination has been made that
indemnification of the director is
permissible in the circumstances because the
director has met the standard of conduct set
forth in subsection (b) of this section.
(2) Such determination shall be made:
(i) By the board of directors
by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors not, at the time, parties to the
proceeding, or, if such a quorum cannot be
obtained, then by a majority vote of a
committee of the board consisting solely of
two or more directors not, at the time,
parties to such proceeding and who were duly
designated to act in the matter by a
majority vote of the full board in which the
designated directors who are parties may
participate;
(ii) By special legal counsel
selected by the board of directors or a
committee of the board by vote as set forth
in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, or,
if the requisite quorum of the full board
cannot be obtained therefor and the
committee cannot be established, by a
majority vote of the full board in which
directors who are parties may participate;
or
(iii) By the stockholders.
(3) Authorization of indemnification
and determination as to reasonableness of
expenses shall be made in the same manner as
the determination that indemnification is
C-8
<PAGE>
permissible. However, if the determination
that indemnification is permissible is made
by special legal counsel, authorization of
indemnification and determination as to
reasonableness of expenses shall be made in
the manner specified in subparagraph (ii) of
paragraph (2) of this subsection for
selection of such counsel.
(4) Shares held by directors who are
parties to the proceeding may not be voted
on the subject matter under this subsection.
(f) (1) Reasonable expenses
incurred by a director who is a party to a
proceeding may be paid or reimbursed by the
corporation in advance of the final
disposition of the proceeding, upon receipt
by the corporation of:
(i) A written affirmation by
the director of the director's good faith
belief that the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by the
corporation as authorized in this section
has been met; and
(ii) A written undertaking by
or on behalf of the director to repay the
amount if it shall ultimately be determined
that the standard of conduct has not been
met.
(2) The undertaking required by
subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall be an unlimited general
obligation of the director but need not be
secured and may be accepted without
reference to financial ability to make the
repayment.
(3) Payments under this subsection
shall be made as provided by the charter,
bylaws, or contract or as specified in
subsection (e) of this section.
(g) The indemnification and
advancement of expenses provided or
authorized by this section may not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights, by
indemnification or otherwise, to which a
C-9
<PAGE>
director may be entitled under the charter,
the bylaws, a resolution of stockholders or
directors, an agreement or otherwise, both
as to action in an official capacity and as
to action in another capacity while holding
such office.
(h) This section does not limit the
corporation's power to pay or reimburse
expenses incurred by a director in
connection with an appearance as a witness
in a proceeding at a time when the director
has not been made a named defendant or
respondent in the proceeding.
(i) For purposes of this section:
(1) The corporation shall be deemed
to have requested a director to serve an
employee benefit plan where the performance
of the director's duties to the corporation
also imposes duties on, or otherwise
involves services by, the director to the
plan or participants or beneficiaries of the
plan:
(2) Excise taxes assessed on a
director with respect to an employee benefit
plan pursuant to applicable law shall be
deemed fines; and
(3) Action taken or omitted by the
director with respect to an employee benefit
plan in the performance of the director's
duties for a purpose reasonably believed by
the director to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of the plan
shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is
not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation.
(j) Unless limited by the charter:
(1) An officer of the corporation
shall be indemnified as and to the extent
provided in subsection (d) of this section
for a director and shall be entitled, to the
same extent as a director, to seek
indemnification pursuant to the provisions
of subsection (d);
C-10
<PAGE>
(2) A corporation may indemnify and
advance expenses to an officer, employee, or
agent of the corporation to the same extent
that it may indemnify directors under this
section; and
(3) A corporation, in addition, may
indemnify and advance expenses to an
officer, employee, or agent who is not a
director to such further extent, consistent
with law, as may be provided by its charter,
bylaws, general or specific action of its
board of directors or contract.
(k) (1) A corporation may purchase
and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person who is or was a director, officer,
employee, or agent of the corporation, or
who, while a director, officer, employee, or
agent of the corporation, is or was serving
at the request, of the corporation as a
director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee, or agent of another foreign or
domestic corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, other enterprise, or
employee benefit plan against any liability
asserted against and incurred by such person
in any such capacity or arising out of such
person's position, whether or not the
corporation would have the power to
indemnify against liability under the
provisions of this section.
(2) A corporation may provide
similar protection, including a trust fund,
letter of credit, or surety bond, not
inconsistent with this section.
(3) The insurance or similar
protection may be provided by a subsidiary
or an affiliate of the corporation.
