LONG-TERM
INVESTING
IN A
SHORT-TERM
WORLD(SM)
March 1, 2000
Prospectus
K E M P E R G L O B A L / I N T E R N A T I O N A L F U N D S
Kemper Asian Growth Fund
Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
Global Discovery Fund
Kemper Global Income Fund
Kemper International Fund
Kemper Latin America Fund
Kemper New Europe Fund
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) does not approve
or disapprove these shares or determine
whether the information in this prospectus
is truthful or complete. It is a criminal
offense for anyone to inform you otherwise.
[LOGO] KEMPER FUNDS
<PAGE>
HOW THE INVESTING IN
FUNDS WORK THE FUNDS
2 Kemper Asian Growth 32 Kemper International 75 Choosing A Share
Fund Fund Class
8 Kemper Emerging 38 Kemper Latin America 81 How To Buy Shares
Markets Growth Fund Fund
82 How To Exchange
14 Kemper Global Blue 44 Kemper New Europe Or Sell Shares
Chip Fund Fund
83 Policies You Should
20 Kemper Global 51 Other Policies and Know About
Discovery Fund Risks
91 Understanding
26 Kemper Global Income 53 Financial Highlights Distributions And
Fund Taxes
<PAGE>
How The Funds Work
These funds invest significantly in foreign securities. Seven of the funds focus
on stocks, one mainly on bonds. Each fund is dedicated to a particular region of
the world or a particular investment theme, and follows its own investment goal.
Remember that mutual funds are investments, not bank deposits. They're not
guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other government agency. Their share
prices will go up and down, so be aware that you could lose money.
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KANAX B) KANBX C) KANCX
Kemper
Asian Growth Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
2 | Kemper Asian Growth Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 85% of total assets in common stocks and other Asian
equities (equities that are issued by companies organized under the laws of an
Asian country or traded mainly on Asian markets and do more than half of their
business in Asia). The fund generally focuses on emerging Asian markets, such as
China, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies with identifiable
market niches and sound balance sheets, among other factors.
Growth orientation. The managers generally look for companies that seem to offer
the potential for sustainable above-average growth of revenue or earnings
relative to each stock's own market.
Analysis of regional themes. The managers look for significant social, economic,
industrial and demographic changes, with an eye toward identifying countries,
industries and companies that may benefit from these changes.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries and
industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, other investments offer better opportunities or when adjusting its
exposure to a given country or industry.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 15% of total assets in debt securities of any issuer or credit quality,
including junk bonds (i.e., grade BB and below) or in non-Asian equities.
3 | Kemper Asian Growth Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how Asian stock markets perform --
something that depends on a large number of factors, including economic,
political and demographic trends. When Asian stock prices fall, you should
expect the value of your investment to fall as well. The fact that the fund
concentrates on a single geographical region could affect fund performance. For
example, Asian companies could be hurt by such factors as regional economic
downturns (some Asian economies are currently in recession), currency
devaluations, the inability of governments or banking systems to bring about
reforms or trade barriers on exports.
Emerging markets, a category that includes most Asian countries, tend to be more
volatile than developed markets, for reasons ranging from political and economic
uncertainties to poor regulation and liquidity to a higher risk that essential
information may be incomplete or wrong.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies. In addition, changing
currency rates could add to the fund's investment losses or reduce its
investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o growth stocks may be out of favor for certain periods
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This fund may make sense for investors interested in diversifying a growth
portfolio with exposure to emerging countries in Asia.
4 | Kemper Asian Growth Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1997 -34.60
1998 -19.02
1999 71.97
Best quarter: 40.35%, Q2 '99 Worst quarter: -33.05%, Q2 '98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since 12/31/98 Since 10/21/96
1 Year Life of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 62.14% -2.85%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 68.21 -2.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 69.16 -2.18
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 49.83 -0.57*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: The Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country Asia Free Ex-Japan
Index is a capitalized weighted index that is representative of the equity
securities for the following countries: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea (at 20%),
Malaysia, Philippines free, Singapore free and Thailand.
* Index comparison begins 10/31/96.
In the chart, total returns from 1997 through 1999 would have been lower if
operating expenses hadn't been reduced.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads. In the table, total
returns from inception through 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
5 | Kemper Asian Growth Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 5.75% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.85% 0.85% 0.85%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 3.19 3.35 4.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 4.04 4.95 5.86
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Reimbursement 1.84 2.17 3.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Annual Operating Expenses*** 2.20 2.78 2.80
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About --
Policies about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50%
if redeemed during the second year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
"Other Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain
administrative and regulatory fees.
*** By contract, total operating expenses are capped at 2.20%, 2.78% and
2.80% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, through
02/28/2001.
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare the expenses of each share
class to those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the
same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all
dividends and distributions. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $785 $1,576 $2,381 $4,464
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 681 1,594 2,507 4,502
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 383 1,471 2,638 5,469
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $785 $1,576 $2,381 $4,464
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 281 1,294 2,307 4,502
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 283 1,471 2,638 5,469
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 | Kemper Asian Growth Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.00%* of average daily net assets.
* Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
effect.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Tien Yu Sieh Theresa Gusman
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1983
in 1990 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the advisor in 1996 1992
o Joined the fund team o Joined the fund team
in 1999 in 1998
Elizabeth J. Allan
o Began investment career
in 1982
o Joined the advisor in 1987
o Joined the fund team
in 1998
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
7 | Kemper Asian Growth Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KEMAX B) KEMBX C) KEMCX
Kemper
Emerging Markets
Growth Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
8 | Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities from emerging market countries, which are located in Latin America,
Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies that have
exceptional business prospects (due to factors that may range from market
dominance to innovative products or services).
Growth orientation. The managers generally look for companies that seem to offer
the potential for sustainable above-average growth of revenue or earnings
relative to each stock's own market.
Top-down analysis. The managers look for significant social, economic,
industrial and demographic changes, with an eye toward identifying countries,
industries and companies that may benefit from these changes.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries and
industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, other investments offer better opportunities or when adjusting its
exposure to a given country or industry.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 35% of total assets in developed foreign and U.S. equities, and may invest up
to 35% of total assets in emerging market and U.S. debt securities, including
junk bonds (i.e., grade BB and below). Compared to investment-grade bonds, junk
bonds may pay higher yields and have higher volatility and risk of default.
9 | Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how emerging market stocks perform
- -- something that depends on a large number of factors, including economic,
political and demographic trends. When emerging market stock prices fall, you
should expect the value of your investment to fall as well. If the fund
emphasizes a given market, such as Latin America, factors affecting that market
will affect performance. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile than
developed markets, for reasons ranging from political and economic uncertainties
to poor regulation and liquidity to a higher risk that essential information may
be incomplete or wrong.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies. The fact that the fund
is not diversified and may invest in relatively few companies increases fund
risk, because any factors affecting a given company could affect performance. In
addition, changing currency rates could add to the fund's investment losses or
reduce its investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o growth stocks may be out of favor for certain periods
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This fund may make sense for investors interested in adding exposure to
countries located in emerging markets.
10 | Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows the total return for the fund's Class A shares, which may
give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't reflect sales loads; if it did,
returns would be lower. The table shows how the fund's returns over different
periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1999 49.26
Best quarter: 30.89%, Q4 '99 Worst quarter: -7.31%, Q3 '99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since 12/31/98 Since 1/9/98
1 Year Life of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 40.60% 9.77%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 45.01 10.70
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 48.01 12.21
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 66.65 18.81*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: IFCI Emerging Markets Investable Index, a U.S. dollar-denominated index
comprised of stocks of countries classified as either low- or middle-income
economies by the World Bank regardless of their particular stage of development.
* Index comparison begins 1/31/98.
In the chart, total returns for 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads. In the table, total
returns from inception through 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
11 | Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 5.75% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 13.14 13.36 13.63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 14.39 15.36 15.63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Reimbursement 12.11 12.18 12.48
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Annual Operating Expenses*** 2.28 3.18 3.15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About --
Policies about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50%
if redeemed during the second year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
"Other Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain
administrative and regulatory fees.
*** By contract, total operating expenses are capped at 2.28%, 3.18% and
3.15% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, through
2/28/2001.
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare the expenses of each share
class to those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the
same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all
dividends and distributions. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $793 $3,324 $5,401 $9,111
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 721 3,433 5,593 9,156
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 418 3,172 5,452 9,340
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $793 $3,324 $5,401 $9,111
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 321 3,133 5,393 9,156
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 318 3,172 5,452 9,340
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 | Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.00%* of average daily net assets.
* Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
effect.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Joyce E. Cornell Theresa Gusman
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1983
in 1987 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the advisor in 1991 1992
o Joined the fund team o Joined the fund team
in 1998 in 1998
Andre J. DeSimone Tara C. Kenney
o Began investment career o Began investment career
in 1981 in 1984
o Joined the advisor in 1997 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the fund team 1995
in 1998 o Joined the fund team
in 1998
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
13 | Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KGLAX B) KGLBX C) KGLCX
Kemper
Global Blue Chip Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
14 | Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities of "blue chip" companies throughout the world. These are large, well
known companies that typically have an established earnings and dividends
history, easy access to credit, solid positions in their industries and strong
management. Although the fund may invest in any country, it primarily focuses on
countries with developed economies (including the U.S.).
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers look for those blue-chip companies
that appear likely to benefit from global economic trends or have promising new
technologies or products.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries and
industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, when its fundamental factors have changed or when adjusting its
exposure to a given country or industry.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. While the fund invests
mainly in developed countries, it may invest up to 15% of total assets in
emerging market debt or equity securities of emerging markets (of which, 5% of
net assets may be junk bonds, i.e., grade BB and below).
15 | Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how U.S. and foreign stock markets
perform -- something that depends on a large number of factors, including
economic, political and demographic trends. When U.S. and foreign stock prices
fall, especially prices of large company stocks, you should expect the value of
your investment to fall as well. Foreign stocks tend to be more volatile than
their U.S. counterparts, for reasons ranging from political and economic
uncertainties to a higher risk that essential information may be incomplete or
wrong.
Large company stocks at times may not perform as well as stocks of smaller or
mid-size companies. Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock
prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product demand and other
business risks. These may affect single companies as well as groups of
companies. In addition, changing currency rates could add to the fund's
investment losses or reduce its investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in large-cap stocks and want to look beyond U.S. markets,
this fund could be suitable for you.
16 | Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1998 13.79
1999 28.23
Best quarter: 18.78%, Q4 '99 Worst quarter: -8.00%, Q3 '98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since 12/31/98 Since 12/31/97
1 Year Life of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 20.85% 17.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 24.02 18.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 27.07 19.73
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 25.34 25.07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: The MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) World Index measures
performance of a range of developed country general stock markets, including the
United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East.
In the chart, total returns from 1998 through 1999 would have been lower if
operating expenses hadn't been reduced.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads. In the table, total
returns from inception through 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
17 | Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 5.75% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 3.44 3.84 4.14
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 4.44 5.59 5.89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Reimbursement 2.64 2.91 3.24
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Annual Operating Expenses*** 1.80 2.68 2.65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large Order
NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About -- Policies about
transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if
redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if redeemed during the second
year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services and
similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors. "Other
Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain administrative and
regulatory fees.
*** By contract, total operating expenses are capped at 1.80%, 2.68% and 2.65%
for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, through 2/28/2001.
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare the expenses of each share
class to those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the
same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all
dividends and distributions. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $747 $1,616 $2,495 $4,735
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 671 1,708 2,732 4,874
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 368 1,464 2,638 5,483
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $747 $1,616 $2,495 $4,735
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 271 1,408 2,532 4,874
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 268 1,464 2,638 5,483
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 | Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.00%* of average daily net assets.
* Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
effect.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Diego Espinosa William E. Holzer
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1970
in 1991 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the advisor in 1996 1980
o Joined the fund team in o Joined the fund team in
1998 1998
Nicholas Bratt
o Began investment career
in 1974
o Joined the advisor in 1976
o Joined the fund team in
1998
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
19 | Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KGDAX B) KGDBX C) KGDCX
Kemper
Global Discovery Fund*
FUND GOAL The fund seeks above-average long-term capital appreciation.
* Kemper Global Discovery Fund is properly known as Global Discovery
Fund.
20 | Kemper Global Discovery Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in common stocks and other
equities of small companies throughout the world (companies with market values
similar to the smallest 20% of the Salomon Brothers Broad Market Index). The
fund generally focuses on countries with developed economies (including the
U.S.). As of December 31, 1999, companies in which the fund invests typically
have a market capitalization of between $75 million and $5.7 billion.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for companies that appear to have
effective management, strong competitive positioning, vigorous research and
development efforts and sound balance sheets.
Growth orientation. The managers generally look for companies that have
above-average potential for sustainable growth of revenue or earnings compared
to large companies, and whose market value appears reasonable in light of their
business prospects.
Analysis of regional themes. The managers look for significant social, economic,
industrial and demographic changes, seeking to identify stocks that may benefit
from them.
The managers may favor different securities at different times, while still
maintaining variety in terms of the countries and industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe its price is
unlikely to go much higher, its fundamentals have deteriorated, other
investments offer better opportunities or in the course of adjusting its
emphasis on a given country.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 35% of total assets in common stocks and other equities of large companies or
in debt securities (of which, 5% of net assets may be junk bonds, i.e. grade BB
and below).
21 | Kemper Global Discovery Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt the fund's performance, cause you to
lose money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how U.S. and foreign stock markets
perform -- something that depends on a large number of factors, including
economic, political and demographic trends. When U.S. and foreign stock prices
fall, you should expect the value of your investment to fall as well. Foreign
stocks tend to be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for reasons
ranging from political and economic uncertainties to a higher risk that
essential information may be incomplete or wrong. These risks tend to be greater
in emerging markets.
Compared to large company stocks, small and mid-size stocks tend to be more
volatile, in part because these companies tend to be less established and the
valuation of their stocks often depends on future expectations. Because a stock
represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management,
shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may affect single
companies as well as groups of companies. In addition, changing currency rates
could add to the fund's investment losses or reduce its investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o growth stocks may be out of favor for certain periods
o at times, it could be hard to value some investments or to get an
attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This fund may interest long-term investors who want to diversify a large-cap or
domestic portfolio of investments.
22 | Kemper Global Discovery Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows the total return for the fund's Class A shares, which may
give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't reflect sales loads; if it did,
returns would be lower. The table shows how the fund's returns over different
periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1999 64.15
Best quarter: 41.23%, Q4 '99 Worst quarter: -5.43%, Q3 '99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since 12/31/98 Since 4/16/98
1 Year Life of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 54.68% 23.94%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 59.70 28.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 62.83 29.53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 22.36 8.10*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: Salomon Brothers World Equity Extended Market Index, an unmanaged small
capitalization stock universe of 22 countries.
* Index comparison begins 4/30/98.
In the chart, total returns for 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads. In the table, total
returns from inception through 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
23 | Kemper Global Discovery Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 5.75% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 1.10% 1.10% 1.10%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 1.20 1.63 1.19
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 2.30 3.48 3.04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Reimbursement 0.29 0.65 0.24
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Annual Operating Expenses*** 2.01 2.83 2.80
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About --
Policies about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50%
if redeemed during the second year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
"Other Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain
administrative and regulatory fees.
*** By contract, total operating expenses are capped at 2.01%, 2.83% and
2.80% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, through
2/28/2001.
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare the expenses of each share
class to those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the
same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all
dividends and distributions. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $767 $1,226 $1,710 $3,038
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 686 1,308 1,952 3,202
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 383 917 1,575 3,338
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $767 $1,226 $1,710 $3,038
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 286 1,008 1,752 3,202
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 283 917 1,575 3,338
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 | Kemper Global Discovery Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.88% of average daily net assets.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Gerald J. Moran Steven T. Stokes
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1986
in 1968 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the advisor in 1968 1996
o Joined the fund team o Joined the fund team
in 1991 in 1999
Sewall Hodges
o Began investment career
in 1978
o Joined the advisor in 1995
o Joined the fund team
in 1996
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
25 | Kemper Global Discovery Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KGIAX B) KGIBX C) KGICX
Kemper
Global Income Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks to provide high current income consistent with
prudent total return asset management.
26 | Kemper Global Income Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in foreign and U.S.
investment-grade bonds and other income-producing securities. While the fund may
invest in securities issued by any issuer and in any currency, it generally
focuses on issuers in developed markets, such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New
Zealand, the U.S. and Western Europe, and on securities of other countries that
are denominated in the currencies of these countries or the euro.
In making their buy and sell decisions, the portfolio managers typically
consider a number of factors, including economic outlooks, interest rate
movements, inflation trends, security characteristics and changes in supply and
demand within global bond markets. In choosing individual bonds, the managers
use independent analysis to look for bonds that have attractive yields and good
credit. The managers may favor securities from different countries and issuers
at different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of countries and
issuers represented.
Although the managers may adjust the fund's duration (a measure of sensitivity
to interest rate movements), they generally intend to keep it between 4.0 and
6.0 years.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
This fund normally invests at least 65% of total assets in investment-grade
bonds, which are those in the top four credit grades (i.e., as low as BBB/Baa).
The fund may invest up to 35% of net assets in foreign or domestic debt
securities of any credit quality, including junk bonds (i.e., grade BB and
below). Compared to investment-grade bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields and
have higher volatility and risk of default.
27 | Kemper Global Income Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
For this fund, the main factor is global interest rates. A rise in interest
rates generally means a fall in bond prices -- and, in turn, a fall in the value
of your investment. (As a general rule, a 1% rise in interest rates means a 1%
fall in value for every year of duration.)
Foreign markets tend to be more volatile than U.S. markets, for reasons ranging
from political and economic uncertainties to poor regulation to a higher risk
that essential information may be incomplete or wrong.
Another major factor is currency exchange rates. When the dollar value of a
foreign currency falls, so does the value of any investments the fund owns that
are denominated in that currency. This is separate from market risk, and may add
to market losses or reduce market gains.
The fact that the fund is not diversified and may invest in securities of
relatively few issuers increases its risk, because any factors affecting a given
company could affect performance. Similarly, if the fund emphasizes a given
market, such as Canada, or a given industry, factors affecting that market or
industry will affect performance.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, issuers, industries or other matters
o a bond could fall in credit quality or go into default; this risk is
greater for junk bonds
o some types of bonds could be paid off earlier than expected, which
would hurt the fund's performance
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This fund may make sense for investors seeking a less aggressive approach to
international income investing.
28 | Kemper Global Income Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1990 22.66
1991 11.13
1992 -1.90
1993 10.23
1994 -1.47
1995 19.89
1996 5.87
1997 1.80
1998 10.48
1999 -6.38
Best quarter: 11.23%, Q1 '95 Worst quarter: -4.32%, Q1 '92
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Since Since 5/31/94 Since
12/31/98 12/31/94 Life of Class 12/31/89
1 Year 5 Years B/C 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A -10.58% 5.01% -- 6.36%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -9.66 5.07 4.88% --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -7.06 5.30 5.08 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index -4.27 6.42 6.30 8.03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index, an unmanaged index on a
U.S. dollar total return basis, with all dividends reinvested, and includes
government bonds from 14 countries. The minimum maturity is one year.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads.
29 | Kemper Global Income Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 4.50% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 0.96 0.89 0.86
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 1.71 2.39 2.36
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About --
Policies about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50%
if redeemed during the second year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
"Other Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain
administrative and regulatory fees.
Based on the figures above, this example is designed to help you compare the
expenses of each share class to those of other funds. The example assumes
operating expenses remain the same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns and reinvested all dividends and distributions. This is only an
example; actual expenses will be different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $616 $965 $1,336 $2,379
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 642 1,045 1,475 2,403
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 339 736 1,260 2,696
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $616 $965 $1,336 $2,379
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 242 745 1,275 2,403
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 239 736 1,260 2,696
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 | Kemper Global Income Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.75% of average daily net assets.
Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited, 1 South Place, London, U.K., an affiliate of
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., is the sub-advisor for Kemper Global Income
Fund. Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited has served as sub-advisor for mutual
funds since December, 1996 and investment advisor for certain institutional
accounts since August, 1998.
Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited renders investment advisory and management
services with regard to the portion of the fund's portfolio as allocated to
Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. from
time-to-time for management, including services related to foreign securities,
foreign currency transactions and related investments.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day management:
Jan C. Faller Jeremy L. Ragus
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1977
in 1988 o Joined the advisor
o Joined the advisor in 1999 in 1990
o Joined the fund team in 1999 o Joined the fund team
in 1999
Robert Stirling
Co-Lead Portfolio Manager
o Began investment career
in 1984
o Joined the sub-advisor
in 1995
o Joined the fund team in 1999
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who
work together to develop the fund's investment strategies.
31 | Kemper Global Income Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KITAX B) KINBX C) KITCX
Kemper
International Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks total return through a combination of capital
growth and income.
32 | Kemper International Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 80% of total assets in foreign securities (securities
issued by foreign-based issuers). The fund invests at least 65% of total assets
in common stocks of established foreign companies with the potential for capital
growth, income or both. The fund may invest more than 25% of total assets in any
given developed country that the manager believes poses no unique investment
risk.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies that have sound
financial strength, good business prospects and strong competitive positioning
and above-average earnings growth, among other factors.
Top-down analysis. The managers consider the economic outlooks for various
countries and geographical areas, favoring those they believe have sound
economic conditions and open markets.
Analysis of global themes. The managers look for significant changes in the
business environment, with an eye toward identifying industries that may benefit
from these changes.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries and
industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, its underlying investment theme has matured or the reasons for
originally investing no longer apply.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 35% of net assets in foreign or domestic debt securities of any credit
quality, including junk bonds (i.e., grade BB and below). Compared to
investment-grade bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields and have higher
volatility and risk of default.
33 | Kemper International Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how foreign stock markets perform --
something that depends on a large number of factors, including economic,
political and demographic trends. When foreign stock prices fall, you should
expect the value of your investment to fall as well.
Foreign stocks may at times be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for
reasons ranging from political and economic uncertainties to a higher risk that
essential information may be incomplete or wrong.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies. In addition, changing
currency rates could add to the fund's investment losses or reduce its
investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o bond investments could be hurt by rising interest rates or declines in
credit quality
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investors who are looking for a broadly diversified international fund may want
to consider this fund.
34 | Kemper International Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1990 -7.50
1991 9.13
1992 -4.79
1993 35.65
1994 -4.00
1995 12.96
1996 17.05
1997 9.00
1998 7.88
1999 41.30
Best quarter: 29.96%, Q4 '99 Worst quarter: -17.89%, Q3 '98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Since 5/31/94 Since
Since 12/31/98 12/31/94 Life of Class 12/31/89
1 Year 5 Years B/C 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 33.20% 15.68% -- 9.99%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 37.34 15.90 13.62% --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 40.42 16.03 13.73 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 27.30 13.15 11.81 7.33
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: MSCI EAFE Index (Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe,
Austral-Asia, Far East Index), a generally accepted benchmark for performance of
major overseas markets.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads. In the table and the
chart, total returns for 1990 would have been lower if operating expenses hadn't
been reduced.
35 | Kemper International Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 5.75% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.74% 0.74% 0.74%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 0.88 0.97 0.86
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 1.62 2.46 2.35
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large Order
NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About -- Policies
about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if redeemed during
the second year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services and
similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors. "Other
Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain administrative and
regulatory fees.
Based on the figures above, this example is designed to help you compare the
expenses of each share class to those of other funds. The example assumes
operating expenses remain the same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5%
annual returns and reinvested all dividends and distributions. This is only an
example; actual expenses will be different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $730 $1,057 $1,406 $2,386
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 649 1,067 1,511 2,399
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 338 733 1,255 2,686
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $730 $1,057 $1,406 $2,386
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 249 767 1,311 2,399
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 238 733 1,255 2,686
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36 | Kemper International Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.74% of average daily net assets.
Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited, 1 South Place, London, U.K., an affiliate of
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., is the sub-advisor for Kemper International
Fund. Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited has served as sub-advisor for mutual
funds since December, 1996 and investment advisor for certain institutional
accounts since August, 1998.
Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited renders investment advisory and management
services with regard to the portion of the fund's portfolio as allocated to
Scudder Investments (U.K.) Limited by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. from
time-to-time for management, including services related to foreign securities,
foreign currency transactions and related investments.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Irene Cheng Marc Slendebroek
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1990
in 1985 o Joined the sub-advisor
o Joined the advisor in 1993 in 1994
o Joined the fund team o Joined the fund team
in 1999 in 1998
Nicholas Bratt Carol L. Franklin
o Began investment career o Began investment career
in 1974 in 1975
o Joined the advisor in 1976 o Joined the advisor
o Joined the fund team in 1981
in 2000 o Joined the fund team
in 2000
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
37 | Kemper International Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KLAAX B) KLABX C) KLACX
Kemper
Latin America Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
38 | Kemper Latin America Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in Latin American common stocks
and other equities that are issued by companies organized under the laws of a
Latin American country or traded on Latin American markets and do more than half
of their business in Latin America. The fund generally focuses on Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies with competitive
business positions, good technologies, and sound balance sheets, among other
factors. The managers also consider the quality of management, the impact of
government regulations and trade initiatives and the cost of labor and raw
materials.
Growth orientation. The managers generally look for companies that seem to offer
the potential for sustainable above-average growth of revenue or earnings
relative to each stock's own market.
Analysis of regional themes. The managers look for significant social, economic,
industrial and demographic changes, with an eye toward identifying countries,
industries and companies that may benefit from these changes.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries and
industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, other investments offer better opportunities or when adjusting its
exposure to a given country or industry.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 35% of total assets in non-Latin American (including U.S.) debt and equity
securities, including junk bonds (i.e., grade BB and below). Compared to
investment-grade bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields and have higher
volatility and risk of default.
39 | Kemper Latin America Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how Latin American stock markets
perform -- something that depends on a large number of factors, including
economic, political and demographic trends. When Latin American stock prices
fall, you should expect the value of your investment to fall as well. The fact
that the fund concentrates on a single geographical region could affect fund
performance. For example, Latin American companies could be hurt by such factors
as regional economic downturns, currency devaluations, runaway inflation, shifts
in government policy or fluctuations in commodity prices. Similarly, the fact
that the fund is not diversified and may invest in relatively few companies
increases its risk, because any factors affecting a given company could affect
performance.
Emerging markets, including Latin American countries, tend to be more volatile
than developed markets, for reasons ranging from political and economic
uncertainties to poor regulation and liquidity to a higher risk that essential
information may be incomplete or wrong. Stock prices can be hurt by poor
management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may affect
single companies as well as groups of companies. In addition, changing currency
rates could add to the fund's investment losses or reduce its investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o bond investments could be hurt by rising interest rates or declines in
credit quality
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This fund may interest investors who believe in the long-term growth potential
of Latin American stocks and can accept above-average risks.
40 | Kemper Latin America Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class A shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1998 -24.32
1999 50.98
Best quarter: 34.56%, Q4 '99 Worst quarter: -19.35%, Q3 '98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since 12/31/98 Since 12/31/97
1 Year Life of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 42.39% 3.77%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 46.65 4.55
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 49.86 5.97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 61.85 2.13
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: IFC Latin America Investable Return Index, a U.S. dollar-denominated
index comprised of Latin America's stock markets without reference to the
stock's availability to overseas investors.
In the chart, total returns from 1998 through 1999 would have been lower if
operating expenses hadn't been reduced.
The table includes the effects of maximum sales loads. In the table, total
returns from inception through 1999 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
41 | Kemper Latin America Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as % of offering price) 5.75% None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as % of
redemption proceeds) None* 4.00% 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 17.92 17.85 18.69
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 19.17 19.85 20.69
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Reimbursement 16.98 16.78 17.65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Annual Operating Expenses*** 2.19 3.07 3.04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About --
Policies about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50%
if redeemed during the second year following purchase.
** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
"Other Expenses" are restated to reflect changes in certain
administrative and regulatory fees.
*** By contract, total operating expenses are capped at 2.19%, 3.07% and
3.04% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, through
2/28/2001.
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare the expenses of each share
class to those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the
same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all
dividends and distributions. This is only an example; actual expenses will be
different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $784 $3,992 $6,355 $9,886
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 710 4,078 6,493 9,900
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 407 3,890 6,437 10,031
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $784 $3,992 $6,355 $9,886
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 310 3,778 6,293 9,900
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 307 3,890 6,437 10,031
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42 | Kemper Latin America Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.00%* of average daily net assets.
* Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
effect.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Tara C. Kenney Paul H. Rogers
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1985
in 1984 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the advisor in 1995 1994
o Joined the fund team o Joined the fund team
in 1997 in 1997
Edmund B. Games, Jr.
o Began investment career
in 1960
o Joined the advisor in 1960
o Joined the fund team
in 1997
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
43 | Kemper Latin America Fund
<PAGE>
TICKER SYMBOLS CLASS: A) KNEAX B) KNEBX C) KNECX
Kemper
New Europe Fund
FUND GOAL The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
44 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
The Fund's Main Strategy
The fund invests at least 65% of total assets in European common stocks and
other equities (equities that are traded mainly on European markets or are
issued by companies that are based in Europe or do more than half of their
business there). The fund generally focuses on common stocks of companies in the
more established markets of Western and Southern Europe such as Finland,
Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies with new or
dominant products or technologies, among other factors.
Growth orientation. The managers look for stocks that seem to offer the
potential for sustainable above-average growth of revenues or earnings relative
to each stock's own market and whose market prices are reasonable in light of
their potential growth.
Top-down analysis. The managers consider the outlook for economic, political,
industrial and demographic trends and how they may affect various countries,
sectors and industries.
The managers may favor securities from different countries and industries at
different times, while still maintaining variety in terms of the countries and
industries represented.
The fund will normally sell a stock when it has reached a target price, the
managers believe other investments offer better opportunities or when adjusting
its exposure to a given country or industry.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 20% of total assets in European debt securities of any credit quality,
including junk bonds (i.e., grade BB and below). Compared to investment-grade
bonds, junk bonds may pay higher yields and have higher volatility and risk of
default.
45 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
The Main Risks Of Investing In The Fund
There are several factors that could hurt fund performance, cause you to lose
money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is how European stock markets perform
- -- something that depends on a large number of factors, including economic,
political and demographic trends. When European stock prices fall, you should
expect the value of your investment to fall as well.
The fact that the fund focuses on a single geographical region could affect fund
performance. For example, European companies could be hurt by such factors as
regional economic downturns or difficulties with the European Economic and
Monetary Union (EMU). Eastern European companies can be very sensitive to
political and economic developments. The fact that the fund is not diversified
and may invest in relatively few companies increases its risk, because any
factors affecting a given company could affect performance.
European stocks may at times be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for
reasons ranging from political and economic uncertainties to a higher risk that
essential information may be incomplete or wrong. Because a stock represents
ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking
product demand and other business risks. These may affect single companies as
well as groups of companies. In addition, changing currency rates could add to
the fund's investment losses or reduce its investment gains.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
countries, industries, companies or other matters
o growth stocks may be out of favor for certain periods
o bond investments could be hurt by rising interest rates or declines in
credit quality
o at times, market conditions might make it hard to value some
investments or to get an attractive price for them
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This fund may appeal to investors who seek long-term growth and want to gain
exposure to Europe's established markets.
46 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
Performance
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's Class M shares have
varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. The chart doesn't
reflect sales loads; if it did, returns would be lower. The table shows how the
fund's returns over different periods average out.
The performance of Class M shares shown in the bar chart and performance table
reflects performance from when the fund was a closed-end fund (through
09/03/99). Because the fund had no daily sales and redemptions, its performance
as a closed-end fund may have been higher than if it had operated as an open-end
fund.
For context, the table has a broad-based market index (which, unlike the fund,
has no fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. As always, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year Class M Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
1991 3.06
1992 -9.59
1993 25.62
1994 -0.27
1995 18.97
1996 34.38
1997 20.03
1998 34.39
1999 51.83
Best quarter: 37.93%, Q4 '99 Worst quarter: -16.81%, Q3 '98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
Since 12/31/98 Since 12/31/94 2/16/90 Life
1 Year 5 Years of Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class M 51.83% 31.39% 15.93%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 16.23 22.54 15.05*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe Equity Index, an
unmanaged index that is generally representative of the equity securities of the
European markets.
* Index comparison begins 02/28/90.
Class A, B and C shares do not have a full calendar year of operations and their
performance is not shown above. The performance of Class M shares does not
reflect any sales charges. The performance of the other classes is subject to
sales charges and would be lower.
