AXP INVESTMENT SERIES INC
485BPOS, 1999-11-24
Previous: INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER CO, U-6B-2, 1999-11-24
Next: IDS STOCK FUND INC, 24F-2NT, 1999-11-24




<PAGE>

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form N-1A


REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No. _____

Post-Effective Amendment No.  101  (File No. 2-11328)

                                     and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No.   45   (File No. 811-54)

AXP INVESTMENT SERIES, INC. formerly known as:
IDS INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440-0010

Leslie L. Ogg
901 S. Marquette Avenue, Suite 2810
Minneapolis, MN  55402-3268
(612) 330-9283

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

It  is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] immediately  upon filing  pursuant to paragraph  (b)
[X] on Nov. 29, 1999 pursuant to  paragraph  (b)
[ ] 60 days after  filing  pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on (date)  pursuant to paragraph  (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph  (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph  (a)(2) of rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:
    [ ] This  Post-Effective  Amendment  designates a new  effective  date for a
previously filed Post-Effective Amendment.

Growth and Income Trust has also  executed  this  Amendment to the  Registration
Statement.

<PAGE>

AXPSM Diversified Equity Income Fund

PROSPECTUS

Nov. 29, 1999

AXP  Diversified  Equity Income Fund seeks to provide  shareholders  with a high
level of current income and, as a secondary goal, steady growth of capital.

Please note that this Fund:

o  is not a bank deposit

o  is not federally insured

o  is not endorsed by any bank or government agency

o  is not guaranteed to achieve its goal

Like all mutual funds,  the Securities and Exchange  Commission has not approved
or disapproved  these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

<PAGE>

Table of Contents

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT:

The Fund                               3p

Goal                                   3p

Investment Strategy                    3p

Risks                                  5p

Past Performance                       6p

Fees and Expenses                      8p

Management                             9p

Buying and Selling Shares             10p

Valuing Fund Shares                   10p

Investment Options                    10p

Purchasing Shares                     12p

Sales Charges                         15p

Exchanging/Selling Shares             19p

Distributions and Taxes               24p

Personalized Shareholder Information  25p

Master/Feeder Structure               26p

About the Company                     27p

Quick Telephone Reference             29p

Financial Highlights                  30p

<PAGE>

FUND INFORMATION KEY

Goal and Investment Strategy

The Fund's  particular  investment  goal and the strategies it intends to use in
pursuing its goal.

Risks

The major risk factors associated with the Fund.

Fees and Expenses

The overall costs incurred by an investor in the Fund,  including  sales charges
and annual expenses.

Management

The  individual  or group  designated  by the  investment  manager to handle the
Fund's day-to-day management.

Master/Feeder Structure

Describes the Fund's investment structure.

Financial Highlights

Tables showing the Fund's financial performance.


<PAGE>

The Fund

GOAL

AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide shareholders with
a high level of current  income  and,  as a  secondary  goal,  steady  growth of
capital.  Because any investment involves risk,  achieving these goals cannot be
guaranteed.

The Fund seeks to achieve its goals by  investing  all of its assets in a master
portfolio rather than by directly investing in and managing its own portfolio of
securities.  The master  portfolio has the same goal and investment  policies as
the Fund.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Fund's  assets  primarily  are invested in equity  securities.  Under normal
market  conditions,  the Fund  will  invest  at least  65% of its net  assets in
dividend-paying common and preferred stocks.

The selection of dividend-paying  stocks is the primary decision in building the
investment portfolio.

In pursuit of the Fund's goals,  American Express Financial  Corporation (AEFC),
the Fund's investment manager, chooses equity investments by:

o  Identifying companies with moderate growth potential based on:

   -- effective management (considering overall performance), and

   -- financial strength.

o  Identifying companies with dividend-paying stocks.

o  Determining specific industry weightings within the following sectors:

   -- Consumer cyclical     -- Energy

   -- Consumer stable       -- Technology

   -- Financial             -- Industrial

<PAGE>

o  Identifying stocks that are selling at low prices in relation to:

   -- current and projected earnings,

   -- current and projected dividends, and

   -- historic price levels.

In evaluating whether to sell a security,  AEFC considers,  among other factors,
whether:

   -- the security is overvalued,

   -- the security has reached AEFC's price objective,

   -- the company has met AEFC's earnings and/or growth expectations, and

   -- the company or the security continues to meet the other standards
      described above.


Although not a primary  investment  strategy,  the Fund also may invest in other
instruments such as foreign securities, convertible securities, debt obligations
(including   bonds  and  commercial  paper  of  any  rating)  and  money  market
securities.  Additionally, the Fund may utilize derivative instruments (such as:
futures,  options and forward  contracts) to produce  incremental  earnings,  to
hedge existing positions and to increase flexibility.


During weak or declining  markets or when growth  opportunities are unavailable,
the Fund may invest more of its assets in money market  securities or commercial
paper.  Although the Fund  primarily  will invest in these  securities  to avoid
losses,  this type of investing  also could prevent the Fund from  achieving its
investment  objectives.  During these times,  AEFC may make frequent  securities
trades that could result in increased fees, expenses, and taxes.

For more  information  on strategies and holdings,  see the Fund's  Statement of
Additional Information (SAI) and the annual/semiannual reports.

<PAGE>

RISKS

Please  remember  that  with any  mutual  fund  investment  you may lose  money.
Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:

   Market Risk

   Sector/Concentration Risk

   Inflation Risk

Market Risk

The  market  may drop and you may lose  money.  Market  risk may affect a single
issuer,  sector of the economy,  industry,  or the market as a whole. The market
value  of  all  securities  may  move  up  and  down,   sometimes   rapidly  and
unpredictably.

Sector/Concentration Risk

Investments that are concentrated in a particular issuer,  geographic region, or
industry will be more  susceptible  to changes in price (the more you diversify,
the more you spread risk).

Inflation Risk

Also known as  purchasing  power risk,  inflation  risk  measures the effects of
continually rising prices on investments. If an investment's yield is lower than
the rate of inflation,  your money will have less purchasing  power as time goes
on.

<PAGE>


PAST PERFORMANCE

The  following  bar chart  and table  indicate  the  risks  and  variability  of
investing in the Fund by showing:

o  how the Fund's performance has varied for each full calendar year that the
   Fund has existed, and

o  how the Fund's  average  annual  total  returns  compare  to other
   recognized indexes.

How the Fund has  performed  in the past  does not  indicate  how the Fund  will
perform in the future.

Class A Performance (based on calendar years)

+25.89%
                   +24.48%
                                       +23.76%

                                                           +20.30%
                                                  +18.73%


         +14.60%


                                                                      +11.58%




                             -2.13%

1991      1992      1993      1994      1995      1996      1997      1998

During the  period  shown in the bar chart,  the  highest  return for a calendar
quarter was +15.34%  (quarter  ending December 1998) and the lowest return for a
calendar quarter was -10.63% (quarter ending September 1998).

The 5% sales charge applicable to Class A shares of the Fund is not reflected in
the bar chart;  if  reflected,  returns  would be lower than  those  shown.  The
performance  of Class B and Class Y may vary from that  shown  above  because of
differences in sales charges and fees.

The Fund's year to date return as of Sept. 30, 1999 was +1.59%.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Average Annual Total Returns (as of Dec. 31, 1998)

                                   1 year     5 years    Since inception  Since inception
<S>                             <C>           <C>       <C>              <C>
 Diversified Equity Income:

   Class A                        +6.00%         +12.90%        +16.54%a         --%

   Class B                        +6.78%          --%             --%         +17.09%b

   Class Y                       +11.66%          --%             --%         +18.62%b

 S&P 500 Index                   +28.57%         +24.01%        +22.11%c      +27.45%d

 Lipper Equity Income Fund Index +11.78%         +16.61%        +17.40%c      +19.90%d

</TABLE>

a Inception date was Oct. 15, 1990.
b Inception date was March 20, 1995.
c Measurement period started Nov. 1, 1990.
d Measurement period started April 1, 1995.

This table shows total returns from hypothetical investments in Class A, Class B
and Class Y shares of the Fund.  These returns are compared to the indexes shown
for the same  periods.  The  performance  of Classes A, B and Y vary  because of
differences  in sales  charges and fees.  Past  performance  for Class Y for the
periods prior to March 20, 1995 may be calculated  based on the  performance  of
Class A,  adjusted to reflect  differences  in sales  charges,  although not for
other differences in expenses.

For purposes of this calculation we assumed:

o  a sales charge of 5% for Class A shares,

o  sales at the end of the period and deduction of the applicable contingent
   deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class B shares,

o  no sales charge for Class Y shares, and

o  no adjustments for taxes paid by an investor on the reinvested income and
   capital gains.

Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500 Index), an unmanaged list of common stocks,
is  frequently  used as a  general  measure  of  market  performance.  The index
reflects  reinvestment of all  distributions  and changes in market prices,  but
excludes brokerage commissions or other fees. However, the S&P 500 companies may
be generally larger than those in which the Fund invests.

The Lipper  Equity  Income Fund Index,  an unmanaged  index  published by Lipper
Analytical  Services Inc.,  includes 30 funds that are generally  similar to the
Fund,  although some funds in the index may have somewhat  different  investment
policies or objectives.

<PAGE>

FEES AND EXPENSES

Fund  investors  pay various  expenses.  The table below  describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

                                                                 Class A       Class B    Class Y
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>        <C>
Maximum sales charge (load)
imposed on purchasesa (as a percentage of offering price)           5%           none      none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on sales
(as a percentage of offering price at time of purchase)            none           5%       none

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Annual Fund operating expensesb (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

As a percentage of average daily net assets:                     Class A       Class B          Class Y
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>              <C>
 Management feesc                                                0.49%           0.49%           0.49%

 Distribution (12b-1) fees                                       0.25%           1.00%           0.00%

 Other expensesc                                                 0.22%           0.24%           0.30%

 Total                                                           0.96%           1.73%           0.79%

</TABLE>

a This charge may be reduced depending on your total investments in American
  Express funds. See "Sales Charges."
b Both in this table and the following example,  fund operating expenses include
  expenses  charged by both the Fund and its Master  Portfolio as described
  under "Management."  Expenses  for  Class A,  Class B and  Class Y are based
  on actual expenses for the last fiscal year, restated to reflect current fees.
c Other expenses include an administrative  services fee, a shareholder services
fee for Class Y, a transfer agency fee and other nonadvisory expenses.

<PAGE>

Example

This  example is intended to help you compare the cost of  investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Assume you invest $10,000 and the Fund earns a 5% annual  return.  The operating
expenses remain the same each year. If you hold your shares until the end of the
years shown, your costs would be:

                  1 year           3 years           5 years         10 years

 Class Aa          $593              $791            $1,005           $1,623

 Class Bb          $676              $945            $1,140           $1,841d

 Class Bc          $176              $545              $940           $1,841d

 Class Y            $81              $253              $440             $982

a Includes a 5% sales charge.
b Assumes you sold your Class B shares at the end of the period and incurred the
  applicable CDSC.
c Assumes you did not sell your Class B shares at the end of the period.
d Based on  conversion  of Class B shares to Class A shares in the ninth year of
 ownership.

This example does not represent actual expenses, past or future. Actual expenses
may be higher or lower than those shown.

MANAGEMENT

The Fund's assets are invested in Equity Income Portfolio (the Portfolio), which
is managed by AEFC. Kurt Winters, senior portfolio manager, joined AEFC in 1987.
He has  managed  the  assets  of the  Portfolio  since  December  1997.  Kurt is
responsible for overall  investment  management,  including the determination of
the sectors in which the Portfolio will invest. A team of research professionals
makes investment  decisions within those sectors.  From 1992 to 1995, he managed
IDS Life  Series  Fund,  Managed  Portfolio.  He was  appointed  to  manage  AXP
Discovery Fund in 1995. He also provides  overall  portfolio  management for AXP
Equity  Value Fund,  AXP  Progressive  Fund,  Balanced  Portfolio,  AXP Variable
Portfolio --  Diversified  Equity  Income Fund and IDS Life Series Fund,  Equity
Income Portfolio.

<PAGE>

Buying and Selling Shares

VALUING FUND SHARES

The public  offering price for Class A is the net asset value (NAV) adjusted for
the sales charge. For Class B and Class Y, it is the NAV.


The NAV is the value of a single Fund share.  The NAV usually changes daily, and
is calculated at the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange,  normally
3 p.m. Central Time (CT), each business day (any day the New York Stock Exchange
is open).

Fund  shares  may  be  purchased  through  various  third-party   organizations,
including 401(k) plans, banks, brokers and investment advisers. Where authorized
by the Fund, orders will be priced at the NAV next computed after receipt by the
organization or their selected agent.


The Fund's  investments are valued based on market  quotations,  or where market
quotations are not readily available, based on methods selected in good faith by
the board. If the Fund's  investment  policies permit it to invest in securities
that are listed on foreign stock  exchanges that trade on weekends or other days
when the Fund does not  price its  shares,  the value of the  Fund's  underlying
investments  may  change on days  when you  could not buy or sell  shares of the
Fund. Please see the SAI for further information.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS

1.  Class A shares  are sold to the  public  with a sales  charge at the time of
    purchase and an annual distribution (12b-1) fee.

2. Class B shares are sold to the public with a CDSC and an annual  distribution
   (12b-1) fee.

3. Class Y shares are sold to qualifying institutional investors without a sales
   charge or distribution fee. Please see the SAI for information on eligibility
   to purchase Class Y shares.

<PAGE>

Investment options summary:

Class A       Maximum sales charge of 5%

              Initial sales charge waived or reduced for certain purchases

              Annual distribution fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets*

              Lower annual expenses than Class B shares

Class B       No initial sales charge

              CDSC on shares sold in the first six years  (maximum of 5%
              in first year, reduced to 0% after year six)

              CDSC waived in certain circumstances

              Shares convert to Class A in ninth year of ownership

              Annual distribution fee of 1.00% of average daily net
              assets*

              Higher annual expenses than Class A shares

Class Y       No initial sales charge

              No annual distribution fee

              Service fee of 0.10% of average daily net assets

              Available only to certain qualifying institutional
              investors

*The Fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment  Company Act of
1940 that allows it to pay distribution and servicing-related  fees for the sale
of Class A and Class B shares.  Because  these  fees are paid out of the  Fund's
assets on an on-going basis, the fees may cost long-term  shareholders more than
paying other types of sales charges imposed by some mutual funds.

Should you purchase Class A or Class B shares?

If your  investments in American  Express funds total $250,000 or more,  Class A
shares  may be the  better  option.  If you  qualify  for a waiver  of the sales
charge, Class A shares will be the best option.

If you  invest  less  than  $250,000,  consider  how long you plan to hold  your
shares.  Class B shares have a higher annual distribution fee and a CDSC for six
years.  To help  you  determine  what is best for you,  consult  your  financial
advisor.

Class B  shares  convert  to  Class  A  shares  in the  ninth  calendar  year of
ownership.   Class  B  shares  purchased   through   reinvested   dividends  and
distributions  also will convert to Class A shares in the same proportion as the
other Class B shares.

<PAGE>

PURCHASING SHARES

If you do not have a  mutual  fund  account,  you need to  establish  one.  Your
financial  advisor will help you fill out and submit an  application.  Once your
account is set up, you can choose among several convenient ways to invest.

When you  purchase  shares  for a new or  existing  account,  your order will be
priced at the next NAV  calculated  after your order is accepted by the Fund. If
your application  does not specify which class of shares you are purchasing,  we
will assume you are investing in Class A shares.

Important:  When you open an account,  you must provide  your  correct  Taxpayer
Identification  Number (TIN),  which is either your Social  Security or Employer
Identification number.

If you  do not  provide  the  correct  TIN,  you  could  be  subject  to  backup
withholding of 31% of taxable  distributions and proceeds from certain sales and
exchanges. You also could be subject to further penalties, such as:

o  a $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN,

o  a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that results in no
   backup withholding, and

o  criminal penalties for falsifying information.


You also could be subject to backup  withholding,  if the IRS  notifies us to do
so,  because you failed to report  required  interest or  dividends  on your tax
return.


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                <C>
How to determine the correct TIN

For this type of account:                            Use the Social Security or Employer Identification number of:


Individual or joint account                          The individual or one of the owners listed on the joint account


Custodian account of a minor                         The minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act)

A revocable living trust                             The grantor-trustee (the person who puts the money into the trust)

An irrevocable trust, pension trust or estate        The legal entity (not the personal representative or trustee, unless
                                                     no legal entity is designated in the account title)

Sole proprietorship                                  The owner

Partnership                                          The partnership

Corporate                                            The corporation

Association, club or tax-exempt organization         The organization

</TABLE>


For details on TIN  requirements,  ask your  financial  advisor or contact  your
local American  Express  Financial  Advisors  office to obtain a copy of federal
Form W-9, "Request for Taxpayer  Identification  Number and  Certification." You
also      may      obtain      the     form     on     the      Internet      at
(http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/).


Three ways to invest

 1 By mail:

Once your account has been established,  send your check with the account number
on it to:

American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
P.O. Box 74
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0074

Minimum amounts

Initial investment:        $2,000

Additional investments:    $100

Account balances:          $300

Qualified accounts:        none

If your account  balance  falls below $300,  you will be asked to increase it to
$300 or  establish a scheduled  investment  plan.  If you do not do so within 30
days, your shares can be sold and the proceeds mailed to you.

<PAGE>

 2 By scheduled investment plan:

Contact your financial advisor for assistance in setting up one of the following
scheduled plans:

o  automatic payroll deduction,

o  bank authorization,

o  direct deposit of Social Security check, or

o  other plan approved by the Fund.

Minimum amounts

Initial investment:        $100

Additional investments:    $50/mo. for qualified accounts; $100/mo. for
                            nonqualified accounts

Account balances:          none (on active plans with monthly payments)

If your  account  balance  is below  $2,000,  you must  make  payments  at least
monthly.

 3 By wire or electronic funds transfer:

If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

Norwest Bank Minnesota
Routing Transit No. 091000019

Give these instructions:

Credit American  Express  Financial  Advisors  Account  #0000030015 for personal
account # (your account  number) for (your name).  Please remember that you need
to provide all 10 digits.

If this  information is not included,  the order may be rejected,  and all money
received by the Fund, less any costs the Fund or American Express Client Service
Corporation (AECSC) incurs, will be returned promptly.

Minimum amounts

Each wire investment: $1,000

If you are in a wrap fee program  sponsored by AEFA and your balance falls below
the required program minimum or your program is terminated,  your shares will be
sold and the proceeds will be mailed to you.


<PAGE>


Transactions Through Third Parties

You may buy or sell shares through certain 401(k) plans, banks,  broker-dealers,
financial advisors or other investment  professionals.  These  organizations may
charge you a fee for this service and may have different  policies.  Some policy
differences  may  include  different  minimum   investment   amounts,   exchange
privileges, fund choices and cutoff times for investments. The Fund and AEFA are
not responsible for the failure of one of these  organizations  to carry out its
obligations to its customers.  Some organizations may receive  compensation from
AEFA or its affiliates for shareholder recordkeeping and similar services. Where
authorized by the Fund,  some  organizations  may designate  selected  agents to
accept purchase or sale orders on the Fund's behalf.


SALES CHARGES

Class A -- initial sales charge alternative

When you purchase Class A shares, you pay a 5% sales charge on the first $50,000
of your total investment and less on investments after the first $50,000:

 Total investment                   Sales charge as percentage of:a

                         Public offering priceb          Net amount invested

 Up to $50,000                    5.0%                          5.26%

 Next $50,000                     4.5                           4.71

 Next $400,000                    3.8                           3.95

 Next $500,000                    2.0                           2.04

 $1,000,000 or more               0.0                           0.00

aTo calculate the actual sales charge on an investment greater than $50,000 and
 less than $1,000,000, you must total the amounts of all increments that apply.
bOffering price includes a 5% sales charge.

The sales charge on Class A shares may be lower than 5%,  depending on the total
amount:

o  you now are investing in this Fund,

o  you have previously invested in this Fund, or

o you and your primary  household  group are investing or have invested in other
  American  Express funds that have a sales charge.  (The primary  household
  group consists of accounts in any ownership for spouses or domestic partners
  and their unmarried children under 21. For purposes of this policy,  domestic
  partners are individuals  who maintain a shared primary  residence and have
  joint property or other  insurable  interests.)  AXP Tax-Free Money Fund and
  Class A shares of AXP Cash Management Fund do not have sales charges.

<PAGE>

Other Class A sales charge policies:

o    IRA  purchases  or other  employee  benefit plan  purchases  made through a
     payroll  deduction  plan  or  through  a  plan  sponsored  by an  employer,
     association of employers, employee organization or other similar group, may
     be added together to reduce sales charges for all shares purchased  through
     that plan, and

o    if you  intend to invest $1  million  over a period of 13  months,  you can
     reduce the sales charges in Class A by filing a letter of intent.  For more
     details, please see the SAI.

Waivers of the sales charge for Class A shares

Sales charges do not apply to:

o    current or retired board members, officers or employees of the Fund or AEFC
     or its  subsidiaries,  their  spouses or domestic  partners  and  unmarried
     children under 21.

o    current or retired American Express  financial  advisors,  their spouses or
     domestic partners and unmarried children under 21.

o    investors  who  have  a  business  relationship  with  a  newly  associated
     financial  advisor who joined AEFA from another  investment  firm  provided
     that  (1)  the  purchase  is  made  within  six  months  of  the  advisor's
     appointment  date with AEFA,  (2) the  purchase  is made with  proceeds  of
     shares  sold  that  were  sponsored  by the  financial  advisor's  previous
     broker-dealer, and (3) the proceeds are the result of a sale of an equal or
     greater value where a sales load was assessed.

o    qualified  employee  benefit  plans  using a daily  transfer  recordkeeping
     system  offering  participants  daily  access to  American  Express  funds.
     Eligibility  must be determined in advance by AEFA. For assistance,  please
     contact your financial  advisor.  (Participants in certain  qualified plans
     where the initial sales charge is waived may be subject to a deferred sales
     charge of up to 4%.)

o    shareholders  who have at least $1 million  invested  in  American  Express
     funds. If the investment is sold in the first year after  purchase,  a CDSC
     of 1% will be charged.  The CDSC will be waived  only in the  circumstances
     described for waivers for Class B shares.

o    purchases  made  within 30 days  after a sale of shares  (up to the  amount
     sold):

   -- of a product distributed by AEFA in a qualified plan subject to a deferred
      sales charge, or

   -- in a qualified plan or account where American  Express Trust Company has a
      recordkeeping,   trustee,   investment   management,   or  investment
      servicing relationship.

Send the Fund a written request along with your payment,  indicating the date
and the amount of the sale.

<PAGE>

o  purchases made:

   -- with  dividend or capital  gain  distributions  from this Fund or from the
      same class of another American Express fund that has a sales charge,


   -- through or under a wrap fee product or other investment  product sponsored
      by  AEFA  or  another  authorized  broker-dealer,  investment  adviser,
      bank or investment professional,


   -- within the University of Texas System ORP,

   -- within a segregated  separate account offered by Nationwide Life Insurance
      Company or Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company,

   -- within the University of Massachusetts After-Tax Savings Program,

   -- with the proceeds from IDS Life Real Estate Variable Annuity surrenders,or

   -- through or under a subsidiary of AEFC offering  Personal  Trust  Services'
      Asset-Based pricing alternative.