(1) Any indemnification of, or
advance of expenses to, a director in
accordance with this section, if arising out
of a proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation, shall be reported in writing to
the stockholders with the notice of the next
stockholders' meeting or prior to the
meeting.
C-11
<PAGE>
Article EIGHTH of the Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation reads as follows:
(1) To the full extent that
limitations on the liability of directors
and officers are permitted by the Maryland
General Corporation Law, no director or
officer of the Corporation shall have any
liability to the Corporation or its
stockholders for money damages. This
limitation on liability applies to events
occurring at the time a person serves as a
director or officer of the Corporation
whether or not such person is a director or
officer at the time of any proceeding in
which liability is asserted.
(2) The Corporation shall indemnify
and advance expenses to its currently acting
and its former directors to the full extent
that indemnification of directors is
permitted by the Maryland General
Corporation Law. The Corporation shall
indemnify and advance expenses to its
officers to the same extent as its directors
and may do so to such further extent as is
consistent with law. The Board of Directors
may by By-Law, resolution or agreement make
further provision for indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents to
the full extent permitted by the Maryland
General Corporation Law.
(3) No provision of this Article
shall be effective to protect or purport to
protect any director or officer of the
Corporation against any liability to the
Corporation or its stockholders to which he
or she would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his or her
office.
(4) References to the Maryland
General Corporation Law in this Article are
to that law as from time to time amended.
No amendment to the charter of the
Corporation shall affect any right of any
person under this Article based on any
C-12
<PAGE>
event, omission or proceeding prior to the
amendment.
Article VII, Section 7 of the Registrant's By-Laws reads
as follows:
Section 7. Insurance Against Certain
Liabilities. The Corporation shall not bear
the cost of insurance that protects or
purports to protect directors and officers
of the Corporation against any liabilities
to the Corporation or its security holders
to which any such director or officer would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in
the conduct of his office.
ARTICLE VIII of the Registrant's By-Laws reads as
follows:
Section 8. Indemnification of Directors and
Officers. The Corporation shall indemnify
its directors to the full extent that
indemnification of directors is permitted by
the Maryland General Corporation Law. The
Corporation shall indemnify its officers to
the same extent as its directors and to such
further extent as is consistent with law.
The Corporation shall indemnify its
directors and officers who while serving as
directors or officers also serve at the
request of the Corporation as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent
or fiduciary of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, other
enterprise or employee benefit plan to the
full extent consistent with law. The
indemnification and other rights provided by
this Article shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be a director or officer
and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors and administrators of such a
person. This Article shall not protect any
such person against any liability to the
Corporation or any stockholder thereof to
which such person would otherwise be subject
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of his
office ("disabling conduct").
C-13
<PAGE>
Section 9. Advances. Any current or former
director or officer of the Corporation
seeking indemnification within the scope of
this Article shall be entitled to advances
from the Corporation for payment of the
reasonable expenses incurred by him in
connection with the matter as to which he is
seeking indemnification in the manner and to
the full extent permissible under the
Maryland General Corporation Law. The
person seeking indemnification shall provide
to the Corporation a written affirmation of
his good faith belief that the standard of
conduct necessary for indemnification by the
Corporation has been met and a written
undertaking to repay any such advance if it
should ultimately be determined that the
standard of conduct has not been met. In
addition, at least one of the following
additional conditions shall be met: (a) the
person seeking indemnification shall provide
a security in form and amount acceptable to
the Corporation for his undertaking; (b) the
Corporation is insured against losses
arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a
majority of a quorum of directors of the
Corporation who are neither "interested
persons" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, nor parties to the proceeding
("disinterested non-party directors"), or
independent legal counsel, in a written
opinion, shall have determined, based on a
review of facts readily available to the
Corporation at the time the advance is
proposed to be made, that there is reason to
believe that the person seeking
indemnification will ultimately be found to
be entitled to indemnification.
Section 10. Procedure. At the request of
any person claiming indemnification under
this Article, the Board of Directors shall
determine, or cause to be determined, in a
manner consistent with the Maryland General
Corporation Law, whether the standards
required by this Article have been met.
Indemnification shall be made only
following: (a) a final decision on the
merits by a court or other body before whom
the proceeding was brought that the person
C-14
<PAGE>
to be indemnified was not liable by reason
of disabling conduct or (b) in the absence
of such a decision, a reasonable
determination, based upon a review of the
facts, that the person to be indemnified was
not liable by reason of disabling conduct by
(i) the vote of a majority of a quorum of
disinterested non-party directors or (ii) an
independent legal counsel in a written
opinion.