47 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees, paid directly from your investment
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed 5.75% None None None
On Purchases (as % of offering price)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None* 4.00% 1.00% None
(as % of redemption proceeds)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fee (as % of amount redeemed, None None None 2.00%**
if applicable)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None 2.00%**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses, deducted from fund assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None 0.75 0.75 None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses*** 1.05 1.20 1.20 0.70
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses**** 1.80 2.70 2.70 1.45
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The redemption of shares purchased at net asset value under the Large
Order NAV Purchase Privilege (see "Policies You Should Know About --
Policies about transactions") may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50%
if redeemed during the second year following purchase.
** A 2% redemption fee, which is retained by the fund, is imposed upon
redemptions or exchanges of shares held less than one year, with
limited exceptions (see "Policies You Should Know About -- Redemption
Fee).
*** Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
**** The fund was reorganized from a closed-end fund to an open-end fund on
September 3, 1999. The fees and expenses of open-end funds are, in many
cases, different than those of closed-end funds. Accordingly, the
expense ratios shown above are estimated for the fund's current fiscal
year ending October 31, 2001, based on the fund's current fee schedule
and expenses incurred by the fund during its most recent fiscal year
adjusted for any open-end related expenses. By contract, total
operating expenses are capped at 1.80%, 2.70% and 2.70% for Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, respectively, through 2/28/2001.
48 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
Based on the figures on the previous page (including one year of capped expenses
in each period except for Class M shares), this example is designed to help you
compare the expenses of each share class to those of other funds. The example
assumes operating expenses remain the same and that you invested $10,000, earned
5% annual returns and reinvested all dividends and distributions. This is only
an example; actual expenses will be different.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you sold your shares at the end of each period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $747 $1,109 $1,494 $2,569
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 673 1,138 1,630 2,615
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 373 838 1,430 3,032
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class M shares 345 649 976 1,900
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, assuming you kept your shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $747 $1,109 $1,494 $2,569
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares 273 838 1,430 2,615
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares 273 838 1,430 3,032
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class M shares 345 649 976 1,900
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The fund's investment advisor is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Scudder Kemper takes a team approach to asset management, bringing together
professionals from many investment disciplines. Supporting each team are Scudder
Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other investment
specialists, located across the United States and around the world.
For serving as the fund's investment advisor, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.96% of average daily net assets.
[ICON]--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS
The following people handle the fund's day-to-day
management:
Carol L. Franklin Joan R. Gregory
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1989
in 1975 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the advisor in 1981 1992
o Joined the fund team o Joined the fund team
in 1990 in 1992
Nicholas Bratt Marc Slendebroek
o Began investment career o Began investment career
in 1974 in 1990
o Joined the advisor in 1976 o Joined the advisor in
o Joined the fund team 1994
in 1999 o Joined the fund team
in 1998
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who work together to
develop the fund's investment strategies.
50 | Kemper New Europe Fund
<PAGE>
Other Policies And Risks
While the previous pages describe the main points of each fund's strategy and
risks, there are a few other issues to know about:
o Although major changes tend to be infrequent, each fund's Board could
change that fund's investment goal without seeking shareholder
approval.
o As a temporary defensive measure, any of these funds could shift up to
100% of assets into investments such as money market securities. This
could prevent losses, but would mean that the fund would not be
pursuing its goal.
o Scudder Kemper establishes a security's credit quality when it buys the
security, using independent ratings or, for unrated securities, its own
credit determination. When ratings don't agree, a fund may use the
higher rating. If a security's credit quality falls, the advisor will
determine whether selling it would be in the shareholders' best
interests.
o The funds may trade securities more actively than many funds, which
could mean higher expenses (thus lowering return) and higher taxable
distributions.
o Although the managers are permitted to use various types of derivatives
(contracts whose value is based on, for example, indices, currencies or
securities), the managers don't intend to use them as principal
investments, and might not use them at all. With derivatives there is a
risk that they could produce disproportionate losses.
Keep in mind that there is no assurance that any mutual fund will achieve its
goal.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in a
fund. For more information, request a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information (see back cover).
51 | Other Policies And Risks
<PAGE>
Euro conversion
Funds that invest in foreign securities could be affected by accounting
differences, changes in tax treatment or other issues related to the conversion
of certain European currencies into the euro, which is already underway. The
investment advisor is working to address euro-related issues as they occur and
has been notified that other key service providers are taking similar steps.
Still, there's some risk that this problem could materially affect a fund's
operation (including its ability to calculate net asset value and to handle
purchases and redemptions), its investments or securities markets in general.
51 | Other Policies And Risks
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
These tables are designed to help you understand each fund's financial
performance in recent years. The figures in the first part of each table are for
a single share. The total return figures represent the percentage that an
investor in a particular fund would have earned (or lost), assuming all
dividends and distributions were reinvested. This information has been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP (except Kemper Global Discovery Fund, which has been
audited by Pricewaterhouse-Coopers LLP), whose reports, along with each fund's
financial statements, are included in that fund's annual report (see
"Shareholder reports" on the back cover).
Kemper Asian Growth Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended November 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $5.41 $6.65 $10.04 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.01)(b) .11 .08 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investment transactions 2.65 (1.27) (3.47) .54
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.64 (1.16) (3.39) .54
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment
income -- (.08) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.05 $5.41 $6.65 $10.04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (d) 48.80(c) (17.66)(c) (33.76)(c) 5.68**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period ($
thousands) 12,685 4,047 3,549 827
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses before expense
reductions (%) 3.35 2.65 2.62 1.46*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses after expense
reductions (%) 1.76 1.80 1.60 1.46*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
(%) (.17) 2.05 .97 .74*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 80 131 155 74*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period from October 21, 1996 (commencement of operations) to
November 30, 1996.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
(d) Total return does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
53 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended November 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $5.34 $6.58 $10.03 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.02)(b) .06 -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investment transactions 2.59 (1.28) (3.45) .53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.57 (1.22) (3.45) .53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment
income -- (.02) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $7.91 $5.34 $6.58 $10.03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (d) 48.13(c) (18.65)(c)(34.40)(c)5.58**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period ($
thousands) 8,674 3,035 2,545 941
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses before expense
reductions (%) 4.25 4.29 3.51 2.34*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses after expense
reductions (%) 1.91 2.78 2.57 2.34*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
(%) (.32) 1.07 -- (.14)*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 80 131 155 74*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period from October 21, 1996 (commencement of operations) to
November 30, 1996.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
(d) Total return does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
54 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended November 30, 1999 1998 1997 1996(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $5.35 $6.60 $10.03 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.08)(b) .05 -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investment transactions 2.56 (1.28) (3.43) .53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.48 (1.23) (3.43) .53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment
income -- (.02) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $7.83 $5.35 $6.60 $10.03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (d) 46.36(c) (18.72)(c)(34.20)(c)5.58**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period ($
thousands) 1,182 334 304 180
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses, before expense
reductions (%) 5.17 4.56 3.55 2.34*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses, after expense
reductions (%) 2.81 2.71 2.54 2.34*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
(%) (1.22) 1.14 .03 (.14)*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 80 131 155 74*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period from October 21, 1996 (commencement of operations) to
November 30, 1996.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been
reduced.
(d) Total return does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
55 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $7.80 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.02)(a) .03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.71 (1.73)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.69 (1.70)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $9.49 $7.80
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 21.67 (17.89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 10.23 22.38
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 2.19 2.28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.22) .40
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $7.74 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment loss (.09)(a) (.01)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.68 (1.75)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.59 (1.76)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $9.33 $7.74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 20.54 (18.53)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 11.25 24.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 3.06 3.18
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.93) (.50)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Per share data was determined based on average shares outstanding.
(b) For the period from January 9, 1998 (commencement of operations) to October
31, 1998.
56 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $7.76 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.10)(a) .03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.69 (1.71)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.59 (1.74)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $9.35 $7.76
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 20.49 (18.32)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 11.55 24.03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 3.03 3.15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (1.13) (.47)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental data for all classes
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period $3,493,300 1,771,222
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (annualized) (%) 78 69
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Per share data was determined based on average shares outstanding.
(b) For the period from January 9, 1998 (commencement of operations) to October
31, 1998.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. has agreed to temporarily waive its management fee and
absorb certain operating expenses of the fund.
57 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.21 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .03(a) .05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain 1.64 .66
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.67 .71
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $11.88 $10.21
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 16.26 7.47
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses before expense reductions (%) 3.35 6.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 1.80 1.80
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) .24 .92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.13 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.07)(a) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain 1.61 .63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.54 .63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $11.67 $10.13
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 15.10 6.63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses before expense reductions (%) 4.54 7.69
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 2.68 2.68
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.64) .04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Per share data was determined based on monthly average shares outstanding
during the period.
(b) For the period ended December 31, 1997 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1998.
58 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.14 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.07) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain 1.62 .64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.55 .64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $11.69 $10.14
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 15.19 6.74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses before expense reductions (%) 4.85 7.66
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 2.65 2.65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.61) .07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental data for all classes
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period $22,977,660 9,539,623
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (annualized) (%) 68 84
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Per share data was determined based on monthly average shares outstanding
during the period.
(b) For the period ended December 31, 1997 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1998.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. has agreed to temporarily waive its management fee and
absorb certain operating expenses of the fund. The Ratios to Average Net Assets
are computed without this expense waiver or absorption.
59 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper Global Discovery Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $19.78 $23.98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (b) (.24) (.09)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 8.51 (4.11)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 8.27 (4.20)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $28.05 $19.78
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (c)(d) 41.61 (17.51)**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 55 11
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses to average daily net assets
(%) 2.01 1.95*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses, before expense reductions,
to average daily net assets (%) 2.26 2.20*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income to average daily
net assets (%) (.98) (1.00)*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 64 41
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period April 16, 1998 (commencement of sales of Class A shares) to
October 31, 1998.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
(d) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
60 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $19.70 $23.98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (b) (.43) (.18)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 8.42 (4.10)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 7.99 (4.28)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $27.69 $19.70
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (c)(d) 40.43 (17.85)**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 27 6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses to average daily net assets
(%) 2.83 2.83*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses, before expense reductions,
to average daily net assets (%) 3.44 3.13*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income to average daily
net assets (%) (1.81) (1.87)*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 64 41
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period April 16, 1998 (commencement of sales of Class B shares) to
October 31, 1998.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
(d) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
61 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $19.70 $23.98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (b) (.43) (.17)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 8.44 (4.11)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 8.01 (4.28)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $27.71 $19.70
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (c)(d) 40.41 (17.85)**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 8 2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses to average daily net assets
(%) 2.80 2.80*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses, before expense reductions,
to average daily net assets (%) 3.00 3.23*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income to average daily
net assets (%) (1.79) (1.88)*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 64 41
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period April 16, 1998 (commencement of sales of Class C shares) to
October 31, 1998.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
(d) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
62 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper Global Income Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended December 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning
of period $8.94 $8.58 $8.97 $9.05 $8.55
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) .32(a) .37(a) .48(a) .52(a) .61
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions (.88) .50 (.33) (.02) 1.05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations (.56) .87 .15 .50 1.66
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.13) (.40) (.47) (.58) (1.16)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax return of capital (.27) (.11) (.07) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.40) (.51) (.54) (.58) (1.16)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $7.98 $8.94 $8.58 $8.97 $9.05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (b) (6.38) 10.48 1.80 5.87 19.89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
($ in thousands) 49,407 69,913 72,145 86,240 102,988
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses before
expense reductions (%) 1.68 1.58 1.32 1.48 1.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses after
expense reductions (%) 1.67 1.58 1.32 1.48 1.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) (%) 3.80 4.31 5.56 5.77 6.43
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 165 313 283 276 220
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
63 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended December 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning
of period $8.96 $8.60 $9.00 $9.09 $8.56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) .26(a) .31(a) .41(a) .46(a) .56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions (.88) .49 (.33) (.02) 1.05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations (.62) .80 .08 .44 1.61
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.11) (.34) (.42) (.53) (1.08)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax return of capital (.23) (.10) (.06) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.34) (.44) (.48) (.53) (1.08)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.00 $8.96 $8.60 $9.00 $9.09
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (b) (6.98) 9.56 1.03 5.11 19.21
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
($ in thousands) 6,955 12,536 25,735 44,678 49,692
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses before
expense reductions (%) 2.37 2.32 2.18 2.14 1.98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses after
expense reductions (%) 2.36 2.32 2.18 2.14 1.98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) (%) 3.11 3.57 4.70 5.11 5.79
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 165 313 283 276 220
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
64 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended December 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning
of period $8.99 $8.62 $9.02 $9.09 $8.56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) .27(a) .32(a) .42(a) .48(a) .57
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions (.90) .49 (.33) (.02) 1.05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations (.63) .81 .09 .46 1.62
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.11) (.34) (.43) (.53) (1.09)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax return of capital (.24) (.10) (.06) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.35) (.44) (.49) (.53) (1.09)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.01 $8.99 $8.62 $9.02 $9.09
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (b) (7.06) 9.72 1.09 5.31 19.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
($ in thousands) 1,340 2,346 1,149 821 253
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses before
expense reductions (%) 2.32 2.13 2.11 2.06 2.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses after
expense reductions (%) 2.31 2.13 2.11 2.06 2.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) (%) 3.16 3.76 4.77 5.19 5.71
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 165 313 283 276 220
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
65 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper International Fund
Class A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of year $12.10 $12.68 $11.96 $10.59 $11.13
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.01) .04 -- .04 .07
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain 2.57 .01 1.52 1.50 .05
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.56 .05 1.52 1.54 .12
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net
investment income -- (.08) (.12) (.12) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net
realized gain (1.81) (.55) (.68) (.05) (.66)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends (1.81) (.63) (.80) (.17) (.66)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year $12.85 $12.10 $12.68 $11.96 $10.59
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) 23.47(a) .45 13.49 14.70 1.69
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions
(%) 1.59 1.64 1.57 1.64 1.57
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 1.59 1.64 1.57 1.64 1.57
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.12) .36 .16 .34 .83
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class B
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of year $11.90 $12.50 $11.81 $10.46 $11.09
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.11) (.08) (.12) (.06) (.02)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain 2.52 .03 1.51 1.47 .05
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.41 (.05) 1.39 1.41 .03
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net
investment income -- -- (.02) (.01) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net
realized gain (1.81) (.55) (.68) (.05) (.66)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends (1.81) (.55) (.70) (.06) (.66)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $12.50 $11.90 $12.50 $11.81 $10.46
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) 22.50(a) (.37) 12.32 13.59 .84
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense
reductions (%) 2.44 2.62 2.57 2.53 2.50
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 2.43 2.62 2.57 2.53 2.50
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.96) (.62) (.84) (.55) (.10)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) If the Advisor had not reimbursed the fund, the total return for the
year ended October 31, 1999 would have been lower.
67 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.91 $12.51 $11.81 $10.46 $11.09
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (.10) (.08) (.09) (.06) (.02)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain 2.51 .03 1.49 1.47 .05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.41 (.05) 1.40 1.41 .03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net
investment income -- -- (.02) (.01) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net
realized gain (1.81) (.55) (.68) (.05) (.66)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends (1.81) (.55) (.70) (.06) (.66)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $12.51 $11.91 $12.51 $11.81 $10.46
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) 22.49(a) (.37) 12.45 13.59 .84
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense
reductions (%) 2.33 2.55 2.49 2.50 2.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 2.32 2.55 2.49 2.50 2.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.85) (.55) (.76) (.52) (.10)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental data for all classes
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of year
(in thousands) $658,211 604,684 588,069 472,243 364,708
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 140 105 76 104 114
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) If the Advisor had not reimbursed the fund, the total return for the year
ended October 31, 1999 would have been lower.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. Per share
data were determined based on average shares outstanding for the years ended
1995, 1996 and 1998, respectively.
68 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper Latin America Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $7.31 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .07 .06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) .80 (2.25)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .87 (2.19)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution from net investment income (.06) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.12 $7.31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 12.01 (23.05)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 9.16 12.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 2.19 2.21
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (%) .87 1.38
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $7.26 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.01) .04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) .81 (2.28)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .80 (2.24)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.06 $7.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 11.02 (23.58)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 9.93 14.38
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 3.06 3.09
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (%) (.13) .50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Per share data was determined based on monthly average shares outstanding
during the period.
(b) For the period from December 31, 1997 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1998.
69 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $7.26 $9.50
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income -- .04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) .80 (2.28)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .80 (2.24)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.06 $7.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) 11.02 (23.58)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, before expense reductions (%) 10.73 14.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net (%) 3.04 3.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (%) (.02) .53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental data for all classes
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999(a) 1998(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period $2,462,031 1,460,498
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 76 55
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Per share data was determined based on monthly average shares outstanding
during the period.
(b) For the period from December 31, 1997 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1998.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. has agreed to temporarily waive its management fee and
absorb certain operating expenses of the fund.
70 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Kemper New Europe Fund
Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $14.27
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (b) (.03)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain .63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .60
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $14.87
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) (c) 4.20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (%) 1.63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (1.21)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $13.91
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (b) (.05)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain .63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .58
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $14.49
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) (c) 4.17
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (%) 2.36
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (1.95)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period September 3, 1999 (commencement of Class) to October 31,
1999.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total investment returns reflect changes in net asset value per share during
each period and assume that dividends and capital gains distributions, if
any, were reinvested.
71 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class C
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $14.02
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (b) (.04)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain .64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .60
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $14.62
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (not annualized) (%) (c) 4.28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets (annualized)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (%) 2.40
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (1.99)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) For the period September 3, 1999 (commencement of Class) to October 31,
1999.
(b) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total investment returns reflect changes in net asset value per share during
each period and assume that dividends and capital gains distributions, if
any, were reinvested.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. Prior to
September 3, 1999, the fund operated as a closed-end investment company. On
September 3, 1999, the fund became an open-end investment company and offered
three additional classes of shares.
72 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Class M
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning
of period $22.23 $19.96 $16.60 $13.24 $11.61
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (a) (.00)(c) (.00) (.01) .05 .05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions 4.62 4.47 3.43 3.36 1.58
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 4.62 4.47 3.42 3.41 1.63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (.03) (.09) (.06) (.05) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gains on
investment transactions (6.36) (2.11) -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (6.39) (2.20) (.06) (.05) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees .13 -- -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $20.59 $22.23 $19.96 $16.60 $13.24
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per share net asset value (%)
(b)(d) 27.95 27.70 20.66 25.92 14.04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (%) 1.68(e) 1.41 1.49 1.51 1.62
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (%) (.00) (.01) (.03) .31 .39
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental data for all classes
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at end of period ($
millions) $295 359 320 266 213
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 57.8 41.4 44.7 35.3 32.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total investment returns reflect changes in net asset value per share during
each period and assume that dividends and capital gains distributions, if
any, were reinvested.
(c) Net investment income per share includes non-recurring dividend income
amounting to $.08 per share.
(d) The performance of Class M shares reflects performance of the fund in
closed-end form. The fund's performance may have been lower if it had
operated as an open-end fund during these periods.
(e) Includes reorganization expense ratio of .20%.
Note: Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
73 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
Investing In The Funds
The following pages tell you about many of the services, choices and benefits of
being a Kemper Funds shareholder. You'll also find information on how to check
the status of your account using the method that's most convenient for you.
You can find out more about the topics covered here by speaking with your
financial representative or a representative of your workplace retirement plan
or other investment provider.
<PAGE>
Choosing A Share Class
In this prospectus, there are three share classes for each fund. Each class has
its own fees and expenses, offering you a choice of cost structures.
For Kemper New Europe Fund, Class M shares represent the initial shares of the
fund and are no longer offered. Class M shares are not subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge or a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee. Class M shares are
subject to a 2% fee on all redemptions (including redemptions in kind) and
exchanges. Class M shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on
September 3, 2000.
Before you invest, take a moment to look over the characteristics of each share
class, so that you can be sure to choose the class that's right for you. You may
want to ask your financial representative to help you with this decision.
We describe each share class in detail on the following pages. But first, you
may want to look at the table below, which gives you a brief comparison of the
main features of each class.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classes and features Points to help you compare
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
o Sales charges of up to 5.75%, o Some investors may be able to
charged when you buy shares reduce or eliminate their sales
charges; see page 84
o In most cases, no charges when you
sell shares o Total annual expenses are lower
than those for Class B or Class C
o No distribution fee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
o No charges when you buy shares o The deferred sales charge rate
falls to zero after six years
o Deferred sales charge of up to
4.00%, charged when you sell shares o Shares automatically convert to
you bought within the last six years Class A six years after purchase,
which means lower annual expenses
o 0.75% distribution fee going forward
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
o No charges when you buy shares o The deferred sales charge rate is
lower, but your shares never convert
o Deferred sales charge of 1.00%, to Class A, so annual expenses
charged when you sell shares you remain higher
bought within the last year
o 0.75% distribution fee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75 | Choosing A Share Class
<PAGE>
Class A shares
Class A shares have a sales charge that varies with the amount you invest:
All funds except Kemper Global Income Fund
Sales charge Sales charge
as a % of as a % of your
Your investment offering price net investment
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Up to $50,000 5.75% 6.10%
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$50,000-$99,999 4.50 4.71
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$100,000-$249,999 3.50 3.63
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$250,000-$499,999 2.60 2.67
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$500,000-$999,999 2.00 2.04
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$1 million or more See page 85
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Kemper Global Income Fund
Sales charge Sales charge
as a % of as a % of your
Your investment offering price net investment
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Up to $100,000 4.50% 4.71%
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$100,000-$249,999 3.50 3.63
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$250,000-$499,999 2.60 2.67
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$500,000-$999,999 2.00 2.04
- ---------------------------------------------------------
$1 million or more See page 85
- ---------------------------------------------------------
The offering price includes the sales charge.
76 | Choosing A Share Class
<PAGE>
You may be able to lower your Class A sales charges if:
o you plan to invest at least $50,000 ($100,000 for Kemper Global Income
Fund) over the next 24 months ("letter of intent")
o the amount of Kemper shares you already own (including shares in
certain other Kemper funds) plus the amount you're investing now is at
least $50,000 ($100,000 for Kemper Global Income Fund) ("cumulative
discount")
o you are investing a total of $50,000 ($100,000 for Kemper Global Income
Fund) or more in several Kemper funds at once ("combined purchases")
The point of these three features is to let you count investments made at other
times for purposes of calculating your present sales charge. Any time you can
use the privileges to "move" your investment into a lower sales charge category
in the table above, it's generally beneficial for you to do so. You can take
advantage of these methods by filling in the appropriate sections of your
application or by speaking with your financial representative.
77 | Choosing A Share Class
<PAGE>
You may be able to buy Class A shares without sales charges when you are:
o reinvesting dividends or distributions
o investing through certain workplace retirement plans
o participating in an investment advisory program under which you pay a
fee to an investment advisor or other firm for portfolio management
services
There are a number of additional provisions that apply in order to be eligible
for a sales charge waiver. The fund may waive the sales charges for investors in
other situations as well. Your financial representative or Kemper can answer
your questions and help you determine if you are eligible.
If you're investing $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or through one of
the sales charge reduction features described on the previous page, you may be
eligible to buy Class A shares without sales charges. However, you may be
charged a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% on any shares you
sell within the first year of owning them, and a similar charge of 0.50% on
shares you sell within the second year of owning them. This CDSC is waived under
certain circumstances (see "Policies You Should Know About"). Your financial
representative or Kemper can answer your questions and help you determine if
you're eligible.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares may make sense for long-term investors, especially those who are
eligible for reduced or eliminated sales charges.
78 | Choosing A Share Class
<PAGE>
Class B shares
With Class B shares, you pay no up-front sales charges to the fund. Class B
shares do have a 12b-1 plan, under which a distribution fee of 0.75% is deducted
from fund assets each year. This means the annual expenses for Class B shares
are somewhat higher (and their performance correspondingly lower) compared to
Class A shares, which don't have a 12b-1 fee. After six years, Class B shares
automatically convert to Class A, which has the net effect of lowering the
annual expenses from the seventh year on.
Class B shares have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC). This charge
declines over the years you own shares, and disappears completely after six
years of ownership. But for any shares you sell within those six years, you may
be charged as follows:
Year after you bought shares CDSC on shares you sell
- -----------------------------------------------------------
First year 4.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Second or third year 3.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Fourth or fifth year 2.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Sixth year 1.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Seventh year and later None
(automatic conversion to
Class A)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
This CDSC is waived under certain circumstances (see "Policies You Should Know
About"). Your financial representative or Kemper can answer your questions and
help you determine if you're eligible.
While Class B shares don't have any front-end sales charges, their higher annual
expenses (due to 12b-1 fees) mean that over the years you could end up paying
more than the equivalent of the maximum allowable front-end sales charge.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares are designed for long-term investors who prefer to see all of
their investment go to work right away, and can accept somewhat higher annual
expenses.
79 | Choosing A Share Class
<PAGE>
Class C shares
Like Class B shares, Class C shares have no up-front sales charges and have a
12b-1 plan under which a distribution fee of 0.75% is deducted from fund assets
each year. Because of this fee, the annual expenses for Class C shares are
similar to those of Class B shares, but higher than those for Class A shares
(and the performance of Class C shares is correspondingly lower than that of
Class A).
Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares do NOT automatically convert to Class A
after six years, so they continue to have higher annual expenses.
Class C shares have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), but only on
shares you sell within one year of buying them:
Year after you bought shares CDSC on shares you sell
- ----------------------------------------------------------
First year 1.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Second year and later None
- ----------------------------------------------------------
This CDSC is waived under certain circumstances (see "Policies You Should Know
About"). Your financial representative or Kemper can answer your questions and
help you determine if you're eligible.
While Class C shares don't have any front-end sales charges, their higher annual
expenses (due to 12b-1 fees) mean that over the years you could end up paying
more than the equivalent of the maximum allowable front-end sales charge.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C shares may appeal to investors who plan to sell shares within six years
of buying them, or who aren't certain of their investment time horizon.
80 | Choosing A Share Class
<PAGE>
How to Buy Shares
Once you've chosen a share class, use these instructions to make investments.
Make out any checks to "Kemper Funds."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First investment Additional investments
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000 or more for regular accounts $100 or more for regular accounts
$250 or more for IRAs $50 or more for IRAs
$50 or more with an Automatic
Investment Plan
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through a financial representative
o Contact your representative using o Contact your representative using
the method that's most convenient for the method that's most convenient
you for you
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail or express mail (see below)
o Fill out and sign an application o Send a check and a Kemper
investment slip to us at the
o Send it to us at the appropriate appropriate address below
address, along with an investment
check o If you don't have an investment
slip, simply include a letter with
your name, account number, the full
name of the fund and the share class
and your investment instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By wire
o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone
- -- o Call (800) 621-1048 for
instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an automatic investment plan
- -- o To set up regular investments,
call (800) 621-1048
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the Internet
o Follow the instructions at o Follow the instructions at
www.kemper.com www.kemper.com
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular mail: Kemper Funds, PO Box 219415, Kansas City, MO 64121-9415
Express, registered or certified mail:
Kemper Service Company, 811 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64105-2005
Fax number: (800) 818-7526 (for exchanging and selling only)
81 | How to Buy Shares
<PAGE>
How to Exchange Or Sell Shares
Use these instructions to exchange or sell shares in your account.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchanging into another fund Selling shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000 or more to open a new account Some transactions, including most
for over $50,000, can only be
$100 or more for exchanges between ordered in writing with a signature
existing accounts guarantee; if you're in doubt, see
page 92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through a financial representative
o Contact your representative by the o Contact your representative by
method that's most convenient the method that's most convenient
for you for you
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone or wire
o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions o Call (800) 621-1048 for instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail, express mail or fax
(see previous page)
Write a letter that includes:
Write a letter that includes:
o the fund, class and account
o the fund, class and account number number from which you want to sell
you're exchanging out of shares
o the dollar amount or number of o the dollar amount or number of
shares you want to exchange shares you want to sell
o the name and class of the fund you o your name(s), signature(s) and
want to exchange into address, as they appear on your
account
o your name(s), signature(s) and
address, as they appear on your account o a daytime telephone number
o a daytime telephone number
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With a systematic exchange plan With a systematic withdrawal plan
o To set up regular exchanges from a o To set up regular cash payments
Kemper fund account, call from a Kemper fund account, call
(800) 621-1048 (800) 621-1048
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the Internet
o Follow the instructions at o Follow the instructions at
www.kemper.com www.kemper.com
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82 | How to Exchange or Sell Shares
<PAGE>
Policies You Should Know About
Along with the instructions on the previous pages, the policies below may affect
you as a shareholder.
If you are investing through an investment provider, check the materials you
received from them. As a general rule, you should follow the information in
those materials wherever it contradicts the information given here. Please note
that an investment provider may charge its own fees.
Policies about transactions
The funds are open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Each fund calculates its share price every business day, as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange (typically 3 p.m. Central time, but sometimes
earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions
of trading).
You can place an order to buy or sell shares at any time. Once your order is
received by Kemper Service Company, and they have determined that it is a "good
order," it will be processed at the next share price calculated.
Because orders placed through investment providers must be forwarded to Kemper
Service Company before they can be processed, you'll need to allow extra time. A
representative of your investment provider should be able to tell you when your
order will be processed.
KemperACCESS, the Kemper Automated Information Line, is available 24 hours a day
by calling (800) 972-3060. You can use Kemper ACCESS to get information on
Kemper funds generally and on accounts held directly at Kemper. You can also use
it to make exchanges and sell shares.
83 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
EXPRESS-Transfer lets you set up a link between a Kemper account and a bank
account. Once this link is in place, you can move money between the two with a
phone call. You'll need to make sure your bank has Automated Clearing House
(ACH) services. Transactions take two to three days to be completed, and there
is a $100 minimum. To set up EXPRESS-Transfer on a new account, see the account
application; to add it to an existing account, call (800) 621-1048.
Share certificates are available on written request. However, we don't recommend
them unless you want them for a specific purpose, because they can only be sold
by mailing them in, and if they're ever lost they're difficult and expensive to
replace.
When you call us to sell shares, we may record the call, ask you for certain
information or take other steps designed to prevent fraudulent orders. It's
important to understand that, with respect to certain pre-authorized privileges,
as long as we take reasonable steps to ensure that an order appears genuine, we
are not responsible for any losses that may occur.
When you ask us to send or receive a wire, please note that while we don't
charge a fee to send or receive wires, it's possible that your bank may do so.
Wire transactions are normally completed within 24 hours. The funds can only
send or accept wires of $1,000 or more.
Exchanges among Kemper funds are an option for most shareholders. Exchanges are
a shareholder privilege, not a right: we may reject any exchange order,
particularly when there appears to be a pattern of "market timing" or other
frequent purchases and sales. We may also reject or limit purchase orders, for
these or other reasons.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Kemper Web site can be a valuable resource for shareholders with Internet
access. Go to www.kemper.com to get up-to-date information, review balances or
even place orders for exchanges.
84 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
When you want to sell more than $50,000 worth of shares, or send the proceeds to
a third party or to a new address, you'll usually need to place your order in
writing and include a signature guarantee. The only exception is if you want
money wired to a bank account that is already on file with us; in that case, you
don't need a signature guarantee. Also, you don't need a signature guarantee for
an exchange, although we may require one in certain other circumstances.
A signature guarantee is simply a certification of your signature -- a valuable
safeguard against fraud. You can get a signature guarantee from most brokers,
banks, savings institutions and credit unions. Note that you can't get a
signature guarantee from a notary public.
When you sell shares that have a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), we
calculate the CDSC as a percentage of what you paid for the shares or what you
are selling them for -- whichever results in the lowest charge to you. In
processing orders to sell shares, we turn to the shares with the lowest CDSC
first. Exchanges from one Kemper fund into another don't affect CDSCs: for each
investment you make, the date you first bought Kemper shares is the date we use
to calculate a CDSC on that particular investment.
There are certain cases in which you may be exempt from a CDSC. These include:
o the death or disability of an account owner (including a joint owner)
o withdrawals made through a systematic withdrawal plan
o withdrawals related to certain retirement or benefit plans
o redemptions for certain loan advances, hardship provisions or returns
of excess contributions from retirement plans
o For Class A shares purchased through the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege, redemption of shares whose dealer of record at the time of
the investment notifies Kemper Distributors that the dealer is waiving
the applicable commission.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you ever have difficulty placing an order by phone or fax, you can always
send us your order in writing.
85 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
In each of these cases, there are a number of additional provisions that apply
in order to be eligible for a CDSC waiver. Your financial representative or
Kemper can answer your questions and help you determine if you are eligible.