Class B -- contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) alternative

A CDSC is based on the sale amount and the number of calendar years -- including
the year of purchase -- between purchase and sale. The following table shows how
CDSC percentages on sales decline after a purchase:

           If the sale is made during the:      The CDSC percentage rate is:

                      First year                             5%

                      Second year                            4%

                      Third year                             4%

                      Fourth year                            3%

                      Fifth year                             2%

                      Sixth year                             1%

                      Seventh year                           0%

If the amount you are  selling  causes the value of your  investment  in Class B
shares to fall below the cost of the shares you have  purchased  during the last
six years including the current year, the CDSC is based on the lower of the cost
of those shares purchased or market value.


<PAGE>

Example:

Assume you had invested  $10,000 in Class B shares and that your  investment had
appreciated in value to $12,000 after 15 months,  including reinvested dividends
and  capital  gain  distributions.  You could sell up to $2,000  worth of shares
without paying a CDSC ($12,000 current value less $10,000 purchase  amount).  If
you sold $2,500 worth of shares,  the CDSC would apply to the $500  representing
part of your original purchase price. The CDSC rate would be 4% because the sale
was made during the second year after the purchase.

Because  the CDSC is imposed  only on sales  that  reduce  your  total  purchase
payments,  you  never  have  to  pay  a  CDSC  on  any  amount  that  represents
appreciation  in the value of your  shares,  income  earned by your  shares,  or
capital  gains.  In  addition,  the CDSC rate on your sale will be based on your
oldest purchase  payment.  The CDSC on the next amount sold will be based on the
next oldest purchase payment.

The CDSC on Class B shares will be waived on sales of shares:

o    in the event of the shareholder's death,

o    held in trust for an employee benefit plan, or

o    held in IRAs or certain  qualified plans if American  Express Trust Company
     is the custodian, such as Keogh plans,  tax-sheltered custodial accounts or
     corporate pension plans, provided that the shareholder is:

   -- at least 591/2 years old AND

   -- taking a retirement  distribution (if the sale is part of a transfer to an
      IRA   or   qualified   plan   in  a   product   distributed   by   AEFA,
      or  a custodian-to-custodian  transfer to a product not  distributed by
      AEFA, the CDSC will not be waived) OR

   -- selling under an approved substantially equal periodic payment
      arrangement.


<PAGE>

EXCHANGING/SELLING SHARES

Exchanges

You can  exchange  your Fund shares at no charge for shares of the same class of
any other publicly offered  American  Express fund.  Exchanges into AXP Tax-Free
Money Fund may only be made from Class A shares. For complete information on the
other funds, including fees and expenses, read that fund's prospectus carefully.
Your exchange will be priced at the next NAV calculated  after it is accepted by
that fund.

You may make up to three exchanges  within any 30-day period,  with each limited
to  $300,000.  These  limits do not apply to  scheduled  exchange  programs  and
certain  employee  benefit  plans  or  other  arrangements   through  which  one
shareholder represents the interests of several.  Exceptions may be allowed with
pre-approval of the Fund.

Other exchange policies:

o  Exchanges must be made into the same class of shares of the new fund.

o  If your exchange creates a new account, it must satisfy the minimum
   investment amount for new purchases.

o  Once we receive your exchange request, you cannot cancel it.

o  Shares of the new fund may not be used on the same day for another exchange.

o  If your shares are pledged as  collateral,  the exchange will be delayed
   until AECSC receives written approval from the secured party.

AECSC and the Fund reserve the right to reject any  exchange,  limit the amount,
or modify or  discontinue  the exchange  privilege,  to prevent abuse or adverse
effects on the Fund and its  shareholders.  For example,  if  exchanges  are too
numerous  or too large,  they may disrupt the Fund's  investment  strategies  or
increase its costs.

Selling Shares

You can sell your shares at any time.  AECSC will mail payment within seven days
after accepting your request.

When you sell shares, the amount you receive may be more or less than the amount
you invested. Your sale price will be the next NAV calculated after your request
is accepted by the Fund, minus any applicable CDSC.


<PAGE>

You can  change  your mind  after  requesting  a sale and use all or part of the
proceeds to purchase new shares in the same account from which you sold.  If you
reinvest  in Class A, you will  purchase  the new shares at NAV rather  than the
offering  price on the date of a new  purchase.  If you reinvest in Class B, any
CDSC you paid on the amount you are reinvesting also will be reinvested. To take
advantage  of this option,  send a request  within 30 days of the date your sale
request was  received and include your account  number.  This  privilege  may be
limited or withdrawn at any time and may have tax consequences.

Requests  to sell  shares  of the  Fund  are  not  allowed  within  30 days of a
telephoned-in address change.

The Fund reserves the right to redeem in kind.

Important:  If you request a sale of shares you recently purchased by a check or
money order that is not guaranteed,  the Fund will wait for your check to clear.
It may take up to 10 days  from the date of  purchase  before  payment  is made.
(Payment may be made earlier if your bank provides evidence  satisfactory to the
Fund and AECSC that your check has cleared.)

For more details and a description of other sales policies, please see the SAI.

<PAGE>

Two ways to request an exchange or sale of shares

 1 By letter:

Include in your letter:

o  the name of the fund(s),

o  the class of shares to be exchanged or sold,

o  your  mutual  fund  account  number(s)  (for  exchanges,  both  funds  must
   be registered in the same ownership),

o  your TIN,

o  the dollar amount or number of shares you want to exchange or sell,

o  signature(s) of all registered account owners,

o  for sales, indicate how you want your money delivered to you, and

o  any paper certificates of shares you hold.

Regular mail:

American Express Client Service Corporation
Attn: Transactions
P.O. Box 534
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0534

Express mail:

American Express Client Service Corporation
Attn: Transactions
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402


<PAGE>

 2 By telephone:

American Express Financial Advisors

Telephone Transaction Service

800-437-3133

o The Fund and AECSC will use reasonable  procedures to confirm  authenticity of
  telephone exchange or sale requests.

o Telephone  exchange and sale  privileges  automatically  apply to all accounts
  except custodial,  corporate or qualified retirement  accounts.  You may
  request that these  privileges NOT apply by writing AECSC.  Each  registered
  owner must sign the request.

o Acting on your  instructions,  your  financial  advisor may conduct  telephone
  transactions on your behalf.

o Telephone privileges may be modified or discontinued at any time.

Minimum sale amount: $100  Maximum sale amount: $50,000


<PAGE>

Three ways to receive payment when you sell shares

 1 By regular or express mail:

o  Mailed to the address on record.

o  Payable to names listed on the account.

   NOTE: The express mail delivery charges you pay will vary depending on the
   courier you select.

 2 By wire or electronic funds transfer:

o  Minimum wire: $1,000.

o  Request that money be wired to your bank.

o  Bank  account  must be in the same  ownership  as the  American  Express
   fund account.

   NOTE: Pre-authorization required. For instructions, contact your financial
   advisor or AECSC.

 3 By scheduled payout plan:

o  Minimum payment: $50.

o  Contact  your  financial  advisor  or AECSC to set up  regular  payments  on
   a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis.

o  Purchasing new shares while under a payout plan may be disadvantageous
   because of the sales charges.

<PAGE>

Distributions and Taxes

As a shareholder you are entitled to your share of the Fund's net income and net
gains.  The  Fund  distributes  dividends  and  capital  gains to  qualify  as a
regulated  investment  company and to avoid paying  corporate  income and excise
taxes.

DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund's net investment  income is  distributed  to you as dividends.  Capital
gains are realized  when a security is sold for a higher price than was paid for
it. Each realized  capital gain or loss is long-term or short-term  depending on
the length of time the Fund held the security. Realized capital gains and losses
offset  each  other.  The Fund  offsets any net  realized  capital  gains by any
available capital loss carryovers.  Net short-term capital gains are included in
net  investment  income.  Net  realized  long-term  capital  gains,  if any, are
distributed by the end of the calendar year as capital gain distributions.

REINVESTMENTS

Dividends  and  capital  gain  distributions  are  automatically  reinvested  in
additional shares in the same class of the Fund, unless:

o    you request distributions in cash, or

o    you direct the Fund to invest your  distributions  in the same class of any
     publicly offered American Express fund for which you have previously opened
     an account.

We  reinvest  the  distributions  for you at the next  calculated  NAV after the
distribution is paid.

If you choose cash  distributions,  you will receive cash only for distributions
declared after your request has been processed.

TAXES

Distributions  are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state and
local taxes in the year they are declared. You must report distributions on your
tax returns, even if they are reinvested in additional shares.

If you buy shares shortly  before the record date of a distribution  you may pay
taxes on money  earned by the Fund before you were a  shareholder.  You will pay
the full  pre-distribution  price for the shares, then receive a portion of your
investment back as a distribution, which may be taxable.


<PAGE>

For tax purposes, an exchange is considered a sale and purchase,  and may result
in a gain or loss. A sale is a taxable transaction.  If you sell shares for less
than their cost,  the  difference is a capital loss. If you sell shares for more
than their cost, the  difference is a capital gain.  Your gain may be short term
(for  shares  held for one year or less) or long term (for  shares held for more
than one year).

If you buy Class A shares of this or another American Express fund and within 91
days  exchange  into this Fund,  you may not  include  the sales  charge in your
calculation of tax gain or loss on the sale of the first fund you purchased. The
sales  charge may be included in the  calculation  of your tax gain or loss on a
subsequent sale of this Fund.

Selling shares held in an IRA or qualified retirement account may subject you to
federal  taxes,  penalties and reporting  requirements.  Please consult your tax
advisor.

Important:  This information is a brief and selective summary of some of the tax
rules that apply to this Fund.  Because tax matters  are highly  individual  and
complex, you should consult a qualified tax advisor.

Personalized Shareholder Information

To help you  track and  evaluate  the  performance  of your  investments,  AECSC
provides these individualized reports:

QUARTERLY STATEMENTS

List your holdings and transactions during the previous three months, as well as
individualized return information.

YEARLY TAX STATEMENTS


Feature average-cost-basis reporting of capital gains or losses if you sell your
shares, along with distribution information, to simplify tax calculations.


PERSONALIZED MUTUAL FUND PROGRESS REPORTS

Detail  returns  on your  initial  investment  and  cash-flow  activity  in your
account.  This report  calculates  a total  return  reflecting  your  individual
history in owning Fund shares and is available from your financial advisor.


<PAGE>

Master/Feeder Structure

This Fund uses a  master/feeder  structure.  This  means that the Fund (a feeder
fund) invests all of its assets in the Portfolio (the master fund). Other feeder
funds also  invest in the  Portfolio.  The  master/feeder  structure  offers the
potential  for  reduced  costs  because  it  spreads  fixed  costs of  portfolio
management  over a larger pool of assets.  The Fund may withdraw its assets from
the  Portfolio at any time if the Fund's board  determines  that it is best.  In
that event,  the board would  consider  what action  should be taken,  including
whether to hire an investment advisor to manage the Fund's assets directly or to
invest all of the Fund's assets in another pooled investment entity.  Here is an
illustration of the structure:

Investors buy shares in the Fund



The Fund buys units in the Portfolio



The Portfolio invests in securities, such as stocks or bonds

Other feeders may include mutual funds and institutional accounts. These feeders
buy the Portfolio's  securities on the same terms and conditions as the Fund and
pay  their  proportionate  share of the  Portfolio's  expenses.  However,  their
operating  costs  and  sales  charges  are  different  from  those of the  Fund.
Therefore,  the  investment  returns for other  feeders are  different  from the
returns of the Fund.  Information about other feeders may be obtained by calling
American Express Financial Advisors at 800-AXP-SERV.


<PAGE>

About the Company

BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Shareholders


Your American Express financial advisor and other servicing agents
May receive a fee for their sales efforts and ongoing service.


Transfer Agent:

American Express Client Service Corporation
Maintains shareholder accounts and records for the Fund; receives a fee based on
the number of accounts it services.


Administrative Services Agent:

American Express Financial Corporation
Provides administrative and accounting services for the Fund; receives a fee
based on average daily net assets.


The Fund


Distributor and Shareholder Services Agent:

American Express Financial Advisors
Markets and distributes  shares;  receives a portion of the sales charge or CDSC
and distribution fee. Also provides a variety of ongoing shareholder services.


The Fund invests its assets in the Portfolio. The Fund and/or the Portfolio have
contracts with certain service providers.


Investment Manager:

American Express Financial Corporation
Manages the Portfolio's investments and receives a fee based on average daily
net assets.*



The Portfolio



Custodian:

American Express Trust Company
Provides  safekeeping of assets;  receives a fee that varies based on the number
of securities held.



*The  Portfolio  pays AEFC a fee for  managing  its  assets.  The Fund pays its
proportionate  share  of the  fee.  Under  the  Investment  Management  Services
Agreement,  the fee for the most  recent  fiscal  year was 0.49% of its  average
daily net assets. Under the Agreement,  the Portfolio also pays taxes, brokerage
commissions and nonadvisory expenses.



<PAGE>

AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AEFC has been a  provider  of  financial  services  since  1894.  Its  family of
companies offers not only mutual funds but also insurance, annuities, investment
certificates and a broad range of financial management services.


In addition to managing assets of more than $89 billion for all American Express
funds, AEFC manages investments for itself and its subsidiaries, IDS Certificate
Company and IDS Life Insurance Company.  Total assets under management as of the
end of the most recent fiscal year were more than $227 billion.

AEFA serves  individuals and businesses  through its nationwide  network of more
than 180 offices and more than 9,400 advisors.


AEFC,  located at IDS Tower 10,  Minneapolis,  MN 55440-0010,  is a wholly-owned
subsidiary  of American  Express  Company,  a financial  services  company  with
headquarters at American  Express Tower,  World Financial  Center,  New York, NY
10285.

YEAR 2000

The Fund could be adversely  affected if the  computer  systems used by AEFC and
the Fund's  other  service  providers  do not  properly  process  and  calculate
date-related  information from and after Jan. 1, 2000.  While Year  2000-related
computer  problems could have a negative  effect on the Fund, AEFC is working to
avoid such problems and to obtain  assurances  from service  providers that they
are taking similar steps.

The companies,  governments or  international  markets in which the Fund invests
also may be adversely  affected by Year 2000  issues.  To the extent a portfolio
holding is adversely affected by a Year 2000 processing issue, the Fund's return
could be adversely affected.


<PAGE>

Quick Telephone Reference

AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS TELEPHONE TRANSACTION SERVICE

Sales and exchanges, dividend payments or reinvestments and automatic
payment arrangements:      800-437-3133

AMERICAN EXPRESS CLIENT SERVICE CORPORATION

Fund performance, fund prices, account values, recent account transactions and
account inquiries:         800-862-7919

TTY SERVICE

For the hearing impaired:  800-846-4852


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Financial Highlights

Fiscal period ended Sept. 30,

Per share income and capital changesa

                                                                     Class A

                                                  1999      1998      1997       1996       1995
<S>                                              <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period              $8.96    $10.39     $8.96      $7.89      $7.66

Income from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)                        .14       .23       .34        .27        .30

Net gains (losses) (both realized and unrealized)  1.37     (.43)      2.04       1.06        .53

Total from investment operations                   1.51     (.20)      2.38       1.33        .83

Less distributions:

Dividends from net investment income              (.13)     (.23)     (.33)      (.26)      (.29)

Distributions from realized gains                 (.94)    (1.00)     (.62)        --       (.31)

Total distributions                               (1.07)   (1.23)     (.95)      (.26)      (.60)

Net asset value, end of period                    $9.40    $8.96    $10.39      $8.96      $7.89

Ratios/supplemental data

Net assets, end of period (in millions)           $1,985  $1,828     $1,789    $1,292     $1,091

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assetsb     .89%     .86%      .88%       .93%       .94%

Ratio of net investment income (loss)

to average daily net assets                       1.41%    2.27%     3.62%      3.18%      3.95%

Portfolio turnover rate

(excluding short-term securities)                 84%       97%       81%         84%        98%

Total returnc                                   17.18%    (2.17%)   28.11%     17.00%     11.83%

</TABLE>

aFor a share outstanding throughout the period. Rounded to the nearest cent.
bEffective  fiscal year 1996,  expense ratio is based on total  expenses of the
 Fund before reduction of earnings credits on cash balances.
cTotal return does not reflect payment of a sales charge.

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Fiscal period ended Sept. 30,

Per share income and capital changesa

                                                   Class B                         Class Y

                                   1999      1998      1997      1996      1995b     1999      1998      1997      1996   1995b
<S>                              <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Net asset value, beginning
of period                         $8.96    $10.39     $8.96     $7.89      $7.13    $8.96    $10.40     $8.96     $7.89   $7.13

Income from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)        .06       .15       .27       .20        .19      .15       .24       .35       .28     .22

Net gains (losses)
(both realized and unrealized)     1.38      (.42)     2.04      1.06        .74     1.37      (.44)      2.05     1.06     .74

Total from investment
operations                         1.44      (.27)     2.31      1.26        .93     1.52      (.20)      2.40     1.34     .96

Less distributions:

Dividends from net
investment income                 (.06)      (.16)     (.26)     (.19)      (.17)   (.14)      (.24)      (.34)   (.27)    (.20)

Distributions from
realized gains                    (.94)     (1.00)     (.62)       --         --    (.94)     (1.00)      (.62)     --       --

Total distributions              (1.00)     (1.16)     (.88)     (.19)      (.17)  (1.08)     (1.24)      (.96)   (.27)    (.20)

Net asset value, end
of period                        $9.40      $8.96    $10.39     $8.96      $7.89   $9.40      $8.96      $10.40  $8.96    $7.89

Ratios/supplemental data

Net assets, end of period
(in millions)                     $633       $505     $350       $125        $32     $21       $76         $79     $37      $26

Ratio of expenses to
average daily net assetsc        1.66%     1.62%      1.65%     1.69%       1.77%d   .78%      .78%        .76%    .76%     .80%d

Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to average
daily net assets                  .63%     1.48%      2.97%     2.56%       3.00%d  1.58%     2.34%       3.85%   3.38%    3.95%d

Portfolio turnover rate
(excluding short-term
securities)                        84%       97%       81%       84%          98%     84%      97%         81%     84%      98%

Total returne                   16.30%  (2.91%)     27.16%     16.21%      13.10%  17.30%   (2.11%)     28.29%  17.27%   13.60%

</TABLE>

aFor a share outstanding throughout the period. Rounded to the nearest cent.
b Inception date was March 20, 1995.
cEffective  fiscal year 1996,  expense ratio is based on total  expenses of the
 Fund before reduction of earnings credits on cash balances.
dAdjusted to an annual basis.
eTotal return does not reflect payment of a sales charge.

The  information  in these  tables  has been  audited  by KPMG LLP,  independent
auditors.  The independent auditors' report and additional information about the
performance of the Fund are contained in the Fund's annual report which,  if not
included with this prospectus, may be obtained without charge.

<PAGE>

This Fund,  along with the other  American  Express  funds,  is  distributed  by
American  Express  Financial  Advisors  Inc.  and can be found  under  the "Amer
Express" banner in most mutual fund quotations.

Additional  information  about the Fund and its  investments is available in the
Fund's Statement of Additional  Information (SAI), annual and semiannual reports
to  shareholders.  In the Fund's  annual  report,  you will find a discussion of
market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund
during its last  fiscal  year.  The SAI is  incorporated  by  reference  in this
prospectus.  For a free copy of the SAI,  the  annual  report or the  semiannual
report contact American Express Client Service Corporation.

American Express Client Service Corporation
P.O. Box 534, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0534
800-862-7919 TTY: 800-846-4852
Web site address:
http://www.americanexpress.com/advisors


You may review and copy  information  about the Fund,  including the SAI, at the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission's  (Commission)  Public  Reference  Room in
Washington,   D.C.  (for  information  about  the  public  reference  room  call
1-800-SEC-0330).  Reports and other  information about the Fund are available on
the  Commission's  Internet  site  at   (http://www.sec.gov).   Copies  of  this
information  may be  obtained  by writing  and paying a  duplicating  fee to the
Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009.


Investment Company Act File #811-54

TICKER SYMBOL

Class A: INDZX             Class B: IDEBX   Class Y: IDQYX



S-6475-99 N (11/99)

<PAGE>

AXP Mutual

PROSPECTUS

Nov. 29, 1999

AXP Mutual seeks to provide shareholders with a balance of growth of capital and
current income.

Please note that this Fund:

o  is not a bank deposit

o  is not federally insured

o  is not endorsed by any bank or government agency

o  is not guaranteed to achieve its goal

Like all mutual funds,  the Securities and Exchange  Commission has not approved
or disapproved  these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

American
Express
Financial
Advisors

<PAGE>

Table of Contents

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT:

The Fund                                  3p

Goal                                      3p

Investment Strategy                       3p

Risks                                     5p

Past Performance                          6p

Fees and Expenses                         8p

Management                                9p

Buying and Selling Shares                10p

Valuing Fund Shares                      10p

Investment Options                       10p

Purchasing Shares                        12p

Sales Charges                            15p

Exchanging/Selling Shares                19p

Distributions and Taxes                  24p

Personalized Shareholder Information     25p

Master/Feeder Structure                  26p

About the Company                        27p

Quick Telephone Reference                29p

Financial Highlights                     30p

FUND INFORMATION KEY

Goal and Investment Strategy
The Fund's  particular  investment  goal and the strategies it intends to use in
pursuing its goal.

Risks
The major risk factors associated with the Fund.

Fees and Expenses
The overall costs incurred by an investor in the Fund,  including  sales charges
and annual expenses.

Management
The  individual  or group  designated  by the  investment  manager to handle the
Fund's day-to-day management.

Master/Feeder Structure
Describes the Fund's investment structure.

Financial Highlights
Tables showing the Fund's financial performance.

<PAGE>

The Fund

GOAL

AXP Mutual (the Fund) seeks to provide  shareholders with a balance of growth of
capital and current income. Because any investment involves risk, achieving this
goal cannot be guaranteed.

The Fund seeks to achieve  its goal by  investing  all of its assets in a master
portfolio rather than by directly investing in and managing its own portfolio of
securities.  The master  portfolio has the same goal and investment  policies as
the Fund.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY


The Fund's assets  primarily are invested in a combination  of common stocks and
senior securities (preferred stocks and debt obligations).  The Fund will invest
(1) no more than 65% of its total assets in common  stocks,  (2) at least 35% of
its total  assets  in  senior  securities,  convertible  securities,  derivative
instruments  and  money  market  instruments,  and (3) at least 25% of its total
assets in debt  securities  and  convertible  securities.  The Fund will utilize
derivative  instruments  (such as futures,  options and forward  contracts)  and
when-issued  securities  to  produce  incremental  earnings,  to hedge  existing
positions and to increase flexibility.  The Fund's potential losses from the use
of these instruments could extend beyond its initial investment.


The selection of common stocks and senior  securities are the primary  decisions
in building the investment portfolio.

In pursuit of the Fund's goal,  American Express Financial  Corporation  (AEFC),
the Fund's investment manager, chooses equity investments by:

o    Determining specific industry weightings within the following sectors:

   - Consumer cyclical     - Energy

   - Consumer stable       - Technology

   - Financial             - Industrial

o    Selecting  companies that are  undervalued  based on a variety of measures,
     such as  price-earnings  ratio,  price/book  ratio,  current and  projected
     earnings, current and projected dividends, and historic price levels.

o    Identifying  companies with potential for  above-average  long-term  growth
     based on:

     -    effective management (considering overall performance),

     -    competitive market position, and

     -    financial strength.