Section 11. Indemnification of Employees
and Agents. Employees and agents who are
not officers or directors of the Corporation
may be indemnified, and reasonable expenses
may be advanced to such employees or agents,
as may be provided by action of the Board of
Directors or by contract, subject to any
limitations imposed by the Investment
Company Act of 1940.
Section 12. Other Rights. The Board of
Directors may make further provision
consistent with law for indemnification and
advance of expenses to directors, officers,
employees and agents by resolution,
agreement or otherwise. The indemnification
provided by this Article shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other right, with respect
to indemnification or otherwise, to which
those seeking indemnification may be
entitled under any insurance or other
agreement or resolution of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise. The
rights provided to any person by this
Article shall be enforceable against the
Corporation by such person who shall be
presumed to have relied upon it in serving
or continuing to serve as a director,
officer, employee, or agent as provided
above.
Section 13. Amendments. References in this
Article are to the Maryland General
Corporation Law and to the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as from time to time
amended. No amendment of these By-laws
shall affect any right of any person under
this Article based on any event, omission or
proceeding prior to the amendment.
C-15
<PAGE>
The proposed Advisory Agreement to be between the
Registrant and Alliance Capital Management L.P.
provides that Alliance Capital Management L.P.
will not be liable under such agreements for any
mistake of judgment or in any event whatsoever
except for lack of good faith and that nothing
therein shall be deemed to protect Alliance
Capital Management L.P. against any liability to
the Registrant or its security holders to which it
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of its duties thereunder, or by reason
of reckless disregard of its duties and
obligations thereunder.
The proposed Distribution Services Agreement
between the Registrant and Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. provides that the Registrant
will indemnify, defend and hold Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc., and any person who controls it
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), free and
harmless from and against any and all claims,
demands, liabilities and expenses which Alliance
Fund Distributors, Inc. or any controlling person
may incur arising out of or based upon any alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in
the Registrant's Registration Statement,
Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information
or arising out of, or based upon any alleged
omission to state a material fact required to be
stated in any one of the foregoing or necessary to
make the statements in any one of the foregoing
not misleading.
The foregoing summaries are qualified by the
entire text of Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws, the proposed Advisory
Agreement between Registrant and Alliance Capital
Management L.P. and the proposed Distribution
Services Agreement between Registrant and Alliance
Fund Distributors, Inc. which are filed herewith
as Exhibits 1, 2, 5 and 6(a), respectively, in
response to Item 24 and each of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised
C-16
<PAGE>
that, in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by
a director, officer or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered,
the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
In accordance with Release No. IC-11330
(September 2, 1980), the Registrant will indemnify
its directors, officers, investment manager and
principal underwriters only if (1) a final
decision on the merits was issued by the court or
other body before whom the proceeding was brought
that the person to be indemnified (the
"indemnitee") was not liable by reason or willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office ("disabling conduct") or
(2) a reasonable determination is made, based upon
a review of the facts, that the indemnitee was not
liable by reason of disabling conduct, by (a) the
vote of a majority of a quorum of the directors
who are neither "interested persons" of the
Registrant as defined in section 2(a)(19) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 nor parties to the
proceeding ("disinterested, non-party trustees"),
or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written
opinion. The Registrant will advance attorneys
fees or other expenses incurred by its directors,
officers, investment adviser or principal
underwriters in defending a proceeding, upon the
undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnitee to
repay the advance unless it is ultimately
determined that he is entitled to indemnification
and, as a condition to the advance, (1) the
indemnitee shall provide a security for his
undertaking, (2) the Registrant shall be insured
against losses arising by reason of any lawful
C-17
<PAGE>
advances, or (3) a majority of a quorum of
disinterested, non-party directors of the
Registrant, or an independent legal counsel in a
written opinion, shall determine, based on a
review of readily available facts (as opposed to a
full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to
believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be
found entitled to indemnification.
The Registrant participates in a joint
trustees/directors and officers liability
insurance policy issued by the ICI Mutual
Insurance Company. Coverage under this policy has
been extended to directors, trustees and officers
of the investment companies managed by Alliance
Capital Management L.P. Under this policy,
outside trustees and directors are covered up to
the limits specified for any claim against them
for acts committed in their capacities as trustee
or director. A pro rata share of the premium for
this coverage is charged to each investment
company and to the Adviser.
ITEM 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment
Adviser.
The descriptions of Alliance Capital Management
L.P. under the captions "Management of the Fund"
in the Prospectus and in the Statement of
Additional Information constituting Parts A and B,
respectively, of this Registration Statement are
incorporated by reference herein.