If you sell shares in a Kemper fund and then decide to invest with Kemper again
within six months, you can take advantage of the "reinstatement feature." With
this feature, you can put your money back into the same class of a Kemper fund
at its current NAV and for purposes of sales charges it will be treated as if it
had never left Kemper. You'll also be reimbursed (in the form of fund shares)
for any CDSC you paid when you sold your shares. Future CDSC calculations will
be based on your original investment date, rather than your reinstatement date.
There is also an option that lets investors who sold Class B shares buy Class A
shares with no sales charge, although they won't be reimbursed for any CDSC they
paid. You can only use the reinstatement feature once for any given group of
shares. To take advantage of this feature, contact Kemper or your financial
representative.
Money from shares you sell is normally sent out within one business day of when
your order is processed, although it could be delayed for up to seven days.
There are also two circumstances when it could be longer: when you are selling
shares you bought recently by check and that check hasn't cleared yet (maximum
delay: 10 days) or when unusual circumstances prompt the SEC to allow further
delays. Certain expedited redemption processes may also be delayed when you are
selling recently purchased shares.
86 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
Redemption Fee (Class M shares)
Upon the redemption or exchange of Class M shares of the fund (including
redemptions in kind) until September 3, 2000, a fee of 2% of the current net
asset value of the shares will be assessed and retained by the fund for the
benefit of the remaining shareholders. This fee is intended to discourage short
term trading in a vehicle intended for long term investment, to avoid
transaction and other expenses caused by early redemptions and to facilitate
portfolio management. The fee is not a deferred sales charge and is not a
commission paid to the investment manager or its subsidiaries. The fund reserves
the right to modify the terms of or terminate this fee at any time.
The fee applies to all redemptions from the fund and exchanges to other Kemper
Funds by Class M shareholders. The fee is applied to the shares being redeemed
or exchanged in the order in which they were purchased.
87 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
How the funds calculate share price
For each fund in this prospectus, the price at which you buy shares is as
follows:
Class A shares -- net asset value per share, or NAV, adjusted to allow for any
applicable sales charges (see "Choosing A Share Class")
Class B, Class C and Class M shares -- net asset value per share, or NAV
To calculate NAV, each share class of each fund uses the following equation:
TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
-------------------------------------- = NAV
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
For each fund and share class in this prospectus, the price at which you sell
shares is also the NAV, although for Class B and Class C investors a contingent
deferred sales charge may be taken out of the proceeds (see "Choosing A Share
Class").
We typically use market prices to value securities. However, when a market price
isn't available, or when we have reason to believe it doesn't represent market
realities, we may use fair value methods approved by a fund's Board. In such a
case, the fund's value for a security is likely to be different from quoted
market prices.
Because each fund invests in securities that are traded primarily in foreign
markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you aren't able
to buy or sell fund shares. This is because some foreign markets are open on
days when the fund doesn't price its shares.
88 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
Other rights we reserve
For each fund in this prospectus, you should be aware that we may do any of the
following:
o withhold 31% of your distributions as federal income tax if we have
been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, or
if you fail to provide us with a correct taxpayer ID number or
certification that you are exempt from backup withholding
o reject a new account application if you don't provide a correct Social
Security or other tax ID number; if the account has already been
opened, we may give you 30 days' notice to provide the correct number
o charge you $9 each calendar quarter if your account balance is below
$1,000 for the entire quarter; this policy doesn't apply to most
retirement accounts or if you have an automatic investment plan
o pay you for shares you sell by "redeeming in kind," that is, by giving
you marketable securities (which typically will involve brokerage costs
for you to liquidate) rather than cash; with respect to Kemper Asian
Growth Fund, Global Discovery Fund, Kemper Global Income Fund and
Kemper New Europe Fund, the funds generally won't make a redemption in
kind unless your requests over a 90-day period total more than $250,000
or 1%, whichever is less, of a portfolio's net assets; the other funds
may make similar arrangements
89 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
o prior to September 3, 2000, all redemptions of Kemper New Europe Fund
Class M shares that total more than $500,000 over a 90-day period will
be paid in kind; in addition to paying the usual 2% redemption fee,
shareholders that are subject to redemption in kind may bear additional
expenses greater than 1% of the value of the shares redeemed, and must
submit their redemption request in writing using a form available from
Kemper Service Company
o change, add or withdraw various services, fees and account policies
(for example, we may change or terminate the exchange privilege at any
time)
90 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
Understanding Distributions And Taxes
By law, a mutual fund is required to pass through to its shareholders virtually
all of its net earnings. A fund can earn money in two ways: by receiving
interest, dividends or other income from securities it holds, and by selling
securities for more than it paid for them. (A fund's earnings are separate from
any gains or losses stemming from your own purchase of shares.) A fund may not
always pay a distribution for a given period.
The funds intend to pay dividends and distributions to their shareholders in
November or December, and if necessary may do so at other times as well.
You can choose how to receive your dividends and distributions. You can have
them all automatically reinvested in fund shares (at NAV), all sent to you by
check, have one type reinvested and the other sent to you by check or have them
invested in a different fund. Tell us your preference on your application. If
you don't indicate a preference, your dividends and distributions will all be
reinvested without sales charges. For retirement plans, reinvestment is the only
option.
Buying and selling fund shares will usually have tax consequences for you
(except in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). Your sales of shares may
result in a capital gain or loss for you; whether long-term or short-term
depends on how long you owned the shares. For tax purposes, an exchange is the
same as a sale.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because each shareholder's tax situation is unique, ask your tax professional
about the tax consequences of your investments, including any state and local
tax consequences.
91 | Understanding Distributions And Taxes
<PAGE>
The tax status of the fund earnings you receive, and your own fund transactions,
generally depends on their type:
Generally taxed at ordinary income rates
- -------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- -------------------------------------------------------
o income dividends you receive from a fund
- -------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains distributions received from a
fund
- -------------------------------------------------------
Generally taxed at capital gains rates
- -------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- -------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains distributions received from a
fund
- -------------------------------------------------------
You may be able to claim a tax credit or deduction for your share of any foreign
taxes your fund pays.
Your fund will send you detailed tax information every January. These statements
tell you the amount and the tax category of any dividends or distributions you
received. They also have certain details on your purchases and sales of shares.
The tax status of dividends and distributions is the same whether you reinvest
them or not. Dividends or distributions declared in the last quarter of a given
year are taxed in that year, even though you may not receive the money until the
following January.
If you invest right before the fund pays a dividend, you'll be getting some of
your investment back as a taxable dividend. You can avoid this, if you want, by
investing after the fund declares a dividend. In tax-advantaged retirement
accounts you don't need to worry about this.
Corporations may be able to take a dividends- received deduction for a portion
of income dividends they receive.
92 | Understanding Distributions And Taxes
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
To Get More Information
Shareholder reports -- These include commentary from each fund's management team
about recent market conditions and the effects of a fund's strategies on its
performance. For each fund, they also have detailed performance figures, a list
of everything the fund owns, and the fund's financial statements. Shareholders
get these reports automatically. To reduce costs, we mail one copy per
household. For more copies, call (800) 621-1048.
Statements of Additional Information (SAIs) -- These tell you more about each
fund's features and policies, including additional risk information. The SAIs
are incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that they are legally
part of this prospectus).
If you'd like to ask for copies of these documents, or if you're a shareholder
and have questions, please contact Kemper or the SEC (see below). Materials you
get from Kemper are free; those from the SEC involve a copying fee. If you like,
you can look over these materials in person at the SEC's Public Reference Room
in Washington, DC or request them electronically at [email protected].
SEC
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549-0102
www.sec.gov
Tel (202) 942-8090
Kemper Funds
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
www.kemper.com
Tel (800) 621-1048
SEC File Numbers
Kemper Asian Growth Fund 811-7731
Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund 811-08395
Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund 811-08395
Global Discovery Fund 811-4670
Kemper Global Income Fund 811-5829
Kemper International Fund 811-3136
Kemper Latin America Fund 811-08395
Kemper New Europe Fund 811-5969
Principal Underwriter
Kemper Distributors, Inc.
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
www.kemper.com E-mail
[email protected] Tel (800) 621-1048
[LOGO] KEMPER FUNDS
Long-term investing in short-term world(SM)
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KEMPER GLOBAL/ INTERNATIONAL SERIES, INC.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 2000
Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund ("Global Blue Chip Fund")
Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund ("Emerging Markets Growth Fund")
Kemper Latin America Fund ("Latin America Fund")
222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606
1-800-621-1048
This combined Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It is the
Statement of Additional Information for each of the Funds listed above (the
"Funds"), each a series of Kemper Global/International Series, Inc. (the
"Corporation"), an open-end management investment company. It should be read in
conjunction with the combined prospectus of the Funds dated March 1, 2000. A
prospectus may be obtained without charge from the Funds, and is also available,
along with other related materials, on the Securities and Exchange Commission's
's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS........................................................2
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS........................................................29
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND UNDERWRITER............................................30
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASEOF SHARES..................................38
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES............................................52
RETIREMENT PLANS..............................................................57
PERFORMANCE...................................................................58
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS........................................................60
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS............................................................65
APPENDIX -- RATINGS OF FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS...............................67
The financial statements appearing in each Fund's Annual Report to
Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference. Each Fund's Annual Report
dated October 31, 1999, which either accompanies this Statement of Additional
Information or has been previously provided to the investor to whom this
Statement of Additional Information is being sent, may be obtained without
charge upon request by calling 1-800-621-1048.
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as each Fund's
investment manager.
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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions which cannot
be changed without approval of a majority of its outstanding voting shares, as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). This
means the lesser of the vote of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund present at a
meeting where more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or
by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the outstanding
shares of the Fund.
Global Blue Chip Fund has elected to be classified as a diversified series of an
open-end management, investment company. Emerging Markets Growth Fund and Latin
America Fund are non-diversified series of an open-end management, investment
company.
As a matter of fundamental policy, each Fund will not:
a) borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act and as
interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction
from time to time;
b) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act and as
interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction,
from time to time;
c) purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
commodities;
d) engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others,
except to the extent that a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;
e) purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities
of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments
secured by real estate or interests therein, except that a Fund
reserves freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as
a result of the Fund's ownership of securities;
f) make loans except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as
interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction,
from time to time; or
g) concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is
used in the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later
increase or decrease in percentage beyond that specified limit resulting from a
change in values or net assets will not be considered a violation.
As a matter of nonfundamental policy, each Fund will not:
1. borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets, except (i)
for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or other investments or transactions
described in the Fund's registration statement which may be deemed to be
borrowings;
2. enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls in an
amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
3. purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i) short sales
against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage transactions, (iii) for
margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options or other
permitted investments, (iv) that transactions in futures contracts and
options shall not be deemed to constitute selling securities short, and (v)
that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for
the clearance of securities transactions;
4. purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all such options
held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of its total assets; or sell
put options, if as a result, the aggregate value of the obligations
underlying such put options would exceed 50% of its total assets;
5. enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon unless immediately
after the purchase, the value of the aggregate initial margin with respect
to such futures contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the
premiums paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5% of
the fair market value of the Fund's total assets; provided that in the case
of an option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money
amount may be excluded in computing the 5% limit;
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6. purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at the lower of
cost or market value, would represent more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets (for this purpose, warrants acquired in units or
attached to securities will be deemed to have no value); and
7. lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
GENERAL. Global Blue Chip Fundseeks long-term capital growth through a
diversified worldwide portfolio of marketable securities, primarily equity
securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and debt securities
convertible into common stocks. Emerging Markets Growth Fundseeks long-term
capital growth primarily through equity investment in emerging markets around
the globe. Latin America Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation
through investment primarily in the securities of Latin American issuers.
Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a particular
investment practice or technique in which a Fund may engage (such as short
selling, hedging, etc.) or a financial instrument which a Fund may purchase
(such as options, forward foreign currency contracts, etc.) are meant to
describe the spectrum of investments that the Adviser, in its discretion, might,
but is not required to, use in managing the Fund's portfolio assets. The Adviser
may, in its discretion, at any time, employ such practice, technique or
instrument for one or more funds but not for all funds advised by it.
Furthermore, it is possible that certain types of financial instruments or
investment techniques described herein may not be available, permissible,
economically feasible or effective for their intended purposes in all markets.
Certain practices, techniques, or instruments may not be principal activities of
a Fund but, to the extent employed, could, from time to time, have a material
impact on the Fund's performance.
Each Fund may engage in futures, options and other derivative transactions
("Strategic Transactions and Derivatives") in accordance with its respective
investment objectives and policies. Each such Fund intends to engage in such
transactions if it appears to the Adviser to be advantageous for the Fund to do
so in order to pursue its investment objective(s), to hedge against the effects
of fluctuation in interest rates, and also to hedge against the effects of
market risks, but not for leveraging purposes. The use of futures and options,
and possible benefits and attendant risks, are discussed below, along with
information concerning other investment policies and techniques to create
leveraged exposure in the Fund.
Global Blue Chip Fund. Global Blue Chip Fund seeks long-term capital growth
through a diversified worldwide portfolio of marketable securities, primarily
equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and debt securities
convertible into common stocks. The Fund invests in equity securities of
companies which are incorporated in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The Fund
will invest primarily in developed markets, with a maximum of 15% of the Fund's
total assets invested in emerging markets. It also may invest in the debt
securities of U.S. and foreign issuers. Income is an incidental consideration.
In pursuing its objective, the Fund will emphasize investments in common stocks
of large, well known companies. Companies of this general type are often
referred to as "Blue Chip" companies. While specific investment and financial
criteria may vary from market to market, Blue Chip companies around the world
are generally identified by the Adviser as having substantial capitalization,
established financial history, ready access to credit, good industry position
and superior management structure. While these companies may be among the
largest in their local markets, they may be small by the standards of U.S. stock
market capitalization. Global Blue Chip companies are believed to generally
exhibit less investment risk and less price volatility, on average, than
companies lacking these characteristics, such as smaller, less-seasoned
companies. In addition, the large market of publicly held shares for such
companies and the generally higher trading volume in those shares generally
result in a relatively high degree of liquidity for such investments.
The Fund invests in companies that the Adviser believes will benefit from global
economic trends, promising technologies or products and specific country
opportunities resulting from changing geopolitical, currency or economic
relationships. The Fund's global framework allows it to take advantage of
investment opportunities created by the growing integration of economies around
the world. The Fund offers investors access to opportunities wherever they
arise, without being constrained by location of a company's headquarters or the
trading market for its shares.
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It is expected that investments will be spread broadly around the world with an
emphasis on developed economies and capital markets. The Fund will usually be
invested in securities of issuers located in at least three countries, one of
which may be the U.S. The Fund may be invested 100% in non-U.S. issuers, and for
temporary defensive purposes may be invested 100% in U.S. issuers, although
under normal circumstances it is expected that both foreign and U.S. investments
will be represented in the Fund's portfolio. It is expected that investments
will include securities of companies of varying sizes, as measured by assets,
sales, income or market capitalization.
The Fund generally invests in equity securities of established companies listed
on U.S. or foreign securities exchanges, but also may invest in securities
traded over-the-counter. It also may invest in debt securities convertible into
common stock, and convertible and non-convertible preferred stock, and
fixed-income securities of governments, governmental agencies, supranational
agencies and companies when the Adviser believes the potential for appreciation
will equal or exceed that available from investments in equity securities. These
debt and fixed-income securities will be predominantly investment-grade
securities, that is, those rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investor Services,
Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
("S&P") or those of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser. The Fund
may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in debt securities rated Baa or
below by Moody's, or BBB or below by S&P or deemed by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality (commonly referred to as "high yield" or "junk" bonds).
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. In addition, fixed-income
securities may be held without limit for temporary defensive purposes when the
Adviser believes market conditions so warrant and for temporary investment. It
is impossible to accurately predict how long such alternative strategies may be
utilized. Similarly, the Fund may invest in cash equivalents (including domestic
and foreign money market instruments, such as bankers' acceptances, certificates
of deposit, commercial paper, short-term government and corporate obligations
and repurchase agreements) for temporary defensive purposes and for liquidity.
The Fund may invest in closed-end investment companies holding foreign
securities, as well as shares of closed-end investment companies that invest
primarily in emerging market debt securities. In addition, the Fund may engage
in strategic transactions, which may include derivatives.
The Fund may invest in REITs. REITs are sometimes informally characterized as
equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Investment in REITs may subject
the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, such as
decreases in real estate values, overbuilding, increased competition and other
risks related to local or general economic conditions, increases in operating
costs and property taxes, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation
losses, possible environmental liabilities, regulatory limitations on rent and
fluctuations in rental income. Equity REITs generally experience these risks
directly through fee or leasehold interests, whereas mortgage REITs generally
experience these risks indirectly through mortgage interests, unless the
mortgage REIT forecloses on the underlying real estate. Changes in interest
rates may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in REITs. For instance,
during periods of declining interest rates, certain mortgage REITs may hold
mortgages that the mortgagors elect to prepay, which prepayment may diminish the
yield on securities issued by those REITs.
Certain REITs have relatively small market capitalization, which may tend to
increase the volatility of the market price of their securities. Furthermore,
REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills, have limited
diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and
financing a limited number of projects. REITs are also subject toheavy cash flow
dependency, defaults by borrowers and the possibility of failing to qualify for
tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") and to maintain exemption from the registration
requirements of the 1940 Act. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund,
a shareholder will bear not only his or her proportionate share of the expenses
of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs. In addition,
REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make
distributions to shareholders. The value invested in REITs will not exceed 5% of
the value of the Fund's total assets.
Emerging Markets Growth Fund. Emerging Markets Growth Fund seeks long-term
capital growth primarily through equity investment in emerging markets around
the globe.
The Fund will invest in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, less developed
nations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, focusing investments in countries
and regions where there appear to be the best value and appreciation potential,
subject to considerations of portfolio diversification and liquidity. In the
opinion of the Adviser, many emerging nations around the globe are
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likely to continue to experience economic growth rates well in excess of those
found in the U.S., Japan and other developed markets. In the opinion of the
Adviser, this economic growth should translate into strong stock market
performance over the long term.
The Fund's net asset value can fluctuate significantly with changes in stock
market levels, political developments, movements in currencies, investment flows
and other factors.
At least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in the equity
securities of emerging market issuers. The Fund considers "emerging markets" to
include any country that is defined as an emerging or developing economy by any
one of the following: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(i.e., the World Bank), the International Finance Corporation or the United
Nations or its authorities. The Fund intends to allocate its investments among
issuers located in at least three countries at all times, and does not expect to
concentrate in any particular industry. There is no limitation, however, on the
amount the Fund can invest in a specific country or region of the world.
The Fund deems an issuer to be located in an emerging market if:
o the issuer is organized under the laws of an emerging market country;
o the issuer's principal securities trading market is in an emerging
market; or
o at least 50% of the issuer's non-current assets, capitalization, gross
revenue or profit in any one of the two most recent fiscal years is
derived (directly or indirectly through subsidiaries) from assets or
activities located in emerging markets.
The Fund's equity investments include common stock, preferred stock (either
convertible or non-convertible), depository receipts and warrants. Equity
securities may also be purchased through rights. Securities may be listed on
securities exchanges, traded over-the-counter, or have no organized market. The
Fund may invest in illiquid securities.
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in emerging market and
domestic debt securities if the Adviser determines that the capital appreciation
of debt securities is likely to equal or exceed the capital appreciation of
equity securities. Debt instruments held by the Fund take the form of bonds,
notes, bills, debentures, convertible securities, warrants, bank obligations,
short-term paper, loan participations, loan assignments, and trust interests.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
equity securities of issuers in the U.S. and other developed markets. In
evaluating the appropriateness of such investments for the Fund, the Adviser
takes into account the issuer's involvement in the emerging markets and the
potential impact of that involvement on business results. The Fund may also
purchase securities on a when-issued or forward delivery basis, and may engage
in various strategic transactions, including derivatives. In addition, to
maintain liquidity, the Fund may borrow from banks. The Fund does not expect to
borrow for investment purposes.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may hold, without limit, debt
instruments as well as cash and cash equivalents, including foreign and domestic
money market instruments, short-term government and corporate obligations, and
repurchase agreements. It is impossible to accurately predict for how long such
alternative strategies will be utilized. The Fund may also invest in closed-end
investment companies investing primarily in the emerging markets. Such
closed-end investment company investments will generally only be made when
market access or liquidity considerations restrict direct investment in the
market.
The Adviser takes a top-down approach to evaluating investments for the Fund,
using extensive fundamental and field research. The process begins with a study
of the economic fundamentals of each country and region as well as an
examination of regional themes such as growing trade, increases in direct
foreign investment and deregulation of capital markets. Understanding regional
themes allows the Adviser to identify the industries and companies most likely
to benefit from the political, social and economic changes taking place in a
given region of the world.
Within a market, the Adviser looks for individual companies with exceptional
business prospects, which may be due to market dominance, unique franchises,
high growth potential, or innovative services, products or technologies. The
Adviser seeks to identify
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companies with favorable potential for appreciation through growing earnings or
greater market recognition over time. While these companies may be among the
largest in their local markets, they may be small by the standards of U.S. stock
market capitalization.
Latin America Fund. Latin America Fund seeks to provide long-term capital
appreciation through investment primarily in the securities of Latin American
issuers.
The Fund seeks to benefit from economic and political trends emerging throughout
Latin America. These trends are supported by governmental initiatives designed
to promote freer trade and market-oriented economies. The Adviser believes that
efforts by Latin American countries to, among other things, reduce government
spending and deficits, control inflation, lower trade barriers, stabilize
currency exchange rates, increase foreign and domestic investment and privatize
state-owned companies, will help support attractive investment returns over
time.
In seeking its objective to provide long-term capital appreciation, the Fund
normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in Latin American equity
securities. For purposes of this restriction, Latin America is defined as
Mexico, Central America, South America and the islands of the Caribbean. The
Fund defines securities of Latin American issuers as follows:
o Securities of companies organized under the laws of a Latin American
country or for which the principal securities trading market is in
Latin America;
o Securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a country in
Latin America, its agencies or instrumentalities, political
subdivisions or the central bank of such country;
o Securities of companies, wherever organized, when at least 50% of an
issuer's non-current assets, capitalization, gross revenue or profit
in any one of the two most recent fiscal years represents (directly or
indirectly through subsidiaries) assets or activities located in Latin
America; or
o Securities of Latin American issuers, as defined above, in the form of
depositary shares.
Although the Fund may participate in markets throughout Latin America, under
present conditions the Fund expects to focus its investments in Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. In the opinion of the Adviser, these
six countries offer the most developed capital markets in Latin America. The
Fund may invest in other countries in Latin America when the Adviser deems it
appropriate. The Fund intends to allocate investments among at least three
countries at all times.
The Fund's equity investments include common stock, preferred stock (either
convertible or non-convertible), depositary receipts and warrants. These may be
restricted securities and may also be purchased through rights. Securities may
be listed on securities exchanges, traded over-the-counter, or have no organized
market.
The Fund may invest in debt securities when management anticipates that the
potential for capital appreciation is likely to equal or exceed that of equity
securities. Capital appreciation in debt securities may arise from a favorable
change in relative foreign exchange rates, in relative interest rate levels, or
in the creditworthiness of issuers. Receipt of income from such debt securities
is incidental to the Fund's objective of long-term capital appreciation. Most
debt securities in which the Fund invests are not rated. When debt securities
are rated, it is expected that such ratings will generally be below investment
grade; that is, rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by S&P, or deemed by the
Adviser to be of comparable quality (commonly referred to as "junk" bonds).
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in the equity securities of
U.S. and other non-Latin American issuers. In this regard, the Fund will focus
on larger, multinational corporations, which generally will comprise as much as
15% of the Fund's total assets. In evaluating non-Latin American investments,
the Adviser generally seeks investments where an issuer's Latin American
business activities and the impact of developments in Latin America may have a
positive and significant effect on the issuer's business results.
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In selecting companies for investment, the Fund typically evaluates industry
trends, a company's financial strength, its competitive position in domestic and
export markets, technology, recent developments and profitability, together with
overall growth prospects. Other considerations generally include quality and
depth of management, government regulation, and availability and cost of labor
and raw materials. Investment decisions are made without regard to arbitrary
criteria as to minimum asset size, level of sales or the dividend history of
companies.
The allocation between equity and debt, and among countries in Latin America,
varies based on a number of factors, including: expected rates of economic and
corporate profit growth; past performance and current and comparative valuations
in Latin American capital markets; the level and anticipated direction of
interest rates; changes or anticipated changes in Latin American government
policy; and the condition of the balance of payments and changes in the terms of
trade. The Fund, in seeking undervalued markets or individual securities, also
considers the effects of past economic crises or ongoing financial and political
uncertainties.
To provide for redemptions, or in anticipation of investment in Latin American
securities, the Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents (in U.S. dollars or
foreign currencies) and other short-term securities, including money market
securities denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies. In addition, to
provide for redemptions or distributions, the Fund may borrow from banks. The
Fund does not expect to borrow for investment purposes. The Fund may assume a
defensive position when, due to political or other factors, the Adviser
determines that opportunities for capital appreciation in Latin American markets
would be significantly limited over an extended period or that investing in
those markets poses undue risk to investors. The Fund may, for temporary
defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its assets in cash and money market
instruments or invest all or a portion of its assets in securities of U.S. or
other non-Latin American issuers when the Adviser deems such a position
advisable in light of economic or market conditions. It is impossible to predict
accurately for how long such alternative strategies may be utilized. The Fund
may also invest in closed-end investment companies investing primarily in Latin
America. In addition, the Fund may invest in loan participations and
assignments, when-issued securities, convertible securities and repurchase
agreements and may engage in strategic transactions.
MASTER/FEEDER FUND STRUCTURE. The Board of Directors may determine, without
further shareholder approval, in the future that the objectives of each Fund
would be achieved more effectively by investing in a master fund in a
master/feeder fund structure. A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a
fund (a "feeder fund"), instead of investing directly in a portfolio of
securities, invests all of its investment assets in a separate registered
investment company (the "master fund") with substantially the same investment
objective and policies as the feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling
of assets of two or more feeder funds in the master fund in an effort to achieve
possible economies of scale and efficiencies in portfolio management, while
preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the feeder fund
level. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund by
selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other transaction
costs and the realization of taxable gain or loss, or by contributing its assets
to the master fund and possibly avoiding transaction costs and, in certain
circumstances, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Each Fund has received exemptive relief
from the SEC which permits the Fund to participate in an interfund lending
program among certain investment companies advised by the Adviser. The interfund
lending program allows the participating funds to borrow money from and loan
money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject
to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all
participating funds, including the following: (1) no fund may borrow money
through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a
rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be
available to any of the participating funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no
fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable
return than that available from an investment in repurchase agreements and, to
the extent applicable, money market cash sweep arrangements. In addition, a fund
may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation
is consistent with the fund's investment objectives and policies (for instance,
money market funds would normally participate only as lenders and tax exempt
funds only as borrowers). Interfund loans and borrowings may extend overnight,
but could have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one
day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if
an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending
fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional costs. The
program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Boards of the
participating funds. To the extent the Fund is actually engaged in borrowing
through the interfund lending program, the Fund, as a matter of non-fundamental
policy, may not borrow for other than temporary or emergency purposes (and not
for leveraging), except that the Fund may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls for any purpose.
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Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
member banks of the Federal Reserve System, any foreign bank or with any
domestic or foreign broker/dealer which is recognized as a reporting government
securities dealer, if the creditworthiness of the bank or broker/dealer has been
determined by the Adviser to be at least as high as that of other obligations a
Fund may purchase.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for a Fund to earn income on funds for
periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the purchaser
(i.e., a Fund) acquires a debt security ("Obligation") and the seller agrees, at
the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time and price.
Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated account
and the value of such securities is kept at least equal to the repurchase price
on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price,
the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may
be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to a Fund, together with the
repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund is
unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations will be
physically held by the Fund's custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry
system.
It is not clear whether a court would consider the Obligation purchased by a
Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being
collateral for the loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the
commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller
of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase
agreement, a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell
the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the
Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a Fund has
not perfected a security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to
return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured
creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at risk of
losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As
with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for a Fund, the Adviser seeks to
minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by analyzing the
creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the Obligation, in
which case the Fund may incur a loss if the proceeds to the Fund of the sale to
a third party are less than the repurchase price. Apart from the risk of
bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may
fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market value of the Obligation
subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price
(including interest), a Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation to deliver
additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the
repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible
that a Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking to enforce the seller's contractual
obligation to deliver additional securities.
For Global Blue Chip Fund, repurchase agreements with foreign banks may be
available with respect to government securities of the particular foreign
jurisdiction, and such repurchase agreements involve risks similar to repurchase
agreements with U.S. entities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into "reverse repurchase
agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which a Fund, as the seller of
the securities, agrees to repurchase them at an agreed time and price. Each Fund
maintains a segregated account in connection with outstanding reverse repurchase
agreements. A Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only when the
Adviser believes that the interest income to be earned from the investment of
the proceeds of the transaction will be greater than the interest expense of the
transaction.
Common Stocks. Each Fund may invest in common stocks. Common stock is issued by
companies to raise cash for business purposes and represents a proportionate
interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, a Fund participates in the success
or failure of any company in which it holds stock. The market values of common
stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting the business performance of the
issuing company, investor perception and general economic or financial market
movements. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these factors. An
investment in common stock entails greater risk of becoming valueless than does
an investment in fixed-income securities. Despite the risk of price
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volatility, however, common stock also offers the greatest potential for
long-term gain on investment, compared to other classes of financial assets such
as bonds or cash equivalents.
Debt Securities. Each Fund may purchase "investment-grade" bonds, which are
those rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P or, if
unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser. Bonds
rated Baa or BBB may have speculative elements as well as investment-grade
characteristics. Securities rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by S&P
usually entail greater risk (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy
of the issuers of such securities), generally involve greater volatility of
price and risk of principal and income, and may be less liquid, than securities
in the higher rating categories. Securities rated C by Moody's or D by S&P may
be in default with respect to payment of principal or interest. Such securities
carry a high degree of risk and are considered speculative. (See "Appendix").
Global Blue Chip Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in
securities rated Baa/BBB or below or in unrated securities of equivalent quality
in the Adviser's judgment The Fund may invest in debt securities which are rated
as low as C by Moody's or D by S&P.
Latin America Fund (subject to a limit of no more than 10% of its total assets
invested in bonds rated B or lower) and Emerging Markets Growth Fund may each
also purchase debt securities which are rated below investment-grade and may
invest in securities which are rated C by Moody's or D by S&P or securities of
comparable quality in the Adviser's judgment.
Emerging Markets Growth Fund will not purchase the securities of any issuer if,
as a result, more than 35% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in below
investment-grade securities or unrated securities of equivalent quality.
The Adviser expects that a significant portion of the Emerging Markets Growth
Fund's bond investments will be purchased at a discount to par value. To the
extent developments in emerging markets result in improving credit fundamentals
and rating upgrades for countries in emerging markets, the Adviser believes that
there is the potential for capital appreciation as the improving fundamentals
become reflected in the price of the debt instruments. The Adviser also believes
that a country's sovereign credit rating (with respect to foreign
currency-denominated issues) acts as a "ceiling" on the rating of all debt
issuers from that country. Thus, the ratings of private sector companies cannot
be higher than that of their home countries. The Adviser believes, however, that
many companies in emerging market countries, if rated on a stand alone basis
without regard to the rating of the home country, possess fundamentals that
could justify a higher credit rating, particularly if they are major exporters
and receive the bulk of their revenues in U.S. dollars or other hard currencies.
The Adviser seeks to identify such opportunities and benefit from this type of
market inefficiency.
Certain Latin American countries are among the largest debtors to commercial
banks and foreign governments. Trading in debt obligations issued or guaranteed
by Latin American governments or their agencies or instrumentalities involves a
high degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of
sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or interest
when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. A governmental
entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely
manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation,
dependence on expected disbursements from third parties, the governmental
entity's policy towards the International Monetary Fund and the political
constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject. As a result,
governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt. Holders of sovereign
debt (including Latin America Fund) may be requested to participate in the
rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities.
There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental
entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
High Yield, High Risk Securities. Below investment grade securities, commonly
referred to as "junk bonds," (rated below Baa by Moody's and below BBB by S&P)
or unrated securities of equivalent quality in the Adviser's judgment, carry a
high degree of risk (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the
issuers of such securities), generally involve greater volatility of price and
risk of principal and income, and may be less liquid, than securities in the
higher rating categories and are considered speculative. The lower the ratings
of such debt securities, the greater their risks render them like equity
securities. See the Appendix to this Statement of Additional Information for a
more complete description of the ratings assigned by ratings organizations and
their respective characteristics.