<PAGE>

AEFC chooses debt obligations by:

o    Considering opportunities and risks by reviewing interest rate and economic
     trends.


o    Investing  more  heavily  in  certain  sectors  (i.e.,   corporate   bonds,
     government obligations and mortgage-backed securities) based on AEFC's:


   - expectations for interest rates, and

   - expectations for economic trends.


o    Identifying securities that are expected to outperform other securities. In
     this  analysis,  AEFC will take risk factors  into  account  (for  example,
     whether  money  has been  set  aside to  cover  the cost of  principal  and
     interest payments).

o    Focusing on bonds that are investment-grade although the Fund may invest up
     to 5% below investment grade.


o    Identifying obligations that contribute to portfolio diversification.

In evaluating whether to sell a security,  AEFC considers,  among other factors,
whether:


   - the security is overvalued when compared to other potential investments,


   - the interest rate or economic outlook changes,

   - the security has reached AEFC's price objective,

   - AEFC identifies a more attractive opportunity,

   - the company has met AEFC's earnings and/or growth expectations,

   - the issuer's  credit  quality  declines or AEFC expects a decline (the Fund
     may continue to own securities that are down-graded  until AEFC believes it
     is advantageous to sell), and

   - the company or the security  continues to meet the other  standards
     described above.

Although not a primary  investment  strategy,  the Fund also may invest in other
instruments such as foreign securities.

During  weak or  declining  markets,  the Fund may invest  more of its assets in
money  market  securities.  Although  the Fund  primarily  will  invest in these
securities to avoid losses,  this type of investing  also could prevent the Fund
from  achieving its  investment  objectives.  During these times,  AEFC may make
frequent  securities trades that could result in increased fees,  expenses,  and
taxes.

For more  information  on strategies and holdings,  see the Fund's  Statement of
Additional Information (SAI) and the annual/semiannual reports.

<PAGE>

RISKS

Please  remember  that  with any  mutual  fund  investment  you may lose  money.
Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:

   Market Risk

   Interest Rate Risk

   Sector/Concentration Risk

   Call/Prepayment Risk

   Credit Risk

   Liquidity Risk

   Style Risk

Market Risk
The  market  may drop and you may lose  money.  Market  risk may affect a single
issuer,  sector of the economy,  industry,  or the market as a whole. The market
value  of  all  securities  may  move  up  and  down,   sometimes   rapidly  and
unpredictably.

Interest Rate Risk
The risk of losses  attributable  to changes  in  interest  rates.  This term is
generally  associated  with bond prices (when interest  rates rise,  bond prices
fall).  In general,  the longer the maturity of a bond, the higher its yield and
the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

Sector/Concentration Risk
Investments that are concentrated in a particular issuer,  geographic region, or
industry will be more  susceptible  to changes in price (the more you diversify,
the more you spread risk).


Call/Prepayment Risk
The risk that a bond or other security might be called (or otherwise  converted,
prepaid,  or redeemed) before maturity.  This type of risk is closely related to
reinvestment  risk,  which  is the  risk  that an  investor  will not be able to
reinvest income or principal at the same rate it currently is earning.

Credit Risk
The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to a contract,  will
default or  otherwise  become  unable to honor a financial  obligation  (such as
payments due on a bond or a note). The price of junk bonds may react more to the
ability of the issuing  company to pay interest and  principal  when due than to
changes in interest rates.  Junk bonds have greater price  fluctuations  and are
more likely to experience a default than investment grade bonds.


Liquidity Risk
Securities  may be  difficult  or  impossible  to sell at the time that the Fund
would  like.  The  Fund  may  have  to  lower  the  selling  price,  sell  other
investments, or forego an investment opportunity.

<PAGE>

Style Risk

The Fund purchases  stocks it believes are  undervalued,  but have potential for
long-term  growth and dividend  income.  These stocks will typically  trade at a
discount to the market.  Growth cannot be guaranteed  and the markets may not be
willing to reevaluate out-of-favor stocks.


PAST PERFORMANCE

The  following  bar chart  and table  indicate  the  risks  and  variability  of
investing in the Fund by showing:

o    how the Fund's  performance has varied for each full calendar year shown on
     the chart below, and


o    how the Fund's  average  annual total returns  compare to other  recognized
     indexes.


How the Fund has  performed  in the past  does not  indicate  how the Fund  will
perform in the future.


Class A Performance (based on calendar years)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>


+18.61%   -2.99%    +23.57%   +10.52%   +14.35%   -2.98%    +24.97%   +13.56%   +18.78%   +9.38






1989      1990      1991      1992      1993      1994      1995      1996      1997      1998
</TABLE>


During the  period  shown in the bar chart,  the  highest  return for a calendar
quarter was +10.26%  (quarter  ending December 1998) and the lowest return for a
calendar quarter was -9.09% (quarter ending September 1990).


The 5% sales charge applicable to Class A shares of the Fund is not reflected in
the bar chart;  if  reflected,  returns  would be lower than  those  shown.  The
performance  of Class B and Class Y may vary from that  shown  above  because of
differences in sales charges and fees.


The Fund's year to date return as of Sept. 30, 1999 was +1.28%.


<PAGE>

 Average Annual Total Returns (as of Dec. 31, 1998)

                   1 year        5 years        10 years      Since inception

 Mutual:

   Class A         +3.91%        +11.19%        +11.81%                  -%

   Class B         +4.76%             -%             -%             +14.10%a

   Class Y         +9.46%             -%             -%             +15.67%a

 S&P 500 Index    +28.57%        +27.45%        +24.01%             +19.19%b

 Lipper Balanced
Fund Index        +15.09%        +17.68%        +13.86%             +13.31%b


a    Inception date was March 20, 1995.
b    Measurement period started April 1, 1995.

This table shows total returns from hypothetical investments in Class A, Class B
and Class Y shares of the Fund.  These returns are compared to the indexes shown
for the same  periods.  The  performance  of Classes A, B and Y vary  because of
differences  in sales  charges and fees.  Past  performance  for Class Y for the
periods prior to March 20, 1995 may be calculated  based on the  performance  of
Class A,  adjusted to reflect  differences  in sales  charges,  although not for
other differences in expenses.

For purposes of this calculation we assumed:

o    a sales charge of 5% for Class A shares,

o    sales at the end of the period and deduction of the  applicable  contingent
     deferred sales charge (CDSC)for Class B shares,

o    no sales charge for Class Y shares, and

o    no adjustments  for taxes paid by an investor on the reinvested  income and
     capital gains.


Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500 Index), an unmanaged list of common stocks,
is  frequently  used as a  general  measure  of  market  performance.  The index
reflects  reinvestment of all  distributions  and changes in market prices,  but
excludes brokerage commissions or other fees. However, the S&P 500 companies may
be generally larger than those in which the Fund invests.


Lipper Balanced Fund Index,  an unmanaged  index published by Lipper  Analytical
Services,  Inc.,  includes  30 funds  that are  generally  similar  to the Fund,
although some funds in the index may have somewhat different investment policies
or objectives.

<PAGE>

FEES AND EXPENSES

Fund  investors  pay various  expenses.  The table below  describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.


 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

                                         Class A           Class B       Class Y

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed
on purchasesa (as a percentage of
offering price)                              5%             none           none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
imposed on sales (as a percentage
of offering price at time of
purchase)                                  none              5%            none


 Annual Fund operating expensesb (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

As a percentage of average daily
 net assets:                            Class A            Class B       Class Y

 Management feesc                         0.46%             0.46%         0.46%

 Distribution (12b-1) fees                0.25%             1.00%         0.00%

 Other expensesd                          0.19%             0.13%         0.28%

 Total                                    0.90%             1.59%         0.74%

a    This charge may be reduced  depending on your total investments in American
     Express funds. See "Sales Charges."
b    Both in this  table  and the  following  example  fund  operating  expenses
     include  expenses  charged  by both the Fund and its  Master  Portfolio  as
     described under "Management." Expenses for Class A, Class B and Class Y are
     based on actual  expenses  for the last  fiscal  year,  restated to reflect
     current fees.


c    Includes the impact of a  performance  adjustment  fee that  decreased  the
     management fee by 0.02% for the most recent fiscal year.


d    Other  expenses  include an  administrative  services  fee,  a  shareholder
     services  fee for Class Y, a  transfer  agency  fee and  other  nonadvisory
     expenses.

<PAGE>

Example

This  example is intended to help you compare the cost of  investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Assume you invest $10,000 and the Fund earns a 5% annual  return.  The operating
expenses remain the same each year. If you hold your shares until the end of the
years shown, your costs would be:

                  1 year           3 years           5 years          10 years

 Class Aa          $587              $773           $   974           $1,557

 Class Bb          $662              $902            $1,067           $1,708d

 Class Bc          $162              $502           $   867           $1,708d

 Class Y          $  76              $237           $   412          $   922

a    Includes a 5% sales charge.
b    Assumes you sold your Class B shares at the end of the period and  incurred
     the applicable CDSC.
c    Assumes you did not sell your Class B shares at the end of the period.
d    Based on  conversion  of Class B shares to Class A shares in the ninth year
     of ownership.

This example does not represent actual expenses, past or future. Actual expenses
may be higher or lower than those shown.


MANAGEMENT

The Fund's assets are invested in Balanced  Portfolio (the Portfolio),  which is
managed by AEFC. Brad Stone, vice president and senior portfolio manager, joined
AEFC in 1996.  He has  managed  the fixed  income  portion  of the assets of the
Portfolio since May 1998.  Prior to joining AEFC he was a fixed income portfolio
manager at Piper Capital Management, Inc. from 1990 to 1996.

Kurt Winters,  senior portfolio manager, joined AEFC in 1987. He has managed the
equity  portion of the assets of the  Portfolio  since  December  1997.  Kurt is
responsible for overall investment  management of the equity portion,  including
the  determination  of the sectors in which the Portfolio will invest. A team of
research  professionals  makes investment  decisions within those sectors.  From
1992 to 1995,  he  managed  IDS Life  Series  Fund,  Managed  Portfolio.  He was
appointed  to  manage  AXP  Discovery  Fund in 1995.  He also  provides  overall
portfolio  management  for AXP Equity  Value Fund,  AXP  Progressive  Fund,  AXP
Variable  Portfolio -  Diversified  Equity Income Fund and IDS Life Series Fund,
Equity Income Portfolio.

<PAGE>

Buying and Selling Shares

VALUING FUND SHARES

The public  offering price for Class A is the net asset value (NAV) adjusted for
the sales charge. For Class B and Class Y, it is the NAV.


The NAV is the value of a single Fund share.  The NAV usually changes daily, and
is calculated at the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange,  normally
3 p.m. Central Time (CT), each business day (any day the New York Stock Exchange
is open).

Fund  shares  may  be  purchased  through  various  third-party   organizations,
including 401(k) plans, banks, brokers and investment advisers. Where authorized
by the Fund,  orders will be priced at the NAVnext computed after receipt by the
organization or their selected agent.


The Fund's  investments are valued based on market  quotations,  or where market
quotations are not readily available, based on methods selected in good faith by
the board. If the Fund's  investment  policies permit it to invest in securities
that are listed on foreign stock  exchanges that trade on weekends or other days
when the Fund does not  price its  shares,  the value of the  Fund's  underlying
investments  may  change on days  when you  could not buy or sell  shares of the
Fund. Please see the SAI for further information.


INVESTMENT OPTIONS

1.   Class A shares  are sold to the public  with a sales  charge at the time of
     purchase and an annual distribution (12b-1) fee.

2.   Class  B  shares  are  sold  to  the  public  with a  CDSC  and  an  annual
     distribution (12b-1) fee.

3.   Class Y shares are sold to  qualifying  institutional  investors  without a
     sales charge or  distribution  fee.  Please see the SAI for  information on
     eligibility to purchase Class Y shares.

<PAGE>

 Investment options summary:

Class A          Maximum sales charge of 5%

                 Initial sales charge waived or reduced for certain purchases

                 Annual distribution fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets*

                 Lower annual expenses than Class B shares

Class B          No initial sales charge

                 CDSC on shares sold in the first six years (maximum of 5%
                 in first year, reduced to 0% after year six)

                 CDSC waived in certain circumstances

                 Shares convert to Class A in ninth year of ownership

                 Annual distribution fee of 1.00% of average daily net assets*

                 Higher annual expenses than Class A shares

Class Y          No initial sales charge

                 No annual distribution fee

                 Service fee of 0.10% of average daily net assets

                 Available only to certain qualifying institutional investors


*    The Fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment  Company Act
     of 1940 that allows it to pay distribution and  servicing-related  fees for
     the sale of Class A and Class B shares.  Because these fees are paid out of
     the  Fund's  assets  on an  on-going  basis,  the fees  may cost  long-term
     shareholders  more than paying other types of sales charges imposed by some
     mutual funds.

Should you purchase Class A or Class B shares?

If your  investments in American  Express funds total $250,000 or more,  Class A
shares  may be the  better  option.  If you  qualify  for a waiver  of the sales
charge, Class A shares will be the best option.

If you  invest  less  than  $250,000,  consider  how long you plan to hold  your
shares.  Class B shares have a higher annual distribution fee and a CDSC for six
years.  To help  you  determine  what is best for you,  consult  your  financial
advisor.

Class B  shares  convert  to  Class  A  shares  in the  ninth  calendar  year of
ownership.   Class  B  shares  purchased   through   reinvested   dividends  and
distributions  also will convert to Class A shares in the same proportion as the
other Class B shares.

<PAGE>

PURCHASING SHARES

If you do not have a  mutual  fund  account,  you need to  establish  one.  Your
financial  advisor will help you fill out and submit an  application.  Once your
account is set up, you can choose among several convenient ways to invest.

When you  purchase  shares  for a new or  existing  account,  your order will be
priced at the next NAV  calculated  after your order is accepted by the Fund. If
your application  does not specify which class of shares you are purchasing,  we
will assume you are investing in Class A shares.

Important:  When you open an account,  you must provide  your  correct  Taxpayer
Identification  Number (TIN),  which is either your Social  Security or Employer
Identification number.

If you  do not  provide  the  correct  TIN,  you  could  be  subject  to  backup
withholding of 31% of taxable  distributions and proceeds from certain sales and
exchanges. You also could be subject to further penalties, such as:

o  a $50 penalty for each failure to supply your correct TIN,

o  a civil penalty of $500 if you make a false statement that results in no
   backup withholding, and

o  criminal penalties for falsifying information.


You also could be subject to backup  withholding,  if the IRS  notifies us to do
so,  because you failed to report  required  interest or  dividends  on your tax
return.


<PAGE>

 How to determine the correct TIN

For this type of account:               Use the Social Security or Employer
                                        Identification number of:


Individual or joint account             The individual or one of the owners
                                        listed on the joint account


Custodian account of a minor            The minor
(Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act)

A revocable living trust                The grantor-trustee (the person who puts
                                        the money into the trust)

An irrevocable trust, pension trust     The legal entity (not the personal
or estate                               representative or trustee, unless no
                                        legal entity is designated in the
                                        account title)

Sole proprietorship                     The owner

Partnership                             The partnership

Corporate                               The corporation

Association, club or tax-exempt         The organization
organization


For details on TIN  requirements,  ask your  financial  advisor or contact  your
local American  Express  Financial  Advisors  office to obtain a copy of federal
Form W-9, "Request for Taxpayer  Identification  Number and  Certification." You
also      may      obtain      the     form     on     the      Internet      at
(http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/).


Three ways to invest

 1 By mail:

Once your account has been established,  send your check with the account number
on it to:

American Express Financial Advisors Inc.
P.O. Box 74
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0074

Minimum amounts

Initial investment:        $2,000

Additional investments:    $100

Account balances:          $300

Qualified accounts:        none

If your account  balance  falls below $300,  you will be asked to increase it to
$300 or  establish a scheduled  investment  plan.  If you do not do so within 30
days, your shares can be sold and the proceeds mailed to you.

<PAGE>

 2 By scheduled investment plan:

Contact your financial advisor for assistance in setting up one of the following
scheduled plans:

o    automatic payroll deduction,

o    bank authorization,

o    direct deposit of Social Security check, or

o    other plan approved by the Fund.

Minimum amounts

Initial investment:        $100

Additional investments:    $50/mo. for qualified accounts; $100/mo. for
                           nonqualified accounts

Account balances:          none (on active plans with monthly payments)

If your  account  balance  is below  $2,000,  you must  make  payments  at least
monthly.


 3 By wire or electronic funds transfer:


If you have an established account, you may wire money to:

Norwest Bank Minnesota
Routing Transit No. 091000019

Give these instructions:

Credit American  Express  Financial  Advisors  Account  #0000030015 for personal
account # (your account  number) for (your name).  Please remember that you need
to provide all 10 digits.

If this  information is not included,  the order may be rejected,  and all money
received by the Fund, less any costs the Fund or American Express Client Service
Corporation (AECSC) incurs, will be returned promptly.

Minimum amounts

Each wire investment: $1,000

If you are in a wrap fee program  sponsored by AEFA and your balance falls below
the required program minimum or your program is terminated,  your shares will be
sold and the proceeds will be mailed to you.

<PAGE>


Transactions Through Third Parties

You may buy or sell shares through certain 401(k) plans, banks,  broker-dealers,
financial advisors or other investment  professionals.  These  organizations may
charge you a fee for this service and may have different  policies.  Some policy
differences  may  include  different  minimum   investment   amounts,   exchange
privileges, fund choices and cutoff times for investments.  The Fund and AEFAare
not responsible for the failure of one of these  organizations  to carry out its
obligations to its customers.  Some organizations may receive  compensation from
AEFAor its affiliates for shareholder  recordkeeping and similar services. Where
authorized by the Fund,  some  organizations  may designate  selected  agents to
accept purchase or sale orders on the Fund's behalf.


SALES CHARGES

Class A - initial sales charge alternative

When you purchase Class A shares, you pay a 5% sales charge on the first $50,000
of your total investment and less on investments after the first $50,000:


 Total investment                   Sales charge as percentage of:a

                         Public offering priceb          Net amount invested

 Up to $50,000                    5.0%                          5.26%

 Next $50,000                     4.5                           4.71

 Next $400,000                    3.8                           3.95

 Next $500,000                    2.0                           2.04

 $1,000,000 or more               0.0                           0.00

a    To calculate the actual sales charge on an investment  greater than $50,000
     and less than $1,000,000, you must total the amounts of all increments that
     apply.
b    Offering price includes a 5% sales charge.

The sales charge on Class A shares may be lower than 5%,  depending on the total
amount:

o    you now are investing in this Fund,

o    you have previously invested in this Fund, or

o    you and your primary  household  group are  investing  or have  invested in
     other  American  Express  funds  that  have a sales  charge.  (The  primary
     household  group  consists  of  accounts  in any  ownership  for spouses or
     domestic  partners and their  unmarried  children under 21. For purposes of
     this  policy,  domestic  partners  are  individuals  who  maintain a shared
     primary  residence and have joint property or other  insurable  interests.)
     AXP Tax-Free Money Fund and Class A shares of AXP Cash  Management  Fund do
     not have sales charges.

<PAGE>

Other Class A sales charge policies:

o    IRA  purchases  or other  employee  benefit plan  purchases  made through a
     payroll  deduction  plan  or  through  a  plan  sponsored  by an  employer,
     association of employers, employee organization or other similar group, may
     be added together to reduce sales charges for all shares purchased  through
     that plan, and

o    if you  intend to invest $1  million  over a period of 13  months,  you can
     reduce the sales charges in Class A by filing a letter of intent.  For more
     details, please see the SAI.

Waivers of the sales charge for Class A shares

Sales charges do not apply to:

o    current or retired board members, officers or employees of the Fund or AEFC
     or its  subsidiaries,  their  spouses or domestic  partners  and  unmarried
     children under 21.

o    current or retired American Express  financial  advisors,  their spouses or
     domestic partners and unmarried children under 21.

o    investors  who  have  a  business  relationship  with  a  newly  associated
     financial  advisor who joined AEFA from another  investment  firm  provided
     that  (1)  the  purchase  is  made  within  six  months  of  the  advisor's
     appointment  date with AEFA,  (2) the  purchase  is made with  proceeds  of
     shares  sold  that  were  sponsored  by the  financial  advisor's  previous
     broker-dealer, and (3) the proceeds are the result of a sale of an equal or
     greater value where a sales load was assessed.

o    qualified  employee  benefit  plans  using a daily  transfer  recordkeeping
     system  offering  participants  daily  access to  American  Express  funds.
     Eligibility  must be determined in advance by AEFA. For assistance,  please
     contact your financial  advisor.  (Participants in certain  qualified plans
     where the initial sales charge is waived may be subject to a deferred sales
     charge of up to 4%.)

o    shareholders  who have at least $1 million  invested  in  American  Express
     funds. If the investment is sold in the first year after  purchase,  a CDSC
     of 1% will be charged.  The CDSC will be waived  only in the  circumstances
     described for waivers for Class B shares.

o    purchases  made  within 30 days  after a sale of shares  (up to the  amount
     sold):

     -    of a product  distributed  by AEFA in a  qualified  plan  subject to a
          deferred sales charge, or

     -    in a qualified  plan or account where  American  Express Trust Company
          has a recordkeeping,  trustee,  investment  management,  or investment
          servicing relationship.

Send the Fund a written request along with your payment, indicating the date and
the amount of the sale.

<PAGE>

o    purchases made:

     -    with dividend or capital gain distributions from this Fund or from the
          same class of another American Express fund that has a sales charge,


     -    through  or  under a wrap fee  product  or  other  investment  product
          sponsored  by AEFA or  another  authorized  broker-dealer,  investment
          adviser, bank or investment professional,


     -    within the University of Texas System ORP,

     -    within a  segregated  separate  account  offered  by  Nationwide  Life
          Insurance Company or Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company,

     -    within the University of Massachusetts After-Tax Savings Program,

     -    with  the  proceeds  from  IDS  Life  Real  Estate  Variable   Annuity
          surrenders, or

     -    through  or  under  a  subsidiary  of  AEFC  offering  Personal  Trust
          Services' Asset-Based pricing alternative.

Class B - contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) alternative

A CDSC is based on the sale amount and the number of calendar years -- including
the year of purchase -- between purchase and sale. The following table shows how
CDSC percentages on sales decline after a purchase:

            If the sale is made during the:     The CDSC percentage rate is:

                      First year                             5%

                      Second year                            4%

                      Third year                             4%

                      Fourth year                            3%

                      Fifth year                             2%

                      Sixth year                             1%

                      Seventh year                           0%


If the amount you are  selling  causes the value of your  investment  in Class B
shares to fall below the cost of the shares you have  purchased  during the last
six years including the current year, the CDSC is based on the lower of the cost
of those shares purchased or market value.

<PAGE>

Example:

Assume you had invested  $10,000 in Class B shares and that your  investment had
appreciated in value to $12,000 after 15 months,  including reinvested dividends
and  capital  gain  distributions.  You could sell up to $2,000  worth of shares
without paying a CDSC ($12,000 current value less $10,000 purchase  amount).  If
you sold $2,500 worth of shares,  the CDSC would apply to the $500  representing
part of your original purchase price. The CDSC rate would be 4% because the sale
was made during the second year after the purchase.


Because  the CDSC is imposed  only on sales  that  reduce  your  total  purchase
payments,  you  never  have  to  pay  a  CDSC  on  any  amount  that  represents
appreciation  in the value of your  shares,  income  earned by your  shares,  or
capital  gains.  In  addition,  the CDSC rate on your sale will be based on your
oldest purchase  payment.  The CDSC on the next amount sold will be based on the
next oldest purchase payment.