The information as to the directors and executive
officers of Alliance Capital Management
Corporation, the general partner of Alliance
Capital Management L.P., set forth in Alliance
Capital Management L.P.'s Form ADV filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21,
1988 (File No. 801-32361) and amended through the
date hereof, is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 29. Principal Underwriters.
(a) Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., the
Registrant's Principal Underwriter in
connection with the sale of shares of the
Registrant, also acts as Principal
Underwriter or Distributor for the following
investment companies:
C-18
<PAGE>
AFD Exchange Reserves
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
Alliance Capital Reserves
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Government Reserves
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
Alliance Institutional Funds, Inc.
Alliance Institutional Reserves, Inc.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund,
Inc.
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund,
Inc.
Alliance Money Market Fund
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund,
Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc. II
Alliance Municipal Trust
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income
Trust, Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Select Investor Series, Inc.
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
(b) The following are the Directors and officers
of Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., the
principal place of business of which is 1345
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York,
10105.
C-19
<PAGE>
POSITIONS AND POSITIONS AND
OFFICES WITH OFFICES WITH
NAME UNDERWRITER REGISTRANT
Michael J. Laughlin Director and
Chairman
John D. Carifa Director
Robert L. Errico Director and
President
Geoffrey L. Hyde Director and
Senior Vice
President
Dave H. Williams Director
David C. Conine Executive Vice
President
Richard K. Saccullo Executive Vice
President
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. Senior Vice Secretary
President, General
Counsel, and
Secretary
Richard A. Davies Senior Vice
President
and Managing
Director
Robert H. Joseph, Jr. Senior Vice
President
and Chief
Financial Officer
Anne S. Drennan Senior Vice
President
and Treasurer
Karen J. Bullot Senior Vice
President
James S. Comforti Senior Vice
President
C-20
<PAGE>
James L. Cronin Senior Vice
President
Daniel J. Dart Senior Vice
President
Byron M. Davis Senior Vice
President
Mark J. Dunbar Senior Vice
President
Donald N. Fritts Senior Vice
President
Bradley F. Hanson Senior Vice
President
Richard E. Khaleel Senior Vice
President
Stephen R. Laut Senior Vice
President
Susan L. Matteson-King Senior Vice
President
Daniel D. McGinley Senior Vice
President
Ryne A. Nishimi Senior Vice
President
Antonios G. Poleondakis Senior Vice
President
Robert E. Powers Senior Vice
President
Raymond S. Sclafani Senior Vice
President
Gregory K. Shannahan Senior Vice
President
Joseph F. Sumanski Senior Vice
President
C-21
<PAGE>
Peter J. Szabo Senior Vice
President
Nicholas K. Willett Senior Vice
President
Richard A. Winge Senior Vice
President
Gerard J. Friscia Vice President &
Controller
Jamie A. Atkinson Vice President
Benji A. Baer Vice President
Kenneth F. Barkoff Vice President
Casimir Bolanowski Vice President
Michael. E. Brannan Vice President
Timothy W. Call Vice President
Kevin T. Cannon Vice President
John R. Carl Vice President
William W. Collins, Jr. Vice President
Leo H. Cook Vice President
Richard W. Dabney Vice President
Stephen J. Demetrovits Vice President
John F. Dolan Vice President
John C. Endahl Vice President
Sohaila S. Farsheed Vice President
Shawn C. Gage Vice President
Andrew L. Gangolf Vice President Assistant
& Assistant General Secretary
Counsel
C-22
<PAGE>
Mark D. Gersten Vice President Treasurer
and Chief
Financial
Officer
Joseph W. Gibson Vice President
John Grambone Vice President
George C. Grant Vice President
Charles M. Greenberg Vice President
Alan Halfenger Vice President
William B. Hanigan Vice President
Scott F. Heyer Vice President
George R. Hrabovsky Vice President
Valerie J. Hugo Vice President
Scott Hutton Vice President
Richard D. Keppler Vice President
Gwenn M. Kessler Vice President
Donna M. Lamback Vice President
Henry Michael Lesmeister Vice President
James M. Liptrot Vice President
James P. Luisi Vice President
Jerry W. Lynn Vice President
Christopher J. MacDonald Vice President
Michael F. Mahoney Vice President
Shawn P. McClain Vice President
Jeffrey P. Mellas Vice President
Thomas F. Monnerat Vice President
Christopher W. Moore Vice President
C-23
<PAGE>
Timothy S. Mulloy Vice President
Joanna D. Murray Vice President
Nicole M. Nolan-Koester Vice President
John C. O'Connell Vice President
John J. O'Connor Vice President
James J. Posch Vice President
Domenick Pugliese Vice President & Assistant