An economic downturn could disrupt the high-yield market and impair the ability
of issuers to repay principal and interest. Also, an increase in interest rates
would likely have a greater adverse impact on the value of such obligations than
on higher quality debt securities. During an economic downturn or period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issues may experience financial stress
which could adversely affect their ability to service their principal and
interest payment obligations. Prices and yields of high-yield securities will
fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty, volatility of
high-yield
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securities may adversely affect a Fund's net asset value. In addition,
investments in high-yield zero coupon or pay-in-kind bonds, rather than
income-bearing high-yield securities, may be more speculative and may be subject
to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates.
The trading market for high-yield securities may be thin to the extent that
there is no established retail secondary market. A thin trading market may limit
the ability of a Fund to accurately value high-yield securities in its portfolio
and to dispose of those securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions
may decrease the values and liquidity of high-yield securities. These securities
may also involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs,
and liquidity and valuation difficulties.
Credit quality in the high-yield securities market can change suddenly and
unexpectedly, and even recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the
actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security. For these reasons, it is
the policy of the Adviser not to rely exclusively on ratings issued by
established credit rating agencies, but to supplement such ratings with its own
independent and on-going review of credit quality. The achievement of a Fund's
investment objective by investment in such securities may be more dependent on
the Adviser's credit analysis than is the case for higher quality bonds. Should
the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded, the Adviser will determine
whether it is in the best interest of a Fund to retain or dispose of such
security.
Prices for below investment-grade securities may be affected by legislative and
regulatory developments. For example, new federal rules require savings and loan
institutions to gradually reduce their holdings of this type of security. Also,
recent legislation restricts the issuer's tax deduction for interest payments on
these securities. Such legislation may significantly depress the prices of
outstanding securities of this type. For more information regarding tax issues
related to high-yield securities (see "TAXES").
Global Blue Chip Fund will invest no more than 5% of its total assets in debt
securities rated BBB or Baa or below or in unrated securities. Emerging Markets
Growth Fund may invest in debt securities with varying degrees of credit
quality. The Fund may invest in securities whose quality is comparable to
securities rated as low as D by S&P or C by Moody's. Latin America Fund will
invest no more than 10% of its net assets in securities rated B or lower by
Moody's or S&P, and may invest in securities rated C by Moody's or D by S&P.
Illiquid SECURITIES. Each Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than
in the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive
opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the
securities so purchased are often "restricted securities," "not readily
marketable," or "illiquid" restricted securities, i.e., which cannot be sold to
the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
Act") or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144
or 144A) or because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or
restrictions on resale.
The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market
value for illiquid securities. Disposing of illiquid securities may involve
time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult or
impossible for a Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. Each Fund
may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for resale and
the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration. Also market
quotations are less readily available. The judgment of the Adviser may at times
play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of more liquid
securities.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold in the U.S. only to
qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a
limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held
for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an
exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration
statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. A Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to
the public, and in such event a Fund may be liable to purchasers of such
securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the
prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.
INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES. Each Fund may acquire securities of other
investment companies to the extent consistent with its investment objective and
subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. The Fund will indirectly bear its
proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other
investment companies.
For example, the Fund may invest in a variety of investment companies which seek
to track the composition and performance of specific indexes or a specific
portion of an index. These index-based investments hold substantially all of
their assets in securities representing their specific index. Accordingly, the
main risk of investing in index-based investments is the same as investing in a
portfolio of equity securities comprising the index. The market prices of
index-based investments will fluctuate in
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accordance with both changes in the market value of their underlying portfolio
securities and due to supply and demand for the instruments on the exchanges on
which they are traded (which may result in their trading at a discount or
premium to their NAVs). Index-based investments may not replicate exactly the
performance of their specified index because of transaction costs and because of
the temporary unavailability of certain component securities of the index.
Examples of index-based investments include:
SPDRs(R): SPDRs, an acronym for "Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts," are
based on the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index. They are issued by the SPDR
Trust, a unit investment trust that holds shares of substantially all the
companies in the S&P 500 in substantially the same weighting and seeks to
closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
MidCap SPDRs(R): MidCap SPDRs are based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index. They are
issued by the MidCap SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index in substantially the same weighting and seeks to closely track
the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
Select Sector SPDRs(R): Select Sector SPDRs are based on a particular sector or
group of industries that are represented by a specified Select Sector Index
within the Standard & Poor's Composite Stock Price Index. They are issued by The
Select Sector SPDR Trust, an open-end management investment company with nine
portfolios that each seeks to closely track the price performance and dividend
yield of a particular Select Sector Index.
DIAMONDS(SM): DIAMONDS are based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average(SM). They
are issued by the DIAMONDS Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of all the component common stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and seeks
to closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Dow.
Nasdaq-100 Shares: Nasdaq-100 Shares are based on the Nasdaq 100 Index. They are
issued by the Nasdaq-100 Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
consisting of substantially all of the securities, in substantially the same
weighting, as the component stocks of the Nasdaq-100 Index and seeks to closely
track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
WEBs(SM): WEBs, an acronym for "World Equity Benchmark Shares," are based on 17
country-specific Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes. They are issued
by the WEBs Index Fund, Inc., an open-end management investment company that
seeks to generally correspond to the price and yield performance of a specific
Morgan Stanley Capital International Index.
Zero Coupon Securities. Each Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which pay
no cash income and are sold at substantial discounts from their value at
maturity. When held to maturity, their entire income, which consists of
accretion of discount, comes from the difference between the issue price and
their value at maturity. Zero coupon securities are subject to greater market
value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of
comparable maturities which make current distributions of interest (cash). Zero
coupon securities which are convertible into common stock offer the opportunity
for capital appreciation as increases (or decreases) in market value of such
securities closely follow the movements in the market value of the underlying
common stock. Zero coupon convertible securities generally are expected to be
less volatile than the underlying common stocks, as they usually are issued with
maturities of 15 years or less and are issued with options and/or redemption
features exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to
redeem the obligation and receive a defined cash payment.
Zero coupon securities include securities issued directly by the U.S. Treasury,
and U.S. Treasury bonds or notes and their unmatured interest coupons and
receipts for their underlying principal ("coupons") which have been separated by
their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A holder
will separate the interest coupons from the underlying principal (the "corpus")
of the U.S. Treasury security. A number of securities firms and banks have
stripped the interest coupons and receipts and then resold them in custodial
receipt programs with a number of different names, including "Treasury Income
Growth Receipts" (TIGRS(TM)) and Certificate of Accrual on Treasuries
(CATS(TM)). The underlying U.S. Treasury bonds and notes themselves are held in
book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities
(i.e., unregistered securities which are owned ostensibly by the bearer or
holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof. Counsel to the
underwriters of these certificates or other evidences of ownership of the U.S.
Treasury securities have stated that, for federal tax and securities purposes,
in their opinion purchasers of such certificates, such as a Fund, most likely
will be deemed the beneficial holder of the underlying U.S. Government
securities. Each Fund understands that the staff of the Division of Investment
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Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") no longer
considers such privately stripped obligations to be U.S. Government securities,
as defined in the 1940 Act; therefore, the Fund intends to adhere to this staff
position and will not treat such privately stripped obligations to be U.S.
Government securities for the purpose of determining if a Fund is "diversified"
under the 1940 Act.
The U.S. Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero coupon
securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of particular
interest coupon and corpus payments on Treasury securities through the Federal
Reserve book-entry record keeping system. The Federal Reserve program as
established by the Treasury Department is known as "STRIPS" or "Separate Trading
of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities." Under the STRIPS program,
the Fund will be able to have its beneficial ownership of zero coupon securities
recorded directly in the book-entry record-keeping system in lieu of having to
hold certificates or other evidences of ownership of the underlying U.S.
Treasury securities.
When U.S. Treasury obligations have been stripped of their unmatured interest
coupons by the holder, the principal or corpus is sold at a deep discount
because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on
the security and does not receive any rights to periodic interest (cash)
payments. Once stripped or separated, the corpus and coupons may be sold
separately. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other
coupons with like maturity dates and sold bundled in such form. Purchasers of
stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are
economically identical to the zero coupon securities that the Treasury sells
itself (see "TAXES").
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest in convertible securities, that is,
bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks and other securities which are
convertible into common stock. Investments in convertible securities can provide
an opportunity for capital appreciation and/or income through interest and
dividend payments by virtue of their conversion or exchange features.
The convertible securities in which a Fund may invest are either fixed income or
zero coupon debt securities which may be converted or exchanged at a stated or
determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of common stock. The exchange
ratio for any particular convertible security may be adjusted from time to time
due to stock splits, dividends, spin-offs, other corporate distributions or
scheduled changes in the exchange ratio. Convertible debt securities and
convertible preferred stocks, until converted, have general characteristics
similar to both debt and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than
with debt securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends
to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as
interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion or exchange
feature, the market value of convertible securities typically changes as the
market value of the underlying common stocks changes, and, therefore, also tends
to follow movements in the general market for equity securities. A unique
feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying
common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a
yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent
as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common
stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a
reflection of the value of the underlying common stock, although typically not
as much as the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are
without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk
than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
As debt securities, convertible securities are investments which provide for a
stream of income (or in the case of zero coupon securities, accretion of income)
with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course, like all debt
securities, there can be no assurance of income or principal payments because
the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations.
Convertible securities generally offer lower yields than non-convertible
securities of similar quality because of their conversion or exchange features.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but
non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as
corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the
same issuer. However, because of the subordination feature, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred stock typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities.
Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income obligations that pay
current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including Liquid Yield Option
Notes ("LYONs"(TM)). Zero coupon securities pay no cash income and are sold at
substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their
entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes from the
difference between the issue price and their value at maturity. Zero coupon
convertible securities offer the opportunity for capital appreciation as
increases (or decreases) in market value of such securities closely follow the
movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero coupon
convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than the
underlying common stocks as they usually are issued with shorter maturities (15
years or less) and are issued
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with options and/or redemption features exercisable by the holder of the
obligation entitling the holder to redeem the obligation and receive a defined
cash payment.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Each Fund has foreign currency exposure. Because investments
in foreign securities usually will involve currencies of foreign countries, and
because a Fund may hold funds in bank deposits in foreign currencies during the
completion of investment programs and may purchase foreign currency, foreign
currency futures contracts, and options on foreign currencies and foreign
currency futures contracts, the value of the assets of a Fund as measured in
U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and a Fund may incur
costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Many Latin
American and Asian currencies have experienced significant devaluation relative
to the dollar. Although each Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S.
dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into
U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and investors
should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange
dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on
the difference (the "spread") between the prices at which they are buying and
selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency
to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund
desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Each Fund will conduct its foreign
currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot
rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering
into options or forward or futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies.
Because a Fund normally will be invested in foreign securities markets, changes
in the Fund's share price may have a low correlation with movements in the U.S.
markets. A Fund's share price will reflect the movements of both the different
stock and bond markets in which it is invested and of the currencies in which
the investments are denominated; the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar
against foreign currencies may account for part of the Fund's investment
performance. U.S. and foreign securities markets do not always move in step with
each other, and the total returns from different markets may vary significantly.
The Funds invest in many securities markets around the world in an attempt to
take advantage of opportunities wherever they may arise.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. Each Fund may invest directly in securities of foreign
issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"),
Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs")
and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs and IDRs
are hereinafter referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary Receipts may
not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities
into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock of
unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material
information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation
between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. ADRs
are Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation.
GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically issued by
foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may be issued by United
States banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by either a foreign or a United States corporation. Generally, Depositary
Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities
markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use in
securities markets outside the United States. For purposes of each Fund's
investment policies, a Fund's investments in ADRs, GDRs and other types of
Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying
securities. Depositary Receipts may be subject to foreign currency exchange rate
risk. Certain Depositary Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore
may be illiquid securities.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. Each Fund may, from time to time, purchase securities on
a "when-issued" or "forward delivery" basis for payment and delivery at a later
date. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is
fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment
for the when-issued or forward delivery securities takes place at a later date.
During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by a Fund
to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund. To the extent that assets of
a Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of securities, the
Fund would earn no income; however, it is the Fund's intention to be fully
invested to the extent practicable and subject to the policies stated above.
While when-issued or forward delivery securities may be sold prior to the
settlement date, a Fund intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of
actually acquiring them unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons.
At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued
or forward delivery basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the value
of the security in determining its net asset value. At the time of settlement,
the market value of the when-issued or forward delivery securities may be more
or less than the purchase price. A Fund does not believe that its net asset
value or income will be adversely affected by its purchase of securities on a
when-issued or forward delivery basis.
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BRADY BONDS. Each Fund may invest in Brady Bonds, which are securities created
through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to public and private
entities in certain emerging markets for new bonds in connection with debt
restructurings under a debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S.
Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Plan debt
restructurings have been implemented to date in Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil,
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, the
Philippines, Poland, and Uruguay.
Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and for that reason do not have a
long payment history. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are
issued in various currencies (but primarily the U.S. dollar) and are actively
traded in over-the-counter secondary markets.
Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate bonds or
floating-rate bonds, are generally collateralized in full as to principal by
U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the bonds. Interest
payments on many 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 or, in the case of floating rate bonds,
initially is equal to at least one year's rolling interest payments based on the
applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals
thereafter. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation
components: the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; the
collateralized interest payments; the uncollateralized interest payments; and
any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In light of the residual risk of Brady
Bonds and the history of defaults of countries issuing Brady Bonds, with respect
to commercial bank loans by public and private entities, investments in Brady
Bonds may be viewed as speculative.
SOVEREIGN DEBT. Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk.
The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be
able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance
with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to
repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among
other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the
availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the
relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the
governmental entity's policy toward the International Monetary Fund, and the
political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject.
Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from
foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal
and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these
governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned
on a governmental entity's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic
performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to
implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay
principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third
parties' commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further
impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely
manner. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt.
Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of
such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. There is no
bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities
have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. Emerging Markets Growth Fund and Latin
America Fund may invest in fixed- and floating-rate loans ("Loans") arranged
through private negotiations between an issuer of emerging market debt
instruments and one or more financial institutions ("Lenders"). Each Fund's
investments in Loans are expected in most instances to be in the form of
participations in Loans ("Participations") and assignments of portions of Loans
("Assignments") from third parties. Participations typically will result in a
Fund's having a contractual relationship only with the Lender and not with the
borrower. Each Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal,
interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the
Participation and only upon receipt by the Lender of the payments from the
borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, a Fund generally will
have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan
agreement relating to the Loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower,
and a Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the Loan in
which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, a Fund will assume the
credit risk of both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the
Participation. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling a
Participation, a Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may
not benefit from any set-off between the Lender and the borrower. Each Fund will
acquire Participations only if the Lender interpositioned between the Fund and
the borrower is determined by the Adviser to be creditworthy.
When a Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders, it will acquire direct rights
against the borrower on the Loan. Because Assignments are arranged through
private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors,
however, the rights
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and obligations acquired by a Fund as the purchaser of an Assignment may differ
from, and may be more limited than, those held by the assigning Lender.
Each Fund may have difficulty disposing of Assignments and Participations.
Because no liquid market for these obligations typically exists, each Fund
anticipates that these obligations could be sold only to a limited number of
institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market will have an
adverse effect on a Fund's ability to dispose of particular Assignments or
Participations when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or 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 Assignments and
Participations may also make it more difficult for a Fund to assign a value to
those securities for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio and calculating
its net asset value.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. Each Fund is designed for investors who can accept currency
and other forms of international investment risk. The Adviser believes that
diversification of assets on an international basis decreases the degree to
which events in any one country, including the U.S., will affect an investor's
entire investment holdings. In certain periods since World War II, many leading
foreign economies and foreign stock market indices have grown more rapidly than
the U.S. economy and leading U.S. stock market indices, although there can be no
assurance that this will be true in the future.
Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities involves certain
special considerations, including those set forth below, which are not typically
associated with investing in U.S. securities and which may favorably or
unfavorably affect a Fund's performance. As foreign companies are not generally
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards,
practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies,
there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than
about a domestic company. Many foreign securities markets, while growing in
volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than the U.S. market,
and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of domestic issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
bond markets is less than in the U.S. and, at times, volatility of price can be
greater than in the U.S. Further, foreign markets have different clearance and
settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times when
settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of a Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause that Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems either could result in losses to a Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if a Fund has
entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability
to the purchaser. Payment for securities without delivery may be required in
certain foreign markets. Fixed commissions on some foreign securities exchanges
and bid-to-asked spreads in foreign bond markets are generally higher than
commissions or bid-to-asked spreads on U.S. markets, although the Fund will
endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio
transactions. Further, a Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue
legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. There is generally less
government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and
listed companies than in the U.S. It may be more difficult for the Fund's agents
to keep currently informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices
of portfolio securities. Communications between the U.S. and foreign countries
may be less reliable than within the U.S., thus increasing the risk of delayed
settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio
securities. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the
possibility of nationalization, expropriation, the imposition of withholding or
confiscatory taxes, political, social, or economic instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in those countries.
Investments in foreign securities may also entail certain risks, such as
possible currency blockages or transfer restrictions, and the difficulty of
enforcing rights in other countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth
of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Many of the currencies of Eastern European countries have experienced a steady
devaluation relative to western currencies. Any future devaluation may have a
detrimental impact on any investments made by a Fund in Eastern Europe. The
currencies of most Eastern European countries are not freely convertible into
other currencies and are not internationally traded. A Fund will not invest its
assets in non-convertible fixed income securities denominated in currencies that
are not freely convertible into other currencies at the time the investment is
made.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing countries.
For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on foreign
economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed
countries. The management of each Fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated
with these considerations through diversification and active professional
management. Although investments in companies domiciled in developing countries
may be subject to potentially greater risks
15
<PAGE>
than investments in developed countries, none of the Funds will invest in any
securities of issuers located in developing countries if the securities, in the
judgment of the Adviser, are speculative.
Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges is
normally completed before the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Trading
on these foreign exchanges may not take place on a day on which there is regular
trading on the Exchange, or may take place on days on which there is no regular
trading on the Exchange. Events materially affecting the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities may occur between the time when these foreign exchanges
close and the time when the Fund's net asset value is calculated.
INVESTING IN EMERGING MARKETS. Each Fund may invest in securities of issuers in
emerging markets. Most emerging securities markets may have substantially less
volume and are subject to less government supervision than U.S. securities
markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and
more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. In addition, there
is less regulation of securities exchanges, securities dealers, and listed and
unlisted companies in emerging markets than in the U.S.
Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in
certain markets there have been times when settlements have not kept pace with
the volume of securities transactions. Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is uninvested and no
cash is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security
purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive
investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to
settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent
declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a
contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the
purchaser. Costs associated with transactions in foreign securities are
generally higher than costs associated with transactions in U.S. securities.
Such transactions also involve additional costs for the purchase or sale of
foreign currency.
Foreign investment in certain emerging market debt obligations is restricted or
controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit
or preclude foreign investment in certain emerging markets debt obligations and
increase the costs and expenses of a Fund. Certain emerging markets require
prior governmental approval of investments by foreign persons, limit the amount
of investment by foreign persons in a particular company, limit the investment
by foreign persons only to a specific class of securities of a company 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 emerging markets require prior governmental approval of investments by
foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a
particular company, limit the investment by foreign persons only to a specific
class of securities of a company 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 emerging markets may also
restrict investment opportunities in securities of issuers in industries deemed
important to national interest.
Certain emerging markets 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 an emerging market's
balance of payments or for other reasons, a country could impose temporary
restrictions on foreign capital remittances. A 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.
In the course of investment in emerging markets, a Fund will be exposed to the
direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic changes in one
or more emerging markets. Political changes in emerging market countries may
affect the willingness of an emerging market country governmental issuer 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, also affect its ability to
honor its obligations. While each Fund manages its assets in a manner that will
seek to minimize the exposure to such risks, and will further reduce risk by
owning the bonds of many issuers, there can be no assurance that adverse
political, social or economic changes will not cause a Fund to suffer a loss of
value in respect of the securities in the Fund's portfolio.
The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more
emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be
substantially curtailed and prices for a Fund's securities in such markets may
not be readily available. The Corporation may suspend redemption of its shares
for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC.
Accordingly if a Fund believes that appropriate circumstances exist, it will
promptly apply to the SEC for a determination that an emergency is present.
During the period commencing from the Fund's identification of such condition
until the date of the SEC
16
<PAGE>
action, the Fund's securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair
value determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Corporation's
Board of Directors.
Volume and liquidity in most foreign markets are less than in the U.S., and
securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. companies. Fixed commissions on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges,
although each Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of business and industry practices, securities exchanges, brokers,
dealers and listed companies than in the U.S. Mail service between the U.S. and
foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the U.S., thus
increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of
certificates for portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to certain
emerging markets, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which
could affect a Fund's investments in those countries. Moreover, individual
emerging market economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation,
capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments
position. The chart below sets forth the risk ratings of selected emerging
market countries' sovereign debt securities.
Sovereign Risk Ratings for Selected Emerging Market Countries as of
February 25,2000
Country Moody's* Standard & Poor's**
------- -------- -------------------
Chile Baa1 A-
Turkey B1 B
Mexico Ba1*** BB
Czech Republic Baa1 A-
Hungary Baa1 BBB+
Colombia Ba2 BB+
Venezuela B2 B
Morocco Ba1 BB
Argentina B1 BB
Brazil B2 B+
Poland Baa1 BBB
Ivory Coast NR NR
A Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with respect to
certain debt obligations it holds. If the issuer of a fixed-income security
owned by a Fund defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek
recovery. Debt obligations issued by emerging market country governments differ
from debt obligations of private entities; remedies from defaults on debt
obligations issued by emerging market governments, unlike those on private debt,
must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself. A Fund's ability
to enforce its rights against private issuers may be limited. The ability to
attach assets to enforce a judgment may be limited. Legal recourse is,
therefore, somewhat diminished. Bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws
applicable to private issuers of debt obligations may be substantially different
from those of other countries. The political context, expressed as an emerging
market governmental issuer's willingness 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 may not contest
payments to the holders of debt obligations in the event of default under
commercial bank loan agreements. With four exceptions, (Panama, Cuba, Costa Rica
and Yugoslavia), no sovereign emerging markets borrower has defaulted on an
external bond issue since World War II.
Income from securities held by a Fund could be reduced by a withholding tax on
the source or other taxes imposed by the emerging market countries in which the
Fund makes its investments. A 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 will consider the cost of
any taxes in determining whether to acquire any particular investments, but can
provide no assurance that the taxes will not be subject to change.
Many emerging markets have experienced substantial, and, in some periods,
extremely high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have adverse
effects on the economies and securities
17
<PAGE>
markets of certain emerging market countries. In an attempt to control
inflation, wage and price controls have been imposed in certain countries. Of
these countries, some, in recent years, have begun to control inflation through
prudent economic policies.
Emerging market governmental issuers are among the largest debtors to commercial
banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and other
financial institutions. Certain emerging market governmental issuers have not
been able to make payments of interest on or principal of debt obligations as
those payments have come due. Obligations arising from past restructuring
agreements may affect the economic performance and political and social
stability of those issuers.
Governments of many emerging market countries have exercised and continue to
exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector through
the ownership or control of many companies, including some of the largest in any
given country. As a result, governmental actions in the future could have a
significant effect on economic conditions in emerging markets, which in turn,
may adversely affect companies in the private sector, general market conditions
and prices and yields of certain of the securities in a Fund's portfolio.
Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, political, economic or
social instability or other similar developments have occurred frequently over
the history of certain emerging markets and could adversely affect a Fund's
assets should these conditions recur.
The ability of emerging market country governmental issuers 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. An emerging market whose exports are
concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the
international prices of one or more of those commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of an emerging market's trading partners could also
adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus,
if any. To the extent that emerging markets receive payment for its exports in
currencies other than dollars or non-emerging market currencies, its ability to
make debt payments denominated in dollars or non-emerging market currencies
could be affected.
Another factor bearing on the ability of emerging market countries to repay debt
obligations is the level of international reserves of the country. Fluctuations
in the level of these reserves affect the amount of foreign exchange readily
available for external debt payments and thus could have a bearing on the
capacity of emerging market countries to make payments on these debt
obligations.
To the extent that an emerging market country cannot generate a trade surplus,
it must depend on continuing loans from foreign governments, multilateral
organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign governments
and on inflows of foreign investment. The access of emerging markets to these
forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal of external
funding could adversely affect the capacity of emerging market country
governmental issuers to make payments on their obligations. In addition, the
cost of servicing emerging market 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.
INVESTING IN LATIN AMERICA. Investing in securities of Latin American issuers
may entail risks relating to the potential political and economic instability of
certain Latin American countries and the risks of expropriation,
nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investment and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of
expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, a Fund
could lose its entire investment in any such country.
The securities markets of Latin American countries are substantially smaller,
less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets
in the U.S. Disclosure and regulatory standards are in many respects less
stringent than U.S. standards. Furthermore, there is a lower level of monitoring
and regulation of the markets and the activities of investors in such markets.
The limited size of many Latin American securities markets and limited trading
volume in the securities of Latin American issuers compared to the volume of
trading in the securities of U.S. issuers could cause prices to be erratic for
reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the
securities issuers. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be
unduly influenced by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and
investors' perceptions, whether or not based on in-depth fundamental analysis,
may decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities.
Changes in the value of Latin American currencies against the U.S. dollar may
result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets
denominated in those currencies.
Some Latin American countries also may have managed currencies, which are not
free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, there is risk that certain
Latin American countries may restrict the free conversion of their currencies
into other currencies. Further, certain Latin American currencies may not be
internationally traded. Certain of these currencies have experienced a steep
devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar. Any devaluations in the currencies in
which a Fund's portfolio securities are denominated may have a detrimental
impact on the Fund's net asset value.
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<PAGE>
The economies of individual Latin American countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of
gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Certain Latin American
countries have experienced high levels of inflation which can have a
debilitating effect on an economy, although some have begun to control inflation
in recent years through prudent economic policies. Furthermore, certain Latin
American countries may impose withholding taxes on dividends payable to a Fund
at a higher rate than those imposed by other foreign countries. This may reduce
a Fund's investment income available for distribution to shareholders.
Certain Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico are among
the world's largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At
times, certain Latin American countries have declared moratoria on the payment
of principal and/or interest on outstanding debt.
Latin America is a region rich in natural resources such as oil, copper, tin,
silver, iron ore, forestry, fishing, livestock and agriculture. The region has a
large population (roughly 300 million) representing a large domestic market.
Economic growth was strong in the 1960s and 1970s, but slowed dramatically (and
in some instances was negative) in the 1980s as a result of poor economic
policies, higher international interest rates, and the denial of access to new
foreign capital. Although a number of Latin American countries are currently
experiencing lower rates of inflation and higher rates of real growth in gross
domestic product than they have in the past, other Latin American countries
continue to experience significant problems, including high inflation rates and
high interest rates. Capital flight has proven a persistent problem and external
debt has been forcibly restructured. Political turmoil, high inflation, capital
repatriation restrictions, and nationalization have further exacerbated
conditions.
Governments of many Latin American countries have exercised and continue to
exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector through
the ownership or control of many companies, including some of the largest in
those countries. As a result, government actions in the future could have a
significant effect on economic conditions which may adversely affect prices of
certain portfolio securities. Expropriation, confiscatory taxation,
nationalization, political, economic or social instability or other similar
developments, such as military coups, have occurred in the past and could also
adversely affect or, in some cases, cause the entire loss of, a Fund's
investments in this region.
Changes in political leadership, the implementation of market oriented economic
policies, such as privatization, trade reform and fiscal and monetary reform are
among the recent steps taken to renew economic growth. External debt is being
restructured and flight capital (domestic capital that has left the home
country) has begun to return. Inflation control efforts have also been
implemented. Free Trade Zones are being discussed in various areas around the
region, the most notable being a free zone among Mexico, the U.S. and Canada and
another zone among four countries in the southernmost point of Latin America.
Currencies are typically weak, but most are now relatively free floating, and it
is not unusual for the currencies to undergo wide fluctuations in value over
short periods of time due to changes in the market.
INVESTING IN THE PACIFIC BASIN. Investing in securities of companies located in
the Pacific Basin generally entails additional risk. Economies of individual
Pacific Basin countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation,
capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, interest rate levels, and
balance of payments position. Of particular importance, most of the economies in
this region of the world are heavily dependent upon exports, particularly to
developed countries, and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be
adversely affected by trade barriers, managed adjustments in relative currency
values, and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the U.S. and
other countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may
continue to be negatively impacted by economic conditions in the U.S. and other
trading partners, which can lower the demand for goods produced in the Pacific
Basin.
With respect to the Peoples Republic of China and other markets in which a Fund
may participate, there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, political changes, government regulation, social
instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely impact a Pacific
Basin country or a Fund's investment in the debt of that country.
Trading volume on Pacific Basin stock exchanges outside of Japan, although
increasing, is substantially less than in the U.S. stock market. Further,
securities of some Pacific Basin companies are less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Fixed commissions on Pacific Basin
stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S.
exchanges, although a Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results
on its portfolio transactions and may be able to purchase securities in which a
Fund may invest on other stock exchanges where commissions are negotiable.
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<PAGE>
Foreign companies, including Pacific Basin companies, are not generally subject
to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
disclosure requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies.
Consequently, there may be less publicly available information about such
companies than about U.S. companies. Moreover, there is generally less
government supervision and regulation in the Pacific Basin than in the U.S.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing countries.
For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on foreign
economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed
countries. The management of a Fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated with
the foregoing considerations through continuous professional management.
Recent conditions in the Pacific Basin region include political uncertainty,
economic overheating, erratic trade policies and extreme currency fluctuations
that have resulted in equity market decline. The conditions that have given rise
to these developments, however, are changeable, and there is no way to predict
if they will continue or the speed at which the economies of that region will
recover.
INVESTING IN EUROPE. Investing in securities of companies located in Europe may
entail additional risk then investing in securities of U.S. companies. Most
Eastern European nations, including Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovak
Republic, and Romania have had centrally planned, socialist economies since
shortly after World War II. A number of their governments, including those of
Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland are currently implementing or
considering reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including
efforts to foster multi-party political systems, decentralize economic planning,
and move toward free market economies. At present, no Eastern European country
has a developed stock market, but Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have
small securities markets in operation. Ethnic and civil conflict currently rage
through the former Yugoslavia. The outcome is uncertain.
Both the European Community (the "EC") and Japan, among others, have made
overtures to establish trading arrangements and assist in the economic
development of the Eastern European nations. A great deal of interest also
surrounds opportunities created by the reunification of East and West Germany.
Following reunification, the Federal Republic of Germany has remained a firm and
reliable member of the EC and numerous other international alliances and
organizations. To reduce inflation caused by the unification of East and West
Germany, Germany has adopted a tight monetary policy which has led to weakened
exports and a reduced domestic demand for goods and services. However, in the
long-term, reunification could prove to be an engine for domestic and
international growth.
The conditions that have given rise to these developments are changeable, and
there is no assurance that reforms will continue or that their goals will be
achieved.
Portugal is a genuinely emerging market which has experienced rapid growth since
the mid-1980s, except for a brief period of stagnation over 1990-91. Portugal's
government remains committed to privatization of the financial system away from
one dependent upon the banking system to a more balanced structure appropriate
for the requirements of a modern economy. Inflation continues to be about three
times the EC average.
Economic reforms launched in the 1980s continue to benefit Turkey . Turkey's
economy has grown steadily since the early 1980s, with real growth in per capita
Gross Domestic Product (the "GDP") increasing more than 6% annually. Agriculture
remains the most important economic sector, employing approximately 55% of the
labor force, and accounting for nearly 20% of GDP and 20% of exports. Inflation
and interest rates remain high, and a large budget deficit will continue to
cause difficulties in Turkey's substantial transformation to a dynamic free
market economy.
Like many other Western economies, Greece suffered severely from the global oil
price hikes of the 1970s, with annual GDP growth plunging from 8% to 2% in the
1980s, and inflation, unemployment, and budget deficits rising sharply. The fall
of the socialist government in 1989 and the inability of the conservative
opposition to obtain a clear majority have led to business uncertainty and the
continued prospects for flat economic performance. Once Greece has sorted out
its political situation, it will have to face the challenges posed by the
steadily increasing integration of the EC, including the progressive lowering of
trade and investment barriers. Tourism continues as a major industry, providing
a vital offset to a sizable commodity trade deficit.