The CDSC on Class B shares will be waived on sales of shares:

o    in the event of the shareholder's death,

o    held in trust for an employee benefit plan, or

o    held in IRAs or certain  qualified plans if American  Express Trust Company
     is the custodian, such as Keogh plans,  tax-sheltered custodial accounts or
     corporate pension plans, provided that the shareholder is:

     -    at least 591/2 years old AND

     -    taking a retirement distribution (if the sale is part of a transfer to
          an IRA or  qualified  plan in a  product  distributed  by  AEFA,  or a
          custodian-to-custodian  transfer to a product not distributed by AEFA,
          the CDSC will not be waived) OR

     -    selling  under  an  approved   substantially  equal  periodic  payment
          arrangement.

<PAGE>

EXCHANGING/SELLING SHARES

Exchanges

You can  exchange  your Fund shares at no charge for shares of the same class of
any other publicly offered  American  Express fund.  Exchanges into AXP Tax-Free
Money Fund may only be made from Class A shares. For complete information on the
other funds, including fees and expenses, read that fund's prospectus carefully.
Your exchange will be priced at the next NAV calculated  after it is accepted by
that fund.

You may make up to three exchanges  within any 30-day period,  with each limited
to  $300,000.  These  limits do not apply to  scheduled  exchange  programs  and
certain  employee  benefit  plans  or  other  arrangements   through  which  one
shareholder represents the interests of several.  Exceptions may be allowed with
pre-approval of the Fund.

Other exchange policies:

o    Exchanges must be made into the same class of shares of the new fund.

o    If your  exchange  creates  a new  account,  it must  satisfy  the  minimum
     investment amount for new purchases.

o    Once we receive your exchange request, you cannot cancel it.

o    Shares  of the  new  fund  may  not be used  on the  same  day for  another
     exchange.

o    If your  shares are pledged as  collateral,  the  exchange  will be delayed
     until AECSC receives written approval from the secured party.

AECSC and the Fund reserve the right to reject any  exchange,  limit the amount,
or modify or  discontinue  the exchange  privilege,  to prevent abuse or adverse
effects on the Fund and its  shareholders.  For example,  if  exchanges  are too
numerous  or too large,  they may disrupt the Fund's  investment  strategies  or
increase its costs.

Selling Shares

You can sell your shares at any time.  AECSC will mail payment within seven days
after accepting your request.

When you sell shares, the amount you receive may be more or less than the amount
you invested. Your sale price will be the next NAV calculated after your request
is accepted by the Fund, minus any applicable CDSC.

<PAGE>

You can  change  your mind  after  requesting  a sale and use all or part of the
proceeds to purchase new shares in the same account from which you sold.  If you
reinvest  in Class A, you will  purchase  the new shares at NAV rather  than the
offering  price on the date of a new  purchase.  If you reinvest in Class B, any
CDSC you paid on the amount you are reinvesting also will be reinvested. To take
advantage  of this option,  send a request  within 30 days of the date your sale
request was  received and include your account  number.  This  privilege  may be
limited or withdrawn at any time and may have tax consequences.

Requests  to sell  shares  of the  Fund  are  not  allowed  within  30 days of a
telephoned-in address change.

The Fund reserves the right to redeem in kind.

Important:  If you request a sale of shares you recently purchased by a check or
money order that is not guaranteed,  the Fund will wait for your check to clear.
It may take up to 10 days  from the date of  purchase  before  payment  is made.
(Payment may be made earlier if your bank provides evidence  satisfactory to the
Fund and AECSC that your check has cleared.)

For more details and a description of other sales policies, please see the SAI.

<PAGE>

Two ways to request an exchange or sale of shares

 1 By letter:

Include in your letter:

o    the name of the fund(s),

o    the class of shares to be exchanged or sold,

o    your mutual  fund  account  number(s)  (for  exchanges,  both funds must be
     registered in the same ownership),

o    your TIN,

o    the dollar amount or number of shares you want to exchange or sell,

o    signature(s) of all registered account owners,

o    for sales, indicate how you want your money delivered to you, and

o    any paper certificates of shares you hold.

Regular mail:

American Express Client Service Corporation
Attn: Transactions
P.O. Box 534
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0534

Express mail:

American Express Client Service Corporation
Attn: Transactions
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402

<PAGE>

 2 By telephone:

American Express Financial Advisors

Telephone Transaction Service

800-437-3133

o    The Fund and AECSC will use reasonable  procedures to confirm  authenticity
     of telephone exchange or sale requests.

o    Telephone exchange and sale privileges  automatically apply to all accounts
     except  custodial,  corporate or  qualified  retirement  accounts.  You may
     request that these  privileges NOT apply by writing AECSC.  Each registered
     owner must sign the request.

o    Acting on your  instructions,  your financial advisor may conduct telephone
     transactions on your behalf.

o    Telephone privileges may be modified or discontinued at any time.

Minimum sale amount: $100  Maximum sale amount: $50,000

<PAGE>

Three ways to receive payment when you sell shares

 1 By regular or express mail:

o    Mailed to the address on record.

o    Payable to names listed on the account.

NOTE:  The express  mail  delivery  charges you pay will vary  depending  on the
courier you select.

 2 By wire or electronic funds transfer:

o    Minimum wire: $1,000.

o    Request that money be wired to your bank.

o    Bank  account must be in the same  ownership  as the American  Express fund
     account.

NOTE:  Pre-authorization  required.  For  instructions,  contact your  financial
advisor or AECSC.

 3 By scheduled payout plan:

o    Minimum payment: $50.

o    Contact  your  financial  advisor or AECSC to set up regular  payments on a
     monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis.

o    Purchasing  new shares  while  under a payout  plan may be  disadvantageous
     because of the sales charges.



<PAGE>

Distributions and Taxes

As a shareholder you are entitled to your share of the Fund's net income and net
gains.  The  Fund  distributes  dividends  and  capital  gains to  qualify  as a
regulated  investment  company and to avoid paying  corporate  income and excise
taxes.


DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund's net investment  income is  distributed  to you as dividends.  Capital
gains are realized  when a security is sold for a higher price than was paid for
it. Each realized  capital gain or loss is long-term or short-term  depending on
the length of time the Fund held the security. Realized capital gains and losses
offset  each  other.  The Fund  offsets any net  realized  capital  gains by any
available capital loss carryovers.  Net short-term capital gains are included in
net  investment  income.  Net  realized  long-term  capital  gains,  if any, are
distributed by the end of the calendar year as capital gain distributions.


REINVESTMENTS

Dividends  and  capital  gain  distributions  are  automatically  reinvested  in
additional shares in the same class of the Fund, unless:

o    you request distributions in cash, or

o    you direct the Fund to invest your  distributions  in the same class of any
     publicly offered American Express fund for which you have previously opened
     an account.

We  reinvest  the  distributions  for you at the next  calculated  NAV after the
distribution is paid.

If you choose cash  distributions,  you will receive cash only for distributions
declared after your request has been processed.


TAXES

Distributions  are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state and
local taxes in the year they are declared. You must report distributions on your
tax returns, even if they are reinvested in additional shares.

If you buy shares shortly  before the record date of a distribution  you may pay
taxes on money  earned by the Fund before you were a  shareholder.  You will pay
the full  pre-distribution  price for the shares, then receive a portion of your
investment back as a distribution, which may be taxable.

<PAGE>

For tax purposes, an exchange is considered a sale and purchase,  and may result
in a gain or loss. A sale is a taxable transaction.  If you sell shares for less
than their cost,  the  difference is a capital loss. If you sell shares for more
than their cost, the  difference is a capital gain.  Your gain may be short term
(for  shares  held for one year or less) or long term (for  shares held for more
than one year).

If you buy Class A shares of this or another American Express fund and within 91
days  exchange  into this Fund,  you may not  include  the sales  charge in your
calculation of tax gain or loss on the sale of the first fund you purchased. The
sales  charge may be included in the  calculation  of your tax gain or loss on a
subsequent sale of this Fund.

Selling shares held in an IRA or qualified retirement account may subject you to
federal  taxes,  penalties and reporting  requirements.  Please consult your tax
advisor.

Important:  This information is a brief and selective summary of some of the tax
rules that apply to this Fund.  Because tax matters  are highly  individual  and
complex, you should consult a qualified tax advisor.


Personalized Shareholder Information

To help you  track and  evaluate  the  performance  of your  investments,  AECSC
provides these individualized reports:


QUARTERLY STATEMENTS

List your holdings and transactions during the previous three months, as well as
individualized return information.


YEARLY TAX STATEMENTS


Feature average-cost-basis reporting of capital gains or losses if you sell your
shares, along with distribution information, to simplify tax calculations.



PERSONALIZED MUTUAL FUND PROGRESS REPORTS

Detail  returns  on your  initial  investment  and  cash-flow  activity  in your
account.  This report  calculates  a total  return  reflecting  your  individual
history in owning Fund shares and is available from your financial advisor.

<PAGE>

Master/Feeder Structure

This Fund uses a  master/feeder  structure.  This  means that the Fund (a feeder
fund) invests all of its assets in the Portfolio (the master fund). Other feeder
funds also  invest in the  Portfolio.  The  master/feeder  structure  offers the
potential  for  reduced  costs  because  it  spreads  fixed  costs of  portfolio
management  over a larger pool of assets.  The Fund may withdraw its assets from
the  Portfolio at any time if the Fund's board  determines  that it is best.  In
that event,  the board would  consider  what action  should be taken,  including
whether to hire an investment advisor to manage the Fund's assets directly or to
invest all of the Fund's assets in another pooled investment entity.  Here is an
illustration of the structure:

Investors buy shares in the Fund

The Fund buys units in the Portfolio

The Portfolio invests in securities, such as stocks or bonds

Other feeders may include mutual funds and institutional accounts. These feeders
buy the Portfolio's  securities on the same terms and conditions as the Fund and
pay  their  proportionate  share of the  Portfolio's  expenses.  However,  their
operating  costs  and  sales  charges  are  different  from  those of the  Fund.
Therefore,  the  investment  returns for other  feeders are  different  from the
returns of the Fund.  Information about other feeders may be obtained by calling
American Express Financial Advisors at 800-AXP-SERV.

<PAGE>

About the Company


BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Transfer  Agent:   American   Express  Client  Service   Corporation   Maintains
shareholder  accounts  and  records  for the Fund;  receives  a fee based on the
number of accounts it services.

Administrative  Services Agent:  American Express Financial Corporation Provides
administrative  and  accounting  services for the Fund;  receives a fee based on
average daily net assts.

Investment   Manager:   American  Express  Financial   Corporation  Manages  the
Portfolio's investments and receives a fee based on average daily net assets.*

The Fund invests its assets in the Portfolio. The Fund and/or the Portfolio have
contracts with certain service providers.

Shareholders

Your American Express financial advisor and other servicing agents May receive a
fee for their sales efforts and ongoing service.

The Fund

The Portfolio

Distributor and Shareholder Services Agent:  American Express Financial Advisors
Markets and distributes  shares;  receives a portion of the sales charge or CDSC
and distribution fee. Also provides a variety of ongoing shareholder services.

Custodian:  American  Express  Trust  Company  Provides  safekeeping  of assets;
receives a fee that varies based on the number of securities held.


*    The  Portfolio  pays AEFC a fee for managing its assets.  The Fund pays its
     proportionate  share of the fee. Under the Investment  Management  Services
     Agreement, the fee for the most recent fiscal year was 0.46% of its average
     daily net  assets.  Under the  Agreement,  the  Portfolio  also pays taxes,
     brokerage commissions and nonadvisory expenses.



<PAGE>

AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AEFC has been a  provider  of  financial  services  since  1894.  Its  family of
companies offers not only mutual funds but also insurance, annuities, investment
certificates and a broad range of financial management services.


In addition to managing assets of more than $89 billion for all American Express
funds, AEFC manages investments for itself and its subsidiaries, IDS Certificate
Company and IDS Life Insurance Company.  Total assets under management as of the
end of the most recent fiscal year were more than $227 billion.

AEFA serves  individuals and businesses  through its nationwide  network of more
than 180 offices and more than 9,400 advisors.


AEFC,  located at IDS Tower 10,  Minneapolis,  MN 55440-0010,  is a wholly-owned
subsidiary  of American  Express  Company,  a financial  services  company  with
headquarters at American  Express Tower,  World Financial  Center,  New York, NY
10285.

YEAR 2000

The Fund could be adversely  affected if the  computer  systems used by AEFC and
the Fund's  other  service  providers  do not  properly  process  and  calculate
date-related  information from and after Jan. 1, 2000.  While Year  2000-related
computer  problems could have a negative  effect on the Fund, AEFC is working to
avoid such problems and to obtain  assurances  from service  providers that they
are taking similar steps.

The companies,  governments or  international  markets in which the Fund invests
also may be adversely  affected by Year 2000  issues.  To the extent a portfolio
holding is adversely affected by a Year 2000 processing issue, the Fund's return
could be adversely affected.

<PAGE>

Quick Telephone Reference


AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS TELEPHONE TRANSACTION SERVICE

Sales and exchanges,  dividend  payments or reinvestments  and automatic payment
arrangements: 800-437-3133


AMERICAN EXPRESS CLIENT SERVICE CORPORATION

Fund performance,  fund prices,  account values, recent account transactions and
account inquiries: 800-862-7919


TTY SERVICE

For the hearing impaired:  800-846-4852



<PAGE>



Financial Highlights


Fiscal period ended Sept. 30,

 Per share income and capital changesa

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
                                                                       Class A

                                                    1999      1998      1997    1996      1995

Net asset value, beginning of period              $13.29    $15.32    $13.51    $12.69    $11.89

Income from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)                         .37       .48       .57       .54       .58

Net gains (losses) (both realized and unrealized)   1.15     (.36)      2.61       .93      1.27

Total from investment operations                    1.52      .12       3.18      1.47      1.85

Less distributions:

Dividends from net investment income                (.36)   (.48)       (.53)    (.52)     (.54)

Distributions from realized gains                  (1.51)  (1.67)       (.84)    (.13)     (.51)

Total distributions                                (1.87)  (2.15)       (1.37)   (.65)    (1.05)

Net asset value, end of period                    $12.94   $13.29      $15.32   $13.51    $12.69


 Ratios/supplemental data

Net assets, end of period (in millions)           $3,101   $3,051     $3,251    $2,770    $2,596

Ratio of expenses to average daily net assetsb      .83%     .80%       .83%      .87%      .83%

Ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average daily net assets                        2.68%    3.35%      4.00%     4.01%     4.58%

Portfolio turnover rate
(excluding short-term securities)                   134%      98%        49%       45%       38%

Total returnc                                     11.72%     .70%     24.88%    11.84%    16.81%

</TABLE>

a    For a share outstanding throughout the period. Rounded to the nearest cent.
b    Effective fiscal year 1996, expense ratio is based on total expenses of the
     Fund before reduction of earnings credits on cash balances.
c    Total return does not reflect payment of a sales charge.

<PAGE>

Fiscal period ended Sept. 30,

 Per share income and capital changesa
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Class B                                            Class Y
<S>                                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>

                                   1999      1998      1997      1996      1995b     1999      1998      1997      1996      1995b

Net asset value,
beginning of period                $13.21    $15.25    $13.47    $12.66    $11.67    $13.29    $15.32    $13.51    $12.69    $11.67

Income from investment operations:

Net investment
income (loss)                         .27       .38       .46       .45       .25       .38       .49       .59       .56       .32

Net gains (losses) (both
realized and unrealized)             1.15     (.37)      2.59       .93      1.11      1.16      (.36)     2.61       .93      1.11

Total from investment
operations                           1.42      .01       3.05      1.38      1.36      1.54       .13      3.20      1.49      1.43

Less distributions:

Dividends from net
investment income                   (.26)    (.38)      (.43)      (.44)     (.37)     (.37)     (.49)     (.55)     (.54)    (.41)

Distributions from
realized gains                      (1.51)   (1.67)     (.84)      (.13)       -       (1.51)    (1.67)    (.84)     (.13)      -

Total distributions                 (1.77)   (2.05)     (1.27)     (.57)     (.37)     (1.88)    (2.16)    (1.39)    (.67)    (.41)

Net asset value, end
of period                          $12.86    $13.21    $15.25    $13.47    $12.66      $12.95   $13.29    $15.32   $13.51    $12.69

 Ratios/supplemental data

Net assets, end of period
(in millions)                      $459      $360      $264      $133      $33         $1,145    $1,339    $1,337  $1,114      $876

Ratio of expenses to average
daily net assetsc                  1.53%     1.56%     1.59%     1.64%      1.65%d       .73%      .73%      .70%     .70%    .70%d

Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to average
daily net assets                   1.98%     2.58%     3.28%     3.32%      3.94%d      2.79%     3.42%     4.13%     4.18%  4.58%d

Portfolio turnover rate
(excluding short-term
securities)                        134%        98%       49%       45%        38%        134%       98%       49%       45%     38%

Total returne                    10.93%      (.07%)    23.93%    10.99%    11.70%      11.90%      .77%    25.04%    12.02%  12.20%

</TABLE>


a    For a share outstanding throughout the period. Rounded to the nearest cent.
b    Inception date was March 20, 1995.
c    Effective fiscal year 1996, expense ratio is based on total expenses of the
     Fund before reduction of earnings credits on cash balances.
d    Adjusted to an annual basis.
e    Total return does not reflect payment of a sales charge.

The  information  in these  tables  has been  audited  by KPMG LLP,  independent
auditors.  The independent auditors' report and additional information about the
performance of the Fund are contained in the Fund's annual report which,  if not
included with this prospectus, may be obtained without charge.

<PAGE>

American Express
Financial Advisors

This Fund,  along with the other  American  Express  funds,  is  distributed  by
American  Express  Financial  Advisors  Inc.  and can be found  under  the "Amer
Express" banner in most mutual fund quotations.

Additional  information  about the Fund and its  investments is available in the
Fund's Statement of Additional  Information (SAI), annual and semiannual reports
to  shareholders.  In the Fund's  annual  report,  you will find a discussion of
market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund
during its last  fiscal  year.  The SAI is  incorporated  by  reference  in this
prospectus.  For a free copy of the SAI,  the  annual  report or the  semiannual
report contact American Express Client Service Corporation.

American Express Client Service Corporation
P.O. Box 534, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0534
800-862-7919 TTY: 800-846-4852

Web site address:
http://www.americanexpress.com/advisors


You may review and copy  information  about the Fund,  including the SAI, at the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission's  (Commission)  Public  Reference  Room in
Washington,   D.C.  (for  information  about  the  public  reference  room  call
1-800-SEC-0330).  Reports and other  information about the Fund are available on
the  Commission's  Internet  site  at   (http://www.sec.gov).   Copies  of  this
information  may be  obtained  by writing  and paying a  duplicating  fee to the
Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C.
20549-6009.


Investment Company Act File #811-54

TICKER SYMBOL

Class A: INMUX    Class B: IDMBX    Class Y: IDMYX



S-6326-99 P (11/99)

<PAGE>

                                      AXPSM INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.

                                   STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                                   FOR

                             AXPSM DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND (the Fund)

                                              Nov. 29, 1999

This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should be
read together with the prospectus and the financial  statements contained in the
most recent Annual Report to  shareholders  (Annual Report) that may be obtained
from your American Express  financial  advisor or by writing to American Express
Shareholder  Service,  P.O. Box 534,  Minneapolis,  MN  55440-0534 or by calling
800-862-7919.

The Independent Auditors' Report and the Financial  Statements,  including Notes
to the  Financial  Statements  and the Schedule of  Investments  in  Securities,
contained in the Annual Report are  incorporated  in this SAI by  reference.  No
other portion of the Annual Report,  however, is incorporated by reference.  The
prospectus for the Fund,  dated the same date as this SAI, also is  incorporated
in this SAI by reference.

<PAGE>

                                            TABLE OF CONTENTS


Mutual Fund Checklist.........................................p.  3

Fundamental Investment Policies...............................p.  5

Investment Strategies and Types of Investments................p.  6

Information Regarding Risks and Investment Strategies.........p.  8

Security Transactions..........................................p.31

Brokerage Commissions Paid to Brokers Affiliated with
American Express Financial Corporation.........................p.33

Performance Information........................................p.34

Valuing Fund Shares............................................p.35

Investing in the Fund..........................................p.36

Selling Shares.................................................p.39

Pay-out Plans..................................................p.40


Taxes..........................................................p.41

Agreements.....................................................p.43

Organizational Information.....................................p.46

Board Members and Officers.....................................p.48

Compensation for Board Members.................................p.51


Independent Auditors...........................................p.51

Appendix:  Description of Ratings..............................p.52

<PAGE>

MUTUAL FUND CHECKLIST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    |X|
                              Mutual funds are NOT  guaranteed or insured by any
                              bank or government agency. You can lose money.
                    |X|
                              Mutual funds ALWAYS carry investment  risks.  Some
                              types carry more risk than others.
                    |X|
                              A  higher  rate of  return  typically  involves  a
                              higher risk of loss.
                    [X|
                              Past performance is not a reliable indicator of
                              future performance.

                    |X|       ALL mutual funds have costs that lower investment
                              return.

                    |X|
                              You can buy some mutual funds by  contacting  them
                              directly.  Others,  like this one, are sold mainly
                              through brokers,  banks,  financial  planners,  or
                              insurance   agents.   If  you  buy  through  these
                              financial professionals,  you generally will pay a
                              sales charge.
                    |X|
                              Shop around.  Compare a mutual fund with others of
                              the same type before you buy.

OTHER IDEAS FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING:

Develop a Financial Plan

Have a plan - even a simple  plan can help you take  control  of your  financial
future.  Review  your  plan  with  your  advisor  at  least  once a year or more
frequently if your circumstances change.

Dollar-Cost Averaging

An  investment  technique  that  works  well  for  many  investors  is one  that
eliminates  random  buy and sell  decisions.  One  such  system  is  dollar-cost
averaging.  Dollar-cost  averaging  involves  building a  portfolio  through the
investment of fixed amounts of money on a regular basis  regardless of the price
or market  condition.  This may enable an  investor to smooth out the effects of
the volatility of the financial  markets.  By using this  strategy,  more shares
will be purchased  when the price is low and less when the price is high. As the
accompanying chart illustrates,  dollar-cost averaging tends to keep the average
price  paid  for the  shares  lower  than the  average  market  price of  shares
purchased, although there is no guarantee.

While this does not ensure a profit and does not  protect  against a loss if the
market declines,  it is an effective way for many  shareholders who can continue
investing  through  changing  market  conditions  to  accumulate  shares to meet
long-term goals.

<PAGE>

Dollar-cost averaging:

- -------------------------------------------------------------
Regular           Market Price        Shares
Investment        of a Share          Acquired
- -------------------------------------------------------------
    $100               $6.00            16.7
     100                4.00            25.0
     100                4.00            25.0
     100                6.00            16.7
     100                5.00            20.0
   -----            --------          ------
    $500              $25.00           103.4

Average market price of a share over 5 periods:  $5.00 ($25.00 divided by 5)
The average price you paid for each share:       $4.84 ($500 divided by 103.4)

Diversify

Diversify your portfolio.  By investing in different asset classes and different
economic  environments  you help protect against poor performance in one type of
investment  while  including  investments  most likely to help you achieve  your
important goals.

Understand Your Investment

Know what you are buying. Make sure you understand the potential risks, rewards,
costs, and expenses associated with each of your investments.