Assistant General Secretary
Counsel
Bruce W. Reitz Vice President
Karen C. Satterberg Vice President
John P. Schmidt Vice President
Robert C. Schultz Vice President
Richard J. Sidell Vice President
Teris A. Sinclair Vice President
Scott C. Sipple Vice President
Elizabeth M. Smith Vice President
Martine H. Stansbery, Jr. Vice President
Andrew D. Strauss Vice President
Michael J. Tobin Vice President
Joseph T. Tocyloski Vice President
Thomas J. Vaughn Vice President
Martha D. Volcker Vice President
Patrick E. Walsh Vice President
Mark E. Westmoreland Vice President
William C. White Vice President
David E. Willis Vice President
C-24
<PAGE>
Emilie D. Wrapp Vice President & Assistant
Assistant General Secretary
Counsel
Patrick Look Assistant Vice
President &
Assistant Treasurer
Michael W. Alexander Assistant Vice
President
Richard J. Appaluccio Assistant Vice
President
Charles M. Barrett Assistant Vice
President
Robert F. Brendli Assistant Vice
President
Maria L. Carreras Assistant Vice
President
John P. Chase Assistant Vice
President
Russell R. Corby Assistant Vice
President
Jean A. Cronin Assistant Vice
President
John W. Cronin Assistant Vice
President
Terri J. Daly Assistant Vice
President
Ralph A. DiMeglio Assistant Vice
President
Faith C. Deutsch Assistant Vice
President
John E. English Assistant Vice
President
Duff C. Ferguson Assistant Vice
President
C-25
<PAGE>
James J. Hill Assistant Vice
President
Theresa Iosca Assistant Vice
President
Erik A. Jorgensen Assistant Vice
President
Eric G. Kalender Assistant Vice
President
Edward W. Kelly Assistant Vice
President
Michael Laino Assistant Vice
President
Nicholas J. Lapi Assistant Vice
President
Kristine J. Luisi Assistant Vice
President
Kathryn Austin Masters Assistant Vice
President
Richard F. Meier Assistant Vice
President
Mary K. Moore Assistant Vice
President
Richard J. Oleszewski Assistant Vice
President
Catherine N. Peterson Assistant Vice
President
Rizwan A. Raja Assistant Vice
President
Carol H. Rappa Assistant Vice
President
Clara Sierra Assistant Vice
President
C-26
<PAGE>
Gayle S. Stamer Assistant Vice
President
Eileen Stauber Assistant Vice
President
Vincent T. Strangio Assistant Vice
President
Marie R. Vogel Assistant Vice
President
Wesley S. Williams Assistant Vice
President
Matthew Witschel Assistant Vice
President
Christopher J. Zingaro Assistant Vice
President
Mark R. Manley Assistant Secretary
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. Location of Accounts and Records.
The majority of the accounts, books and other
documents required to be maintained by Section
31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the
rules thereunder are maintained as follows:
journals, ledgers, securities records and other
original records are maintained principally at the
offices of Alliance Fund Services, Inc., 500 Plaza
Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey, 07094 and at the
offices of The Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street,
New York, New York 10286. All other records so
required to be maintained are maintained at the
offices of Alliance Capital Management L.P., 1345
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10105.
ITEM 31. Management Services.
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. Undertakings.
The Registrant undertakes to provide assistance to
shareholders in communications concerning the
removal of any Director of the Fund in accordance
C-27
<PAGE>
with Section 16 of the Investment Company Act of
1940.
The Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to
whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the
Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders
upon request and without charge.
C-28
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to its
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Amendment to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York
and State of New York, on the 23rd day of October, 1998.
ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
By: /s/ John D. Carifa
__________________________
John D. Carifa
Chairman and President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
1. Principal
Executive Officer:
/s/ John D. Carifa Chairman and October 23, 1998
_______________________ President
John D. Carifa
2. Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer:
/s/ Mark D. Gersten Treasurer and October 23, 1998
_______________________ Chief Financial
Mark D. Gersten Officer
C-29
<PAGE>
3. All of the Directors:
Ruth Block
John D. Carifa
David H. Dievler
John H. Dobkin
William H. Foulk, Jr.
Dr. James Hester
Clifford L. Michel
Donald J. Robinson
By: /s/ Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. October 23, 1998
_______________________
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
(Attorney-in-Fact)
C-30
<PAGE>
Index to Exhibits
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants
(17) Financial Data Schedule
Other Exhibit - Powers of Attorney of Ms. Block and Messrs.