Securities traded in certain emerging European securities markets may be subject
to risks due to the inexperience of financial intermediaries, the lack of modern
technology and the lack of a sufficient capital base to expand business
operations. Additionally, former Communist regimes of a number of Eastern
European countries had expropriated a large amount of property, the claims of
which have not been entirely settled. There can be no assurance that a Fund's
investments in Eastern Europe would not also be expropriated, nationalized or
otherwise confiscated. Finally, any change in leadership or policies of
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Eastern European countries, or countries that exercise a significant influence
over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of
foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing
investment opportunities.
Investments in companies domiciled in Eastern European countries may be subject
to potentially greater risks than those of other foreign issuers. These risks
include (i) potentially less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the
small current size of the markets for such securities and the low volume of
trading, which result in less liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii)
certain national policies which may restrict a Fund's investment opportunities,
including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive
to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; (v) the absence of developed legal
structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial
redress for injury to private property; (vi) the absence, until recently in
certain Eastern European countries, of a capital market structure or
market-oriented economy; and (vii) the possibility that recent favorable
economic developments in Eastern Europe may be slowed or reversed by
unanticipated political or social events in such countries, or in the countries
of the former Soviet Union.
Investments in such countries involve risks of nationalization, expropriation
and confiscatory taxation. The Communist governments of a number of East
European countries expropriated large amounts of private property in the past,
in many cases without adequate compensation, and there may be no assurance that
such expropriation will not occur in the future. In the event of such
expropriation, a Fund could lose a substantial portion of any investments it has
made in the affected countries. Further, no accounting standards exist in East
European countries. Finally, even though certain East European currencies may be
convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to the
actual market values and may be adverse to a Fund's shareholders.
INVESTING IN AFRICA. Investing in securities of companies located in Africa may
entail additional risk than an investment composed primarily of securities of
U.S. companies. Africa is a continent of roughly 50 countries with a total
population of approximately 840 million people. Literacy rates (the percentage
of people who are over 15 years of age and who can read and write) are
relatively low, ranging from 20% to 60%. The primary industries include crude
oil, natural gas, manganese ore, phosphate, bauxite, copper, iron, diamond,
cotton, coffee, cocoa, timber, tobacco, sugar, tourism and cattle.
Many of the countries are fraught with political instability. However, there has
been a trend over the past five years toward democratization. Many countries are
moving from a military style, Marxist, or single party government to a
multi-party system. Still, there remain many countries that do not have a stable
political process. Other countries have been enmeshed in civil wars and border
clashes.
Economically, the Northern Rim countries (including Morocco, Egypt and Algeria)
and Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa are the wealthier countries on the
continent. The market capitalization of these countries has been growing
recently as more international companies invest in Africa and as local companies
start to list on the exchanges. However, religious and ethnic strife has been a
significant source of instability.
On the other end of the economic spectrum are countries, such as Burkina Faso,
Madagascar and Malawi, that are considered to be among the poorest or least
developed in the world. These countries are generally landlocked or have poor
natural resources. The economies of many African countries are heavily dependent
on international oil prices. Of all the African industries, oil has been the
most lucrative, accounting for 40% to 60% of many countries' GDP. However,
general decline in oil prices has had an adverse impact on many economies.
ECONOMIC GROWTH. Emerging markets are an increasingly important part of the
world's investment activity. In 1985, emerging markets accounted for only 2.7%
of the world's stock market trading value, compared to 17% in 1994.^1 The chief
rationale for investing in emerging markets is the dramatic growth rates that
these economies continue to enjoy. Over the past decade, the annual percentage
change in the economic growth rates of emerging market countries has been
climbing above that of the mature markets.
This growth translates into an average annual percentage change (as measured by
GDP) of 2.53% for mature economies, compared to 3.89% for developing
countries.^2 Emerging market economies are projected to grow at a 6.3% annual
rate -- more than double the expected growth of established countries in Europe,
Asia and North America (2.4%).^2
- --------
^1 International Finance Corporation, 1995.
^2 IMF World Economic Outlook, 1995.
^3 International Finance Corporation, 1995.
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Increased integration and faster growth in China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and
Russia -- five countries that today account for half the world's labor force but
only 8-9 percent of its GDP or international trade -- will likely redraw the
economic map of the world over the next quarter century.
STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS AND DERIVATIVES. Each Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or enhancing
potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative
contracts.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, each Fund may purchase
and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors, collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies, or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, strategic transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit (subject to
certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act) to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for a Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect a Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in a Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the derivatives
markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. Some
Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential gain although no
more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed to Strategic Transactions
entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of these investment techniques
may be used at any time and in any combination, and there is no particular
strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as use of
any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous variables including market
conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these Strategic Transactions
successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market
movements, which cannot be assured. Each Fund will comply with applicable
regulatory requirements when implementing these strategies, techniques and
instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be used to alter fundamental
investment purposes and characteristics of a Fund, and a Fund will segregate
assets (or as provided by applicable regulations, enter into certain offsetting
positions) to cover its obligations under options, futures and swaps to limit
leveraging of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks associated
with them including possible default by the other party to the transaction,
illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain market movements
is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result
in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use of put and call options
may result in losses to a Fund, force the sale or purchase of portfolio
securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than (in the case of put
options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current market values,
limit the amount of appreciation a Fund can realize on its investments or cause
a Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of currency
transactions can result in a Fund incurring losses as a result of a number of
factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of
settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of a
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of a Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets, a
Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring substantial
losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options transactions for
hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value
of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain
which might result from an increase in value of such position. Finally, the
daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts would create a greater
ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of options, where the
exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium. Losses resulting from
the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset value, and possibly
income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic Transactions had
not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic
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Transactions involving options require segregation of a Fund's assets in special
accounts, as described below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special
Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security,
commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. For
instance, a Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be designed to
protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar
instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving a Fund
the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. A call option,
upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy,
and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise
price. Each Fund's purchase of a call option on a security, financial future,
index, currency or other instrument might be intended to protect a Fund against
an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to
purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase such
instrument. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time
during the option period while a European style put or call option may be
exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. Each Fund
is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and over-the-counter
options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by a regulated
intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees
the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options. The
discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options generally settle
by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the
future cash settlement may become available. Index options and Eurodollar
instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is
"in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in
the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the
exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised. Frequently,
rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the
process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into
offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the
new option.
Each Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC
or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity
of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid
option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading
halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular
classes or series of options or underlying securities including reaching daily
price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an
exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle
current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during
which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the
option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. Each
Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting a Fund to require the Counterparty to
sell the option back to a Fund at a formula price within seven days. Each Fund
expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty
function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to make or
take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC
option it has entered into with a Fund or fails to make a cash settlement
payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, a Fund will lose any
premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the
transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each
such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the Counterparty's
credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be
satisfied. Each Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only with U.S.
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government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or other
financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the obligation
of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or P-1 from
Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency transactions, are
determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser. The staff of the
SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by a Fund, and
portfolio securities "covering" the amount of a Fund's obligation pursuant to an
OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus the in-the-money amount,
if any) are illiquid, and are subject to a Fund's limitation on investing no
more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
If a Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a
partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the
value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase a Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
Each Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign
securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets, and on securities
indices, currencies and futures contracts. All calls sold by a Fund must be
"covered" (i.e., a Fund must own the securities or futures contract subject to
the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described below as
long as the call is outstanding. Even though a Fund will receive the option
premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by a Fund exposes a Fund
during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity to realize
appreciation in the market price of the underlying security or instrument and
may require a Fund to hold a security or instrument which it might otherwise
have sold.
Each Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. Each Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50%
of a Fund's total assets would be required to be segregated to cover its
potential obligations under such put options other than those with respect to
futures and options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that a Fund
may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above
the market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. Each Fund may enter into futures contracts
or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against
anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes, and for duration
management, risk management and return enhancement purposes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by a Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract
at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index
futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures
contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on a
futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to
assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such
position.
Each Fund's use of futures and options thereon will in all cases be consistent
with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the rules and
regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be entered into
for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or other
portfolio and return enhancement management purposes. Typically, maintaining a
futures contract or selling an option thereon requires a Fund to deposit with a
financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or
other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10%
of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances).
Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited
thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract
fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves payment of a
premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of a Fund. If
a Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be obligated to post
initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for the resulting
futures position just as it would for any position. Futures contracts and
options thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting transaction
but there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior to
settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will occur.
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Each Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option (except for
closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of its
initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options thereon would
exceed 5% of a Fund's total assets (taken at current value); however, in the
case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the purchase, the
in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5% limitation. The
segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and options thereon
are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. Each Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Currency Transactions. Each Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties primarily in order to hedge, or manage the risk of the value of
portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in
relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts,
exchange listed currency futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies,
and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated
obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific
currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date
of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the
contract. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the
notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an
interest rate swap, which is described below. Each Fund may enter into currency
transactions with Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligations which have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or
Moody's, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or (except
for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
the Adviser.
Each Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps generally
will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions except as described below. Transaction hedging is entering into a
currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of a Fund,
which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its
portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is
entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio security
positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.
Each Fund generally will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure
to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging or cross hedging as described
below.
Each Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to
purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which a Fund has or in which a Fund expects to
have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or
anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, each Fund may also engage in proxy
hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which a Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of a Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of a Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
a Fund holds securities
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denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes that the value of schillings
will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser may enter into a commitment or
option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency hedging involves some of the
same risks and considerations as other transactions with similar instruments.
Currency transactions can result in losses to a Fund if the currency being
hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction that is not
anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived correlation between
various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the
particular time that a Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If a Fund enters into
a currency hedging transaction, a Fund will comply with the asset segregation
requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control
is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic
planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can
be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result
in losses to a Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in
settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be
rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring
transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a
currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a
bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is
relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be
available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to
that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. Each Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of a Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which a
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency, index and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. Each Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities a Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. Each Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream a Fund may be
obligated to pay. 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 with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
Each Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment
streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as a Fund will segregate
assets (or enter into offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under
swaps, the Adviser and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute
senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as
being subject to its borrowing restrictions. Each Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent
rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the
Adviser. If there is a default by the Counterparty, a Fund may have contractual
remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap market
has grown substantially in recent
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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 relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more
recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully
developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. Each Fund may make investments in Eurodollar
instruments. Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures
contracts or options thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered
Rate ("LIBOR"), although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available
from time to time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a
fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for
borrowings. Each Fund might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon
to hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed
income instruments are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in a Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that a Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian to the extent a Fund's obligations are not otherwise
"covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or
currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by a Fund to pay
or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities,
instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory
restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid assets at least equal to the current
amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The segregated
assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in
their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For example, a call
option written by a Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to
the call (or securities convertible into the needed securities without
additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid assets sufficient to
purchase and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option sold
by a Fund on an index will require the Fund to own portfolio securities which
correlate with the index or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the
excess of the index value over the exercise price on a current basis. A put
option written by a Fund requires the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets
equal to the exercise price.
Except when a Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of a
security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no segregation, a
currency contract which obligates a Fund to buy or sell currency will generally
require a Fund to hold an amount of that currency or liquid assets denominated
in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations or to segregate cash or liquid
assets equal to the amount of a Fund's obligation.
OTC options entered into by a Fund, including those on securities, currency,
financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed index
options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when a Fund
sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or liquid
assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for
payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will
equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same
as an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by a Fund, or the in-the-money amount
plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In
addition, when a Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the
in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until
the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to
such excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by a Fund other than
those above generally settle with physical delivery, or with an election of
either physical delivery or cash settlement and a Fund will segregate an amount
of cash or liquid assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options
settling with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery
or cash settlement will be treated the same as other options settling with
physical delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, a Fund must deposit
initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating
cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
securities or currencies, or to
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pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such
liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity
securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, a Fund will accrue the net amount of the excess, if any,
of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap on a daily
basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets having a value equal
to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require segregation of assets
with a value equal to a Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with
applicable regulatory policies. Each Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, a Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating cash or liquid assets if a
Fund held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the
same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the
price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in
combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after
the primary transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior
to such time, cash or liquid assets equal to any remaining obligation would need
to be segregated.
Non-Diversified Investment Company. Emerging Markets Growth Fund and Latin
America Fund is each classified as a non-diversified investment company under
the 1940 Act, which means that each Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act in the
percentage of its assets that it may invest in the obligations of a single
issuer. As a "non-diversified" investment company, a Fund may be subject to
greater market and credit risk than a more broadly diversified portfolio. The
investment of a large percentage of a Fund's assets in the securities of a small
number of issuers may cause a Fund's share price to fluctuate more than that of
a diversified investment company.
Warrants. Each Fund may invest in warrants up to 5% of the value of its
respective net assets. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the warrant
expires, to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a
specified price. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or
loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of
warrants do not necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the
underlying securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments.
Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option.
Thus, if a warrant held by a Fund were not exercised by the date of its
expiration, the Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.
Borrowing. Each Fund is authorized to borrow money for purposes of liquidity and
to provide for redemptions and distributions. Each Fund will borrow only when
the Adviser believes that borrowing will benefit the Fund after taking into
account considerations such as the costs of the borrowing. Borrowing by each
Fund will involve special risk considerations. Although the principal of each
Fund's borrowings will be fixed, a Fund's assets may change in value during the
time a borrowing is outstanding, thus increasing exposure to capital risk.
Investing in Small Companies. Investment in securities of small companies may
involve greater risk than investments in large companies. There is typically
less publicly available information concerning foreign and smaller companies
than for domestic and larger, more established companies. Some small companies
have limited product lines, distribution channels and financial and managerial
resources. Also, because smaller companies normally have fewer shares
outstanding than larger companies and trade less frequently, it may be more
difficult for a Fund to buy and sell significant amounts of such shares without
an
28
<PAGE>
unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices. Some of the companies in which a
Fund may invest may distribute, sell or produce products which have recently
been brought to market and may be dependent on key personnel with varying
degrees of experience.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for a Fund is to obtain the most favorable net results,
taking into account such factors as price, commission where applicable, size of
order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
the Scudder Investor Services, Inc. ("SIS") with commissions charged on
comparable transactions, as well as by comparing commissions paid by a Fund to
reported commissions paid by others. The Adviser routinely reviews commission
rates, execution and settlement services performed and makes internal and
external comparisons.
The Funds' purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by a Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply brokerage and research services to the Adviser or a
Fund. The term "research services" includes advice as to the value of
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities;
the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; and
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. The
Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions, if applicable, for a
Fund to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might
charge for executing the same transaction on account of execution services and
the receipt of research services. The Adviser has negotiated arrangements, which
are not applicable to most fixed-income transactions, with certain
broker/dealers pursuant to which a broker/dealer will provide research services,
to the Adviser or a Fund in exchange for the direction by the Adviser of
brokerage transactions to the broker/dealer. These arrangements regarding
receipt of research services generally apply to equity security transactions.
The Adviser may place orders with a broker/dealer on the basis that the
broker/dealer has or has not sold shares of a Fund. In effecting transactions in
over-the-counter securities, orders are placed with the principal market makers
for the security being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears that
more favorable results are available elsewhere.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will place
orders for portfolio transactions through SIS which is a corporation registered
as a broker/dealer and a subsidiary of the Adviser; SIS will place orders on
behalf of a Fund with issuers, underwriters or other brokers and dealers. SIS
will not receive any commission, fee or other remuneration from a Fund for this
service.
Although certain research services from broker/dealers may be useful to a Fund
and to the Adviser, it is the opinion of the Adviser that such information only
supplements the Adviser's own research effort since the information must still
be analyzed, weighed, and reviewed by the Adviser's staff. Such information may
be useful to the Adviser in providing services to clients other than the Funds,
and not all such information is used by the Adviser in connection with a Fund.
Conversely, such information provided to the Adviser by broker/dealers through
whom other clients of the Adviser effect securities transactions may be useful
to the Adviser in providing services to a Fund.
The Trustees review, from time to time, whether the recapture for the benefit of
a Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar fees paid by the
Funds on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and advisable.
29
<PAGE>
The table below shows total brokerage commissions paid by each Fund for the most
recent fiscal period and the percentage thereof that was allocated to firms
based upon research information provided.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Brokerage
Total Brokerage Commissions Total Amount of Percentage
Commissions Paid to Firms Commissions Allocated to
Paid in Based on Paid to Firms Based on
Fund Fiscal 1998* Research Affiliates Research
- ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Global Blue Chip Fund $23,222 $20,993 $0 90%
Emerging Markets Growth Fund $14,700 $14,077 $0 96%
Latin America Fund $ 5,941 $5,881 $0 99%
</TABLE>
* For the period from commencement of operations on December 31, 1997 (January
8, 1998, in the case of Emerging Markets Growth Fund) to October 31, 1998.
For Global Blue Chip Fund, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999,
$454,169 (89.11% of the total brokerage commissions paid) resulted from orders
placed, consistent with the policy of obtaining the most favorable net results,
with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary research market and
statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The total amount of
brokerage transactions aggregated $465,504,428 of which $390,035,622 (83.79% of
all brokerage transactions) were transactions which included research
commissions.
For Emerging Markets Growth Fund, for the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999, $24,360 (89.42% of the total brokerage commissions paid) resulted from
orders placed, consistent with the policy of obtaining the most favorable net
results, with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary research market and
statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The total amount of
brokerage transactions aggregated $5,627,307 of which $4,819,817 (85.65% of all
brokerage transactions) were transactions which included research commissions.
For Latin America Fund, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999,
$7,658 (87.65% of the total brokerage commissions paid) resulted from orders
placed, consistent with the policy of obtaining the most favorable net results,
with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary research market and
statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The total amount of
brokerage transactions aggregated $3,792,518 of which $3,152,345 (83.12% of all
brokerage transactions) were transactions which included research commissions.
Each Fund's average portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser of sales
or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned
during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or expiration dates at
the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher rate involves greater
brokerage transaction expenses to a Fund and may result in the realization of
greater net short-term or long-term capital gains, which would be taxable to
shareholders when distributed. Purchases and sales are made for the Fund's
portfolio whenever necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the Fund's
objective. The portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999 for Global Blue Chip Fund, Emerging Markets Growth Fund and Latin America
Fund was 68%, 78% and 76%, respectively. The portfolio turnover rate for the
period December 31, 1997 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1998 for
Global Blue Chip Fund and Latin America Fund was 68% and 55%, respectively. The
portfolio turnover rate for the period January 9, 1998 (commencement of
operations) to October 31, 1998 for Emerging Markets Growth Fund was 68%.
30
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND UNDERWRITER
INVESTMENT MANAGER. Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. ("Scudder Kemper" or the
"Adviser"), Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts, is each Fund's
investment manager.
This organization is one of the most experienced investment management firms in
the United States. It was established as a partnership in 1919 and pioneered the
practice of providing investment counsel to individual clients on a fee basis.
In 1953 the Adviser introduced Scudder International Fund, Inc., the first
mutual fund available in the U.S. investing internationally in securities of
issuers in several foreign countries. The predecessor firm reorganized from a
partnership to a corporation on June 28, 1985. On June 26, 1997, Adviser's
predecessor entered into an agreement with Zurich Insurance Company ("Zurich")
pursuant to which the predecessor and Zurich agreed to form an alliance.
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation organized under
the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at Mythenquai 2, 8002
Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have resulted from its
operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its subsidiaries and
affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group"). Zurich and the Zurich
Insurance Group provide an extensive range of insurance products and services
and have branch offices and subsidiaries in more than 40 countries throughout
the world.
Pursuant to investment management agreements, the Adviser acts as each Fund's
investment adviser, manages its investments, administers its business affairs,
furnishes office facilities and equipment, provides clerical and administrative
services, and permits any of its officers or employees to serve without
compensation as directors or officers of the Fund if elected to such positions.
The investment management agreement provides that each Fund pays the charges and
expenses of its operations, including the fees and expenses of directors (except
those who are affiliates of the Adviser), independent auditors, counsel,
custodian and transfer agent, and the cost of share certificates, reports and
notices to shareholders, brokerage commissions or transaction costs, costs of
calculating net asset value and maintaining all accounting records thereto,
taxes and membership dues. Each Fund bears the expenses of registration of its
shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and, effective January 1,
2000, the cost of qualifying and maintaining the qualification of each Fund's
shares for sale under the securities laws of the various states ("Blue Sky
Expense"). Prior to January 1, 2000, Kemper Distributors, Inc. ("KDI"), 222
South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, as principal underwriter, paid
the Blue Sky Expense.
At December 31, 1997, pursuant to the terms of an agreement, Scudder, Stevens &
Clark, Inc. ("Scudder") and Zurich formed a new global organization by combining
Scudder with Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc. ("ZKI"), a former subsidiary of
Zurich and the former investment manager to each Fund, and Scudder changed its
name to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. As a result of the transaction, Zurich
owned approximately 70% of the Adviser, with the balance owned by the Adviser's
officers and employees.
On September 7, 1998, the businesses of Zurich (including Zurich's 70% interest
in Scudder Kemper) and the financial services businesses of B.A.T Industries
p.l.c. ("B.A.T") were combined to form a new global insurance and financial
services company known as Zurich Financial Services, Inc. By way of a dual
holding company structure, former Zurich shareholders initially owned
approximately 57% of Zurich Financial Services, Inc., with the balance initially
owned by former B.A.T shareholders.
Upon consummation of this transaction, each Fund's existing investment
management agreement with Scudder Kemper was deemed to have been assigned and,
therefore, terminated. The Board approved new investment management agreements
with Scudder Kemper, which are substantially identical to the then current
investment management agreements, except for the dates of execution and
termination. These agreements became effective upon the termination of the then
current investment management agreements and were approved by shareholders at
special meetings held in December 1998.
Each investment management agreement provides that Scudder Kemper shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund
in connection with the matters to which the agreement relates, except a loss
resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of
Scudder Kemper in the performance of its obligations and duties, or by reason of
its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under each agreement.
31
<PAGE>
Certain investments may be appropriate for a Fund and also for other clients
advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for a Fund and other clients are
made with a view toward achieving their respective investment objectives and
after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability of
cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently, a
particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same date. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by a Fund. Purchase and sale orders for a Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to the Fund.
The Investment Management Agreements (the "Agreements") between the Corporation,
on behalf of each Fund, and the Adviser were approved by the Directors of the
Corporation on September 22, 1998. Each Agreement is dated September 7, 1998 and
will continue in effect until September 30, 2000 and from year to year
thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by the vote of a
majority of those Directors who are not parties to such Agreement or interested
persons of the Adviser or the Fund, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval, and by a majority vote either of the Fund's
Directors or of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Each Agreement
may be terminated at any time without payment of penalty by either party on
sixty days' written notice, and automatically terminates in the event of its
assignment.
Under each Agreement, the Adviser provides the particular Fund with continuing
investment management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the Fund's
investment objectives, policies and restrictions and determines what securities
shall be purchased for the portfolio of the Fund, what portfolio securities
shall be held or sold by the Fund and what portion of the Fund's assets shall be
held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws, the 1940 Act and the Code and to the Fund's
investment objectives, policies and restrictions and subject, further, to such
policies and instructions as the Directors of the Corporation may from time to
time establish. The Adviser also advises and assists the officers of the
Corporation in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out
the decisions of its Directors and the appropriate committees of the Directors
regarding the conduct of the business of a Fund.
The Adviser also renders significant administrative services (not otherwise
provided by third parties) necessary for each Fund's operations as an open-end
investment company including, but not limited to, preparing reports and notices
to the Directors and shareholders; supervising, negotiating contractual
arrangements with, and monitoring various third-party service providers to the
Fund (such as the Funds' transfer agent, pricing agents, custodian, accountants
and others); preparing and making filings with the SEC and other regulatory
agencies; assisting in the preparation and filing of each Fund's federal, state
and local tax returns; preparing and filing each Fund's federal excise tax
returns; assisting with investor and public relations matters; monitoring the
valuation of securities and the calculation of net asset value; monitoring the
registration of shares of each Fund under applicable federal and state
securities laws; maintaining each Fund's books and records to the extent not
otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in establishing accounting
policies of each Fund; assisting in the resolution of accounting and legal
issues; establishing and monitoring each Fund's operating budget; processing the
payment of each Fund's bills; assisting each Fund in, and otherwise arranging
for, the payment of distributions and dividends; and otherwise assisting each
Fund in the conduct of its business, subject to the direction and control of the
Directors.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all Directors, officers and
executive employees of the Corporation affiliated with the Adviser and makes
available, without expense to the Corporation, the services of such Directors,
officers and employees of the Adviser as may duly be elected officers or
Directors of the Corporation, subject to their individual consent to serve and
to any limitations imposed by law, and provides the Corporation's office space
and facilities.
The Funds each pay the Adviser an investment management fee, payable monthly, at
the annual rates shown below.
Global Blue Chip Fund........................ 1.00% for the first $250 million
0.95% for the next $750 million
0.90% over $1 billion
Emerging Markets Growth Fund................. 1.25%
Latin America Fund........................... 1.25% for the first $250 million
1.20% for the next $750 million
1.15% over $1 billion
32
<PAGE>
For Global Blue Chip Fund, by contract, total operating expenses are capped at
1.80%, 2.68% and 2.65% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively,
through 2/28/2001. For the fiscal period ended October, 31, 1998 and for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, the Fund incurred no management fees after
an expense reduction by Scudder Kemper.
For Emerging Markets Growth Fund, by contract, total operating expenses are
capped at 2.28%, 3.18% and 3.15% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares,
respectively, through 2/28/2001. For the fiscal period ended October, 31, 1998
and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, the Fund incurred no management
fees after an expense reduction by Scudder Kemper.
For Latin America Fund, by contract, total operating expenses are capped at
2.19%, 3.07% and 3.04% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively,
through 2/28/2001. For the fiscal period ended October, 31, 1998 and for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, the Fund incurred no management fees after
an expense reduction by Scudder Kemper.
The expenses of each Fund, and of other investment companies investing in
foreign securities can be expected to be higher than for investment companies
investing primarily in domestic securities since the costs of operation are
higher, including custody and transaction costs for foreign securities and
investment management fees.
Under the Agreement each Fund is responsible for all of its other expenses
including organizational costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with
membership in investment company organizations; fees and expenses of each Fund's
accounting agent; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and accounting expenses;
the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent; and any other expenses of issue,
sale, underwriting, distribution, redemption or repurchase of shares; the
expenses of and the fees for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the
fees and expenses of Directors, officers and employees of the Corporation who
are not affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of printing and distributing
reports and notices to shareholders; and the fees and disbursements of
custodians. Each Fund may arrange to have third parties assume all or part of
the expenses of sale, underwriting and distribution of shares of the Fund. Each
Fund is also responsible for its expenses of shareholder meetings, the cost of
responding to shareholders' inquiries, and its expenses incurred in connection
with litigation, proceedings and claims and the legal obligation it may have to
indemnify its officers and Directors with respect thereto. The Agreement
expressly provides that the Adviser shall not be required to pay a pricing agent
of the Fund for portfolio pricing services, if any.
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the Adviser
concerning such Agreement, the Directors of the Corporation who are not
"interested persons" of the Corporation have been represented by Vedder, Price,
Kaufman & Kammholz, as independent counsel at each Fund's expense.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have transactions
with various banks, including the Funds' custodian bank. It is the Adviser's
opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have occurred
were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Fund
relationships.
None of the officers or Directors of the Corporation may have dealings with the
Corporation as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as
individual subscribers or holders of shares of the Corporation.
Employees of the Adviser and certain of its subsidiaries are permitted to make
personal securities transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set
forth in the Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions
and requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as those of each Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics,
which generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain
33
<PAGE>
securities, and requires the submission of duplicate broker confirmations and
monthly reporting of securities transactions. Additional restrictions apply to
portfolio managers, traders, research analysts and others involved in the
investment advisory process. Exceptions to these and other provisions of the
Code of Ethics may be granted in particular circumstances after review by
appropriate personnel.
The Adviser may serve as adviser to other funds with similar investment
objectives and policies to those of the Funds that may have different
distribution arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER. Pursuant to an underwriting and distribution services
agreement ("distribution agreement"), Kemper Distributors, Inc. ("KDI"), 222
South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is
the principal underwriter and distributor for the shares of each Fund and acts
as agent of each Fund in the continuous offering of its shares. KDI bears all of
its expenses of providing services pursuant to the distribution agreement,
including the payment of any commissions. Each Fund pays the cost for the
prospectus and shareholder reports to be set in type and printed for existing
shareholders, and KDI pays for the printing and distribution of copies thereof
used in connection with the offering of shares to prospective investors. KDI
also pays for supplementary sales literature and advertising costs.
The distribution agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such
continuance is approved for each class at least annually by a vote of the Board
of Directors of each Fund, including the Directors who are not interested
persons of each Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the agreement. The distribution agreement automatically terminates in the event
of its assignment and may be terminated for a class at any time without penalty
by each Fund or by KDI upon 60 days' notice. Termination by each Fund with
respect to a class may be by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, or a
majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of each Fund and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the distribution agreement, or
a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the class of each Fund, as
defined under the 1940 Act. The distribution agreement may be amended for a
class by the Board of Directors in the manner described above with respect to
the continuation of the distribution agreement. The provisions concerning the
continuation, amendment and termination of the distribution agreement are on a
class by class basis.
Class A Shares. KDI receives no compensation from the Funds as principal
underwriter for Class A shares and pays all expenses of distribution of each
Fund's Class A shares under the distribution agreements not otherwise paid by
dealers or other financial services firms. As indicated under "Purchase and
Redemption of Shares," KDI retains the sales charge upon the purchase of shares
and pays out a portion of this sales charge or allows concessions or discounts
to firms for the sale of each Fund's Class A shares.
The following information concerns the underwriting commissions paid in
connection with each Fund's Class A shares for the fiscal period ended October
31, 1998 and 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Commissions Commissions
Commissions Allowed by KDI Paid to KDI
Fund Fiscal Year Retained by KDI to Firms Affiliated Firms
- -------------------------------------- --------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Global Blue Chip Fund 1998* $3,024 $136,361 0
1999 $6,328 $38,617
0
Emerging Markets Growth Fund 1998* $1,066 $13,730 0
1999 $843 $3,000 0
Latin America Fund 1998* $129 $3,103 0
1999 $283 $2,094
0
</TABLE>
* For the period from commencement of operations on December 31, 1997 (January
8, 1998, in the case of Emerging Markets Growth Fund) to October 31, 1998.
Rule 12b-1 Plans. The Fund has adopted, in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act, separate Rule 12b-1 distribution plans pertaining to each Fund's Class
B and Class C shares. Since each Fund's 12b-1 Plan (the "Plan") provides for
fees payable as an expense of each of the Class B shares and the Class C shares
that are used by KDI to pay for distribution services for those classes, each
agreement is approved and reviewed separately for the Class B shares and the
Class C shares in accordance with
34
<PAGE>
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates the manner in which an investment
company may, directly or indirectly, bear the expenses of distributing its
shares. Because 12b-1 fees are paid out of fund assets on an ongoing basis, they
will, over time, increase the cost of the investment and may cost more than
other types of sales charges. As of December 31, 1999, each Fund's Plan has been
separated from its distribution agreement.
Class B Shares. For its services under each Plan, KDI receives a fee from each
Fund, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of each Fund's average daily
net assets attributable to its Class B shares. This fee is accrued daily as an
expense of Class B shares. KDI also receives any contingent deferred sales
charges. See "Purchase and Redemption of Shares - Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge - Class B Shares." KDI currently compensates firms for sales of Class B
shares at a commission rate of 3.75%.
Class C Shares. For its services under each Plan, KDI receives a fee from each
Fund, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets
of each Fund attributable to its Class C shares. This fee is accrued daily as an
expense of Class C shares. KDI currently advances to firms the first year
distribution fee at a rate of 0.75% of the purchase price of Class C shares. For
periods after the first year, KDI currently pays firms for sales of Class C
shares a distribution fee, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of net
assets attributable to Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm and
the fee continues until terminated by KDI or a Fund. KDI also receives any
contingent deferred sales charges. See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges - Class C Shares."