<PAGE>

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund pursues its  investment  objective  by  investing  all of its assets in
Equity Income  Portfolio (the Portfolio) of Growth and Income Trust (the Trust),
a separate investment company, rather than by directly investing in and managing
its  own  portfolio  of  securities.  The  Portfolio  has  the  same  investment
objectives, policies, and restrictions as the Fund. References to "Fund" in this
SAI, where  applicable,  refer to the Fund and Portfolio,  collectively,  to the
Fund, singularly, or to the Portfolio, singularly.

Fundamental  investment  policies  adopted by the Fund cannot be changed without
the approval of a majority of the outstanding  voting  securities of the Fund as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).

Notwithstanding any of the Fund's other investment policies, the Fund may invest
its assets in an open-end management investment company having substantially the
same  investment  objectives,  policies,  and  restrictions  as the Fund for the
purpose of having those assets managed as part of a combined pool.

The policies  below are  fundamental  policies that apply to the Fund and may be
changed  only with  shareholder  approval.  Unless  holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities agree to make the change, the Fund will not:

o    Act as an  underwriter  (sell  securities for others).  However,  under the
     securities  laws,  the  Fund may be  deemed  to be an  underwriter  when it
     purchases securities directly from the issuer and later resells them.

o    Borrow money or property,  except as a temporary  measure for extraordinary
     or emergency  purposes,  in an amount not exceeding one-third of the market
     value of its total assets  (including  borrowings) less liabilities  (other
     than borrowings) immediately after the borrowing.

o    Make cash  loans if the total  commitment  amount  exceeds 5% of the Fund's
     total assets.

o    Purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer.

o    Invest more than 5% of its total assets in  securities  of any one company,
     government,  or political  subdivision thereof,  except the limitation will
     not apply to investments in securities issued by the U.S.  government,  its
     agencies,  or  instrumentalities,  and except  that up to 25% of the Fund's
     total assets may be invested without regard to this 5% limitation.

o    Buy or sell  real  estate,  unless  acquired  as a result of  ownership  of
     securities  or other  instruments,  except  this shall not prevent the Fund
     from investing in securities or other instruments  backed by real estate or
     securities of companies  engaged in the real estate business or real estate
     investment trusts.  For purposes of this policy,  real estate includes real
     estate limited partnerships.

o    Buy or sell physical  commodities  unless acquired as a result of ownership
     of securities or other instruments,  except this shall not prevent the Fund
     from buying or selling  options and futures  contracts or from investing in
     securities or other instruments  backed by, or whose value is derived from,
     physical commodities.

o    Lend Fund securities in excess of 30% of its net assets.

o    Concentrate in any one industry. According to the present interpretation by
     the Securities and Exchange  Commission  (SEC), this means no more than 25%
     of the Fund's total  assets,  based on current  market value at the time of
     purchase, can be invested in any one industry.

Except  for  the  fundamental   investment  policies  listed  above,  the  other
investment  policies  described  in the  prospectus  and in  this  SAI  are  not
fundamental and may be changed by the board at any time.

<PAGE>

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This table shows various  investment  strategies and investments that many funds
are  allowed to engage in and  purchase.  It is  intended to show the breadth of
investments  that the  investment  manager may make on behalf of the Fund. For a
description of principal risks,  please see the prospectus.  Notwithstanding the
Fund's  ability to utilize  these  strategies  and  techniques,  the  investment
manager is not obligated to use them at any particular  time. For example,  even
though  the  investment  manager  is  authorized  to adopt  temporary  defensive
positions and is  authorized to attempt to hedge against  certain types of risk,
these practices are left to the investment manager's sole discretion.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment strategies & types of investments:      allowable for the Fund?
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency and Government Securities                          Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrowing                                                 Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash/Money Market Instruments                             Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collateralized Bond Obligations                           Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Paper                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities                                    Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Bonds                                           Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt Obligations                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositary Receipts                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative Instruments                                    Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Currency Transactions                             Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities                                        Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities (Junk Bonds)            Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illiquid and Restricted Securities                        Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed Securities                                        Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inverse Floaters                                          No
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Companies                                      Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lending of Portfolio Securities                           Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Participations                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities                     Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Dollar Rolls                                     No
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Municipal Obligations                                     Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock                                           Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate Investment Trusts                             Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase Agreements                                     Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reverse Repurchase Agreements                             Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Sales                                               No
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sovereign Debt                                            Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structured Products                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities                     Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrants                                                  Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-Issued Securities                                    Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon, and Pay-in-Kind Securities      Yes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

The following are guidelines that may be changed by the board at any time:

o    Under normal  market  conditions,  the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
     net assets in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks.

o    No more than 20% of the Fund's net assets may be  invested  in bonds  below
     investment grade unless the bonds are convertible securities.

o    The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign investments.

o    No more than 5% of the  Fund's  net  assets can be used at any one time for
     good faith  deposits on futures and premiums for options on futures that do
     not offset existing investment positions.

o    No more than 10% of the Fund's net assets  will be held in  securities  and
     other instruments that are illiquid.

o    Ordinarily,  less than 25% of the Fund's total assets are invested in money
     market instruments.

o    The Fund  will not buy on margin or sell  short,  except  the Fund may make
     margin payments in connection with transactions in futures contracts.

o    The Fund will not invest in a company to control or manage it.

o    The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities of
     investment companies.

<PAGE>

INFORMATION REGARDING RISKS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RISKS

The  following  is a summary  of common  risk  characteristics.  Following  this
summary is a description of certain  investments  and investment  strategies and
the risks  most  commonly  associated  with them  (including  certain  risks not
described below and, in some cases, a more  comprehensive  discussion of how the
risks apply to a particular investment or investment strategy).  Please remember
that a mutual  fund's  risk  profile  is largely  defined by the fund's  primary
securities and investment strategies.  However, most mutual funds are allowed to
use certain  other  strategies  and  investments  that may have  different  risk
characteristics. Accordingly, one or more of the following types of risk will be
associated  with the Fund at any time (for a  description  of  principal  risks,
please see the prospectus):

Call/Prepayment Risk

The risk that a bond or other security might be called (or otherwise  converted,
prepaid,  or redeemed) before maturity.  This type of risk is closely related to
"reinvestment risk."

Correlation Risk

The risk that a given  transaction  may fail to achieve its objectives due to an
imperfect  relationship  between  markets.  Certain  investments  may react more
negatively than others in response to changing market conditions.

Credit Risk


The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to a contract,  will
default or  otherwise  become  unable to honor a financial  obligation  (such as
payments due on a bond or a note). The price of junk bonds may react more to the
ability of the issuing  company to pay interest and  principal  when due than to
changes in interest rates.  Junk bonds have greater price  fluctuations  and are
more likely to experience a default than investment grade bonds.


Event Risk

Occasionally,  the value of a security may be seriously and unexpectedly changed
by a natural or industrial accident or occurrence.

Foreign/Emerging Markets Risk

The following are all components of foreign/emerging markets risk:

         Country risk includes the political,  economic, and other conditions of
a country. These conditions include lack of publicly available information, less
government  oversight  (including  lack of accounting,  auditing,  and financial
reporting standards),  the possibility of government-imposed  restrictions,  and
even the nationalization of assets.

         Currency  risk  results  from the  constantly  changing  exchange  rate
between local currency and the U.S.  dollar.  Whenever the Fund holds securities
valued in a foreign currency or holds the currency, changes in the exchange rate
add or subtract from the value of the investment.

         Custody risk refers to the process of clearing and settling trades.  It
also covers holding  securities with local agents and depositories.  Low trading
volumes and volatile  prices in less  developed  markets  make trades  harder to
complete  and settle.  Local agents are held only to the standard of care of the
local  market.  Governments  or trade  groups  may compel  local  agents to hold
securities in designated depositories that are

<PAGE>

not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country's securities
market is, the greater the likelihood of problems occurring.

         Emerging  markets risk includes the dramatic pace of change  (economic,
social,  and  political)  in  emerging  market  countries  as well as the  other
considerations  listed above.  These markets are in early stages of  development
and are extremely volatile. They can be marked by extreme inflation, devaluation
of  currencies,  dependence  on  trade  partners,  and  hostile  relations  with
neighboring countries.

Inflation Risk

Also known as  purchasing  power risk,  inflation  risk  measures the effects of
continually rising prices on investments. If an investment's yield is lower than
the rate of inflation,  your money will have less purchasing  power as time goes
on.

Interest Rate Risk

The risk of losses  attributable  to changes  in  interest  rates.  This term is
generally  associated  with bond prices (when interest  rates rise,  bond prices
fall).  In general,  the longer the maturity of a bond, the higher its yield and
the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

Issuer Risk

The risk that an  issuer,  or the value of its  stocks  or bonds,  will  perform
poorly. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive
pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or
shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, or other factors.

Legal/Legislative Risk

Congress and other  governmental  units have the power to change  existing  laws
affecting securities. A change in law might affect an investment adversely.

Leverage Risk

Some derivative  investments (such as options,  futures,  or options on futures)
require  little or no initial  payment  and base their  price on a  security,  a
currency,  or an index. A small change in the value of the underlying  security,
currency,  or  index  may  cause a  sizable  gain or  loss in the  price  of the
instrument.

Liquidity Risk

Securities  may be  difficult  or  impossible  to sell at the time that the Fund
would  like.  The  Fund  may  have  to  lower  the  selling  price,  sell  other
investments, or forego an investment opportunity.

Management Risk

The risk that a strategy or selection method utilized by the investment  manager
may fail to  produce  the  intended  result.  When all other  factors  have been
accounted for and the investment manager chooses an investment,  there is always
the possibility that the choice will be a poor one.

Market Risk

The  market  may drop and you may lose  money.  Market  risk may affect a single
issuer,  sector of the economy,  industry,  or the market as a whole. The market
value  of  all  securities  may  move  up  and  down,   sometimes   rapidly  and
unpredictably.

<PAGE>

Reinvestment Risk

The risk that an investor  will not be able to reinvest  income or  principal at
the same rate it currently is earning.

Sector/Concentration Risk

Investments that are concentrated in a particular issuer,  geographic region, or
industry will be more  susceptible  to changes in price (the more you diversify,
the more you spread risk).

Small Company Risk

Investments  in small and medium  companies  often  involve  greater  risks than
investments  in larger,  more  established  companies  because  small and medium
companies  may lack the  management  experience,  financial  resources,  product
diversification,  and competitive strengths of larger companies. In addition, in
many  instances  the  securities  of small and medium  companies are traded only
over-the-counter  or on regional  securities  exchanges  and the  frequency  and
volume  of their  trading  is  substantially  less  than is  typical  of  larger
companies.

<PAGE>

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The following  information  supplements the discussion of the Fund's  investment
objectives, policies, and strategies that are described in the prospectus and in
this SAI. The following describes many strategies that many mutual funds use and
types of securities  that they  purchase.  Please refer to the section  entitled
Investment  Strategies  and Types of  Investments to see which are applicable to
the Fund.

Agency and Government Securities

The U.S.  government and its agencies issue many different  types of securities.
U.S.  Treasury bonds,  notes, and bills and securities  including  mortgage pass
through  certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) are
guaranteed by the U.S. government.  Other U.S. government  securities are issued
or guaranteed by federal  agencies or  government-sponsored  enterprises but are
not  guaranteed  by the U.S.  government.  This may  increase  the  credit  risk
associated with these investments.

Government-sponsored   entities  issuing  securities  include  privately  owned,
publicly  chartered  entities  created  to reduce  borrowing  costs for  certain
sectors of the economy, such as farmers,  homeowners, and students. They include
the  Federal  Farm  Credit  Bank  System,   Farm  Credit  Financial   Assistance
Corporation,  Federal  Home Loan  Bank,  FHLMC,  FNMA,  Student  Loan  Marketing
Association (SLMA), and Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Government-sponsored
entities may issue discount notes (with maturities ranging from overnight to 360
days) and  bonds.  Agency  and  government  securities  are  subject to the same
concerns as other debt obligations. (See also Debt Obligations and Mortgage- and
Asset-Backed Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  agency  and  government   securities  include:
Call/Prepayment  Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk,  Management Risk, and
Reinvestment Risk.

Borrowing

The Fund may borrow money from banks for  temporary  or  emergency  purposes and
make other  investments or engage in other  transactions  permissible  under the
1940 Act that may be considered a borrowing  (such as  derivative  instruments).
Borrowings  are subject to costs (in addition to any interest  that may be paid)
and  typically  reduce the  Fund's  total  return.  Except as  qualified  above,
however, the Fund will not buy securities on margin.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with borrowing  include:  Inflation Risk and Management
Risk.

Cash/Money Market Instruments

The Fund may  maintain  a  portion  of its  assets  in cash and  cash-equivalent
investments.  Cash-equivalent  investments  include short-term U.S. and Canadian
government  securities and negotiable  certificates  of deposit,  non-negotiable
fixed-time  deposits,  bankers'  acceptances,  and letters of credit of banks or
savings and loan associations having capital, surplus, and undivided profits (as
of the date of its most  recently  published  annual  financial  statements)  in
excess of $100 million (or the equivalent in the instance of a foreign branch of
a U.S.  bank) at the date of investment.  The Fund also may purchase  short-term
notes and  obligations  of U.S. and foreign banks and  corporations  and may use
repurchase  agreements  with  broker-dealers  registered  under  the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and with commercial banks. (See also Commercial Paper, Debt
Obligations,  Repurchase Agreements, and Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities.)
These types of instruments  generally  offer low rates of return and subject the
Fund to certain costs and expenses.

See the appendix for a discussion of securities ratings.

<PAGE>

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with cash/money  market  instruments  include:  Credit
Risk, Inflation Risk, and Management Risk.

Collateralized Bond Obligations

Collateralized  bond  obligations  (CBOs) are investment grade bonds backed by a
pool of junk  bonds.  CBOs are  similar in concept  to  collateralized  mortgage
obligations  (CMOs),  but  differ in that CBOs  represent  different  degrees of
credit  quality  rather  than  different  maturities.  (See also  Mortgage-  and
Asset-Backed  Securities.)  Underwriters of CBOs package a large and diversified
pool of high-risk,  high-yield junk bonds, which is then separated into "tiers."
Typically,  the first tier represents the higher quality collateral and pays the
lowest  interest  rate;  the second  tier is backed by riskier  bonds and pays a
higher rate; the third tier  represents the lowest credit quality and instead of
receiving a fixed interest rate receives the residual  interest  payments--money
that is left over after the higher tiers have been paid.  CBOs,  like CMOs,  are
substantially  overcollateralized and this, plus the diversification of the pool
backing them, earns them  investment-grade  bond ratings.  Holders of third-tier
CBOs stand to earn high yields or less money  depending  on the rate of defaults
in the collateral pool. (See also High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with CBOs include:  Call/Prepayment  Risk, Credit Risk,
Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

Commercial Paper

Commercial  paper is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity ranging from 2
to 270 days issued by banks,  corporations,  and other borrowers.  It is sold to
investors with temporary idle cash as a way to increase  returns on a short-term
basis.  These  instruments are generally  unsecured,  which increases the credit
risk  associated  with this type of investment.  (See also Debt  Obligations and
Illiquid and Restricted Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with commercial paper include:  Credit Risk,  Liquidity
Risk, and Management Risk.

Common Stock

Common stock  represents  units of ownership in a corporation.  Owners typically
are entitled to vote on the selection of directors and other  important  matters
as  well  as to  receive  dividends  on  their  holdings.  In the  event  that a
corporation  is  liquidated,  the claims of secured and unsecured  creditors and
owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who
own common stock.

The price of common stock is generally determined by corporate earnings, type of
products or services offered,  projected growth rates, experience of management,
liquidity,  and  general  market  conditions  for the markets on which the stock
trades.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated  with common stock  include:  Issuer Risk,  Management
Risk, Market Risk, and Small Company Risk.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are bonds, debentures,  notes, preferred stocks, or other
securities  that may be  converted  into common stock of the same or a different
issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price. Some convertible
securities, such as preferred  equity-redemption  cumulative stock (PERCs), have
mandatory  conversion  features.  Others are voluntary.  A convertible  security
entitles the holder to receive interest  normally paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the

<PAGE>

convertible   security  matures  or  is  redeemed,   converted,   or  exchanged.
Convertible  securities  have  unique  investment  characteristics  in that they
generally  (i) have  higher  yields  than  common  stocks but lower  yields than
comparable non-convertible  securities,  (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in
value than the  underlying  stock since they have fixed income  characteristics,
and (iii) provide the potential for capital  appreciation if the market price of
the underlying common stock increases.

The value of a  convertible  security  is a function of its  "investment  value"
(determined  by its yield in comparison  with the yields of other  securities of
comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its
"conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the
underlying  common  stock).  The investment  value of a convertible  security is
influenced by changes in interest  rates,  with  investment  value  declining as
interest rates  increase and  increasing as interest  rates decline.  The credit
standing  of the  issuer  and  other  factors  also  may have an  effect  on the
convertible  security's  investment value. The conversion value of a convertible
security is determined by the market price of the  underlying  common stock.  If
the conversion  value is low relative to the investment  value, the price of the
convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally,
the conversion value decreases as the convertible  security approaches maturity.
To the extent the market  price of the  underlying  common stock  approaches  or
exceeds the  conversion  price,  the price of the  convertible  security will be
increasingly   influenced  by  its  conversion  value.  A  convertible  security
generally  will sell at a premium  over its  conversion  value by the  extent to
which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying  common stock
while holding a fixed income security.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with convertible  securities  include:  Call/Prepayment
Risk,  Interest  Rate Risk,  Issuer Risk,  Management  Risk,  Market  Risk,  and
Reinvestment Risk.

Corporate Bonds

Corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by private corporations, as distinct
from bonds  issued by a government  agency or a  municipality.  Corporate  bonds
typically have four distinguishing features: (1) they are taxable; (2) they have
a par value of $1,000; (3) they have a term maturity,  which means they come due
all at once;  and (4) many are traded on major  exchanges.  Corporate  bonds are
subject  to the  same  concerns  as  other  debt  obligations.  (See  also  Debt
Obligations and High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.)

Corporate  bonds may be either secured or unsecured.  Unsecured  corporate bonds
are generally  referred to as "debentures." See the appendix for a discussion of
securities ratings.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated  with corporate bonds include:  Call/Prepayment  Risk,
Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk,  Management Risk, and Reinvestment
Risk.

Debt Obligations

Many different types of debt obligations  exist (for example,  bills,  bonds, or
notes).  Issuers  of  debt  obligations  have a  contractual  obligation  to pay
interest at a specified  rate on  specified  dates and to repay  principal  on a
specified  maturity date.  Certain debt obligations  (usually  intermediate- and
long-term  bonds)  have  provisions  that allow the issuer to redeem or "call" a
bond  before its  maturity.  Issuers  are most  likely to call these  securities
during periods of falling  interest  rates.  When this happens,  an investor may
have to replace these  securities  with lower yielding  securities,  which could
result in a lower return.

The  market  value of debt  obligations  is  affected  primarily  by  changes in
prevailing  interest rates and the issuers  perceived ability to repay the debt.
The market value of a debt  obligation  generally  reacts  inversely to interest
rate changes.  When prevailing interest rates decline,  the price usually rises,
and when prevailing interest rates rise, the price usually declines.

<PAGE>

In general,  the longer the maturity of a debt obligation,  the higher its yield
and the greater the  sensitivity to changes in interest rates.  Conversely,  the
shorter the maturity, the lower the yield but the greater the price stability.

As noted,  the values of debt obligations also may be affected by changes in the
credit rating or financial condition of their issuers.  Generally, the lower the
quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of risk as to the payment of
interest and return of  principal.  To  compensate  investors for taking on such
increased  risk,  those issuers  deemed to be less  creditworthy  generally must
offer their  investors  higher interest rates than do issuers with better credit
ratings.  (See also  Agency and  Government  Securities,  Corporate  Bonds,  and
High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.)


All ratings  limitations  are  applied at the time of  purchase.  Subsequent  to
purchase,  a debt  security  may cease to be rated or its  rating may be reduced
below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.  Neither event will require
the sale of such a security,  but it will be a factor in considering  whether to
continue to hold the security.  To the extent that ratings change as a result of
changes in a rating organization or their rating systems,  the Fund will attempt
to use comparable ratings as standards for selecting investments.


See the appendix for a discussion of securities ratings.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with debt obligations  include:  Call/Prepayment  Risk,
Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk,  Management Risk, and Reinvestment
Risk.

Depositary Receipts

Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American  Depositary  Receipts
(ADRs).  ADRs are  receipts  typically  issued by a U.S.  bank or trust  company
evidencing ownership of the underlying  securities of foreign issuers.  European
Depositary  Receipts (EDRs) and Global  Depositary  Receipts (GDRs) are receipts
typically  issued by foreign banks or trust companies,  evidencing  ownership of
underlying  securities  issued by either a foreign  or U.S.  issuer.  Generally,
depositary  receipts in  registered  form are  designed  for use in the U.S. and
depositary  receipts in bearer form are designed for use in  securities  markets
outside the U.S.  Depositary  receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the
same  currency as the  underlying  securities  into which they may be converted.
Depositary   receipts  involve  the  risks  of  other   investments  in  foreign
securities.  In  addition,  ADR  holders  may not have all the  legal  rights of
shareholders   and  may   experience   difficulty   in   receiving   shareholder
communications. (See also Common Stock and Foreign Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with  depositary  receipts  include:  Foreign/Emerging
Markets Risk, Issuer Risk, Management Risk, and Market Risk.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative  instruments are commonly defined to include  securities or contracts
whose values depend, in whole or in part, on (or "derive" from) the value of one
or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, or commodities.


A  derivative  instrument  generally  consists  of, is based  upon,  or exhibits
characteristics similar to options or forward contracts. Such instruments may be
used to  maintain  cash  reserves  while  remaining  fully  invested,  to offset
anticipated declines in values of investments,  to facilitate trading, to reduce
transaction   costs,  or  to  pursue  higher  investment   returns.   Derivative
instruments are  characterized by requiring little or no initial payment.  Their
value  changes daily based on a security,  a currency,  a group of securities or
currencies, or an index. A small change in the value of the underlying security,
currency,  or index can cause a sizable  percentage gain or loss in the price of
the derivative instrument.


<PAGE>

Options and forward  contracts are considered to be the basic "building  blocks"
of  derivatives.   For  example,   forward-based   derivatives  include  forward
contracts,   swap  contracts,   and   exchange-traded   futures.   Forward-based
derivatives  are  sometimes  referred to  generically  as  "futures  contracts."
Option-based  derivatives include privately negotiated,  over-the-counter  (OTC)
options  (including  caps,  floors,   collars,   and  options  on  futures)  and
exchange-traded options on futures.  Diverse types of derivatives may be created
by  combining  options or futures  in  different  ways,  and by  applying  these
structures to a wide range of underlying assets.

         Options. An option is a contract. A person who buys a call option for a
security  has the right to buy the security at a set price for the length of the
contract.  A person who sells a call option is called a writer.  The writer of a
call option  agrees for the length of the  contract to sell the  security at the
set price when the buyer wants to exercise the option, no matter what the market
price of the  security  is at that time.  A person who buys a put option has the
right to sell a security at a set price for the length of the contract. A person
who  writes a put  option  agrees  to buy the  security  at the set price if the
purchaser  wants to exercise the option  during the length of the  contract,  no
matter  what the market  price of the  security  is at that  time.  An option is
covered if the writer  owns the  security  (in the case of a call) or sets aside
the cash or securities of equivalent  value (in the case of a put) that would be
required upon exercise.