Carifa, Dievler, Dobkin, Foulk, Hester, Michel and Robinson.
C-31
00250233.AL8
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions
"Financial Highlights," "Shareholders Services - Statements and
Reports" and "General Information - Independent Auditors" and to
the use of our report dated October 7, 1998 included in this
Registration Statement (Form N-1A Nos. 333-18505 and 811-09160)
of Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
/s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
October 27, 1998
00250233.AM1
<PAGE>
[ARTICLE] 6
[CIK] 0001029843
[NAME] ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
[SERIES]
[NUMBER] 011
[NAME] CLASS A
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] YEAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] AUG-31-1998
[PERIOD-END] AUG-31-1998
[INVESTMENTS-AT-COST] 391,556,492
[INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE] 354,402,980
[RECEIVABLES] 15,453,584
[ASSETS-OTHER] 7,302,687
[OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS] 0
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 377,159,251
[PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES] 9,286,131
[SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT] 0
[OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES] 3,894,677
[TOTAL-LIABILITIES] 13,180,808
[SENIOR-EQUITY] 33,859
[PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON] 394,073,918
[SHARES-COMMON-STOCK] 4,087,243
[SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR] 527,399
[ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT] 0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII] (341,284)
[ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS] 7,364,458
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS] 0
[ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC] (37,152,508)
[NET-ASSETS] 43,959,671
[DIVIDEND-INCOME] 66,922
[INTEREST-INCOME] 18,770,099
[OTHER-INCOME] 0
[EXPENSES-NET] 3,720,109
[NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME] 15,116,912
[REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT] 8,191,402
[APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT] (38,675,670)
[NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS] (15,367,356)
[EQUALIZATION] 0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME] (2,079,155)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS] (138,240)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER] (4,665)
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD] 5,092,604
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED] (1,645,740)
[SHARES-REINVESTED] 112,980
[NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS] 306,896,410
[ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR] 0
[ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR] 307,747
[OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR] (79,329)
[OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR] 0
<PAGE>
[GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES] 1,369,676
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[GROSS-EXPENSE] 3,764,109
[AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS] 23,383,874
[PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN] 11.17
[PER-SHARE-NII] 1.03
[PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC] (.27)
[PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND] (1.02)
[PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS] (.15)
[RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL] 0
[PER-SHARE-NAV-END] 10.76
[EXPENSE-RATIO] 1.43
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING] 0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE] 0
</TABLE>
00250233.AL4
<PAGE>
[ARTICLE] 6
[CIK] 0001029843
[NAME] ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
[SERIES]
[NUMBER] 012
[NAME] CLASS B
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] YEAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] AUG-31-1998
[PERIOD-END] AUG-31-1998
[INVESTMENTS-AT-COST] 391,556,492
[INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE] 354,402,980
[RECEIVABLES] 15,453,584
[ASSETS-OTHER] 7,302,687
[OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS] 0
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 377,159,251
[PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES] 9,286,131
[SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT] 0
[OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES] 3,894,677
[TOTAL-LIABILITIES] 13,180,808
[SENIOR-EQUITY] 33,859
[PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON] 394,073,918
[SHARES-COMMON-STOCK] 25,065,287
[SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR] 3,877,745
[ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT] 0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII] (341,284)
[ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS] 7,364,458
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS] 0
[ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC] (37,152,508)
[NET-ASSETS] 269,425,908
[DIVIDEND-INCOME] 66,922
[INTEREST-INCOME] 18,770,099
[OTHER-INCOME] 0
[EXPENSES-NET] 3,720,109
[NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME] 15,116,912
[REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT] 8,191,402
[APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT] (38,675,670)
[NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS] (15,367,356)
[EQUALIZATION] 0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME] (10,873,437)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS] (888,267)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER] (171,932)
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD] 24,230,640
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED] (3,387,129)
[SHARES-REINVESTED] 344,031
[NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS] 306,896,410
[ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR] 0
[ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR] 307,747
[OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR] (79,329)
[OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR] 0
<PAGE>
[GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES] 1,369,676
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[GROSS-EXPENSE] 3,764,109
[AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS] 132,924,032
[PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN] 11.17
[PER-SHARE-NII] .96
[PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC] (.28)
[PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND] (.95)
[PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS] (.15)
[RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL] 0
[PER-SHARE-NAV-END] 10.75
[EXPENSE-RATIO] 2.13
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING] 0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE] 0
</TABLE>
00250233.AL5
<PAGE>
[ARTICLE] 6
[CIK] 0001029843
[NAME] ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
[SERIES]
[NUMBER] 013
[NAME] CLASS C
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] YEAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] AUG-31-1998
[PERIOD-END] AUG-31-1998
[INVESTMENTS-AT-COST] 391,556,492
[INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE] 354,402,980
[RECEIVABLES] 15,453,584
[ASSETS-OTHER] 7,302,687
[OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS] 0
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 377,159,251
[PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES] 9,286,131
[SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT] 0
[OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES] 3,894,677
[TOTAL-LIABILITIES] 13,180,808
[SENIOR-EQUITY] 33,859
[PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON] 394,073,918
[SHARES-COMMON-STOCK] 4,496,759
[SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR] 678,454
[ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT] 0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII] (341,284)
[ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS] 7,364,458
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS] 0
[ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC] (37,152,508)
[NET-ASSETS] 48,336,522
[DIVIDEND-INCOME] 66,922
[INTEREST-INCOME] 18,770,099
[OTHER-INCOME] 0
[EXPENSES-NET] 3,720,109
[NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME] 15,116,912
[REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT] 8,191,402
[APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT] (38,675,670)
[NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS] (15,367,356)
[EQUALIZATION] 0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME] (2,039,187)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS] (148,083)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER] (38,955)
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD] 6,268,114
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED] (2,523,883)
[SHARES-REINVESTED] 74,074
[NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS] 306,896,410
[ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR] 0
[ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR] 307,747
[OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR] (79,329)
[OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR] 0
<PAGE>
[GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES] 1,369,676
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[GROSS-EXPENSE] 3,764,109
[AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS] 24,962,136
[PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN] 11.17
[PER-SHARE-NII] .96
[PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC] (.28)
[PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND] (.95)
[PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS] (.15)
[RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL] 0
[PER-SHARE-NAV-END] 10.75
[EXPENSE-RATIO] 2.13
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING] 0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE] 0
</TABLE>
00250233.AL6
<PAGE>
[ARTICLE] 6
[CIK] 0001029843
[NAME] ALLIANCE HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
[SERIES]
[NUMBER] 014
[NAME] ADVISOR CLASS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] YEAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] AUG-31-1998
[PERIOD-END] AUG-31-1998
[INVESTMENTS-AT-COST] 391,556,492
[INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE] 354,402,980
[RECEIVABLES] 15,453,584
[ASSETS-OTHER] 7,302,687
[OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS] 0
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 377,159,251
[PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES] 9,286,131
[SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT] 0
[OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES] 3,894,677
[TOTAL-LIABILITIES] 13,180,808
[SENIOR-EQUITY] 33,859
[PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON] 394,073,918
[SHARES-COMMON-STOCK] 209,729
[SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR] 28,711
[ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT] 0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII] (341,284)
[ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS] 7,364,458
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS] 0
[ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC] (37,152,508)
[NET-ASSETS] 2,256,342
[DIVIDEND-INCOME] 66,922
[INTEREST-INCOME] 18,770,099
[OTHER-INCOME] 0
[EXPENSES-NET] 3,720,109
[NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME] 15,116,912
[REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT] 8,191,402
[APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT] (38,675,670)
[NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS] (15,367,356)
[EQUALIZATION] 0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME] (125,133)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS] (5,959)
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER] (445)
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD] 224,696
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED] (52,458)
[SHARES-REINVESTED] 8,780
[NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS] 306,896,410
[ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR] 0
[ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR] 307,747
[OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR] (79,329)
[OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR] 0
<PAGE>
[GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES] 1,369,676
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 0
[GROSS-EXPENSE] 3,764,109
[AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS] 1,353,445
[PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN] 11.17
[PER-SHARE-NII] 1.11
[PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC] (.32)
[PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND] (1.05)
[PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS] (.15)
[RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL] 0
[PER-SHARE-NAV-END] 10.76
[EXPENSE-RATIO] 1.14
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING] 0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE] 0
</TABLE>
00250233.AL7
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance All-Asia Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced
Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond Fund, Inc., Alliance Capital
Reserves, Alliance Developing Markets Fund, Inc. Alliance
Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Global
Environment Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Small Cap Fund,
Inc., Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc., Alliance
Government Reserves, Alliance Greater China 97 Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield
Fund, Inc., Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance
International Fund, Alliance Limited Maturity Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Money Market Fund, Alliance Mortgage
Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Multi-Market Strategy
Trust, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance Municipal Trust, Alliance
New Europe Fund, Inc., Alliance North American Government
Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment
Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc., Alliance
Technology Fund, Inc., Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc., Alliance World
Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund,
Inc., Fiduciary Management Associates, The Alliance Fund,
Inc., The Alliance Portfolios, and The Hudson River Trust,
and filing the same, with exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or
substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ John D. Carifa
___________________________
John D. Carifa
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global
Strategic Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income
Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance Limited Maturity Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund
II, Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund,
Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.,
Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc., Alliance
Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc., Alliance Utility Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.,
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide
Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary Management Associates,
The Alliance Fund, Inc. and The Alliance Portfolios, and
filing the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Ruth Block
___________________________
Ruth Block
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance All-Asia Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced
Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond Fund, Inc., Alliance Developing