If the Plan for a class is terminated in accordance with its terms, the
obligation of the Fund to make payments to KDI pursuant to such Plan will cease
and the Fund will not be required to make any payments past the termination
date. Thus, there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay any expenses
incurred by KDI in excess of its fees under a Plan, if for any reason the Plan
is terminated in accordance with its terms. Future fees under a Plan may or may
not be sufficient to reimburse KDI for its expenses incurred. (See "Principal
Underwriter" for more information.)
Expenses of each Fund and of KDI, in connection with the Rule 12b-1 Plans for
the Class B and Class C shares for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999 and
1998 are set forth below. A portion of the marketing, sales and operating
expenses shown below could be considered overhead expenses.
35
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distribution Contingent Commissions Distribution
Fees Paid by Deferred Sales Paid by Fees Paid by
Fiscal Fund to Charges Paid to Underwriter to Underwriter to
Fund Year* Underwriter** Underwriter Firms Affiliated Firms
- ------------------- ----------- ------------------ ------------------ ---------------- ----------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Global Blue Chip 1999 $39,778 $10,159 $121,886 $0
Fund 1998* $0** $426 $93,220 $0
Emerging Markets 1999 $7,238 $2,287 $24,722 $0
Growth Fund 1998* $O** $0 $16,199 $0
Latin America 1999 $3,404 $1,939 $7,458 $0
Fund 1998* $0** $17 $9,521 $0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Distribution Expenses Paid by Underwriter
Advertising Misc.
Fiscal and Prospectus Marketing and Operating Interest
Fund Year Literature Printing Sales Expenses Expenses Expense
- ------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Blue Chip 1999 $ $9,074 $682 $24,791 $8,865 $18,243
Fund 1998* $ $4,946 $777 $13,165 $13,180 $4,165
Emerging Markets 1999 $ $1,274 $80 $3,395 $6,171 $6,622
Growth Fund 1998* $ $8009 $140 2,213 $12,876 $875
Latin America 1999 $ $655 $40 $1,724 $5,899 $5,410
Fund 1998* $ $460 $68 $1,174 $25,732 801
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution Contingent Commissions Distribution
Fees Paid by Deferred Sales Paid by Fees Paid by
Fiscal Fund to Charges Paid to Underwriter to Underwriter to
Fund Year* Underwriter Underwriter Firms Affiliated Firms
- ------------------- ----------- ------------------ ------------------ ---------------- ---------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Blue Chip 1999 $10,387 $777 $11,880 $0
Fund 1998* $0** $92 $5,568 $0
Emerging Markets 1999 $2,750 $135 $2,683 $0
Growth Fund 1998* $0** $5 $987 $0
Latin America 1999 $523 $64 $672 $0
Fund 1998* $0** $72 $418 $0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Distribution Expenses Paid by Underwriter
Advertising Misc.
Fiscal and Prospectus Marketing and Operating Interest
Fund Year Literature Printing Sales Expenses Expenses Expense
- ------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Blue Chip 1999 $ $3,337 $256 $9,161 $4,366 $1,980
Fund 1998* $ $1,757 $257 $4,385 $9,322 $287
Emerging Markets 1999 $ $425 $19 $1,059 $4,253 $1061,491
Growth Fund 1998* $ $298 $69 $925 $13,102
Latin America 1999 $ $511 $9 $420 $2,745 $2,116
Fund 1998* $ $126 $21 $309 $23,297 $32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* For the period from commencement of operations on December 31, 1997 (January
8, 1998, in the case of Emerging Markets Growth Fund) to October 31, 1998.
** Amounts shown reflect fee waiver in effect.
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. Administrative services are provided to each Fund under
an administrative services agreement ("administrative agreement") with KDI. KDI
bears all its expenses of providing services pursuant to the administrative
agreement between KDI and each Fund, including the payment of service fees. For
the services under the administrative agreement, each Fund's pays KDI an
administrative services fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate of up to 0.25%
of average daily net assets of Class A, B and C shares of each Fund.
KDI enters into related arrangements with various broker-dealer firms
and other service or administrative firms ("firms") that provide services and
facilities for their customers or clients who are investors in a Fund. The firms
provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities and personnel as
is necessary or beneficial for providing information and services to their
clients. Such services and assistance may include, but are not limited to,
establishing and maintaining accounts and records, processing purchase and
redemption transactions, answering routine inquiries regarding a Fund,
assistance to clients in changing dividend and investment options, account
designations and addresses and such other administrative services as may be
agreed upon from time to time and permitted by applicable statute, rule or
regulation. KDI pays these firms based on assets of Fund accounts the firms
service. With respect to Class A shares, KDI pays each firm a service fee,
payable quarterly, at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the net assets in Fund
accounts that it maintains and services attributable to Class A shares,
commencing with the month after investment. With respect to Class B and Class C
shares, KDI currently advances to firms the first-year service fee at a rate of
up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares. For periods after the first
year, KDI currently intends to pay firms a service fee at a rate of up to 0.25%
(calculated monthly and paid quarterly) of the net assets attributable to Class
B and Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm. After the first year,
a firm becomes eligible for the quarterly service fee and the fee continues
until terminated by KDI or each Fund. Firms to which service fees may be paid
may include affiliates of KDI. In addition, KDI may, from time to time, from its
own resources, pay certain firms additional amounts for ongoing administrative
services and assistance provided to their customers and clients who are
shareholders of the Funds.
KDI also may provide some of the above services and may retain any
portion of the fee under the administrative agreement not paid to firms to
compensate itself for administrative functions performed for a Fund. Currently,
the administrative services fee payable to KDI is payable at an annual rate of
0.25% based upon Fund assets in accounts for which a firm provides
administrative services andat an annual rate of 0.15% based upon Fund assets in
accounts for which there is no firm of record (other than KDI) listed on the
Fund's records. The effective administrative services fee rate to be charged
against all assets of a Fund while this procedure is in effect will depend upon
the proportion of Fund assets that is in accounts for which there is a firm of
record. The Board of Directors of each Fund, in its discretion, may approve
basing the fee to KDI at the annual rate of 0.25% on all Fund assets in the
future.
Certain directors or officers of the Corporation are also directors or officers
of the Adviser or KDI, as indicated under "Officers and Directors."
The funds incurred no administrative services fees for the period ended October
31, 1998, after fee waivers by the Adviser. During the period ended October 31,
1998, KDI paid fees to various firms in the following amounts: $9,416, $1,557
and $1228 for Global Blue Chip Fund, Emerging Markets Growth Fund and Latin
America Fund, respectively. For Global Blue Chip Fund, the Fund incurred no
administrative services fees for the period ended October 31, 1999, after an
expense reduction by Scudder Kemper. For Emerging Markets Growth Fund, the Fund
incurred no administrative services fees for the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999, after an expense reduction by Scudder Kemper of $7,156. For Latin America
Fund, the Fund incurred administrative services fees of $429, after an expense
reduction of $4,309, all of which was unpaid at October 31, 1999. For Global
Blue Chip Fund, during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, KDI paid fees to
various firms in the amount of $40,814.
Fund Accounting Agent. Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103, a subsidiary of Scudder
Kemper, is responsible for determining the daily net asset value per share of
each Fund and maintaining all accounting records related thereto
<PAGE>
Each Fund pays Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation an annual fee of 0.065% on
the first $150 million, 0.04% on the next $850 million, and 0.02% over $1
billion. The minimum on all funds is $50,000. There is a 1.66% multi-class
premium imposed on asset fees for these funds.
The funds incurred no accounting fees for the period ended October 31, 1998,
after fee waivers by the Adviser in the following amounts: $41,667 for Global
Blue Chip Fund, $41,667 for Latin America Fund, and $48,584 for Emerging Markets
Growth Fund, respectively. For Global Blue Chip Fund, the fund incurred $3,923
of accounting fees for the period ended October 31, 1999, after a fee reduction
of $46,690 by Scudder Kemper. For Latin American Fund, the fund incurred no
accounting fees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, after a fee
reduction of $50,006. For Emerging Markets Growth Fund, the fund incurred no
accounting fees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, after a fee
reduction of $50,001 by Scudder Kemper.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGENT. Brown Brothers Harriman
& Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, as custodian has custody of
all securities and cash of each Fund. The Custodian attends to the collection of
principal and income, and payment for and collection of proceeds of securities
bought and sold by each Fund. Pursuant to a services agreement between the Fund
and Kemper Service Company ("KSvC"), 811 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, a
subsidiary of the Adviser, KSvC serves as "Shareholder Service Agent" of the
Funds and, as such, performs all of the duties as transfer agent and
dividend-paying agent for each Fund's Class A, B and C shares. KSvC receives as
transfer agent the following: prior to January 1, 1999, annual account fees at a
maximum rate of $6 per account, plus account set up, transaction and maintenance
charges, annual fees associated with the contingent deferred sales charge (Class
B Shares only) and out-of- pocket expense reimbursement; and, effective January
1, 1999, annual account fees of $10.00 ($18.00 for retirement accounts), plus
set up charges, annual fees associated with the contingent deferred sales
charges (Class B only), an asset-based fee of 0.08% and out-of-pocket
reimbursement; For a description of transfer agent and shareholder service agent
fees payable to KSvC and the Shareholder Service Agent, see "Investment Manager
and Underwriter".
For Emerging Markets Growth Fund, for the fiscal period ended October 31, 1998,
the Fund incurred shareholder services fees of $6,596. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, the Fund incurred shareholder services fees of $19,258, of
which $4,493 was unpaid at October 31, 1999.
For Global Blue Chip Fund, for the fiscal period ended October 31, 1998, the
Fund incurred shareholder services fees of $30, 174. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, the Fund incurred shareholder services fees of $117,003, of
which $31,778 was unpaid at October 31, 1999.
Latin America Fund, for the fiscal period ended October 31, 1998, the Fund
incurred shareholder services fees of $4,342. For the fiscal year ended October
31, 1999, the Fund incurred shareholder services fees of $4,309, all of which
was unpaid at October 31, 1999.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Each Fund's independent
auditors, Ernst & Young, LLP, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606,
audit and report on each Fund's annual financial statements, review certain
regulatory reports and each Fund's federal income tax return, and perform other
professional accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services when engaged to do
so by a Fund. Shareholders will receive annual audited financial statements and
semi-annual unaudited financial statements.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Alternative Purchase Arrangements. Class A shares of each Fund are sold to
investors subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares are sold without an
initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A
shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions.
Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares six years after
38
<PAGE>
issuance. Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are
subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares, are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within the
first year following purchase, and do not convert into another class. When
placing purchase orders, investors must specify whether the order is for Class
A, Class B or Class C shares.
The primary distinctions among the classes of each Fund's shares lie in their
initial and contingent deferred sales charge structures and in their ongoing
expenses, including asset-based sales charges in the form of Rule 12b-1
distribution fees. These differences are summarized in the table below. See
also, "Summary of Expenses." Each class has distinct advantages and
disadvantages for different investors, and investors may choose the class that
best suits their circumstances and objectives.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual 12b-1 Fees
(as a % of average daily
Sales Charge net assets) Other Information
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% of None Initial sales charge waived or
the public offering price reduced for certain purchases^(1)
Class B Maximum contingent deferred sales charge 0.75% Shares convert to Class A shares
of 4% of redemption proceeds; declines to six years after issuance
zero after six years
Class C Contingent deferred sales charge of 1% of 0.75% No conversion feature
redemption proceeds for redemptions made
during first year after purchase
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Class A shares purchased at net asset value under the "Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege" may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge
if redeemed within one year of purchase and a 0.50% contingent deferred
sales charge if redeemed during the second year of purchase.
The minimum initial investment for each class of each Fund is $1,000 and the
minimum subsequent investment is $100. The minimum initial investment for an
Individual Retirement Account is $250 and the minimum subsequent investment is
$50. Under an automatic investment plan, such as Bank Direct Deposit, Payroll
Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit, the minimum initial and subsequent
investment is $50. These minimum amounts may be changed at any time in
management's discretion.
Share certificates will not be issued unless requested in writing and may not be
available for certain types of account registrations. It is recommended that
investors not request share certificates unless needed for a specific purpose.
You cannot redeem shares by telephone or wire transfer or use the telephone
exchange privilege if share certificates have been issued. A lost or destroyed
certificate is difficult to replace and can be expensive to the shareholder (a
bond value of 2% or more of the certificate value is normally required).
Initial Sales Charge Alternative -- Class A Shares --The public offering price
of Class A shares for purchasers choosing the initial sales charge alternative
is the net asset value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge Portion Allowed by
As a As a KDI to Dealers as a
Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of
Amount of Purchase Offering Price Net Asset Value* Offering Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000................................... 5.75% 6.10% 5.20%
$50,000 but less than $100,000...................... 4.50 4.71 4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000..................... 3.50 3.63 3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000..................... 2.60 2.67 2.25
39
<PAGE>
$500,000 but less than $1 million................... 2.00 2.04 1.75
$1 million and over................................. 0.00** 0.00** ***
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** Redemption of shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge as discussed below.
*** Commission is payable by KDI as discussed below.
Each Fund receives the entire net asset value of all its shares sold. KDI, the
Funds' principal underwriter, retains the sales charge on sales of Class A
shares from which it allows discounts from the applicable public offering price
to investment dealers, which discounts are uniform for all dealers in the United
States and its territories. The normal discount allowed to dealers is set forth
in the above table. Upon notice to all dealers with whom it has sales
agreements, KDI may re-allow up to the full applicable sales charge, as shown in
the above table, during periods and for transactions specified in such notice
and such reallowances may be based upon attainment of minimum sales levels.
During periods when 90% or more of the sales charge is reallowed, such dealers
may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities Act
of 1933.
Class A shares of a Fund may be purchased at net asset value by: (a) any
purchaser provided that the amount invested in such Fund or other Kemper Funds
listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares - Combined Purchases" totals at
least $1,000,000 (the "Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege"). including purchases
of Class A shares pursuant to the "Combined Purchases," "Letter of Intent" and
"Cumulative Discount" features described under "Special Features"; or (b) a
participant-directed qualified retirement plan described in Code Section 401(a),
a participant-directed non-qualified deferred compensation plan described in
Code Section 457 or a participant-directed qualified retirement plan described
in Code Section 403(b)(7) which is not sponsored by a K-12 school district,
provided in each case that such plan has not less than 200 eligible employees.
Redemption within two years of shares purchased under the Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. See
"Redemption or Repurchase of Shares_Contingent Deferred Sales Charge_Large Order
NAV Purchase Privilege."
KDI may at its discretion compensate investment dealers or other financial
services firms in connection with the sale of Class A shares of a Fund at net
asset value in accordance with the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege up to the
following amounts: 1.00% of the net asset value of shares sold on amounts up to
$5 million, 0.50% on the next $45 million and 0.25% on amounts over $50 million.
The commission schedule will be reset on a calendar year basis for sales of
shares pursuant to the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege to employer sponsored
employee benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping system made available
through Kemper Service Company. For purposes of determining the appropriate
commission percentage to be applied to a particular sale, KDI will consider the
cumulative amount invested by the purchaser in a Fund and other Kemper Funds
listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares - Combined Purchases," including
purchases pursuant to the "Combined Purchases," "Letter of Intent" and
"Cumulative Discount" features referred to above and including Class R shares of
certain Scudder Funds. The privilege of purchasing Class A shares of a Fund at
net asset value under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege is not available if
another net asset value purchase privilege is also applicable.
Class A shares of a Fund or any other Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features
- - Class A Shares - Combined Purchases" may be purchased at net asset value in
any amount by members of the plaintiff class in the proceeding known as Howard
and Audrey Tabankin, et al. v. Kemper Short-Term Global Income Fund, et al.,
Case No. 93 C 5231 (N.D. IL). This privilege is generally non-transferable and
continues for the lifetime of individual class members and for a ten year period
for non-individual class members. To make a purchase at net asset value under
this privilege, the investor must, at the time of purchase, submit a written
request that the purchase be processed at net asset value pursuant to this
privilege specifically identifying the purchaser as a member of the "Tabankin
Class." Shares purchased under this privilege will be maintained in a separate
account that includes only shares purchased under this privilege. For more
details concerning this privilege, class members should refer to the Notice of
(1) Proposed Settlement with Defendants; and (2) Hearing to Determine Fairness
of Proposed Settlement, dated August 31, 1995, issued in connection with the
aforementioned court proceeding. For sales of Fund shares at net asset value
pursuant to this privilege, KDI may in its discretion pay investment dealers and
other financial services firms a concession, payable quarterly, at an annual
rate of up to 0.25% of net assets attributable to such shares maintained and
serviced by the firm. A firm becomes eligible for the concession based upon
assets in accounts attributable to shares purchased under this privilege in the
month after the month of purchase and the concession continues until terminated
by KDI. The privilege
40
<PAGE>
of purchasing Class A shares of a Fund at net asset value under this privilege
is not available if another net asset value purchase privilege also applies.
Class A shares of a Fund may be purchased at net asset value in any amount by
certain professionals who assist in the promotion of Kemper Funds pursuant to
personal services contracts with KDI, for themselves or members of their
families. KDI in its discretion may compensate financial services firms for
sales of Class A shares under this privilege at a commission rate of 0.50% of
the amount of Class A shares purchased.
Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in any amount to: (a) officers,
trustees, directors, employees (including retirees) and sales representatives of
a Fund, its investment manager, its principal underwriter or certain affiliated
companies, for themselves or members of their families; (b) registered
representatives and employees of broker-dealers having selling group agreements
with KDI and officers, directors and employees of service agents of the Funds,
for themselves or their spouses or dependent children; (c) shareholders who
owned shares of Kemper Value Series, Inc. ("KVS") on September 8, 1995, and have
continuously owned shares of KVS (or a Kemper Fund acquired by exchange of KVS
shares) since that date, for themselves or members of their families; (d) any
trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for only such persons; (e)
persons who purchase such shares through bank trust departments that process
such trades through an automated, integrated mutual fund clearing program
provided by a third party clearing firm; and (f) persons who purchase shares of
the Fund through KDI as part of an automated billing and wage deduction program
administered by RewardsPlus of America for the benefit of employees of
participating employer groups. Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in
any amount to selected employees (including their spouses and dependent
children) of banks and other financial services firms that provide
administrative services related to order placement and payment to facilitate
transactions in shares of the Funds for their clients pursuant to an agreement
with KDI or one of its affiliates. Only those employees of such banks and other
firms who as part of their usual duties provide services related to transactions
in Fund shares may purchase Fund Class A shares at net asset value hereunder.
Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in any amount to unit investment
trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates, Inc. In addition, unitholders of unit
investment trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates, Inc. or its predecessors may
purchase a Fund's Class A shares at net asset value through reinvestment
programs described in the prospectuses of such trusts that have such programs.
Class A shares of a Fund may be sold at net asset value through certain
investment advisers registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and
other financial services firms, acting solely as agent for their clients, that
adhere to certain standards established by KDI, including a requirement that
such shares be purchased for the benefit of their clients participating in an
investment advisory program under which such clients pay a fee to the investment
adviser or other firm for portfolio management and other services. Such shares
are sold for investment purposes and on the condition that they will not be
resold except through redemption or repurchase by the Funds. The Funds may also
issue Class A shares at net asset value in connection with the acquisition of
the assets of or merger or consolidation with another investment company, or to
shareholders in connection with the investment or reinvestment of income and
capital gain dividends.
The sales charge scale is applicable to purchases made at one time by any
"purchaser" which includes: an individual; or an individual, his or her spouse
and children under the age of 21; or a trustee or other fiduciary of a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account; or an organization exempt from federal
income tax under Section 501(c)(3) or (13) of the Code; or a pension, profit-
sharing or other employee benefit plan whether or not qualified under Section
401 of the Code; or other organized group of persons whether incorporated or
not, provided the organization has been in existence for at least six months and
has some purpose other than the purchase of redeemable securities of a
registered investment company at a discount. In order to qualify for a lower
sales charge, all orders from an organized group will have to be placed through
a single investment dealer or other firm and identified as originating from a
qualifying purchaser.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternative - Class B Shares. Investors choosing the
deferred sales charge alternative may purchase Class B shares at net asset value
per share without any sales charge at the time of purchase. Since Class B shares
are being sold without an initial sales charge, the full amount of the
investor's purchase payment will be invested in Class B shares for his or her
account. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of
Class B shares. See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares - Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge Class B Shares."
KDI compensates firms for sales of Class B shares at the time of sale at a
commission rate of up to 3.75% of the amount of Class B shares purchased. KDI is
compensated by each Fund for services as distributor and principal underwriter
for Class B shares. See "Investment Manager and Underwriter."
41
<PAGE>
Class B shares of a Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the
same Fund six years after issuance on the basis of the relative net asset value
per share of the Class B shares. The purpose of the conversion feature is to
relieve holders of Class B shares from the distribution services fee when the
shares have been outstanding long enough for KDI to have been compensated for
distribution related expenses. For purposes of conversion to Class A shares,
shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions
paid with respect to Class B shares in a shareholder's Fund account will be
converted to Class A shares on a pro rata basis.
Purchase of Class C Shares. The public offering price of the Class C shares of a
Fund is the next determined net asset value. No initial sales charge is imposed.
Since Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge, the full amount
of the investor's purchase payment will be invested in Class C shares for his or
her account. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon the
redemption of Class C shares if they are redeemed within one year of purchase.
See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares - Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -
Class C Shares." KDI currently advances to firms the first year distribution fee
at a rate of 0.75% of the purchase price of such shares. For periods after the
first year, KDI currently intends to pay firms for sales of Class C shares a
distribution fee, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of net assets
attributable to Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm. KDI is
compensated by each Fund for services as distributor and principal underwriter
for Class C shares. See "Investment Manager and Underwriter."
General. Banks and other financial services firms may provide administrative
services related to order placement and payment to facilitate transactions in
shares of a Fund for their clients, and KDI may pay them a transaction fee up to
the level of the discount or commission allowable or payable to dealers, as
described above. Banks or other financial services firms may be subject to
various federal and state laws regarding the services described above and may be
required to register as dealers pursuant to state law. If banking firms were
prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing any of the described
services, management would consider what action, if any, would be appropriate.
KDI does not believe that termination of a relationship with a bank would result
in any material adverse consequences to a Fund.
KDI may, from time to time, pay or allow to firms a 1% commission on the amount
of shares of a Fund sold under the following conditions: (i) the purchased
shares are held in a Kemper IRA account, (ii) the shares are purchased as a
direct "roll over" of a distribution from a qualified retirement plan account
maintained on a participant subaccount record keeping system provided by Kemper
Service Company, (iii) the registered representative placing the trade is a
member of ProStar, a group of persons designated by KDI in acknowledgment of
their dedication to the employee benefit plan area; and (iv) the purchase is not
otherwise subject to a commission.
In addition to the discounts or commissions described above, KDI will, from time
to time, pay or allow additional discounts, commissions or promotional
incentives, in the form of cash to firms that sell shares of the Funds. In some
instances, such discounts, commissions or other incentives will be offered only
to certain firms that sell or are expected to sell during specified time periods
certain minimum amounts of shares of the Funds, or other funds underwritten by
KDI.
Orders for the purchase of shares of a Fund will be confirmed at a price based
on the net asset value of that Fund next determined after receipt in good order
by KDI of the order accompanied by payment. However, orders received by dealers
or other financial services firms prior to the determination of net asset value
(see "Net Asset Value") and received in good order by KDI prior to the close of
its business day will be confirmed at a price based on the net asset value
effective on that day ("trade date"). Each Fund reserves the right to determine
the net asset value more frequently than once a day if deemed desirable. Dealers
and other financial services firms are obligated to transmit orders promptly.
Collection may take significantly longer for a check drawn on a foreign bank
than for a check drawn on a domestic bank. Therefore, if an order is accompanied
by a check drawn on a foreign bank, funds must normally be collected before
shares will be purchased.
Investment dealers and other firms provide varying arrangements for their
clients to purchase and redeem the Funds' shares. Some may establish higher
minimum investment requirements than required for a Fund. Firms may arrange with
their clients for other investment or administrative services. Such firms may
independently establish and charge additional amounts to their clients for such
services, which charges would reduce the clients' return. Firms also may hold
the Funds' shares in nominee or street name as agent for and on behalf of their
customers. In such instances, the Funds' transfer agent will have no information
42
<PAGE>
with respect to or control over the accounts of specific shareholders. Such
shareholders may obtain access to their accounts and information about their
accounts only from their firm. Certain of these firms may receive compensation
from the Funds through the Shareholder Service Agent for recordkeeping and other
expenses relating to these nominee accounts. In addition, certain privileges
with respect to the purchase and redemption of shares or the reinvestment of
dividends may not be available through such firms. Some firms may participate in
a program allowing them access to their clients' accounts for servicing.
including, without limitation, transfers of registration and dividend payee
changes; and may perform functions such as generation of confirmation statements
and disbursement of cash dividends. Such firms, including affiliates of KDI, may
receive compensation from the Funds through the Shareholder Service Agent for
these services. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in
connection with such firms' material regarding their fees and services.
Each Fund reserves the right to withdraw all or any part of the offering made by
this Statement of Additional Information and to reject purchase orders for any
reason. Also, from time to time, each Fund may temporarily suspend the offering
of any class of its shares to new investors. During the period of such
suspension, persons who are already shareholders of such class of such Fund
normally are permitted to continue to purchase additional shares of such class
and to have dividends reinvested.
Each Fund has authorized certain members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), other than KDI, to accept purchase and
redemption orders for the Fund's shares. Those brokers may also designate other
parties to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf. Orders
for purchase or redemption will be deemed to have been received by the Fund when
such brokers or their authorized designees accept the orders. Subject to the
terms of the contract between the Fund and the broker, ordinarily orders will be
priced as the Fund's net asset value next computed after acceptance by such
brokers or their authorized designees. Further, if purchases or redemptions of
the Fund's shares are arranged and settlement is made at an investor's election
through any other authorized NASD member, that member may, at its discretion,
charge a fee for that service. The Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Fund
and KDI each has the right to limit the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to
sell to, any person. The Board and KDI may suspend or terminate the offering of
shares of the Fund at any time for any reason.
Tax Identification Number. Be sure to complete the Tax Identification Number
section of the Fund's application when you open an account. Federal tax law
requires each Fund to withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains
distributions and redemption and exchange proceeds from accounts (other than
those of certain exempt payees) without a correct certified Social Security or
tax identification number and certain other certified information or upon
notification from the IRS or a broker that withholding is required. Each Fund
reserves the right to reject new account applications without a correct
certified Social Security or tax identification number. The Fund also reserves
the right, following 30 days' notice, to redeem all shares in accounts without a
correct certified Social Security or tax identification number. A shareholder
may avoid involuntary redemption by providing the applicable Fund with a tax
identification number during the 30-day notice period. Shareholders should
direct their inquiries to Kemper Service Company, 811 Main Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64105-2005 or to the firm from which they received this Statement of
Additional Information.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Fund shares are sold at their public offering price, which is the net asset
value next determined after an order is received in proper form plus, with
respect to Class A shares, an initial sales charge. The minimum initial
investment for each class of each Fund is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent
investment is $100 but such minimum amounts may be changed at any time. A Fund
may waive the minimum for purchases by directors, , officers or employees of a
Fund or the Adviser and its affiliates. An order for the purchase of shares that
is accompanied by a check drawn on a foreign bank (other than a check drawn on a
Canadian bank in U.S. Dollars) will not be considered in proper form and will
not be processed unless and until a Fund determines that it has received payment
of the proceeds of the check. The time required for such a determination will
vary and cannot be determined in advance.
Upon receipt by the Shareholder Service Agent of a request for redemption,
shares of a Fund will be redeemed by the Fund at the applicable net asset value
per share of the particular class of the Fund. Scheduled variations in or the
elimination of the initial sales charge for purchases of Class A shares or the
contingent deferred sales charge for redemptions of Class B or Class C shares by
certain classes of persons or through certain types of transactions as described
in the prospectus are provided because of anticipated economies of scale in
sales and sales-related efforts.
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A Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment more than seven days
(a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange") is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during any period in
which trading on the Exchange is restricted, (b) during any period when an
emergency exists as a result of which (i) disposal of each Fund' investments is
not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for a Fund
to determine the value of its net assets, or (c) for such other periods as the
SEC may by order permit for the protection of the Fund's shareholders.
Although it is each Fund's present policy to redeem in cash, if the Board of
Directors determines that a material adverse effect would be experienced by the
remaining shareholders if payment were made wholly in cash, the Fund will
satisfy the redemption request in whole or in part by a distribution of
portfolio securities in lieu of cash, in conformity with the applicable rules of
the SEC, taking such securities at the same value used to determine net asset
value, and selecting the securities in such manner as the Board of Directors may
deem fair and equitable. If such a distribution occurred, shareholders receiving
securities and selling them could receive less than the redemption value of such
securities and in addition would incur certain transaction costs. Such a
redemption would not be so liquid as a redemption entirely in cash.
The conversion of Class B shares of a Fund to Class A shares of a Fund may be
subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel, ruling by the
Internal Revenue Service or other assurance acceptable to a Fund to the effect
that (a) the assessment of the distribution services fee with respect to Class B
shares and not Class A shares does not result in a Fund's dividends constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Code, and (b) that the conversion of Class B
shares to Class A shares does not constitute a taxable event under the Code. The
conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares may be suspended if such
assurance is not available. In that event, no further conversions of Class B
shares would occur, and shares might continue to be subject to the distribution
services fee for an indefinite period that may extend beyond the proposed
conversion date as described in the prospectus.
Shareholders can request the following telephone privileges: EXPRESS-Transfer
transactions (see "Special Features"), expedited wire transfer redemptions and
exchange transactions for individual and institutional accounts and pre-
authorized telephone redemption transactions for certain institutional accounts.
Shareholders may choose these privileges on the account application or by
contacting the Shareholder Service Agent for appropriate instructions. Please
note that the telephone exchange privilege is automatic unless the shareholder
refuses it on the account application. A Fund or its agents may be liable for
any losses, expenses or costs arising out of fraudulent or unauthorized
telephone requests pursuant to these privileges unless the Fund or its agents
reasonably believe, based upon reasonable verification procedures, that the
telephonic instructions are genuine. The shareholder will bear the risk of loss,
including loss resulting from fraudulent or unauthorized transactions, so long
as reasonable verification procedures are followed. Verification procedures
include recording instructions, requiring certain identifying information before
acting upon instructions and sending written confirmations.
Telephone Redemptions. If the proceeds of the redemption (prior to the
imposition of any contingent deferred sales charge) are $50,000 or less and the
proceeds are payable to the shareholder of record at the address of record,
normally a telephone request or a written request by any one account holder
without a signature guarantee is sufficient for redemptions by individual or
joint account holders, and trust, executor, guardian and custodial account
holders , provided the trustee, executor, guardian or custodian is named in the
account registration. Other institutional account holders may exercise this
special privilege of redeeming shares by telephone request or written request
without signature guarantee subject to the same conditions as individual account
holders and subject to the limitations on liability described under "General"
above, provided that this privilege has been pre-authorized by the institutional
account holder or guardian account holder by written instruction to the
Shareholder Service Agent with signatures guaranteed. Telephone requests may be
made by calling 1-800-621-1048. Shares purchased by check or through EXPRESS-
Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may not be redeemed under this privilege of
redeeming shares by telephone request until such shares have been owned for at
least 10 days. This privilege of redeeming shares by telephone request or by
written request without a signature guarantee may not be used to redeem shares
held in certificated form and may not be used if the shareholder's account has
had an address change within 30 days of the redemption request. During periods
when it is difficult to contact the Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it
may be difficult to use the telephone redemption privilege, although investors
can still redeem by mail. Each Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify
this privilege at any time.
Repurchases (Confirmed Redemptions). A request for repurchase may be
communicated by a shareholder through a securities dealer or other financial
services firm to KDI, which each Fund has authorized to act as its agent. There
is no charge by KDI with
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respect to repurchases; however, dealers or other firms may charge customary
commissions for their services. Dealers and other financial services firms are
obligated to transmit orders promptly. The repurchase price will be the net
asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt of a request by KDI.
However, requests for repurchases received by dealers or other firms prior to
the determination of net asset value (see "Net Asset Value") and received by KDI
prior to the close of KDI's business day will be confirmed at the net asset
value effective on that day. The offer to repurchase may be suspended at any
time. Requirements as to stock powers, certificates, payments and delay of
payments are the same as for redemptions.