The price paid by the buyer for an option is called a premium.  In  addition  to
the premium, the buyer generally pays a broker a commission. The writer receives
a premium,  less  another  commission,  at the time the option is  written.  The
premium  received  by the  writer  is  retained  whether  or not the  option  is
exercised.  A  writer  of a call  option  may have to sell  the  security  for a
below-market  price if the market price rises above the exercise price. A writer
of a put option may have to pay an  above-market  price for the  security if its
market price decreases below the exercise price.

When an option is purchased, the buyer pays a premium and a commission.  It then
pays a second commission on the purchase or sale of the underlying security when
the option is exercised. For record keeping and tax purposes, the price obtained
on the sale of the underlying security is the combination of the exercise price,
the premium, and both commissions.

One of the risks an investor  assumes  when it buys an option is the loss of the
premium. To be beneficial to the investor,  the price of the underlying security
must change within the time set by the option contract.  Furthermore, the change
must be sufficient to cover the premium paid, the  commissions  paid both in the
acquisition of the option and in a closing transaction or in the exercise of the
option  and sale (in the case of a call) or  purchase  (in the case of a put) of
the underlying security.  Even then, the price change in the underlying security
does not ensure a profit since prices in the option  market may not reflect such
a change.

Options on many securities are listed on options  exchanges.  If the Fund writes
listed options,  it will follow the rules of the options  exchange.  Options are
valued  at the  close of the New York  Stock  Exchange.  An  option  listed on a
national exchange, CBOE, or NASDAQ will be valued at the last quoted sales price
or, if such a price is not  readily  available,  at the mean of the last bid and
ask prices.

Options on certain  securities are not actively traded on any exchange,  but may
be entered into directly with a dealer.  These options may be more  difficult to
close.  If an investor is unable to effect a closing  purchase  transaction,  it
will not be able to sell the  underlying  security until the call written by the
investor expires or is exercised.

         Futures  Contracts.  A futures  contract is a sales contract  between a
buyer (holding the "long" position) and a seller (holding the "short"  position)
for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay
a fixed  price at the agreed  future  date and the seller  agrees to deliver the
asset.  The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than
the agreed upon  price,  while the buyer hopes for the  contrary.  Many  futures
contracts  trade  in a  manner  similar  to the  way a stock  trades  on a stock
exchange and the commodity exchanges.

<PAGE>


Generally,  a futures  contract is  terminated  by entering  into an  offsetting
transaction.  An  offsetting  transaction  is effected by an investor  taking an
opposite position.  At the time a futures contract is made, a good faith deposit
called  initial  margin is set up.  Daily  thereafter,  the futures  contract is
valued and the payment of variation  margin is required so that each day a buyer
would pay out cash in an amount equal to any decline in the contract's  value or
receive  cash equal to any  increase.  At the time a futures  contract is closed
out, a nominal  commission is paid, which is generally lower than the commission
on a comparable transaction in the cash market.


Futures contracts may be based on various  securities,  securities indices (such
as the S&P 500 Index),  foreign  currencies and other financial  instruments and
indices.

         Options on Futures  Contracts.  Options on futures  contracts  give the
holder a right to buy or sell futures contracts in the future.  Unlike a futures
contract,  which requires the parties to the contract to buy and sell a security
on a set date  (some  futures  are  settled  in  cash),  an  option on a futures
contract merely entitles its holder to decide on or before a future date (within
nine  months of the date of issue)  whether  to enter  into a  contract.  If the
holder  decides not to enter into the  contract,  all that is lost is the amount
(premium) paid for the option. Further, because the value of the option is fixed
at the point of sale,  there are no daily payments of cash to reflect the change
in the value of the  underlying  contract.  However,  since an option  gives the
buyer the right to enter  into a contract  at a set price for a fixed  period of
time, its value does change daily.

One of the risks in buying  an option on a futures  contract  is the loss of the
premium  paid for the option.  The risk  involved in writing  options on futures
contracts an investor  owns, or on  securities  held in its  portfolio,  is that
there could be an increase in the market value of these contracts or securities.
If that  occurred,  the option would be exercised  and the asset sold at a lower
price than the cash market  price.  To some extent,  the risk of not realizing a
gain could be reduced by entering into a closing transaction.  An investor could
enter into a closing  transaction by purchasing an option with the same terms as
the one  previously  sold.  The cost to  close  the  option  and  terminate  the
investor's  obligation,  however,  might still  result in a loss.  Further,  the
investor might not be able to close the option because of insufficient  activity
in the options  market.  Purchasing  options  also limits the use of monies that
might otherwise be available for long-term investments.

         Options on Stock  Indexes.  Options  on stock  indexes  are  securities
traded on national securities  exchanges.  An option on a stock index is similar
to an option on a futures  contract  except all  settlements are in cash. A fund
exercising a put, for example, would receive the difference between the exercise
price and the current index level.


         Tax  Treatment.  As permitted  under federal income tax laws and to the
extent the Fund is allowed to invest in futures  contacts,  the Fund  intends to
identify futures contracts as mixed straddles and not mark them to market,  that
is, not treat them as having  been sold at the end of the year at market  value.
Such an  election  may result in the Fund being  required  to defer  recognizing
losses incurred on futures contracts and on underlying  securities identified as
hedged positions and require recognition of unrealized gain.


Federal income tax treatment of gains or losses from  transactions in options on
futures  contracts  and  indexes  will depend on whether the option is a section
1256 contract. If the option is a non-equity option, the Fund will either make a
1256(d)  election and treat the option as a mixed straddle or mark to market the
option at fiscal  year end and treat the  gain/loss  as 40%  short-term  and 60%
long-term.

The IRS has ruled publicly that an exchange-traded call option is a security for
purposes  of the  50%-of-assets  test and that its  issuer is the  issuer of the
underlying  security,  not  the  writer  of  the  option,  for  purposes  of the
diversification requirements.

<PAGE>

Accounting  for  futures  contracts  will be  according  to  generally  accepted
accounting principles.  Initial margin deposits will be recognized as assets due
from a broker (the Fund's agent in acquiring the futures  position).  During the
period the futures  contract is open,  changes in value of the contract  will be
recognized as  unrealized  gains or losses by marking to market on a daily basis
to reflect the market  value of the  contract at the end of each day's  trading.
Variation margin payments will be made or received  depending upon whether gains
or  losses  are  incurred.  All  contracts  and  options  will be  valued at the
last-quoted sales price on their primary exchange.

         Other Risks of Derivatives.

Derivatives are risky investments.

The primary risk of derivatives is the same as the risk of the underlying asset,
namely  that  the  value of the  underlying  asset  may go up or  down.  Adverse
movements in the value of an underlying  asset can expose an investor to losses.
Derivative  instruments may include elements of leverage and,  accordingly,  the
fluctuation  of the  value  of the  derivative  instrument  in  relation  to the
underlying asset may be magnified.  The successful use of derivative instruments
depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the investment manager's ability
to predict movements of the securities, currencies, and commodity markets, which
requires  different  skills than predicting  changes in the prices of individual
securities.
There can be no assurance that any particular strategy will succeed.

Another risk is the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure
of a  counterparty  to comply  with the terms of a  derivative  instrument.  The
counterparty risk for exchange-traded  derivative  instruments is generally less
than for  privately-negotiated or OTC derivative instruments,  since generally a
clearing  agency,  which is the issuer or counterparty  to each  exchange-traded
instrument,  provides  a  guarantee  of  performance.  For  privately-negotiated
instruments, there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. In all transactions,
an investor  will bear the risk that the  counterparty  will  default,  and this
could result in a loss of the expected benefit of the derivative transaction and
possibly other losses.

When a derivative  transaction  is used to completely  hedge  another  position,
changes in the market value of the combined position (the derivative  instrument
plus the position being hedged) result from an imperfect correlation between the
price movements of the two  instruments.  With a perfect hedge, the value of the
combined  position  remains  unchanged  for  any  change  in  the  price  of the
underlying  asset.  With  an  imperfect  hedge,  the  values  of the  derivative
instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated. For example, if the value
of a derivative instrument used in a short hedge (such as writing a call option,
buying a put option, or selling a futures  contract)  increased by less than the
decline  in value of the hedged  investment,  the hedge  would not be  perfectly
correlated.  Such a lack of correlation  might occur due to factors unrelated to
the  value  of the  investments  being  hedged,  such as  speculative  or  other
pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded.

Derivatives  also are subject to the risk that they cannot be sold,  closed out,
or  replaced  quickly at or very close to their  fundamental  value.  Generally,
exchange  contracts are very liquid  because the exchange  clearinghouse  is the
counterparty  of  every  contract.   OTC   transactions  are  less  liquid  than
exchange-traded  derivatives  since  they  often can only be closed out with the
other party to the transaction.


Another  risk is caused by the legal  unenforcibility  of a party's  obligations
under  the  derivative.  A  counterparty  that  has lost  money in a  derivative
transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting  various legal  uncertainties
about certain derivative products.


(See also Foreign Currency Transactions.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with derivative  instruments  include:  Leverage Risk,
Liquidity Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Foreign Currency Transactions

Since  investments in foreign  countries  usually involve  currencies of foreign
countries,  the value of the Fund's  assets as measured  in U.S.  dollars may be
affected  favorably or  unfavorably  by changes in currency  exchange  rates and
exchange control regulations.  Also, the Fund may incur costs in connection with
conversions  between various  currencies.  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate
significantly  over short  periods of time causing the Fund's NAV to  fluctuate.
Currency  exchange  rates are  generally  determined by the forces of supply and
demand in the  foreign  exchange  markets,  actual  or  anticipated  changes  in
interest rates, and other complex factors.  Currency  exchange rates also can be
affected by the intervention of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or
the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments.

Spot Rates and Derivative  Instruments.  The Fund conducts its foreign  currency
exchange  transactions  either at the spot (cash) rate prevailing in the foreign
currency exchange market or by entering into forward currency exchange contracts
(forward  contracts) as a hedge against  fluctuations in future foreign exchange
rates.  (See also  Derivative  Instruments).  These  contracts are traded in the
interbank  market  conducted  directly  between  currency traders (usually large
commercial  banks) and their customers.  Because foreign  currency  transactions
occurring in the interbank  market might involve  substantially  larger  amounts
than those involved in the use of such derivative instruments, the Fund could be
disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market for the underlying foreign
currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

The Fund may enter into forward  contracts to settle a security  transaction  or
handle  dividend and interest  collection.  When the Fund enters into a contract
for the purchase or sale of a security  denominated in a foreign currency or has
been  notified of a dividend or interest  payment,  it may desire to lock in the
price of the security or the amount of the payment in dollars.  By entering into
a forward  contract,  the Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible
loss  resulting  from an adverse change in the  relationship  between  different
currencies  from the date the security is purchased or sold to the date on which
payment  is made or  received  or when the  dividend  or  interest  is  actually
received.

The Fund also may enter  into  forward  contracts  when  management  of the Fund
believes the currency of a particular foreign country may change in relationship
to another  currency.  The precise  matching of forward contract amounts and the
value of securities  involved  generally  will not be possible  since the future
value of securities in foreign  currencies  more than likely will change between
the date the  forward  contract  is entered  into and the date it  matures.  The
projection of short-term  currency market  movements is extremely  difficult and
successful  execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.  The
Fund will not enter into such  forward  contracts  or maintain a net exposure to
such  contracts  when  consummating  the  contracts  would  obligate the Fund to
deliver  an  amount of  foreign  currency  in excess of the value of the  Fund's
securities or other assets denominated in that currency.

The Fund will  designate  cash or  securities in an amount equal to the value of
the Fund's total assets committed to consummating forward contracts entered into
under the second  circumstance  set forth above.  If the value of the securities
declines,  additional  cash or securities will be designated on a daily basis so
that the value of the cash or  securities  will  equal the  amount of the Fund's
commitments on such contracts.

At maturity of a forward  contract,  the Fund may either sell the  security  and
make  delivery of the foreign  currency or retain the security and terminate its
contractual  obligation  to  deliver  the  foreign  currency  by  purchasing  an
offsetting  contract with the same currency trader  obligating it to buy, on the
same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.

<PAGE>

If the Fund retains the security and engages in an offsetting  transaction,  the
Fund will incur a gain or loss (as described below) to the extent there has been
movement  in forward  contract  prices.  If the Fund  engages  in an  offsetting
transaction,  it may subsequently  enter into a new forward contract to sell the
foreign currency. Should forward prices decline between the date the Fund enters
into a forward contract for selling foreign currency and the date it enters into
an  offsetting  contract  for  purchasing  the foreign  currency,  the Fund will
realize a gain to the  extent  that the price of the  currency  it has agreed to
sell  exceeds  the price of the  currency it has agreed to buy.  Should  forward
prices  increase,  the Fund will  suffer a loss to the  extent  the price of the
currency it has agreed to buy exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to
sell.

It is impossible to forecast what the market value of securities  will be at the
expiration of a contract.  Accordingly,  it may be necessary for the Fund to buy
additional  foreign  currency  on the spot  market (and bear the expense of that
purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of foreign
currency  the Fund is  obligated  to deliver  and a decision is made to sell the
security  and make  delivery  of the  foreign  currency.  Conversely,  it may be
necessary  to sell on the spot market some of the foreign  currency  received on
the sale of the  portfolio  security if its market  value  exceeds the amount of
foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

The  Fund's  dealing in forward  contracts  will be limited to the  transactions
described  above.  This method of protecting the value of the Fund's  securities
against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate  fluctuations in
the  underlying  prices  of the  securities.  It  simply  establishes  a rate of
exchange that can be achieved at some point in time.  Although forward contracts
tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in value of hedged  currency,
they tend to limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such
currency increase.

Although the Fund values its assets each business day in terms of U.S.  dollars,
it does not intend to convert  its  foreign  currencies  into U.S.  dollars on a
daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and  shareholders  should be aware
of currency conversion costs.  Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a
fee for  conversion,  they do realize a profit based on the difference  (spread)
between  the prices at which they are buying  and  selling  various  currencies.
Thus,  a dealer  may offer to sell a foreign  currency  to the Fund at one rate,
while  offering a lesser rate of exchange  should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer.

Options on Foreign  Currencies.  The Fund may buy options on foreign  currencies
for hedging  purposes.  For example,  a decline in the dollar value of a foreign
currency in which  securities  are  denominated  will reduce the dollar value of
such securities,  even if their value in the foreign currency remains  constant.
In order to protect against the diminutions in the value of securities, the Fund
may buy  options on the  foreign  currency.  If the value of the  currency  does
decline, the Fund will have the right to sell the currency for a fixed amount in
dollars  and  will  offset,  in  whole or in part,  the  adverse  effect  on its
portfolio that otherwise would have resulted.

As in the case of other  types of  options,  however,  the  benefit  to the Fund
derived from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount
of the  premium and related  transaction  costs.  In  addition,  where  currency
exchange  rates do not move in the direction or to the extent  anticipated,  the
Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would
require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in
rates.

The Fund may write options on foreign  currencies  for the same types of hedging
purposes.  For example,  when the Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value
of foreign-denominated  securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates
it  could,  instead  of  purchasing  a put  option,  write a call  option on the
relevant  currency.  If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely
not be exercised  and the  diminution  in value of  securities  will be fully or
partially offset by the amount of the premium received.

<PAGE>

As in the case of other  types of  options,  however,  the  writing of a foreign
currency  option will  constitute  only a partial  hedge up to the amount of the
premium,  and only if rates  move in the  expected  direction.  If this does not
occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund would be required to buy or sell
the  underlying  currency  at a loss that may not be offset by the amount of the
premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund also may
be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise have
been obtained from favorable movements on exchange rates.

All options written on foreign currencies will be covered.  An option written on
foreign currencies is covered if the Fund holds currency sufficient to cover the
option or has an absolute and immediate  right to acquire that currency  without
additional  cash  consideration  upon  conversion of assets  denominated in that
currency or exchange of other currency held in its  portfolio.  An option writer
could lose amounts  substantially in excess of its initial  investments,  due to
the margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.

Options on foreign currencies are traded through financial  institutions  acting
as  market-makers,  although foreign currency options also are traded on certain
national securities  exchanges,  such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the
Chicago   Board   Options   Exchange,   subject   to  SEC   regulation.   In  an
over-the-counter  trading  environment,  many  of the  protections  afforded  to
exchange  participants  will not be available.  For example,  there are no daily
price fluctuation  limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue
to an  unlimited  extent over a period of time.  Although  the  purchaser  of an
option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related  transaction
costs, this entire amount could be lost.

Foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities exchange
are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing  Corporation  (OCC),  thereby
reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in
options traded on a national  securities  exchange may be more readily available
than  in  the  over-the-counter  market,  potentially  permitting  the  Fund  to
liquidate  open  positions  at a profit prior to exercise or  expiration,  or to
limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.

The purchase and sale of exchange-traded  foreign currency options,  however, is
subject to the risks of  availability  of a liquid  secondary  market  described
above, as well as the risks  regarding  adverse market  movements,  margining of
options  written,   the  nature  of  the  foreign   currency  market,   possible
intervention by governmental  authorities and the effects of other political and
economic  events.  In addition,  exchange-traded  options on foreign  currencies
involve certain risks not presented by the over-the-counter market. For example,
exercise and  settlement  of such options must be made  exclusively  through the
OCC, which has established  banking  relationships in certain foreign  countries
for that  purpose.  As a result,  the OCC may,  if it  determines  that  foreign
governmental  restrictions  or taxes would  prevent the  orderly  settlement  of
foreign  currency option  exercises,  or would result in undue burdens on OCC or
its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and settlement,  such
as technical  changes in the  mechanics  of delivery of currency,  the fixing of
dollar settlement prices or prohibitions on exercise.

Foreign Currency  Futures and Related Options.  The Fund may enter into currency
futures  contracts  to sell  currencies.  It also may buy put  options and write
covered call options on currency futures. Currency futures contracts are similar
to currency  forward  contracts,  except that they are traded on exchanges  (and
have margin  requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery
date. Most currency  futures call for payment of delivery in U.S.  dollars.  The
Fund  may use  currency  futures  for the  same  purposes  as  currency  forward
contracts, subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) limitations.

Currency futures and options on futures values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates,  but will not reflect other factors that may affect the value of
the  Fund's  investments.  A  currency  hedge,  for  example,  should  protect a
Yen-denominated bond against a decline in the Yen, but will not protect the Fund
against price decline if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Because the
value of the Fund's  investments  denominated in foreign currency will change in
response to many factors  other than exchange  rates,  it may not be possible to
match the amount of a forward  contract  to the value of the Fund's  investments
denominated in that currency over time.

<PAGE>

The Fund will hold securities or other options or futures positions whose values
are expected to offset its  obligations.  The Fund will not enter into an option
or futures  position  that exposes the Fund to an  obligation  to another  party
unless it owns either (i) an  offsetting  position in  securities  or (ii) cash,
receivables and short-term debt securities with a value  sufficient to cover its
potential obligations.

(See also Derivative Instruments and Foreign Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with foreign currency transactions include: Correlation
Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, Liquidity Risk, and Management Risk.

Foreign Securities and Domestic Companies with Foreign Operations

Foreign securities,  foreign currencies,  and securities issued by U.S. entities
with substantial  foreign operations involve special risks,  including those set
forth  below,  which  are  not  typically  associated  with  investing  in  U.S.
securities.  Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform  accounting,
auditing,  and financial reporting  standards  comparable to those applicable to
domestic companies.  Additionally,  many foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume of trading  activity,  have  substantially  less volume than the New York
Stock  Exchange,  and  securities of some foreign  companies are less liquid and
more  volatile  than  securities of domestic  companies.  Similarly,  volume and
liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than the volume and liquidity in
the U.S.  and,  at times,  volatility  of price can be greater  than in the U.S.
Further, foreign markets have different clearance, settlement, registration, and
communication  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 such
procedures  could result in temporary  periods when assets are uninvested and no
return is earned on them. The inability of an investor to make intended security
purchases  due to such  problems  could cause the  investor  to miss  attractive
investment  opportunities.  Payment  for  securities  without  delivery  may  be
required in certain foreign markets and, when participating in new issues,  some
foreign countries require payment to be made in advance of issuance (at the time
of  issuance,  the  market  value of the  security  may be more or less than the
purchase price).  Some foreign markets also have compulsory  depositories (i.e.,
an investor does not have a choice as to where the securities  are held).  Fixed
commissions on some foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated
commissions on U.S. exchanges.  Further, an investor 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 business and
industry practices,  stock exchanges,  brokers, and listed companies than in the
U.S.  It may be more  difficult  for an  investor's  agents  to  keep  currently
informed about  corporate  actions such as stock dividends or other matters that
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  delays  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 additional  withholding  or
confiscatory  taxes,  political,  social,  or economic  instability,  diplomatic
developments  that  could  affect  investments  in  those  countries,  or  other
unforeseen  actions by  regulatory  bodies  (such as changes  to  settlement  or
custody procedures).

The risks of foreign  investing  may be magnified  for  investments  in emerging
markets, which may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only
a  few  industries,  and  securities  markets  that  trade  a  small  number  of
securities.

The  introduction  of a single  currency,  the  euro,  on  January  1,  1999 for
participating  European  nations  in the  Economic  and  Monetary  Union  ("EU")
presents  unique  uncertainties,  including  whether the payment and operational
systems of banks and other financial institutions will be ready by the scheduled
launch date; the creation of suitable  clearing and settlement  payment  systems
for the new  currency;  the legal  treatment  of certain  outstanding  financial
contracts  after January 1, 1999 that refer to existing  currencies  rather than
the euro; the  establishment  and maintenance of exchange rates; the fluctuation
of the euro relative to non-euro

<PAGE>

currencies  during the  transition  period from  January 1, 1999 to December 31,
2000 and beyond;  whether the interest  rate,  tax or labor  regimes of European
countries  participating  in the euro will converge  over time;  and whether the
conversion of the currencies of other EU countries  such as the United  Kingdom,
Denmark,  and Greece into the euro and the  admission of other non-EU  countries
such as Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania as members of the EU may have an impact on
the euro.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with foreign  securities  include:  Foreign/Emerging
Markets Risk, Issuer Risk, and Management Risk.

High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities (Junk Bonds)

High yield  (high-risk)  securities  are sometimes  referred to as "junk bonds."
They are non-investment  grade (lower quality)  securities that have speculative
characteristics.  Lower quality  securities,  while  generally  offering  higher
yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater
risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy.  They are regarded as
predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and  repay  principal.  The  special  risk  considerations  in  connection  with
investments in these securities are discussed below.

See the  appendix  for a  discussion  of  securities  ratings.  (See  also  Debt
Obligations.)

The lower-quality  and comparable  unrated security market is relatively new and
its growth has  paralleled a long  economic  expansion.  As a result,  it is not
clear how this market may withstand a prolonged  recession or economic downturn.
Such conditions  could severely  disrupt the market for and adversely affect the
value of such securities.