Markets Fund, Inc. Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund,
Inc., Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc., Alliance
Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Strategic
Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Greater China 97 Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield
Fund, Inc., Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance
International Fund, Alliance Limited Maturity Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund
II, Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc., Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund,
Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate
Investment Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity
Fund, Inc., Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc., Alliance Utility Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.,
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide
Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary Management Associates
and The Alliance Fund, Inc. and filing the same, with
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-
fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ David H. Dievler
___________________________
David H. Dievler
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance All-Asia Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced
Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond Fund, Inc., Alliance Developing
Markets Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund,
Inc., Alliance Global Environment Fund, Inc., Alliance
Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Strategic
Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income Builder
Fund, Inc., Alliance International Fund, Alliance Limited
Maturity Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Mortgage Securites
Incoem Fund, Inc., Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust,
Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.,
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund,
Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.,
Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc., Alliance
Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc., Alliance Utility Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.,
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide
Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary Management Associates,
The Alliance Fund, Inc., and filing the same, with exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
/s/ John H. Dobkin
___________________________
John H. Dobkin
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond
Fund, Inc., Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Global
Dollar Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Small Cap
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Government Reserves, Alliance Greater China 97
Fund, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income Builder Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc., Alliance
Money Market Fund, Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund,
Inc., Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund
II, Alliance Municipal Trust, Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund,
Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate
Investment Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity
Fund, Inc., Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc., Alliance Utility Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.,
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide
Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary Management Associates,
The Alliance Fund, Inc., The Alliance Portfolios and the
Hudson River Trust, and filing the same, with exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
/s/ William H. Foulk, Jr.
___________________________
William H. Foulk, Jr.
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global
Strategic Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income
Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance Limited Maturity Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund
II, Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund,
Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.,
Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc., Alliance
Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc., Alliance Utility Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.,
Alliance World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Worldwide
Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary Management Associates
and The Alliance Fund, Inc., and filing the same, with
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-
fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Dr. James M. Hester
___________________________
Dr. James M. Hester
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global
Strategic Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income
Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance Limited Maturity Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Money Market Fund, Alliance Mortgage
Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Multi-Market Strategy
Trust, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance North American Government
Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate Investment
Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc., Alliance
Utility Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series
Fund, Inc., Alliance World Income Trust, Inc., Alliance
Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary Management
Associates, The Alliance Fund, Inc. and The Hudson River
Trust, and filing the same, with exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or
substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Clifford L. Michel
___________________________
Clifford L. Michel
Dated: October 8, 1998
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person
whose signature appears below hereby revokes all prior
powers granted by the undersigned to the extent inconsistent
herewith and constitutes and appoints John D. Carifa, Edmund
P. Bergan, Jr., Domenick Pugliese, Andrew L. Gangolf and
Emilie D. Wrapp and each of them, to act severally as
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, for the undersigned in any and all
capacities, solely for the purpose of signing the respective
Registration Statements, and any amendments thereto, on Form
N-1A of ACM Institutional Reserves, Inc., AFD Exchange
Reserves, Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc., Alliance Bond
Fund, Inc., Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Global
Dollar Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Small Cap
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Government Reserves, Alliance Growth and Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc., Alliance Income
Builder Fund, Inc., Alliance Limited Maturity Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.,
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance
Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund
II, Alliance Municipal Trust, Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth Fund,
Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate
Investment Fund, Inc., Alliance/Regent Sector Opportunity
Fund, Inc., Alliance Short-Term Multi-Market Trust, Inc.,
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc., Alliance Variable
Products Series Fund, Inc., Alliance World Income Trust,
Inc., Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc., Fiduciary
Management Associates, The Alliance Fund, Inc., The Alliance
Portfolios and The Hudson River Trust, and filing the same,
with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-
fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Donald J. Robinson
___________________________
Donald J. Robinson
Dated: October 8, 1998
00250050.AQ8