Expedited Wire Transfer Redemptions. If the account holder has given
authorization for expedited wire redemption to the account holder's brokerage or
bank account, shares of a Fund can be redeemed and proceeds sent by federal wire
transfer to a single previously designated account. Requests received by the
Shareholder Service Agent prior to the determination of net asset value will
result in shares being redeemed that day at the net asset value of a class of
the Fund effective on that day and normally the proceeds will be sent to the
designated account the following business day. Delivery of the proceeds of a
wire redemption of $250,000 or more may be delayed by the Fund for up to seven
days if the Fund or the Shareholder Servicing Agent deems it appropriate under
then-current market conditions. Once authorization is on file, the Shareholder
Service Agent will honor requests by telephone at 1-800-621-1048 or in writing,
subject to the limitations on liability described under "General" above. No Fund
is responsible for the efficiency of the federal wire system or the account
holder's financial services firm or bank. Each Fund currently does not charge
the account holder for wire transfers. The account holder is responsible for any
charges imposed by the account holder's firm or bank. There is a $1,000 wire
redemption minimum (including any contingent deferred sales charge). To change
the designated account to receive wire redemption proceeds, send a written
request to the Shareholder Service Agent with signatures guaranteed as described
above or contact the firm through which shares of the Fund were purchased.
Shares purchased by check or through EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may
not be redeemed by wire transfer until such shares have been owned for at least
10 days. Account holders may not use this privilege to redeem shares held in
certificated form. During periods when it is difficult to contact the
Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it may be difficult to use the expedited
wire transfer redemption privilege. Each Fund reserves the right to terminate or
modify this privilege at any time.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege. A
contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class A
shares that are purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege as
follows: 1% if they are redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if they
are redeemed during the second year after purchase. The charge will not be
imposed upon redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The
charge is applied to the value of the shares redeemed excluding amounts not
subject to the charge. The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in
the event of: (a) redemptions by a participant-directed qualified retirement
plan described in Code Section 401(a), a participant-directed non-qualified
deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457 or a participant-
directed qualified retirement plan described in Code Section 403(b)(7) which is
not sponsored by a K-12 school district; (b) redemptions by employer sponsored
employee benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping system made available
through the Shareholder Service Agent; (c) redemption of shares of a shareholder
(including a registered joint owner) who has died; (d) redemption of shares of a
shareholder (including a registered joint owner) who after purchase of the
shares being redeemed becomes totally disabled (as evidenced by a determination
by the federal Social Security Administration); (e) redemptions under a Fund's
Systematic Withdrawal Plan at a maximum of 10% per year of the net asset value
of the account; and (f) redemptions of shares whose dealer of record at the time
of the investment notifies KDI that the dealer waives the discretionary
commission applicable to such Large Order NAV Purchase.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares. A contingent deferred sales
charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class B shares. There is no such charge
upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends on Class B
shares. The charge is computed at the following rates applied to the value of
the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not subject to the charge.
Contingent Deferred
Year of Redemption After Purchase Sales Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First.................................................. 4%
Second................................................. 3%
Third.................................................. 3%
Fourth................................................. 2%
Fifth.................................................. 2%
Sixth.................................................. 1%
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The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived: (a) in the event of the
total disability (as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security
Administration) of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed, (b) in the event of
the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (c) for
redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Special Features
- - Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below), (d) for redemptions made pursuant to any
IRA systematic withdrawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy including,
but not limited to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Internal
Revenue Code Section 72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 1/2 and (e) for redemptions
to satisfy required minimum distributions after age 70 1/2 from an IRA account
(with the maximum amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the
shareholder's Kemper IRA accounts). The contingent deferred sales charge will
also be waived in connection with the following redemptions of shares held by
employer sponsored employee benefit plans maintained on the subaccount record
keeping system made available by the Shareholder Service Agent: (a) redemptions
to satisfy participant loan advances (note that loan repayments constitute new
purchases for purposes of the contingent deferred sales charge and the
conversion privilege), (b) redemptions in connection with retirement
distributions (limited at any one time to 10% of the total value of plan assets
invested in a Fund), (c) redemptions in connection with distributions qualifying
under the hardship provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and (d) redemptions
representing returns of excess contributions to such plans.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class C Shares. A contingent deferred sales
charge of 1% may be imposed upon redemption of Class C shares if they are
redeemed within one year of purchase. The charge will not be imposed upon
redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The charge is applied
to the value of the shares redeemed excluding amounts not subject to the charge.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived: (a) in the event of the
total disability (as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security
Administration) of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed, (b) in the event of
the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (c) for
redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (limited to 10% of the
net asset value of the account during the first year, see "Special Features --
Systematic Withdrawal Plan"), (d) for redemptions made pursuant to any IRA
systematic withdrawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy including, but
not limited to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Internal
Revenue Code Section 72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 1/2, (e) for redemptions to
satisfy required minimum distributions after age 70 1/2 from an IRA account
(with the maximum amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the
shareholder's Kemper IRA accounts), (f) for any participant-directed redemption
of shares held by employer sponsored employee benefit plans maintained on the
subaccount record keeping system made available by the Shareholder Service Agent
(g) redemption of shares by an employer sponsored employee benefit plan that
offers funds in addition to Kemper Funds and whose dealer of record has waived
the advance of the first year administrative service and distribution fees
applicable to such shares and agrees to receive such fees quarterly, and (f)
redemption of shares purchased through a dealer-sponsored asset allocation
program maintained on an omnibus record-keeping system provided the dealer of
record had waived the advance of the first year administrative services and
distribution fees applicable to such shares and has agreed to receive such fees
quarterly.
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<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - General. The following example will
illustrate the operation of the contingent deferred sales charge. Assume that an
investor makes a single purchase of $10,000 of a Fund's Class B shares and that
16 months later the value of the shares has grown by $1,000 through reinvested
dividends and by an additional $1,000 of share appreciation to a total of
$12,000. If the investor were then to redeem the entire $12,000 in share value,
the contingent deferred sales charge would be payable only with respect to
$10,000 because neither the $1,000 of reinvested dividends nor the $1,000 of
share appreciation is subject to the charge. The charge would be at the rate of
3% ($300) because it was in the second year after the purchase was made.
The rate of the contingent deferred sales charge is determined by the length of
the period of ownership. Investments are tracked on a monthly basis. The period
of ownership for this purpose begins the first day of the month in which the
order for the investment is received. For example, an investment made in March,
1999 will be eligible for the second year's charge if redeemed on or after March
1, 2000. In the event no specific order is requested when redeeming shares
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the redemption will be made first
from shares representing reinvested dividends and then from the earliest
purchase of shares. KDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge directly.
Reinvestment Privilege. A shareholder who has redeemed Class A shares of a Fund
or any other Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares -
Combined Purchases" (other than shares of the Kemper Cash Reserves Fund
purchased directly at net asset value) may reinvest up to the full amount
redeemed at net asset value at the time of the reinvestment in Class A shares of
a Fund or of the other listed Kemper Funds. A shareholder of a Fund or other
Kemper Fund who redeems Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege (see "Purchase of Shares - Initial Sales Charge Alternative -
Class A Shares") or Class B shares or Class C shares and incurs a contingent
deferred sales charge may reinvest up to the full amount redeemed at net asset
value at the time of the reinvestment, in the same class of shares as the case
may be, of a Fund or of other Kemper Funds. The amount of any contingent
deferred sales charge also will be reinvested. These reinvested shares will
retain their original cost and purchase date for purposes of the contingent
deferred sales charge schedule. Also, a holder of Class B shares who has
redeemed shares may reinvest up to the full amount redeemed, less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge that may have been imposed upon the redemption
of such shares, at net asset value in Class A shares of a Fund or of the other
Kemper Funds listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares Combined
Purchases." Purchases through the reinvestment privilege are subject to the
minimum investment requirements applicable to the shares being purchased and may
only be made for Kemper Funds available for sale in the shareholder's state of
residence as listed under "Special Features - Exchange Privilege." The
reinvestment privilege can be used only once as to any specific shares and
reinvestment must be effected within six months of the redemption. If a loss is
realized on the redemption of shares of a Fund, the reinvestment in shares of a
Fund may be subject to the "wash sale" rules if made within 30 days of the
redemption, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for
federal income tax purposes. In addition, upon a reinvestment, the shareholder
may not be permitted to take into account sales charges incurred on the original
purchase of shares in computing their taxable gain or loss. The reinvestment
privilege may be terminated or modified at any time.
Redemption in Kind. Although it is each Fund's present policy to redeem in cash,
if the Board of Directors determines that a material adverse effect would be
experienced by the remaining shareholders if payment were made wholly in cash,
the Fund will satisfy the redemption request in whole or in part by a
distribution of portfolio securities in lieu of cash, in conformity with the
applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, taking such
securities at the same value used to determine net asset value, and selecting
the securities in such manner as the Board of Directors may deem fair and
equitable. If such a distribution occurred, shareholders receiving securities
and selling them could receive less than the redemption value of such securities
and in addition would incur certain transaction costs. Such a redemption would
not be as liquid as a redemption entirely in cash.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases. Each Fund's Class A shares (or the
equivalent) may be purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket
attained by combining concurrent investments in Class A shares of any of the
following funds: Kemper Aggressive Growth Fund, Kemper Asian Growth Fund, Kemper
Blue Chip Fund, Kemper California Tax-Free Income Fund, Kemper Cash Reserves
Fund, Kemper Contrarian Fund, Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Kemper
Emerging Markets Income Fund, Kemper Europe Fund, Kemper Florida Tax-Free Income
Fund, Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund, Kemper Global Income Fund, Kemper Growth
Fund, Kemper High Yield Fund, Kemper High Yield Fund II, Kemper High Yield
Opportunity, Kemper Horizon 10+ Portfolio, Kemper Horizon 20+ Portfolio, Kemper
Horizon 5 Portfolio, Kemper
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<PAGE>
Income And Capital Preservation Fund, Kemper Intermediate Municipal Bond, Kemper
International Fund, Kemper International Growth and Income Fund, Kemper Large
Company Growth Fund (currently available only to employees of Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.; not available in all states), Kemper Latin America Fund,
Kemper Municipal Bond Fund, Kemper New York Tax-Free Income Fund, Kemper Ohio
Tax-Free Income Fund, Kemper Research Fund (currently available only to
employees of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.; not available in all states),
Kemper Target 2010 Fund, Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series II, Kemper Retirement
Fund -- Series III, Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series IV, Kemper Retirement Fund
- -- Series V, Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series VI, Kemper Retirement Fund --
Series VII, Kemper Short-Term U.S. Government Fund, Kemper Small Cap Value Fund,
Kemper Small Cap Value+Growth Fund (currently available only to employees of
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.; not available in all states), Kemper Small
Capitalization Equity Fund, Kemper Small Cap Relative Value Fund, Kemper
Strategic Income Fund, Kemper Technology Fund, Kemper Total Return Fund, Kemper
U.S. Government Securities Fund, Kemper U.S. Growth and Income Fund, Kemper U.S.
Mortgage Fund, Kemper Value+Growth Fund, Kemper Worldwide 2004 Fund,
Kemper-Dreman High Return Equity Fund, Kemper-Dreman Financial Services Fund
("Kemper Mutual Funds"). Except as noted below, there is no combined purchase
credit for direct purchases of shares of Zurich Money Funds, Cash Equivalent
Fund, Tax-Exempt California Money Market Fund, Cash Account Trust, Investors
Municipal Cash Fund or Investors Cash Trust ("Money Market Funds"), which are
not considered "Kemper Mutual Funds" for purposes hereof. For purposes of the
Combined Purchases feature described above as well as for the Letter of Intent
and Cumulative Discount features described below, employer sponsored employee
benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping system made available through
the Shareholder Service Agent or its affiliates may include: (a) Money Market
Funds as "Kemper Mutual Funds," (b) all classes of shares of any Kemper Mutual
Fund, and (c) the value of any other plan investments, such as guaranteed
investment contracts and employer stock, maintained on such subaccount record
keeping system.
Class A Shares - Letter of Intent. The same reduced sales charges for Class A
shares, as shown in the applicable prospectus, also apply to the aggregate
amount of purchases of such Kemper Funds listed above made by any purchaser
within a 24-month period under a written Letter of Intent ("Letter") provided by
KDI. The Letter, which imposes no obligation to purchase or sell additional
Class A shares, provides for a price adjustment depending upon the actual amount
purchased within such period. The Letter provides that the first purchase
following execution of the Letter must be at least 5% of the amount of the
intended purchase, and that 5% of the amount of the intended purchase normally
will be held in escrow in the form of shares pending completion of the intended
purchase. If the total investments under the Letter are less than the intended
amount and thereby qualify only for a higher sales charge than actually paid,
the appropriate number of escrowed shares are redeemed and the proceeds used
toward satisfaction of the obligation to pay the increased sales charge. The
Letter for an employer sponsored employee benefit plan maintained on the
subaccount record keeping system available through the Shareholder Service Agent
may have special provisions regarding payment of any increased sales charge
resulting from a failure to complete the intended purchase under the Letter. A
shareholder may include the value (at the maximum offering price) of all shares
of such Kemper Funds held of record as of the initial purchase date under the
Letter as an "accumulation credit" toward the completion of the Letter, but no
price adjustment will be made on such shares. Only investments in Class A shares
are included in this privilege.
Class A Shares - Cumulative Discount. Class A shares of a Fund may also be
purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket attained by adding to
the cost of shares of a Fund being purchased, the value of all Class A shares of
the above mentioned Kemper Funds (computed at the maximum offering price at the
time of the purchase for which the discount is applicable) already owned by the
investor.
Class A Shares - Availability of Quantity Discounts. An investor or the
investor's dealer or other financial services firm must notify the Shareholder
Service Agent or KDI whenever a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is
applicable to a purchase. Upon such notification, the investor will receive the
lowest applicable sales charge. Quantity discounts described above may be
modified or terminated at any time.
Exchange Privilege. Shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares may
exchange their shares for shares of the corresponding class of other Kemper
Funds in accordance with the provisions below.
Class A Shares. Class A shares of the Kemper Funds and shares of the Money
Market Funds listed under "Special Features- Class A Shares - Combined
Purchases" above may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset
values. Shares of Money
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<PAGE>
Market Funds and the Kemper Cash Reserves Fund that were acquired by purchase
(not including shares acquired by dividend reinvestment) are subject to the
applicable sales charge on exchange. Series of Kemper Target Equity Fund are
available on exchange only during the Offering Period for such series as
described in the applicable prospectus. Cash Equivalent Fund, Tax- Exempt
California Money Market Fund, Cash Account Trust, Investor's Municipal Cash Fund
and Investors Cash Trust are available on exchange but only through a financial
services firm having a services agreement with KDI.
Class A shares of a Fund purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege
may be exchanged for Class A shares of another Kemper Fund or a Money Market
Fund under the exchange privilege described above without paying any contingent
deferred sales charge at the time of exchange. If the Class A shares received on
exchange are redeemed thereafter, a contingent deferred sales charge may be
imposed in accordance with the foregoing requirements provided that the shares
redeemed will retain their original cost and purchase date for purposes of
calculating the contingent deferred sales charge.
Class B Shares. Class B shares of a Fund and Class B shares of any other Kemper
Fund listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares - Combined Purchases" may
be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values. Class B shares
may be exchanged without a contingent deferred sales charge being imposed at the
time of exchange. For purposes of calculating the contingent deferred sales
charge that may be imposed upon the redemption of the Class B shares received on
exchange, amounts exchanged retain their original cost and purchase date.
Class C Shares. Class C shares of a Fund and Class C shares of any other Kemper
Fund listed under "Special Features - Class A Shares - Combined Purchases" may
be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values. Class C shares
may be exchanged without a contingent deferred sales charge being imposed at the
time of exchange. For determining whether there is a contingent deferred sales
charge that may be imposed upon the redemption of the Class C shares received by
exchange, they retain the cost and purchase date of the shares that were
originally purchased and exchanged.
General. Shares of a Kemper Fund with a value in excess of $1,000,000 (except
Kemper Cash Reserves Fund) acquired by exchange through another Kemper Fund, or
from a Money Market Fund, may not be exchanged thereafter until they have been
owned for 15 days (the "15-Day Hold Policy"). In addition, each fund reserves
the right to invoke the 15-Day Hold Policy for accounts of $1,000,000 or less
if, in the Adviser's judgement, the exchange activity may have an adverse effect
on the Fund. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides with a "market
timing" strategy may be disruptive to the Fund and, therefore, may be subject to
the 15-Day Hold Policy.
For purposes of determining whether the 15-Day Hold Policy applies to a
particular exchange, the value of the shares to be exchanged shall be computed
by aggregating the value of shares being exchanged for all accounts under common
control, discretion or advice, including without limitation accounts
administered by a financial services firm offering market timing, asset
allocation or similar services. The total value of shares being exchanged must
at least equal the minimum investment requirement of the Kemper Fund into which
they are being exchanged. Exchanges are made based on relative dollar values of
the shares involved in the exchange. There is no service fee for an exchange;
however, dealers or other firms may charge for their services in effecting
exchange transactions. Exchanges will be effected by redemption of shares of the
fund held and purchase of shares of the other fund. For federal income tax
purposes, any such exchange constitutes a sale upon which a gain or loss may be
realized, depending upon whether the value of the shares being exchanged is more
or less than the shareholder's adjusted cost basis of such shares. Shareholders
interested in exercising the exchange privilege may obtain prospectuses of the
other funds from dealers, other firms or KDI. Exchanges may be accomplished by a
written request to Kemper Service Company, Attention: Exchange Department, P.O.
Box 419557, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6557, or by telephone if the shareholder
has given authorization. Once the authorization is on file, the Shareholder
Service Agent will honor requests by telephone at 1-800-621-1048, subject to the
limitations on liability under "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares - General."
Any share certificates must be deposited prior to any exchange of such shares.
During periods when it is difficult to contact the Shareholder Service Agent by
telephone, it may be difficult to use the telephone exchange privilege. The
exchange privilege is not a right and may be suspended, terminated or modified
at any time. Exchanges may only be made for funds that are available for sale in
the shareholder's state of residence. Currently, Tax-Exempt California Money
Market Fund is available for sale only in California and Investors Municipal
Cash Fund is available for sale only in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and
Pennsylvania. Except as otherwise permitted by applicable regulations, 60 days'
prior written notice of any termination or material change will be provided.
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<PAGE>
Systematic Exchange Privilege. The owner of $1,000 or more of any class of the
shares of a Kemper Fund or Money Market Fund may authorize the automatic
exchange of a specified amount ($100 minimum) of such shares for shares of the
same class of another such Kemper Fund. If selected, exchanges will be made
automatically until the privilege is terminated by the shareholder or the Kemper
Fund. Exchanges are subject to the terms and conditions described above under
"Exchange Privilege," except that the $1,000 minimum investment requirement for
the Kemper Fund acquired on exchange is not applicable. This privilege may not
be used for the exchange of shares held in certificated form.
EXPRESS-Transfer. EXPRESS-Transfer permits the transfer of money via the
Automated Clearing House System (minimum $100 and maximum $50,000) from a
shareholder's bank, savings and loan, or credit union account to purchase shares
in a Fund. Shareholders can also redeem shares (minimum $100 and maximum
$50,000) from their Fund account and transfer the proceeds to their bank,
savings and loan, or credit union checking account. Shares purchased by check or
through EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may not be redeemed under this
privilege until such shares have been owned for at least 10 days. By enrolling
in EXPRESS-Transfer, the shareholder authorizes the Shareholder Service Agent to
rely upon telephone instructions from any person to transfer the specified
amounts between the shareholder's Fund account and the predesignated bank,
savings and loan or credit union account, subject to the limitations on
liability under "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares - General." Once enrolled in
EXPRESS-Transfer, a shareholder can initiate a transaction by calling Kemper
Shareholder Services toll free at 1-800-621-1048, Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chicago time. Shareholders may terminate this privilege by
sending written notice to Kemper Service Company, P.O. Box 419415, Kansas City,
Missouri 64141-6415. Termination will become effective as soon as the
Shareholder Service Agent has had a reasonable amount of time to act upon the
request. EXPRESS-Transfer cannot be used with passbook savings accounts or for
tax-deferred plans such as Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs").
Bank Direct Deposit. A shareholder may purchase additional shares of a Fund
through an automatic investment program. With the Bank Direct Deposit Purchase
Plan, investments are made automatically (maximum $50,000) from the
shareholder's account at a bank, savings and loan or credit union into the
shareholder's Fund account. By enrolling in Bank Direct Deposit, the shareholder
authorizes the Fund and its agents to either draw checks or initiate Automated
Clearing House debits against the designated account at a bank or other
financial institution. This privilege may be selected by completing the
appropriate section on the Account Application or by contacting the Shareholder
Service Agent for appropriate forms. A shareholder may terminate his or her Plan
by sending written notice to Kemper Service Company, P.O. Box 419415, Kansas
City, Missouri 64141-6415. Termination by a shareholder will become effective
within thirty days after the Shareholder Service Agent has received the request.
A Fund may immediately terminate a shareholder's Plan in the event that any item
is unpaid by the shareholder's financial institution. The Funds may terminate or
modify this privilege at any time.
Payroll Direct Deposit and Government Direct Deposit. A shareholder may invest
in a Fund through Payroll Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit. Under
these programs, all or a portion of a shareholder's net pay or government check
is automatically invested in a Fund account each payment period. A shareholder
may terminate participation in these programs by giving written notice to the
shareholder's employer or government agency, as appropriate. (A reasonable time
to act is required.) A Fund is not responsible for the efficiency of the
employer or government agency making the payment or any financial institutions
transmitting payments.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The owner of $5,000 or more of a class of a Fund's
shares at the offering price (net asset value plus, in the case of Class A
shares, the initial sales charge) may provide for the payment from the owner's
account of any requested dollar amount to be paid to the owner or a designated
payee monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually. The $5,000 minimum account
size is not applicable to Individual Retirement Accounts. The minimum periodic
payment is $100. The maximum annual rate at which Class B shares may be redeemed
(and Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege and
Class C shares in their first year following the purchase) under a systematic
withdrawal plan is 10% of the net asset value of the account. Shares are
redeemed so that the payee will receive payment approximately the first of the
month. Any income and capital gain dividends will be automatically reinvested at
net asset value. A sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be
redeemed to make the designated payment. Depending upon the size of the payments
requested and fluctuations in the net asset value of the shares redeemed,
redemptions for the purpose of making such payments may reduce or even exhaust
the account.
The purchase of Class A shares while participating in a systematic withdrawal
plan will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the investor because the investor
will be paying a sales charge on the purchase of shares at the same time that
the investor is redeeming
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shares upon which a sales charge may have already been paid. Therefore, a Fund
will not knowingly permit additional investments of less than $2,000 if the
investor is at the same time making systematic withdrawals. KDI will waive the
contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions of Class A shares purchased
under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege, Class B shares and Class C shares
made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan. The right is reserved to amend
the systematic withdrawal plan on 30 days' notice. The plan may be terminated at
any time by the investor or the Funds.
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans. The Shareholder Service Agent provides
retirement plan services and documents and KDI can establish investor accounts
in any of the following types of retirement plans:
o Traditional, Roth and Education Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs"). This includes Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP") IRA
accounts and prototype documents.
o 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts. This type of plan is available to
employees of most non-profit organizations.
o Prototype money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans may be
adopted by employers. The maximum annual contribution per participant
is the lesser of 25% of compensation or $30,000.
Brochures describing the above plans as well as model defined benefit plans,
target benefit plans, 457 plans, 401(k) plans and materials for establishing
them are available from the Shareholder Service Agent upon request. Investors
should consult with their own tax advisers before establishing a retirement
plan.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of a Fund is the value of one share and is
determined separately for each class by dividing the value of a Fund's net
assets attributable to the class by the number of shares of that class
outstanding. The per share net asset value of each of Class B and Class C shares
of the Fund will generally be lower than that of the Class A shares of a Fund
because of the higher expenses borne by the Class B and Class C shares. The net
asset value of shares of a Fund is computed as of the close of regular trading
(the "value time") on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on each day
the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the
following holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and
Christmas.
Portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available are
generally valued at market value as of the value time in the manner described
below. All other securities may be valued at fair value as determined in good
faith by or under the direction of the Board.
With respect to the Funds with securities listed primarily on foreign exchanges,
such securities may trade on days when the Fund's net asset value is not
computed; and therefore, the net asset value of a Fund may be significantly
affected on days when the investor has no access to the Fund.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale price.
Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the calculated mean between the
most recent bid quotation and the most recent asked quotation (the "Calculated
Mean"). Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the most recent bid
quotation. An equity security which is traded on The National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation , ("Nasdaq") System, is valued at its
most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the most
recent bid quotation. The value of an equity security not quoted on Nasdaq, but
traded in another over-the-counter market, is its most recent sale price.
Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the Calculated Mean. Lacking a
Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the most recent bid quotation.
Debt securities are valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) which
reflect broker/dealer supplied valuations and electronic data processing
techniques. Money market instruments purchased with an original maturity of
sixty days or less, maturing at par, shall be valued at amortized cost, which
the Board believes approximates market value. If it is not possible to value a
particular debt security pursuant to these valuation methods, the value of such
security is the most recent bid quotation supplied by a bona fide marketmaker.
If it is not possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to the above
methods, the investment manager of the particular fund may calculate the price
of that debt security, subject to limitations established by the Board.
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An exchange-traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures and other
financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such exchange.
Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated Mean.
Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most recent
bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most recent
asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options contract
on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate on the
valuation date.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more exchanges
and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the market in
which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Valuation Committee of the Board of Directors, the
value of a portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures
does not represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of
the portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the
Valuation Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by a Fund is determined
in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee, most fairly
reflects market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolios assets in terms of
the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local Currency"),
the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is calculated by
converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing currency
exchange rate on the valuation date.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS. Each Fund intends to follow the practice of distributing
substantially all of its investment company taxable income which includes any
excess of net realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term
capital losses. A Fund may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess
of net realized long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital
losses. However, a Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment,
after paying the related federal taxes for which shareholders may then be able
to claim a credit against their federal tax liability. If a Fund does not
distribute the amount of capital gain and/or net investment income required to
be distributed by an excise tax provision of the Code, the Fund may be subject
to that excise tax. In certain circumstances, the Fund may determine that it is
in the interest of shareholders to distribute less than the required amount.
(See "TAXES.")
Each of Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Global Blue Chip Fund and Latin America
Fund normally distributes annual dividends of net investment income. Any net
realized short-term and long-term capital gains for the Funds are distributed at
least annually. Income and capital gain dividends of a Fund are automatically
reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, without a sales charge, unless the
investor makes an election otherwise. Distributions of net capital gains
realized during each fiscal year will be made at least annually before the end
of each Fund's fiscal year on October 31. Additional distributions, including
distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital
losses, may be made, if necessary.
The level of income dividends per share (as a percentage of net asset value)
will be lower for Class B and Class C shares than for Class A shares primarily
as a result of the distribution services fee applicable to Class B and Class C
shares. Distributions of capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same
proportion for each class.
Income and capital gain dividends, if any, of a Fund will be credited to
shareholder accounts in full and fractional shares of the same class of that
Fund at net asset value on the reinvestment date, except that, upon written
request to the Shareholder Service Agent, a shareholder may select one of the
following options:
(1) To receive dividends from income and short-term capital gain in
cash and net capital gain dividends in shares of the same class at net asset
value; or
(2) To receive income and capital gain dividends in cash.
Any dividends of a Fund that are reinvested normally will be reinvested
in shares of the same class of that same Fund. However, upon written request to
the Shareholder Service Agent, a shareholder may elect to have dividends of a
Fund invested in shares of the same class of another Kemper Fund at the net
asset value of such class of such other fund. See "Special
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Features -Class A Shares - Combined Purchases" for a list of such other Kemper
Funds. To use this privilege of investing dividends of a Fund in shares of
another Kemper Fund, shareholders must maintain a minimum account value of
$1,000 in the Fund distributing the dividends. The Funds will reinvest dividend
checks (and future dividends) in shares of that same Fund and class if checks
are returned as undeliverable. Dividends and other distributions of a Fund in
the aggregate amount of $10 or less are automatically reinvested in shares of
the Fund unless the shareholder requests that such policy not be applied to the
shareholder's account.
TAXES. Each Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Code and, if so qualified, generally will not
be liable for federal income taxes to the extent its earnings are distributed.
To so qualify, each Fund must satisfy certain income and asset diversification
requirements, and must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gains in
excess of net long-term capital losses).
If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify for the special federal income
tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income
will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any
deduction for distributions to its shareholders). In such event, dividend
distributions would be taxable to shareholders to the extent of a Fund's
earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
in the case of corporate shareholders.
Each Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on amounts required to be
but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula requires payment to
shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98%
of the Fund's ordinary income for each calendar year, at least 98% of the excess
of its capital gains over capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses)
realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year, and all
ordinary income and capital gains for prior years that were not previously
distributed.
Investment company taxable income includes dividends, interest and net
short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, less
expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking
into account any capital loss carryforward of a Fund.
Distributions of investment company taxable income are taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term
capital losses are retained by a Fund for reinvestment, requiring federal income
taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends to elect to treat such
capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, each
shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital gains , will be
able to claim a relative share of federal income taxes paid by a Fund on such
gains as a credit against personal federal income tax liability, and will be
entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis on Fund shares by the difference
between such reported gains and the individual tax credit.
Dividends from domestic corporations may comprise some part of the gross income
of Global Blue Chip Fund, Emerging Markets Growth Fund and Latin America Fund.
To the extent that such dividends constitute a portion of a Fund's gross income,
a portion of the income distributions of the Fund may be eligible for the
deduction for dividends received by corporations. Shareholders will be informed
of the portion of dividends which so qualify. The dividends-received deduction
is reduced to the extent the shares of a Fund with respect to which the
dividends are received are treated as debt-financed under federal income tax
law, and is eliminated if either those shares or the shares of the Fund are
deemed to have been held by the Fund or the shareholder, as the case may be, for
less than 46 days during the 90-day period beginning 45 days before the shares
become ex-dividend.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as long-term
capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shares of a Fund have been
held by such shareholders. Such distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares
held at the time of redemption for six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain during such six-month period.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares
will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received
equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
If shares are held in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, income
and gain will not be taxable each year. Instead, the taxable portion of amounts
held in a tax-deferred account generally will be subject to tax as ordinary
income only when distributed from that account.
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All distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized capital
gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends and capital gains
distributions declared in October, November or December and payable to
shareholders of record in such a month will be deemed to have been received by
shareholders on December 31 if paid during January of the following year.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another Kemper fund,
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also
subject to these reporting requirements.
Distributions by a Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of the
Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
Dividend and interest income received by a Fund from sources outside the U.S.
may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such foreign
jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate these foreign taxes, however, and foreign countries generally do
not impose taxes on capital gains respecting investments by foreign investors.
Each Fund may qualify for and make the election permitted under Section 853 of
the Code so that shareholders may (subject to limitations) be able to claim a
credit or deduction on their federal income tax return form and may be required
to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their pro rata portion of
qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries (which taxes related
primarily to investment income) Each Fund may make an election under Section 853
of the Code, provided that more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the
Fund at the close of the taxable year consists of securities as foreign
corporations. The foreign tax credit available to shareholders is subject to
certain limitations imposed by the Code, except in the case of certain electing
individual taxpayers who have limited creditable foreign taxes and no foreign
source income other than passive investment-type income. Furthermore, the
foreign tax credit is eliminated with respect to foreign taxes withheld on
dividends if the dividend-paying shares or the shares of the Fund are held by
the Fund or the shareholders, as the case may be, for less than 16 days. (46
days in the case of preferred shares) during the 30-day period (90-day period
for preferred shares) beginning 15 days (45 days for preferred shares) before
the shares become ex-dividend. In addition, if a Fund fails to satisfy these
holding period requirements, it cannot elect under Section 853 to pass through
to shareholders the ability to claim a deduction for the related foreign taxes.
Each Fund may invest in shares of certain foreign corporations which may be
classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). If
a Fund receives a so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock,
the Fund itself may be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess distribution.
Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gains from the sale of the PFIC
shares are treated as "excess distributions." In general, under the PFIC rules,
an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over the
period during which a Fund held the PFIC shares. Each Fund will be subject to
tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is allocated to prior
Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the
tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Excess distributions allocated
to the current taxable year are characterized as ordinary income even though,
absent application of the PFIC rules, certain excess distributions might have
been classified as capital gain.
A Fund may make an election to mark to market its shares of these foreign
investment companies in lieu of being subject to U.S. federal income taxation.
At the end of each taxable year to which the election applies, the Fund would
report as ordinary income the amount by which the fair market value of the
foreign company's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in these shares; any
mark to market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of shares would be
deductible as ordinary loss to the extent of any net mark to market gains
included in income in prior years. The effect of the election would be to treat
excess distributions and gain on dispositions as ordinary income which is not
subject to a fund level tax when distributed to shareholders as a dividend.
Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as income and gain its share of the
ordinary earnings and net capital gain of certain foreign investment companies
in lieu of being taxed in the manner described above.
Equity options (including covered call options on portfolio stock) written or
purchased by a Fund will be subject to tax under Section 1234 of the Code. In
general, no loss is recognized by a Fund upon payment of a premium in connection
with the purchase of a put or call option. The character of any gain or loss
recognized (i.e., long-term or short-term) will generally depend, in the case of
a lapse or sale of the option, on a Fund's holding period for the option and, in
the case of an exercise of
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the option, on a Fund's holding period for the underlying security. The purchase
of a put option may constitute a short sale for federal income tax purposes,
causing an adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or
substantially identical security in a Fund's portfolio. If a Fund writes a call
option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of a premium. If the option
lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as a short-term capital
gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, any resulting gain or loss is
short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the holding period of
the underlying security. The exercise of a put option written by a Fund is not a
taxable transaction for a Fund.
Many futures and forward contracts entered into by a Fund and all listed
nonequity options written or purchased by a Fund (including covered call options
written on debt securities and options purchased or written on futures
contracts) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax election
to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out
of any such position will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, and on
the last trading day of a Fund's fiscal year (and generally, on October 31 for
purposes of the 4% excise tax), all outstanding Section 1256 positions will be
marked-to-market (i.e., treated as if such positions were closed out at their
closing price on such day), with any resulting gain or loss recognized as 60%
long-term and 40% short-term. Under Section 988 of the Code, discussed below,
foreign currency gain or loss from foreign currency-related forward contracts,
certain futures and options and similar financial instruments entered into or
acquired by a Fund will be treated as ordinary income or loss. Under certain
circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a security may constitute a
short sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding
period of the underlying security or a substantially identical security in a
Fund's portfolio.
Positions of a Fund consisting of at least one stock and at least one stock
option or other position with respect to a related security which substantially
diminishes a Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated as
a "straddle" which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of
which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock
or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital
losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for any "qualified covered
call options" on stock written by a Fund.
Positions of a Fund consisting of at least one position not governed by Section
1256 and at least one future, forward, or nonequity option contract which is
governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes a Fund's risk of loss
with respect to such other position will be treated as a "mixed straddle."
Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of
the Code, certain tax elections exist for them which reduce or eliminate the
operation of these rules. A Fund will monitor its transactions in options and
futures and may make certain tax elections in connection with these investments.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, Section 1259 of the Codemay require a Fund
to recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of certain
"appreciated financial positions" if the Fund enters into a short sale,
offsetting notional principal contract, futures or forward contract transaction
with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property.
Appreciated financial positions subject to this constructive sale treatment are
interests (including options, futures and forward contracts and short sales) in
stock, partnership interests, certain actively traded trust instruments and
certain debt instruments. Constructive sale treatment of appreciated financial
positions does not apply to certain transactions closed in the 90-day period
ending with the 30th day after the close of a Fund's taxable year, if certain
conditions are met.
Similarly, under Section 1233(h) of the Code,if a Fund enters into a short sale
of property that becomes substantially worthless, the Fund will be required to
recognize gain at that time as though it had closed the short sale. Future
regulations may apply similar treatment to other strategic transactions with
respect to property that becomes substantially worthless.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
which occur between the time a Fund accrues receivables or liabilities
denominated in a foreign currency and the time a Fund actually collects such
receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or
ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a
foreign currency, and on disposition of certain futures, forward or options
contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign
currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contracts and the
date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or
losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may
increase or decrease the amount of a Fund's investment company taxable income to
be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
If a Fund holds zero coupon securities or other securities which are issued at a
discount a portion of the difference between the issue price and the face value
of such securities ("original issue discount") will be treated as income to a
Fund each year, even though a Fund will not receive cash interest payments from
these securities. This original issue discount (imputed income) will comprise a
part of the investment company taxable income of a Fund which must be
distributed to shareholders in order to maintain the qualification of a Fund as
a regulated investment company and to avoid federal income tax at a Fund level.
In
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addition, if a Fund invest in certain high yield original issue discount
obligations issued by corporations, a portion of the original issue discount
accruing on the obligation may be eligible for the deduction for dividends
received by corporations. In such an event, properly designated dividends of
investment company taxable income received from the Fund by its corporate
shareholders, to the extent attributable to such portion of the accrued original
issue discount, may be eligible for the deduction received by corporations.
Each Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") all
distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from
the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt
shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the
Code, distributions of taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be
subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of
non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their
taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their
status under the federal income tax law. Withholding may also be required if a
shareholder or a Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer
identification number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the
shareholder has previously failed to report interest or dividend income. If the
withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds,
whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the
amounts required to be withheld.
A sale or exchange of shares is a taxable event that may result in gain or loss
that will be a capital gain or loss held by the shareholder as a capital asset,
and may be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder's holding
period for the shares. A shareholder who has redeemed shares of a Fund or any
other Kemper Mutual Fund (other than shares of Kemper Cash Reserves Fund not
acquired by exchange from another Kemper Mutual Fund) may reinvest the amount
redeemed at net asset value at the time of the reinvestment in shares of the
Fund or in shares of the other Kemper Mutual Funds within six months of the
redemption. If redeemed shares were held less than 91 days, then the lesser of
(a) the sales charge waived on the reinvested shares, or (b) the sales charge
incurred on the redeemed shares, is included in the basis of the reinvested
shares and is not included in the basis of the redeemed shares. If a shareholder
realizes a loss on the redemption or exchange of a Fund's shares and reinvests
in shares of the same Fund within 30 days before or after the redemption or
exchange, the transactions may be subject to the wash sale rules resulting in a
postponement of the recognition of such loss for federal income tax purposes. An
exchange of a Fund's shares for shares of another fund is treated as a
redemption and reinvestment for federal income tax purposes upon which gain or
loss may be recognized.
After each transaction, shareholders will receive a confirmation statement
giving complete details of the transaction except that statements will be sent
quarterly for transactions involving reinvestment of dividends and periodic
investment and redemption programs. Information for income tax purposes will be
provided after the end of the calendar year. Shareholders are encouraged to
retain copies of their account confirmation statements or year-end statements
for tax reporting purposes. However, those who have incomplete records may
obtain historical account transaction information at a reasonable fee.
When more than one shareholder resides at the same address, certain reports and
communications to be delivered to such shareholders may be combined in the same
mailing package, and certain duplicate reports and communications may be
eliminated. Similarly, account statements to be sent to such shareholders may be
combined in the same mailing package or consolidated into a single statement.
However, a shareholder may request that the foregoing policies not be applied to
the shareholder's account. In January of each year a Fund issues to each
shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the
application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and
U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not
a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership
of shares of a Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be
subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an
applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income received
by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income from U.S. sources under
the Code.
Shareholders of a Fund may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes on Fund
distributions and disposition of Fund shares. Shareholders should consult their
tax advisers about the application of the provisions of tax law in light of
their particular tax situations.
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RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as an investment in a number of kinds of
retirement plans, including qualified pension, profit sharing, money purchase
pension, and 401(k) plans, Code Section 403(b) custodial accounts, and
individual retirement accounts.
Individual Retirement Accounts. One of the tax-deferred retirement plan accounts
that may hold Fund shares is an individual retirement account ("IRA"). There are
three kinds of IRAs that an individual may establish: traditional IRAs, Roth
IRAs and education IRAs. With a traditional IRA, an individual may make a
contribution of up to $2,000 or, if less, the amount of the individual's earned
income for any taxable year prior to the year the individual reaches age 70 1/2.
The contribution will be fully deductible if neither the individual nor his or
her spouse is an active participant in an employer's retirement plan. If an
individual is (or has a spouse who is) an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan , the amount, if any, of IRA contributions
that are deductible by such an individual is determined by the individual's (or,
if married filing jointly, the couple's) adjusted gross income for the year.
Even if an individual's contributions to an IRA for a taxable year are not
deductible, the individual nonetheless may make nondeductible contributions up
to $2,000, or 100% of earned income if less, for that year. A higher-earning
spouse also may contribute up to $2,000 per year to the lower-earning spouse's
own IRA, whether or not the lower-earning spouse has earned income of less than
$2,000, as long as the spouses' joint earned income is at least equal to the
combined amount of the spouses' IRA contributions for the year. There are
special rules for determining how withdrawals are to be taxed if an IRA contains
both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In general, a proportionate amount of
each withdrawal will be deemed to be made from nondeductible contributions;
amounts treated as a return of nondeductible contributions will not be taxable.
Lump sum distributions from another qualified retirement plan may be rolled over
into a traditional IRA, also.
With a Roth IRA, an individual may make only nondeductible contributions;
contributions can be made of up to $2,000 or, if less, the amount of the
individual's earned income for any taxable year, but only if the individual's
adjusted gross income for the year is less than $95,000,or, if married filing
jointly, the couple's adjusted gross income is less than $150,000. The maximum
contribution amount phases out and falls to zero between $95,000 and $110,000
for single persons, and between $150,000 and $160,000 for married persons.
Contributions to a Roth IRA may be made even after the individual attains age 70
1/2. No distributions are required to be taken prior to the death of the
original account holder. Distributions from a Roth IRA that satisfy certain
requirements will not be taxable when taken; other distributions of earnings
will be taxable. An individual with adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less
generally may elect to roll over amounts from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
The full taxable amount held in the traditional IRA that is rolled over to a
Roth IRA will be taxable in the year of the rollover, except rollovers made for
1998, which may be included in taxable income over a four-year period.
An education IRA provides a method for saving for the higher education expenses
of a child; it is not designed for retirement savings. Generally, amounts held
in an education IRA may be used to pay for qualified higher education expenses
at an eligible (post-secondary) educational institution. An individual may
contribute to an education IRA for the benefit of a child under 18 years old if
the individual's income does not exceed certain limits. The maximum contribution
for the benefit of any one child is $500 per year. Contributions are not
deductible, but earnings accumulate tax-free until withdrawal, and withdrawals
used to pay qualified higher education expenses of the beneficiary (or
transferred to an education IRA of a qualified family member) will be taxable.
Other withdrawals will be subject to tax.
In addition, there are special IRA programs available for employers under which
an employer may establish IRA accounts for its employees in lieu of establishing
more complicated retirement plans, such as qualified profit sharing or 401(k)
plans. Known as SEP-IRAs (Simplified Employee Pension-IRAs) and SIMPLE IRAs,
they permit employers to maintain a retirement program for their employees
without being subject to a number of the record keeping and testing requirements
applicable to qualified plans.
Qualified Retirement Plans. Fund shares also may be held in profit sharing,
money purchase pension, and 401(k) plan accounts. An employer, whether a
corporation, partnership or other kind of business entity, generally may
maintain one or more qualified retirement plans for its employees. These plans,
which are qualified plans under Code Section 401(a), are subject to numerous
rules relating to such matters as the maximum contribution that can be allocated
to participant's accounts, nondiscrimination, and distributions from the plan,
as well as being subject in many cases to the fiduciary duty and other
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974, as amended.
Businesses considering adopting a qualified retirement plan are encouraged to
seek competent professional advice before adopting one of these plans.
57
<PAGE>
403(b) Plan Accounts. Fund shares also may be purchased as an investment for
Code Section 403(b)(7) custodial accounts. In general, employees of tax-exempt
organizations described in Code Section 501(c)(3) and of public school systems
are eligible to participate in 403(b) accounts. These arrangements may permit
employer contributions and/or employee salary reduction contributions, and are
subject to rules relating to such matters as the maximum contribution than can
be made to a participant's account, nondiscrimination, and distributions from
the account.
General Information. Please call the Fund to obtain information regarding the
establishment of IRAs or other retirement plans. A retirement plan custodian may
charge fees in connection with establishing and maintaining the plan. An
investor should consult with a competent adviser for specific advice concerning
his or her tax status and the possible benefits of establishing one or more
retirement plan accounts. The description above is only very general; there are
numerous other rules applicable to these plans to be considered before
establishing one.
PERFORMANCE
The Funds may advertise several types of performance information for a class of
shares, including "average annual total return" and "total return." Performance
information will be computed separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class
I shares. Each of these figures is based upon historical results and is not
representative of the future performance of any class of the shares. A Fund with
fees or expenses being waived or absorbed by Scudder Kemper may also advertise
performance information before and after the effect of the fee waiver or expense
absorption.
A Fund's historical performance or return for a class of shares may be shown in
the form of "average annual total return" and "total return" figures. These
measures of performance are described below. Performance information will be
computed separately for each class. The Adviser has agreed to a reduction of its
management fee for each Fund to the extent specified in the prospectus. See
"Investment Manager and Underwriter." This fee reduction will improve the
performance results of a Fund.
Average annual total return and total return measure both the net investment
income generated by, and the effect of any realized or unrealized appreciation
or depreciation of, the underlying investments in a Fund's portfolio. Each
Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in accordance with a
standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC. The average annual total
return for each class of a Fund for a specific period is found by first taking a
hypothetical $1,000 investment ("initial investment") in the class' shares on
the first day of the period, adjusting to deduct the maximum sales charge (in
the case of Class A shares), and computing the "redeemable value" of that
investment at the end of the period. Average annual return quotations will be
determined to the nearest 1/100th of 1%. The redeemable value in the case of
Class B shares or Class C shares include the effect of the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge that may be imposed at the end of the period. The
redeemable value is then divided by the initial investment, and this quotient is
taken to the Nth root (N representing the number of years in the period) and 1
is subtracted from the result, which is then expressed as a percentage. Average
annual return calculated in accordance with this formula does not take into
account any required payments for federal of state income taxes. Such quotations
for Class B shares of a Fund for periods over six years will reflect conversion
of such shares to Class A of that Fund shares at the end of the sixth year. The
calculation assumes that all income and capital gains dividends paid by a Fund
have been reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the
period. Average annual total return may also be calculated in a manner not
consistent with the standard formula described above, without deducting the
maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
Average Annual Total Return = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
n = Number of years
ERV = Ending redeemable value: ERV is the value,
at the end of the applicable period, of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
58
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Return for Periods Ended October 31,
Fund Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Global Blue Chip Fund
One Year 9.60% 12.10% 15.19%
Life of the Fund* 9.32% 10.32% 11.92%
Emerging Markets Growth Fund
One Year 14.61% 17.54% 20.49%
Life of the Fund* -3.28% -2.65% -0.88%
Latin America Fund
One Year 8.02% 11.02% 5.51%
Life of the Fund* -10.72% -10.08% -8.57%
</TABLE>
* Since the Funds' commencement of operations on December 31, 1997 (January
8, 1998, in the case of Emerging Markets Growth Fund).
Note: If the Adviser had not maintained expenses, the total returns would have
been lower.
Calculation of a Fund's total return is not subject to a standardized formula,
except when calculated for a Fund's "Financial Highlights" table in each Fund's
financial statements and prospectus. Total return performance for a specific
period is calculated by first taking a hypothetical investment ("initial
investment") in a Fund's shares on the first day of the period, either adjusting
or not adjusting to deduct the maximum sales charge (in the case of Class A
shares), and computing the "ending value" of that investment at the end of the
period. The total return percentage is then determined by subtracting the
initial investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the
initial investment and expressing the result as a percentage. The ending value
in the case of a Fund's Class B shares or Class C shares may or may not include
the effect of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge that may be
imposed at the end of the period. The calculation assumes that all income and
capital gains dividends paid by a Fund have been reinvested at net asset value
on the reinvestment dates during the period. Total return may also be shown as
the increased dollar value of the hypothetical investment over the period. Total
return calculations that do not include the effect of the sales charge for a
Fund's Class A shares or the contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and
Class C shares would be reduced if such charges were included.
Average annual total return and total return figures measure both the net
investment income generated by, and the effect of any realized and unrealized
appreciation or depreciation of, the underlying investments in a Fund for the
period in question, assuming the reinvestment of all dividends. Thus, these
figures reflect the change in the value of an investment in a Fund during a
specified period. Average annual total return will be quoted for at least the
one-, five- and ten-year periods ending on a recent calendar quarter (or if such
periods have not yet elapsed, at the end of a shorter period corresponding to
the life of a Fund for performance purposes). Average annual total return
figures represent the average annual percentage change over the period in
question. Total return figures represent the aggregate percentage or dollar
value change over the period in question.
A Fund's yield is computed in accordance with a standardized method prescribed
by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A Fund's yield is the net annualized yield based on a specified 30-day (or one
month) period assuming semiannual compounding of income. Yield is calculated by
dividing the net investment income per share earned during the period by the
maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period, according to the
following formula:
59
<PAGE>
YIELD = 2[((a - b)/cd + 1)^6 - 1]
Where:
A = Dividends and interest earned during the
period, including amortization of market
premium or accretion of market discount
B = Expenses accrued for the period (net of
reimbursements)
C = the average daily number of shares
outstanding during the period that were
entitled to receive dividends
D = the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period
Each Fund's performance figures are based upon historical results and are not
necessarily representative of future performance. Each Fund's Class A shares are
sold at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering
price. Class B and Class C shares are sold at net asset value. Redemption of a
Fund's Class B shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge that
is 4% in the first year following the purchase, declines by a specified
percentage each year thereafter and becomes zero after six years. Redemption of
a Fund's Class C shares may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge
in the first year following the purchase. Returns and net asset value will
fluctuate. Factors affecting a Fund's performance include general market
conditions, operating expenses and investment management. Any additional fees
charged by a dealer or other financial services firm would reduce returns
described in this section. Shares of a Fund are redeemable at the then current
net asset value, which may be more or less than original cost.
There are differences and similarities between the investments which a Fund may
purchase and the investments measured by the indices which are described herein.
The Consumer Price Index is generally considered to be a measure of inflation.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index are
indices of common stocks which are considered to be generally representative of
the U.S. stock market. The Financial Times/Standard & Poor's Actuaries World
Index-Europe(TM) is a managed index that is generally representative of the
equity securities of European markets. The foregoing indices are unmanaged. The
net asset value and returns of a Fund will fluctuate.
Investors may want to compare the performance of a Fund to certificates of
deposit issued by banks and other depository institutions. Certificates of
deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and principal is guaranteed
and may be insured. Withdrawal of deposits prior to maturity will normally be
subject to a penalty. Rates offered by banks and other depository institutions
are subject to change at any time specified by the issuing institution.
Information regarding bank products may be based upon, among other things, the
BANK RATE MONITOR National Index(TM) for certificates of deposit, which is an
unmanaged index and is based on stated rates and the annual effective yields of
certificates of deposit in the ten largest banking markets in the United States,
or the CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. Certificate of Deposit Index, which is
an unmanaged index based on the average monthly yields of certificates of
deposit.
Investors also may want to compare the performance of a Fund to that of U.S.
Treasury bills, notes or bonds. Treasury obligations are issued in selected
denominations. Rates of Treasury obligations are fixed at the time of issuance
and payment of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Treasury. The market value of such instruments will generally fluctuate
inversely with interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at
maturity. Information regarding the performance of Treasury obligations may be
based upon, among other things, the Towers Data Systems U.S. Treasury Bill
index, which is an unmanaged index based on the average monthly yield of
treasury bills maturing in six months. Due to their short maturities, Treasury
bills generally experience very low market value volatility.
Investors may want to compare the performance of a Fund to that of money market
funds. Money market funds seek to maintain a stable net asset value and yield
fluctuates. Information regarding the performance of money market funds may be
based upon, among other things, IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Averages(R) (All
Taxable). As reported by IBC/Donoghue's, all investment results represent total
return (annualized results for the period net of management fees and expenses)
and one year investment results are effective annual yields assuming
reinvestment of dividends.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The officers and directors of the Corporation, their birth dates, their
principal occupations and their affiliations, if any, with the Adviser, and KDI,
the principal underwriter, are listed below. All persons named as directors also
serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by the Adviser:
60
<PAGE>
MARK S. CASADY (9/21/60)* President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts, Managing Director, Adviser; formerly, Institutional Sales Manager
of an unaffiliated mutual fund distributor.
JAMES E. AKINS (10/15/26) Director (15), 2904 Garfield Terrace, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.; Consultant on International, Political and Economic Affairs;
formerly a career United States Foreign Service Officer, Energy Adviser for the
White House and United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, 1973-76.
JAMES R. EDGAR (07/22/46) Director, 1927 County Road, 150E, Seymour, Illinois;
Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of
Illinois; Director, Kemper Insurance Companies; formerly, Governor of the State
of Illinois, 1991-1999.
ARTHUR R. GOTTSCHALK (2/13/25) Director (15), 10642 Brookridge Drive, Frankfort,
Illinois, Retired; formerly, President, Illinois Manufacturers Association;
Trustee, Illinois Masonic Medical Center; formerly, Illinois State Senator;
formerly, Vice President, The Reuben H. Donnelly Corp; formerly, attorney.
FREDERICK T. KELSEY (4/25/27) Director (15), 4010 Arbor Lane, Unit 102,
Northfield, Illinois; Retired; formerly, consultant to Goldman, Sachs & Co.;
formerly, President, Treasurer and Trustee of Institutional Liquid Assets and
its affiliated mutual funds; Trustee of the Northern Institutional Funds,
formerly, Trustee of the Pilot Funds.
THOMAS W. LITTAUER (4/26/55)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
FRED B. RENWICK (2/1/30) Director (15), 3 Hanover Square, New York, New York;
Professor of Finance, New York University, Stern School of Business; Director,
TIFF Industrial Program, Inc., Director, the Wartburg Foundation; Chairman
Investment Committee of Morehouse College Board of Trustees; Chairman, American
Bible Society Investment Committee; formerly member of the Investment Committee
of Atlanta University Board of Trustees; formerly Director of Board of Pensions,
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
KATHRYN L. QUIRK (12/3/52)*, Director and Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New
York, New York; Managing Director, Adviser
JOHN G. WEITHERS (8/8/33) Director (15), 311 Spring Lake, Hinsdale, Illinois;
Retired; formerly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Chicago
Stock Exchange; Director, Federal Life Insurance Company, President of the
Members of the Corporation and Trustee, DePaul University.
PHILIP J. COLLORA (11/15/45)* Vice President and Secretary, 222 South Riverside
Plaza, Chicago, Illinois; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary,
Adviser.
JOYCE E. CORNELL (3/26/44)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
DIEGO ESPINOSA (6/30/62)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
JOAN R. GREGORY (8/4/45)* Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York;
Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
TARA C. KENNEY (10/7/60)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
ANN M. McCREARY (11/6/56)* Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York;
Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
SHERIDAN P. REILLY (2/27/52)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
M. ISABEL SALTZMAN (12/22/54)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
WILLIAM F. TRUSCOTT (9/14/60)* Vice President, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New
York; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
61
<PAGE>
LINDA J. WONDRACK (9/12/64)* Vice President, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
JOHN R. HEBBLE (6/27/58)*, Treasurer, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Adviser.
BRENDA LYONS (2/21/63)*, Assistant Treasurer, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Adviser
MAUREEN E. KANE (2/14/62)*, Assistant Secretary*, Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts; Vice President, Adviser; formerly, Assistant Vice
President of an unaffiliated investment management firm; prior thereto,
Associate Staff Attorney of an unaffiliated investment management firm;
Associate, Peabody & Arnold (law firm).
CAROLINE PEARSON (4/1/62)*, Assistant Secretary, Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts; Senior Vice President, Adviser; formerly, Associate,
Dechert Price & Rhoads
* Interested persons of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
The Directors and Officers who are "interested persons" as designated above
receive no compensation from the Funds. The table below shows amounts paid or
accrued to those Directors who are not designated "interested persons" by the
Corporation, during the 1999 fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate
Compensation
From all Funds in the Total
Kemper Global/ Compensation
International Series, Total Compensation From Kemper Fund
Inc., Except for from Growth Fund of Complex Paid to
Name of Board Member Growth Fund of Spain Spain Board Members (1)
- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James E. Akins..................... $5,800 $8,200 $168,700
James R. Edgar(2) $5,000 $1,700 $84,600
Arthur R. Gottschalk (3)........... $6,700 $8,300 $166,600
Frederick T. Kelsey................ $6,700 $8,300 $168,700
Fred B. Renwick.................... $5,600 $8,100 $168,700
John G. Weithers................... $5,700 $8,200 $171,200
</TABLE>
(1) Includes compensation for service on the boards of 17 Kemper funds with 51
portfolios. Each board member currently serves as a board member of 17
Kemper Funds with 51 fund portfolios.
(2) Appointed as director on May 27, 1999.
(3) Includes deferred fees. Pursuant to deferred compensation agreements with
certain Kemper funds. deferred amounts accrue interest monthly at a rate
approximate to the yield of Zurich Money Funds -- Zurich Money Market Fund.
Total deferred amounts and interest accrued for the latest fiscal year for
Growth Fund of Spain amounted to $25,000 for Mr. Gottschalk.
As of January 29, 2000, the Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1%
of each Fund's shares, and the following entities owned of record greater than
5% of the outstanding shares of a particular class of each Fund:
62
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME CLASS PERCENTAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
National Financial Services Corp. A 5.94
FBO Delores Parson
200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
SSC Investment Corp. A 8.28
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette B 6.85
Securities Corp.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
John E. Susong C 5.95
C/O Pension Consulting Services
1315 Corporate Drive
Hudson, OH 44236
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
- -----------------------------------
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
NAME CLASS PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
National Financial Services Corp. A 6.60
FBO Edward Ryan, Jr.
200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Bernard Brodwin & Ann Marie Gonera, A 7.30
JTWROS for Ann Marie Gonera POA
9031 Whitney Av.
Flushing, NY 11373
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette A 5.29
Securities Corp.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
SSC Investment Corp. A 18.46
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
National Financial Services Corp. B 9.20
FBO Michael Loper
200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette B 15.81
Securities Corp.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
63
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
NAME CLASS PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
First Union Securities B 6.18
Commission Accounting
77 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Talaris Systems Inc. 401K C 5.83
FBO Gail McBeth-Wall
10575 Rock Creek Drive
San Diego, CA 92131
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & C 8.07
Smith
For the sole benefit of customers
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Wick's Truck Trailers Inc. 401K C 12.43
FBO Gail Wickersham
16725 H. Circle
Oamah, NE 68135
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Terry & Donna Sanchex, JTWROS C 22.37
1852 Samarkand Road
Glendale, CA 91208
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Kemper Latin America Fund
- -------------------------
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
NAME CLASS PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
SSC Investment Corp. A 50.18
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Gary Strausberg B 15.43
2204 Rogene Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
SSC Investment Corp. B 18.25
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Robert & Maureen Malone, JTWROS B 9.62
3044 W. 100th Place
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette C 41.41
Securities Corp.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
SSC Investment Corp. C 7.08
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Investor's Fiduciary Trust C 7.17
For IRA of William Miller
7777 Coldstream Woods Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45255
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
64
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
NAME CLASS PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Retirement Accounts & Co. C 9.12
Cust. For IRA of Alice Thornton Bell
P.O. Box 173785
Denver, Co 80217
- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
</TABLE>
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The Funds are series of the Corporation, an open-end management investment
company registered under the 1940 Act. The Corporation was organized as a
corporation under the laws of Maryland on October 2, 1997.
The Corporation may issue 600,000,000 shares of capital stock, all having $.001
par value, which may be divided by the Board of Directors into series or classes
of shares. 100,000,000 shares have been classified for the Corporation's six
series. Currently, each Fund offers three classes of shares. These are Class A,
Class B and Class C shares. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of
additional classes and additional series if deemed desirable, each with its own
investment objectives, policies and restrictions. Since the Corporation may
offer multiple funds, each is known as a "series company." Shares of a Fund have
equal noncumulative voting rights except that Class B and Class C shares have
separate and exclusive voting rights with respect to each such class' Rule 12b-1
Plan. Shares of each series also have equal rights with respect to dividends,
assets and liquidation of such Fund subject to any preferences (such as
resulting from different Rule 12b-1 distribution fees), rights or privileges of
any classes of shares of the Fund. Shares of each Fund are fully paid and
nonassessable when issued, are transferable without restriction and have no
preemptive or conversion rights.
Each Fund's activities are supervised by the Corporation's Board of Directors.
Each Fund is not required to and has no current intention of holding annual
shareholder meetings, although special meetings may be called for purposes such
as electing or removing Directors, changing fundamental investment policies or
approving an investment advisory contract. Shareholders will be assisted in
communicating with other shareholders in connection with removing a Director as
if Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act were applicable.
Each director serves until the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for
the purpose of electing directors and until the election and qualification of a
successor or until such director sooner dies, resigns, retires or is removed by
a majority vote of the shares entitled to vote (as described below) or a
majority of the directors.
One-third of the Directors shall be present in person at any regular or special
meeting of the Directors in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at such meeting and, except as otherwise required by law, the act of a
majority of the Directors present at any such meeting, at which a quorum is
present, shall be the act of the Directors.
Any matter shall be deemed to have been effectively acted upon with respect to a
Fund if acted upon as provided in Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act, or any
successor rule, and in the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation. As used in
the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information, the term
"majority", when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders in
connection with general matters affecting the Funds and all additional
portfolios (e.g., election of directors), means the vote of the lesser of (i)
67% of the Corporation's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii)
more than 50% of the Corporation's outstanding shares. The term "majority", when
referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders in connection with
matters affecting a single Fund or any other single portfolio (e.g., annual
approval of investment management contracts), means the vote of the lesser of
(i) 67% of the shares of the portfolio represented at a meeting if the holders
of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the portfolio are present in
person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
portfolio.
65
<PAGE>
In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, shares of a
Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to that Fund that are
available for distribution, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the
relative net assets of the Funds, of any general assets not attributable to a
Fund that are available for distribution.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Other Information
The CUSIP number of the Class A shares of Global Blue Chip Fund is
487916 10 8.
The CUSIP number of the Class B shares of Global Blue Chip Fund is
48791660 3.
The CUSIP number of the Class C shares of Global Blue Chip Fund is
487916 70 2.
The CUSIP number of the Class A shares of Emerging Markets Growth Fund
is 487916 40 5.
The CUSIP number of the Class B shares of Emerging Markets Growth Fund
is 487916 85 0.
The CUSIP number of the Class C shares of Emerging Markets Growth Fund
is 487916 84 3.
The CUSIP number of the Class A shares of Latin America Fund is 487916
50 4.
The CUSIP number of the Class B shares of Latin America Fund is 487916
83 5.
The CUSIP number of the Class C shares of Latin America Fund is 487916
82 7.
Each Fund has a fiscal year ending October 31.
Many of the investment changes in a Fund will be made at prices different from
those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular report to
shareholders of a Fund. These transactions will reflect investment decisions
made by the Adviser in light of a Fund's investment objectives and policies, its
other portfolio holdings and tax considerations, and should not be construed as
recommendations for similar action by other investors.
Costs of $15,000 incurred by each Fund, in conjunction with its organization,
are amortized over the five year period beginning December 31, 1997.
Portfolio securities of each Fund are held separately pursuant to a custodian
agreement, by the Fund's custodian, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads is counsel to the Funds.
The Funds' prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit certain
information contained in the Registration Statement and its amendments which the
Funds have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 and reference is
hereby made to the Registration Statement for further information with respect
to each Fund and the securities offered hereby. The Registration Statement and
its amendments, are available for inspection by the public at the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, including the investment portfolios of each Fund,
together with the Report of Independent Accountants, financial highlights and
notes to financial statements in each Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated
October 31, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference and are hereby deemed to
be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
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APPENDIX -- RATINGS OF FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services Bond Ratings
AAA. Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
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 higher 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, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such
debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
CI. The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D. Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings
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 in 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 sometime 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.
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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.
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Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund
Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Kemper Latin America Fund
Supplement to Statement of Additional Information
Dated March 1, 2000
The following text supplements the section entitled "Purchase of Shares" in the
currently effective Statement of Additional Information:
From January 1, 2000 to April 30, 2000 ("Special Offering Period"), KDI, the
principal underwriter, intends to reallow to certain firms the full applicable
sales charge with respect to Class A shares purchased for self-directed
Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRA accounts") during the Special Offering
Period (not including Class A shares acquired at net asset value). IRA accounts
include Traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, Savings Incentive Match Plan for
Employees of Small Employers ("SIMPLE") IRA accounts and Simplified Employee
Pension Plan ("SEP") IRA accounts. Firms entitled to the full reallowance during
the Special Offering Period are those firms which allow KDI to participate in a
special promotion of self-directed IRA accounts, with other fund complexes,
sponsored by the firms during the Special Offering Period.