All interest-bearing  securities typically experience appreciation when interest
rates decline and  depreciation  when interest  rates rise. The market values of
lower-quality  and  comparable  unrated  securities  tend to reflect  individual
corporate  developments  to a greater  extent than do higher  rated  securities,
which react  primarily to  fluctuations  in the general level of interest rates.
Lower-quality and comparable  unrated  securities also tend to be more sensitive
to economic  conditions  than are  higher-rated  securities.  As a result,  they
generally  involve  more  credit  risks  than  securities  in  the  higher-rated
categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest
rates,  highly  leveraged  issuers of  lower-quality  securities  may experience
financial  stress and may not have  sufficient  revenues  to meet their  payment
obligations.  The issuer's  ability to service its debt  obligations also may be
adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected  business forecast,  or the unavailability of additional
financing.  The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of these  securities is
significantly  greater  than  issuers of  higher-rated  securities  because such
securities  are  generally   unsecured  and  are  often  subordinated  to  other
creditors.  Further,  if the issuer of a lower quality  security  defaulted,  an
investor might incur additional expenses to seek recovery.

Credit  ratings  issued by credit  rating  agencies are designed to evaluate the
safety of principal  and  interest  payments of rated  securities.  They do not,
however,  evaluate  the  market  value  risk of  lower-quality  securities  and,
therefore,  may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment.  In addition,
credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect
changes in the economy or in the  condition of the issuer that affect the market
value  of the  securities.  Consequently,  credit  ratings  are  used  only as a
preliminary indicator of investment quality.

An  investor  may  have  difficulty  disposing  of  certain   lower-quality  and
comparable  unrated  securities  because there may be a thin trading  market for
such  securities.  Because not all dealers maintain markets in all lower quality
and comparable  unrated  securities,  there is no established  retail  secondary
market for many of these  securities.  To the extent a secondary  trading market
does  exist,  it is  generally  not  as  liquid  as  the  secondary  market  for
higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an

<PAGE>

adverse  impact  on the  market  price  of the  security.  The  lack of a liquid
secondary  market for certain  securities also may make it more difficult for an
investor to obtain accurate market  quotations.  Market quotations are generally
available  on many  lower-quality  and  comparable  unrated  issues  only from a
limited  number of dealers and may not  necessarily  represent firm bids of such
dealers or prices for actual sales.

Legislation  may be  adopted  from  time to time  designed  to limit  the use of
certain lower quality and comparable unrated securities by certain issuers.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  high-yield   (high-risk)  securities  include:
Call/Prepayment  Risk,  Credit Risk,  Currency  Risk,  Interest  Rate Risk,  and
Management Risk.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The Fund may  invest  in  illiquid  securities  (i.e.,  securities  that are not
readily  marketable).  These  securities  may  include,  but are not limited to,
certain  securities  that are subject to legal or  contractual  restrictions  on
resale, certain repurchase agreements, and derivative instruments.

To the extent the Fund  invests in illiquid  or  restricted  securities,  it may
encounter  difficulty  in  determining  a  market  value  for  such  securities.
Disposing  of illiquid or  restricted  securities  may involve  time-  consuming
negotiations  and legal  expense,  and it may be difficult or impossible for the
Fund to sell such an investment promptly and at an acceptable price.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  illiquid and  restricted  securities  include:
Liquidity Risk and Management Risk.

Indexed Securities

The  value of  indexed  securities  is  linked to  currencies,  interest  rates,
commodities, indexes, or other financial indicators. Most indexed securities are
short- to intermediate-term  fixed income securities whose values at maturity or
interest  rates rise or fall  according  to the change in one or more  specified
underlying  instruments.  Indexed  securities  may be  more  volatile  than  the
underlying  instrument  itself and they may be less liquid  than the  securities
represented by the index. (See also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with indexed  securities  include:  Liquidity  Risk,
Management Risk, and Market Risk.

Inverse Floaters

Inverse  floaters  are created by  underwriters  using the  interest  payment on
securities. A portion of the interest received is paid to holders of instruments
based on current interest rates for short-term securities.  The remainder, minus
a servicing  fee, is paid to holders of inverse  floaters.  As interest rates go
down, the holders of the inverse floaters receive more income and an increase in
the price for the inverse floaters.  As interest rates go up, the holders of the
inverse floaters receive less income and a decrease in the price for the inverse
floaters. (See also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with inverse floaters  include:  Interest Rate Risk and
Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Investment Companies

The  Fund may  invest  in  securities  issued  by  registered  and  unregistered
investment companies.  These investments may involve the duplication of advisory
fees and certain other expenses.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risk  associated  with the  securities  of other  investment  companies
includes: Management Risk and Market Risk.

Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Fund may lend certain of its  portfolio  securities to  broker-dealers.  The
current  policy of the Fund's  board is to make  these  loans,  either  long- or
short-term,  to  broker-dealers.  In making loans,  the Fund receives the market
price in cash,  U.S.  government  securities,  letters of credit,  or such other
collateral as may be permitted by regulatory agencies and approved by the board.
If the  market  price  of the  loaned  securities  goes up,  the  Fund  will get
additional  collateral on a daily basis. The risks are that the borrower may not
provide  additional  collateral when required or return the securities when due.
During the existence of the loan, the Fund receives cash payments  equivalent to
all interest or other distributions paid on the loaned securities.  The Fund may
pay reasonable  administrative  and custodial fees in connection with a loan and
may pay a negotiated  portion of the interest earned on the cash or money market
instruments held as collateral to the borrower or placing broker.  The Fund will
receive  reasonable  interest  on the loan or a flat fee from the  borrower  and
amounts  equivalent to any dividends,  interest,  or other  distributions on the
securities loaned.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with the lending of  portfolio  securities  include:
Credit Risk and Management Risk.

Loan Participations

Loans,  loan  participations,  and  interests  in  securitized  loan  pools  are
interests in amounts owed by a corporate,  governmental,  or other borrower to a
lender  or  consortium  of  lenders  (typically  banks,   insurance   companies,
investment banks, government agencies, or international agencies). Loans involve
a risk of loss in case of default or  insolvency  of the  borrower and may offer
less legal protection to an investor in the event of fraud or misrepresentation.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with loan  participations  include:  Credit Risk and
Management Risk.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities

Mortgage-backed  securities  represent direct or indirect  participations in, or
are secured by and payable from,  mortgage loans secured by real  property,  and
include  single- and  multi-class  pass-through  securities  and  Collateralized
Mortgage  Obligations  (CMOs).  These  securities may be issued or guaranteed by
U.S.  government agencies or  instrumentalities  (see also Agency and Government
Securities),  or by private  issuers,  generally  originators  and  investors in
mortgage loans,  including savings  associations,  mortgage bankers,  commercial
banks,  investment  bankers,  and  special  purpose  entities.   Mortgage-backed
securities issued by private lenders may be supported by pools of mortgage loans
or other mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or indirectly,
by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities,  or they may
be issued without any governmental  guarantee of the underlying  mortgage assets
but with some form of non-governmental credit enhancement.

Stripped mortgage-backed  securities are a type of mortgage-backed security that
receive  differing  proportions of the interest and principal  payments from the
underlying assets. Generally,  there are two classes of stripped mortgage-backed
securities:  Interest Only (IO) and Principal  Only (PO). IOs entitle the holder
to receive  distributions  consisting of all or a portion of the interest on the
underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. POs entitle the
holder to receive distributions  consisting of all or a portion of the principal
of the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities.

<PAGE>

The cash flows and yields on IOs and POs are extremely  sensitive to the rate of
principal payments  (including  prepayments) on the underlying mortgage loans or
mortgage-backed  securities.  A rapid rate of principal  payments may  adversely
affect the yield to  maturity  of IOs.  A slow rate of  principal  payments  may
adversely  affect the yield to maturity of POs. If  prepayments of principal are
greater than anticipated,  an investor in IOs may incur  substantial  losses. If
prepayments of principal are slower than anticipated,  the yield on a PO will be
affected more severely than would be the case with a traditional mortgage-backed
security.

CMOs are hybrid mortgage-related  instruments secured by pools of mortgage loans
or other mortgage-related  securities,  such as mortgage pass through securities
or stripped  mortgage-backed  securities.  CMOs may be structured  into multiple
classes,  often referred to as  "tranches,"  with each class bearing a different
stated  maturity and entitled to a different  schedule for payments of principal
and  interest,  including  prepayments.   Principal  prepayments  on  collateral
underlying  a CMO may  cause it to be  retired  substantially  earlier  than its
stated maturity.

The yield  characteristics  of  mortgage-backed  securities differ from those of
other debt  securities.  Among the  differences  are that interest and principal
payments  are  made  more  frequently  on  mortgage-backed  securities,  usually
monthly,  and principal may be repaid at any time.  These factors may reduce the
expected yield.

Asset-backed    securities   have   structural    characteristics   similar   to
mortgage-backed  securities.  Asset-backed debt obligations  represent direct or
indirect  participation in, or secured by and payable from, assets such as motor
vehicle  installment  sales contracts,  other  installment loan contracts,  home
equity loans,  leases of various types of property,  and receivables from credit
card  or  other  revolving  credit  arrangements.  The  credit  quality  of most
asset-backed  securities  depends  primarily on the credit quality of the assets
underlying  such  securities,  how well  the  entity  issuing  the  security  is
insulated  from  the  credit  risk of the  originator  or any  other  affiliated
entities,  and  the  amount  and  quality  of  any  credit  enhancement  of  the
securities.  Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed
debt  obligations  may be  supported  by  non-governmental  credit  enhancements
including  letters  of  credit,   reserve  funds,   overcollateralization,   and
guarantees by third parties.  The market for privately issued  asset-backed debt
obligations is smaller and less liquid than the market for government  sponsored
mortgage-backed securities. (See also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with mortgage- and  asset-backed  securities  include:
Call/Prepayment  Risk,  Credit Risk,  Interest Rate Risk,  Liquidity  Risk,  and
Management Risk.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

Mortgage   dollar  rolls  are   investments   whereby  an  investor  would  sell
mortgage-backed  securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously
contract to purchase  substantially  similar  securities  on a specified  future
date.  While  an  investor  would  forego  principal  and  interest  paid on the
mortgage-backed  securities  during  the  roll  period,  the  investor  would be
compensated  by the  difference  between the  current  sales price and the lower
price for the future  purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds
of the initial sale. The investor also could be compensated  through the receipt
of fee income equivalent to a lower forward price.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  mortgage  dollar rolls  include:  Credit Risk,
Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Municipal Obligations


Municipal obligations include debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states,
territories, possessions, or sovereign nations within the territorial boundaries
of the United States  (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico).  The
interest on these  obligations  is  generally  exempt from  federal  income tax.
Municipal  obligations are generally classified as either "general  obligations"
or "revenue obligations."


General  obligation  bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith,
credit,  and taxing  power for the payment of interest  and  principal.  Revenue
bonds are payable only from the  revenues  derived from a project or facility or
from the proceeds of a specified  revenue source.  Industrial  development bonds
are  generally  revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private
users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of
state, regional, and local governments. Municipal notes include tax anticipation
notes,  bond anticipation  notes,  revenue  anticipation  notes, tax and revenue
anticipation  notes,   construction  loan  notes,   short-term  discount  notes,
tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes, and similar instruments.

Municipal  lease  obligations  may  take the  form of a  lease,  an  installment
purchase,  or a conditional  sales contract.  They are issued by state and local
governments  and  authorities to acquire land,  equipment,  and  facilities.  An
investor  may  purchase  these   obligations   directly,   or  it  may  purchase
participation interests in such obligations.  Municipal leases may be subject to
greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds. State  constitutions and
statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order
to issue municipal  obligations.  Municipal leases may contain a covenant by the
state or  municipality to budget for and make payments due under the obligation.
Certain municipal leases may, however,  provide that the issuer is not obligated
to make  payments  on the  obligation  in future  years  unless  funds have been
appropriated for this purpose each year.

Yields on municipal  bonds and notes  depend on a variety of factors,  including
money  market  conditions,  municipal  bond  market  conditions,  the  size of a
particular  offering,  the  maturity  of the  obligation,  and the rating of the
issue. The municipal bond market has a large number of different  issuers,  many
having  smaller  sized bond issues,  and a wide choice of  different  maturities
within each issue.  For these reasons,  most  municipal  bonds do not trade on a
daily  basis and many trade  only  rarely.  Because  many of these  bonds  trade
infrequently,  the  spread  between  the bid and offer may be wider and the time
needed to develop a bid or an offer may be longer than other  security  markets.
See the  appendix  for a  discussion  of  securities  ratings.  (See  also  Debt
Obligations.)

Taxable  Municipal  Obligations.  There is another type of municipal  obligation
that is subject to federal income tax for a variety of reasons.  These municipal
obligations do not qualify for the federal income exemption because (a) they did
not receive necessary authorization for tax-exempt treatment from state or local
government  authorities,  (b) they exceed certain regulatory  limitations on the
cost of issuance for tax-exempt  financing or (c) they finance public or private
activities  that do not  qualify  for the federal  income tax  exemption.  These
non-qualifying   activities  might  include,  for  example,   certain  types  of
multi-family   housing,   certain  professional  and  local  sports  facilities,
refinancing   of  certain   municipal   debt,   and  borrowing  to  replenish  a
municipality's underfunded pension plan.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with municipal obligations include:  Credit Risk, Event
Risk,  Inflation Risk,  Interest Rate Risk,  Legal/Legislative  Risk, and Market
Risk.

<PAGE>

Preferred Stock

Preferred  stock is a type of stock that pays  dividends at a specified rate and
that has  preference  over  common  stock in the  payment of  dividends  and the
liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights.

The price of a preferred  stock is generally  determined  by  earnings,  type of
products  or  services,   projected  growth  rates,  experience  of  management,
liquidity,  and  general  market  conditions  of the  markets on which the stock
trades.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with preferred stock include:  Issuer Risk,  Management
Risk, and Market Risk.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Real estate  investment  trusts  (REITs) are entities that manage a portfolio of
real estate to earn profits for their  shareholders.  REITs can make investments
in real  estate such as  shopping  centers,  nursing  homes,  office  buildings,
apartment complexes,  and hotels. REITs can be subject to extreme volatility due
to  fluctuations in the demand for real estate,  changes in interest rates,  and
adverse economic conditions.  Additionally, the failure of a REIT to continue to
qualify as a REIT for tax purposes can materially affect its value.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest associated with REITs include:  Issuer Risk, Management Risk, and Market
Risk.

Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may enter into  repurchase  agreements  with certain  banks or non-bank
dealers. In a repurchase  agreement,  the Fund buys a security at one price, and
at the time of sale,  the  seller  agrees  to  repurchase  the  obligation  at a
mutually agreed upon time and price (usually within seven days).  The repurchase
agreement  thereby  determines the yield during the purchaser's  holding period,
while the  seller's  obligation  to  repurchase  is  secured by the value of the
underlying  security.  Repurchase  agreements could involve certain risks in the
event of a default or insolvency of the other party to the agreement,  including
possible  delays or  restrictions  upon the  Fund's  ability  to  dispose of the
underlying securities.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with repurchase  agreements  include:  Credit Risk and
Management Risk.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

In a reverse repurchase agreement,  the investor would sell a security and enter
into an agreement  to  repurchase  the  security at a specified  future date and
price.  The  investor  generally  retains  the right to interest  and  principal
payments on the security.  Since the investor receives cash upon entering into a
reverse  repurchase  agreement,  it may be  considered  a  borrowing.  (See also
Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with reverse  repurchase  agreements  include:  Credit
Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Short Sales

With  short  sales,  an  investor  sells a  security  that  it  does  not own in
anticipation  of a decline in the market value of the security.  To complete the
transaction,  the  investor  must borrow the  security  to make  delivery to the
buyer.  The investor is  obligated to replace the security  that was borrowed by
purchasing  it at the market price on the  replacement  date.  The price at such
time may be more or less than the price at which the investor sold the security.
A fund that is allowed  to utilize  short  sales will  designate  cash or liquid
securities  to cover its open short  positions.  Those  funds also may engage in
"short sales against the box," a form of  short-selling  that involves selling a
security that an investor owns (or has an  unconditioned  right to purchase) for
delivery at a specified date in the future. This technique allows an investor to
hedge protectively against anticipated declines in the market of its securities.
If the value of the  securities  sold  short  increased  prior to the  scheduled
delivery date, the investor loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated  with short sales include:  Management Risk and Market
Risk.

Sovereign Debt

A sovereign debtor's  willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest
in a timely  manner may be affected by a variety of factors,  including its cash
flow  situation,  the extent of its  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 sovereign  debtor's policy toward
international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor
may be subject. (See also Foreign Securities.)

With respect to sovereign debt of emerging market issuers,  investors  should be
aware that certain  emerging  market  countries are among the largest debtors to
commercial  banks and foreign  governments.  At times,  certain  emerging market
countries  have  declared  moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on
external debt.

Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their
sovereign debt on a timely basis that led to defaults and the  restructuring  of
certain indebtedness.

Sovereign  debt  includes  Brady Bonds,  which are  securities  issued under the
framework of the Brady Plan,  an  initiative  announced by former U.S.  Treasury
Secretary  Nicholas  F.  Brady in 1989 as a  mechanism  for  debtor  nations  to
restructure their outstanding external commercial bank indebtedness.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks   associated   with   sovereign   debt   include:   Credit  Risk,
Foreign/Emerging Markets Risk, and Management Risk.

Structured Products

Structured   products  are   over-the-counter   financial   instruments  created
specifically  to meet  the  needs of one or a small  number  of  investors.  The
instrument may consist of a warrant,  an option,  or a forward contract embedded
in  a  note  or  any  of  a  wide  variety  of  debt,  equity,  and/or  currency
combinations.  Risks of structured  products include the inability to close such
instruments,  rapid changes in the market,  and defaults by other parties.  (See
also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  structured  products  include:   Credit  Risk,
Liquidity Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities

The Fund may invest in  securities  that offer a variable- or  floating-rate  of
interest.  Variable-rate securities provide for automatic establishment of a new
interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily,  monthly,  semi-annually,  etc.).
Floating-rate  securities  generally  provide for  automatic  adjustment  of the
interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index changes.

Variable-  or  floating-rate  securities  frequently  include  a demand  feature
enabling the holder to sell the  securities to the issuer at par. In many cases,
the demand  feature can be exercised at any time.  Some  securities  that do not
have variable or floating  interest  rates may be  accompanied by puts producing
similar results and price characteristics.

Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes that are obligations that
permit the Fund to invest  fluctuating  amounts,  which may change daily without
penalty,  pursuant to direct  arrangements  between the Fund as lender,  and the
borrower.  The interest  rates on these notes  fluctuate  from time to time. The
issuer of such  obligations  normally has a corresponding  right,  after a given
period,  to prepay in its discretion  the  outstanding  principal  amount of the
obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days' notice to the
holders of such  obligations.  Because  these  obligations  are  direct  lending
arrangements  between the lender and borrower,  it is not contemplated that such
instruments  generally  will be traded.  There  generally is not an  established
secondary market for these obligations. Accordingly, where these obligations are
not  secured by  letters of credit or other  credit  support  arrangements,  the
Fund's  right to redeem is  dependent  on the  ability  of the  borrower  to pay
principal and interest on demand.  Such obligations  frequently are not rated by
credit rating agencies and may involve heightened risk of default by the issuer.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with variable- or  floating-rate  securities  include:
Credit Risk and Management Risk.

Warrants

Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation,  to
buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally  higher than the value of
the stock at the time of  issuance)  during a specified  period or  perpetually.
Warrants may be acquired  separately or in connection  with the  acquisition  of
securities.  Warrants  do not carry with them the right to  dividends  or voting
rights  and they do not  represent  any  rights  in the  assets  of the  issuer.
Warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics than certain
other  types of  investments.  In  addition,  the  value of a  warrant  does not
necessarily  change with the value of the underlying  securities,  and a warrant
ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with warrants include: Management Risk and Market Risk.

When-Issued Securities

These  instruments  are contracts to purchase  securities for a fixed price at a
future date beyond normal  settlement  time  (when-issued  securities or forward
commitments).  The price of debt obligations  purchased on a when-issued  basis,
which  may be  expressed  in  yield  terms,  generally  is fixed at the time the
commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take
place at a later date.  Normally,  the settlement  date occurs within 45 days of
the purchase  although in some cases  settlement  may take longer.  The investor
does not pay for the  securities or receive  dividends or interest on them until
the contractual  settlement date. Such instruments involve a risk of loss if the
value of the security to be purchased  declines  prior to the  settlement  date,
which risk is in  addition  to the risk of  decline  in value of the  investor's
other  assets.  In  addition,  when the Fund engages in forward  commitment  and
when-issued  transactions,  it  relies on the  counterparty  to  consummate  the
transaction.  The failure of the  counterparty to consummate the transaction may
result  in the  Fund's  losing  the  opportunity  to  obtain a price  and  yield
considered to be advantageous.


<PAGE>


Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with when-issued  securities  include:  Credit Risk and
Management Risk.

Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon, and Pay-in-Kind Securities

These  securities  are debt  obligations  that do not make regular cash interest
payments (see also Debt Obligations). Zero-coupon and step-coupon securities are
sold at a deep  discount to their face value  because  they do not pay  interest
until  maturity.  Pay-in-kind  securities  pay interest  through the issuance of
additional securities.  Because these securities do not pay current cash income,
the price of these  securities  can be extremely  volatile when  interest  rates
fluctuate. See the appendix for a discussion of securities ratings.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  zero-coupon,   step-coupon,   and  pay-in-kind
securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>


SECURITY TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject  to  policies  set  by the  board,  AEFC  is  authorized  to  determine,
consistent with the Fund's  investment goal and policies,  which securities will
be purchased, held, or sold. In determining where the buy and sell orders are to
be placed,  AEFC has been  directed  to use its best  efforts to obtain the best
available  price  and  the  most  favorable  execution  except  where  otherwise
authorized by the board. In selecting  broker-dealers  to execute  transactions,
AEFC may consider the price of the  security,  including  commission or mark-up,
the size and  difficulty of the order,  the  reliability,  integrity,  financial
soundness,  and general operation and execution  capabilities of the broker, the
broker's expertise in particular markets,  and research services provided by the
broker.

AEFC has a strict Code of Ethics that  prohibits its  affiliated  personnel from
engaging in personal investment  activities that compete with or attempt to take
advantage of planned  portfolio  transactions for any fund or trust for which it
acts as investment manager.

The Fund's  securities may be traded on a principal rather than an agency basis.
In other words,  AEFC will trade  directly  with the issuer or with a dealer who
buys or sells for its own  account,  rather  than  acting  on behalf of  another
client. AEFC does not pay the dealer commissions.  Instead, the dealer's profit,
if any, is the  difference,  or spread,  between the dealer's  purchase and sale
price for the security.

On occasion, it may be desirable to compensate a broker for research services or
for  brokerage  services  by paying a  commission  that might not  otherwise  be
charged or a commission in excess of the amount another broker might charge. The
board has adopted a policy authorizing AEFC to do so to the extent authorized by
law, if AEFC  determines,  in good faith,  that such commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage or research services provided by a broker
or dealer,  viewed  either in the light of that  transaction  or AEFC's  overall
responsibilities  with respect to the Fund and the other American  Express funds
for which it acts as investment manager.

Research provided by brokers  supplements AEFC's own research  activities.  Such
services include economic data on, and analysis of, U.S. and foreign  economies;
information  on  specific  industries;  information  about  specific  companies,
including earnings  estimates;  purchase  recommendations  for stocks and bonds;
portfolio strategy services;  political,  economic, business, and industry trend
assessments;  historical statistical information; market data services providing
information  on specific  issues and prices;  and technical  analysis of various
aspects of the securities markets, including technical charts. Research services
may take the form of written reports,  computer software, or personal contact by
telephone or at seminars or other meetings. AEFC has obtained, and in the future
may  obtain,  computer  hardware  from  brokers,  including  but not  limited to
personal computers that will be used exclusively for investment  decision-making
purposes,  which  include  the  research,   portfolio  management,  and  trading
functions and other services to the extent permitted under an  interpretation by
the SEC.

When paying a commission  that might not otherwise be charged or a commission in
excess of the amount  another broker might charge,  AEFC must follow  procedures
authorized by the board. To date,  three  procedures have been  authorized.  One
procedure  permits AEFC to direct an order to buy or sell a security traded on a
national  securities  exchange to a specific broker for research services it has
provided.  The second procedure  permits AEFC, in order to obtain  research,  to
direct  an order on an  agency  basis to buy or sell a  security  traded  in the
over-the-counter  market to a firm that does not make a market in that security.
The commission paid generally includes  compensation for research services.  The
third  procedure  permits  AEFC,  in  order to  obtain  research  and  brokerage
services,  to cause the Fund to pay a commission in excess of the amount another
broker might have charged.  AEFC has advised the Fund that it is necessary to do
business with a number of brokerage  firms on a continuing  basis to obtain such
services as the handling of

<PAGE>

large  orders,  the  willingness  of a broker  to risk its own money by taking a
position in a security,  and the specialized  handling of a particular  group of
securities  that only certain  brokers may be able to offer. As a result of this
arrangement,  some  portfolio  transactions  may not be  effected  at the lowest
commission,  but AEFC believes it may obtain better overall execution.  AEFC has
represented  that under all three  procedures the amount of commission paid will
be reasonable and competitive in relation to the value of the brokerage services
performed or research provided.

All  other  transactions  will be  placed  on the  basis of  obtaining  the best
available  price  and the  most  favorable  execution.  In so  doing,  if in the
professional  opinion  of the person  responsible  for  selecting  the broker or
dealer,   several  firms  can  execute  the   transaction  on  the  same  basis,
consideration  will be given by such  person to those  firms  offering  research
services.  Such services may be used by AEFC in providing advice to all American
Express  funds even  though it is not  possible  to relate the  benefits  to any
particular fund.

Each  investment  decision  made  for the  Fund is made  independently  from any
decision made for another  portfolio,  fund, or other account advised by AEFC or
any of its  subsidiaries.  When the  Fund  buys or sells  the same  security  as
another portfolio,  fund, or account, AEFC carries out the purchase or sale in a
way the Fund agrees in advance is fair.  Although sharing in large  transactions
may adversely affect the price or volume purchased or sold by the Fund, the Fund
hopes to gain an overall advantage in execution.

On a periodic basis, AEFC makes a comprehensive review of the broker-dealers and
the overall reasonableness of their commissions. The review evaluates execution,
operational efficiency, and research services.


The Fund paid total  brokerage  commissions  of $4,787,674 for fiscal year ended
Sept. 30, 1999,  $5,060,074 for fiscal year 1998, and $1,979,701 for fiscal year
1997.  Substantially  all firms through whom  transactions were executed provide
research services.


No  transactions  were  directed to brokers  because of research  services  they
provided to the Fund except for the affiliates as noted below.


As of the end of the most recent  fiscal year,  the Fund held  securities of its
regular  brokers or dealers  or of the parent of those  brokers or dealers  that
derived more than 15% of gross  revenue from  securities-related  activities  as
presented below:


                                                      Value of Securities
         Name of Issuer                            owned at End of Fiscal Year
         --------------                             ---------------------------
         Bank of America                                    $ 56,522,812
         Chase Manhattan                                      17,743,275
         Fleet Financial Group                                23,623,125
         Merrill Lynch                                         2,392,960
         Morgan Stanley                                       47,269,375
         Salomon Smith Barney                                  5,695,828

The portfolio  turnover rate was 84% in the most recent fiscal year,  and 97% in
the year before.



<PAGE>

BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID TO BROKERS AFFILIATED WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL
CORPORATION

Affiliates  of  American  Express  Company  (of  which  AEFC  is a  wholly-owned
subsidiary) may engage in brokerage and other securities  transactions on behalf
of the Fund  according  to  procedures  adopted  by the board and to the  extent
consistent with applicable  provisions of the federal securities laws. AEFC will
use an American Express affiliate only if (i) AEFC determines that the Fund will
receive  prices  and  executions  at least as  favorable  as  those  offered  by
qualified  independent  brokers  performing similar brokerage and other services
for the Fund and (ii) the affiliate charges the Fund commission rates consistent
with those the affiliate charges  comparable  unaffiliated  customers in similar
transactions  and if  such  use  is  consistent  with  terms  of the  Investment
Management Services Agreement.

Information  about  brokerage  commissions  paid by the Fund for the last  three
fiscal  years to brokers  affiliated  with AEFC is  contained  in the  following
table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      As of the end of Fiscal Year,

                                                          1999                             1998             1997

                                 ------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------
<S>                <C>             <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>


                                                                     Percent of
                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------  Aggregate        ---------------  --------------
                                                                     Dollar Amount
                                                                     of
                                    Aggregate        Percent of      Transactions     Aggregate        Aggregate
                                    Dollar amount    Aggregate       Involving        Dollar Amount    Dollar Amount
Broker             Nature of        of Commissions   Brokerage       Payment of       of Commissions   of
                   Affiliation      Paid to Broker   Commissions     Commissions      Paid to Broker   Commissions
                                                                                                       Paid to Broker
American           Wholly-owned     $111,698             2.33%            5.16%       $49,994          $125,796
Enterprise         subsidiary of
Investment         AEFC
Services Inc.
- ------------------
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund may quote various  performance  figures to illustrate past performance.
Average annual total return and current yield quotations, if applicable, used by
the Fund are based on standardized methods of computing  performance as required
by the  SEC.  An  explanation  of  the  methods  used  by the  Fund  to  compute
performance follows below.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

The Fund may  calculate  average  annual  total  return for a class for  certain
periods by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the period
that would equate the initial amount  invested to the ending  redeemable  value,
according to the following formula:

                                               P(1+T)n = ERV

where:         P =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
               T =  average annual total return
               n =  number of years
             ERV =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical  $1,000 payment,
                    made at the beginning of a period,  at the end of the period
                    (or fractional portion thereof)

AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN

The Fund may calculate  aggregate  total return for a class for certain  periods
representing  the  cumulative  change in the value of an  investment in the Fund
over a specified period of time according to the following formula:

                                                 ERV - P
                                                    P

where:         P =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
             ERV =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical  $1,000 payment,
                    made at the beginning of a period,  at the end of the period
                    (or fractional portion thereof)

Annualized yield

The Fund may  calculate  an  annualized  yield for a class by  dividing  the net
investment  income per share  deemed  earned  during a 30-day  period by the net
asset value per share on the last day of the period and annualizing the results.

Yield is calculated according to the following formula:

                                        Yield = 2[(a-b + 1)6 - 1]
                                                    cd

where:         a =  dividends and interest earned during the period
               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


<PAGE>

The Fund's  yield,  calculated  as  described  above  according  to the  formula
prescribed by the SEC, is a  hypothetical  return based on market value yield to
maturity for the Fund's  securities.  It is not  necessarily  indicative  of the
amount which was or may be paid to the Fund's shareholders.  Actual amounts paid
to Fund shareholders are reflected in the distribution yield.

Distribution yield

Distribution yield is calculated according to the following formula:

                                    D   divided by      POPF    equals DY
                                   30                    30

where:         D =  sum of dividends for 30-day period
             POP =  sum of public offering price for 30-day period
               F = annualizing factor DY = distribution yield


The Fund's distribution yield was 0.72% for Class A, 0.01% for Class B and 0.92%
for Class Y for the 30-day period ended Sept. 30, 1999.


In its sales material and other  communications,  the Fund may quote, compare or
refer to rankings,  yields,  or returns as published by independent  statistical
services or publishers and  publications  such as The Bank Rate Monitor National
Index, Barron's,  Business Week, CDA Technologies,  Donoghue's Money Market Fund
Report,  Financial  Services Week,  Financial Times,  Financial  World,  Forbes,
Fortune,  Global Investor,  Institutional  Investor,  Investor's Business Daily,
Kiplinger's Personal Finance,  Lipper Analytical Services,  Money,  Morningstar,
Mutual  Fund  Forecaster,  Newsweek,  The New  York  Times,  Personal  Investor,
Shearson Lehman Aggregate Bond Index,  Stanger Report,  Sylvia Porter's Personal
Finance,  USA Today,  U.S. News and World Report,  The Wall Street Journal,  and
Wiesenberger  Investment  Companies  Service.  The  Fund  also may  compare  its
performance to a wide variety of indexes or averages. There are similarities and
differences  between  the  investments  that  the  Fund  may  purchase  and  the
investments  measured  by the  indexes or averages  and the  composition  of the
indexes or averages will differ from that of the Fund.

VALUING FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



As of the end of the most recent fiscal year, the computation looked like this:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                               Net asset value
                    Net assets                          Shares                              of one share
                                                        outstanding
                    ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                 <C>                                   <C>                                  <C>
Class A             $ 1,984,595,192      divided by       211,142,299          equals          $ 9.40
Class B               632,588,135                          67,284,516                            9.40
Class Y                21,247,424                           2,260,601                            9.40
</TABLE>


In determining net assets before shareholder transactions, the Fund's securities
are valued as follows as of the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange
(the Exchange):

o    Securities  traded on a securities  exchange for which a last-quoted  sales
     price is readily available are valued at the last-quoted sales price on the
     exchange where such security is primarily traded.

o    Securities  traded on a securities  exchange for which a last-quoted  sales
     price is not  readily  available  are valued at the mean of the closing bid
     and asked prices, looking first to the bid and asked prices on the exchange
     where  the  security  is  primarily  traded  and,  if  none  exist,  to the
     over-the-counter market.

<PAGE>

o    Securities  included in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the
     last-quoted sales price in this market.

o    Securities  included  in the  NASDAQ  National  Market  System  for which a
     last-quoted  sales price is not  readily  available,  and other  securities
     traded  over-the-counter  but not  included in the NASDAQ  National  Market
     System are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices.

o    Futures and options traded on major exchanges are valued at the last-quoted
     sales price on their primary exchange.

o    Foreign securities traded outside the United States are generally valued as
     of the time their trading is complete,  which is usually different from the
     close of the Exchange.  Foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are
     translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange. Occasionally,
     events  affecting the value of such securities may occur between such times
     and the close of the Exchange that will not be reflected in the computation
     of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially  affecting the value of
     such securities  occur during such period,  these securities will be valued
     at their fair value  according to procedures  decided upon in good faith by
     the board.

o    Short-term  securities  maturing more than 60 days from the valuation  date
     are valued at the readily  available  market  price or  approximate  market
     value based on current interest rates. Short-term securities maturing in 60
     days  or less  that  originally  had  maturities  of  more  than 60 days at
     acquisition date are valued at amortized cost using the market value on the
     61st day before maturity. Short-term securities maturing in 60 days or less
     at  acquisition  date are valued at amortized  cost.  Amortized  cost is an
     approximation of market value determined by  systematically  increasing the
     carrying  value of a security if acquired  at a discount,  or reducing  the
     carrying  value if acquired  at a premium,  so that the  carrying  value is
     equal to maturity value on the maturity date.

o    Securities  without a readily  available  market price and other assets are
     valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the board. The board is
     responsible  for  selecting  methods it believes  provide fair value.  When
     possible,  bonds are valued by a pricing service independent from the Fund.
     If a valuation of a bond is not available from a pricing service,  the bond
     will be valued by a dealer knowledgeable about the bond if such a dealer is
     available.

INVESTING IN THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALES CHARGE


Shares of the Fund are sold at the public  offering  price.  The public offering
price is the NAV of one share  adjusted  for the sales  charge  for Class A. For
Class B and Class Y, there is no  initial  sales  charge so the public  offering
price is the same as the NAV.  For  Class A, the  public  offering  price for an
investment of less than $50,000,  made on the last day of the most recent fiscal
year, was determined by dividing the NAV of one share, $9.40, by 0.95 (1.00-0.05
for a maximum 5% sales charge) for a public  offering price of $9.89.  The sales
charge is paid to American Express Financial  Advisors Inc. (AEFA) by the person
buying the shares.


<PAGE>

Class A - Calculation of the Sales Charge

Sales charges are determined as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Within     each
                                                            increment,     sales
                                                            charge      as     a
                                                            percentage of:
                                               ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Public                          Net
Amount of Investment                                  Offering Price                Amount Invested
- --------------------                                  --------------                ---------------
<S>        <C>                                             <C>                          <C>
First      $      50,000                                   5.0%                         5.26%
Next              50,000                                   4.5                          4.71
Next             400,000                                   3.8                          3.95
Next             500,000                                   2.0                          2.04
$1,000,000 or more                                         0.0                          0.00
</TABLE>

Sales charges on an investment greater than $50,000 and less than $1,000,000 are
calculated for each increment  separately and then totaled.  The resulting total
sales charge,  expressed as a percentage of the public offering price and of the
net amount invested,  will vary depending on the proportion of the investment at
different sales charge levels.

For example, compare an investment of $60,000 with an investment of $85,000. The
$60,000  investment  is composed of $50,000 that incurs a sales charge of $2,500
(5.0% x  $50,000)  and  $10,000  that  incurs  a sales  charge  of $450  (4.5% x
$10,000). The total sales charge of $2,950 is 4.92% of the public offering price
and 5.17% of the net amount invested.

In the case of the $85,000  investment,  the first  $50,000  also incurs a sales
charge of $2,500  (5.0% x $50,000)  and $35,000  incurs a sales charge of $1,575
(4.5% x  $35,000).  The total  sales  charge  of  $4,075 is 4.79% of the  public
offering price and 5.04% of the net amount invested.

The  following  table shows the range of sales  charges as a  percentage  of the
public  offering  price and of the net amount  invested on total  investments at
each applicable level.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               On          total
                                                               investment, sales
                                                               charge    as    a
                                                               percentage of:
                                               ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Public                          Net
                                                      Offering Price                Amount Invested
Amount of investment                                                  ranges from:
- ---------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                           <C>                         <C>
First      $      50,000                                 5.00%                       5.26%
Next              50,000 to 100,000                      5.00-4.50                   5.26-4.71
Next             100,000 to 500,000                      4.50-3.80                   4.71-3.95
Next             500,000 to 999,999                      3.80-2.00                   3.95-2.04
$1,000,000 or more                                       0.00                        0.00
</TABLE>

The initial sales charge is waived for certain qualified plans.  Participants in
these  qualified  plans may be  subject to a  deferred  sales  charge on certain
redemptions.   The  Fund  will  waive  the  deferred  sales  charge  on  certain
redemptions if the redemption is a result of a participant's death,  disability,
retirement,  attaining age 59 1/2, loans, or hardship withdrawals.  The deferred
sales charge  varies  depending on the number of  participants  in the qualified
plan and total plan assets as follows:

<PAGE>

Deferred Sales Charge

                                          Number of Participants

Total Plan Assets                        1-99          100 or more
- -----------------                        ----          -----------
Less than $1 million                         4%                0%
$1 million or more                           0%                0%

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

Class A - Reducing the Sales Charge

Your total  investments in the Fund determine your sales charges.  The amount of
all prior investments plus any new purchase is referred to as your "total amount
invested." For example, suppose you have made an investment of $20,000 and later
decide to invest $40,000 more. Your total amount invested would be $60,000. As a
result,  $10,000 of your $40,000  investment  qualifies for the lower 4.5% sales
charge that applies to investments of more than $50,000 and up to $100,000.

Class A - Letter of Intent (LOI)

If you  intend to invest $1 million  over a period of 13 months,  you can reduce
the sales  charges in Class A by filing a LOI.  The  agreement  can start at any
time and will remain in effect for 13 months.  Your  investment  will be charged
normal sales  charges  until you have  invested $1 million.  At that time,  your
account  will be  credited  with the  sales  charges  previously  paid.  Class A
investments  made  prior to  signing a LOI may be used to reach  the $1  million
total,  excluding AXP Cash Management Fund and AXP Tax-Free Money Fund. However,
we will not adjust for sales charges on investments made prior to the signing of
the LOI.  If you do not invest $1  million by the end of 13 months,  there is no
penalty, you will just miss out on the sales charge adjustment.  A LOI is not an
option (absolute right) to buy shares.

Class Y Shares

Class Y shares are offered to certain  institutional  investors.  Class Y shares
are sold  without a  front-end  sales  charge or a CDSC and are not subject to a
distribution  fee. The  following  investors  are  eligible to purchase  Class Y
shares:

o    Qualified employee benefit plans* if the plan:

         - uses a daily transfer recordkeeping service offering participants
           daily access to American Express funds and has

                  - at least $10 million in plan assets or

                  - 500 or more participants; or

         - does not use daily transfer recordkeeping and has

                  - at least $3 million invested in American Express funds or

                  - 500 or more participants.

o    Trust companies or similar institutions,  and charitable organizations that
     meet the  definition in Section  501(c)(3) of the Internal  Revenue  Code.*
     These  institutions  must have at least $10  million  in  American  Express
     funds.

<PAGE>

o    Nonqualified  deferred  compensation plans* whose participants are included
     in a qualified employee benefit described above.

* Eligibility  must be  determined  in advance by AEFA.  To do so,  contact your
financial advisor.

SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS

After you make your initial investment of $100 or more, you must make additional
payments of $100 or more on at least a monthly basis until your balance  reaches
$2,000. These minimums do not apply to all systematic  investment programs.  You
decide how often to make payments - monthly, quarterly, or semiannually. You are
not obligated to make any payments.  You can omit  payments or  discontinue  the
investment program altogether. The Fund also can change the program or end it at
any time.

AUTOMATIC DIRECTED DIVIDENDS

Dividends,  including  capital  gain  distributions,  paid by  another  American
Express fund subject to a sales charge,  may be used to  automatically  purchase
shares in the same class of this Fund without  paying a sales charge.  Dividends
may be directed  to existing  accounts  only.  Dividends  declared by a fund are
exchanged to this Fund the following  day.  Dividends can be exchanged  into the
same  class  of  another  American  Express  fund  but  cannot  be split to make
purchases  in two or more funds.  Automatic  directed  dividends  are  available
between accounts of any ownership except:

o    Between a non-custodial account and an IRA, or 401(k) plan account or other
     qualified  retirement  account of which American Express Trust Company acts
     as custodian;

o    Between  two  American  Express  Trust  Company  custodial   accounts  with
     different owners (for example, you may not exchange dividends from your IRA
     to the IRA of your spouse); and

o    Between different kinds of custodial  accounts with the same ownership (for
     example,  you may not exchange  dividends from your IRA to your 401(k) plan
     account, although you may exchange dividends from one IRA to another IRA).

Dividends may be directed from accounts  established  under the Uniform Gifts to
Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) only into other UGMA
or UTMA accounts with identical ownership.

The Fund's  investment  goal is  described  in its  prospectus  along with other
information, including fees and expense ratios. Before exchanging dividends into
another  fund,  you  should  read that  fund's  prospectus.  You will  receive a
confirmation  that the automatic  directed  dividend service has been set up for
your account.

REJECTION OF BUSINESS

The Fund reserves the right to reject any business, in its sole discretion.

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

You have a right to sell your shares at any time.  For an  explanation  of sales
procedures, please see the prospectus.

During  an  emergency,  the board  can  suspend  the  computation  of NAV,  stop
accepting  payments for  purchase of shares,  or suspend the duty of the Fund to
redeem shares for more than seven days.  Such emergency  situations  would occur
if:

<PAGE>

o    The Exchange  closes for reasons  other than the usual  weekend and holiday
     closings or trading on the Exchange is restricted, or

o    Disposal of the Fund's securities is not reasonably  practicable or it
     is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to determine the fair value
     of its net assets, or

o    The SEC, under the provisions of the 1940 Act, declares a period of
     emergency to exist.

Should the Fund stop  selling  shares,  the board may make a deduction  from the
value of the assets held by the Fund to cover the cost of future liquidations of
the assets so as to distribute fairly these costs among all shareholders.

The Fund has  elected to be  governed  by Rule 18f-1  under the 1940 Act,  which
obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one shareholder
during any 90-day  period,  up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets
of the Fund at the beginning of the period.  Although  redemptions  in excess of
this  limitation  would normally be paid in cash, the Fund reserves the right to
make these payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets in case of
an emergency,  or if the payment of a redemption in cash would be detrimental to
the  existing  shareholders  of the Fund as  determined  by the board.  In these
circumstances,  the securities  distributed would be valued as set forth in this
SAI.  Should the Fund distribute  securities,  a shareholder may incur brokerage
fees or other transaction costs in converting the securities to cash.

PAY-OUT PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can use any of several  pay-out  plans to redeem your  investment in regular
installments.  If you redeem  Class B shares you may be subject to a  contingent
deferred sales charge as discussed in the prospectus.  While the plans differ on
how the  pay-out  is  figured,  they  all are  based on the  redemption  of your
investment.  Net investment income dividends and any capital gain  distributions
will  automatically be reinvested,  unless you elect to receive them in cash. If
you are redeeming a tax-qualified  plan account for which American Express Trust
Company acts as  custodian,  you can elect to receive your  dividends  and other
distributions in cash when permitted by law. If you redeem an IRA or a qualified
retirement account,  certain  restrictions,  federal tax penalties,  and special
federal income tax reporting requirements may apply. You should consult your tax
advisor about this complex area of the tax law.

Applications  for a  systematic  investment  in a class of the Fund subject to a
sales charge normally will not be accepted while a pay-out plan for any of those
funds is in effect. Occasional investments, however, may be accepted.

To start any of these plans, please write American Express Shareholder  Service,
P.O. Box 534,  Minneapolis,  MN 55440-0534,  or call American Express  Financial
Advisors Telephone Transaction Service at 800-437-3133.  Your authorization must
be received in the  Minneapolis  headquarters at least five days before the date
you want your  payments  to begin.  The  initial  payment  must be at least $50.
Payments will be made on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly,  semiannual, or annual
basis. Your choice is effective until you change or cancel it.

The  following  pay-out  plans  are  designed  to take care of the needs of most
shareholders in a way AEFC can handle  efficiently and at a reasonable  cost. If
you need a more irregular  schedule of payments,  it may be necessary for you to
make a series of individual redemptions,  in which case you will have to send in
a separate  redemption request for each pay-out.  The Fund reserves the right to
change or stop any pay-out plan and to stop making such plans available.

<PAGE>

Plan #1: Pay-out for a fixed period of time

If you choose this plan, a varying  number of shares will be redeemed at regular
intervals  during the time  period you  choose.  This plan is designed to end in
complete  redemption  of all  shares  in your  account  by the end of the  fixed
period.

Plan #2: Redemption of a fixed number of shares

If you choose this plan,  a fixed  number of shares  will be  redeemed  for each
payment and that amount will be sent to you.  The length of time these  payments
continue is based on the number of shares in your account.

Plan #3: Redemption of a fixed dollar amount

If you decide on a fixed dollar amount,  whatever  number of shares is necessary
to make the payment will be redeemed in regular  installments  until the account
is closed.

Plan #4: Redemption of a percentage of net asset value

Payments  are made  based on a fixed  percentage  of the net asset  value of the
shares in the account  computed on the day of each  payment.  Percentages  range
from 0.25% to 0.75%.  For  example,  if you are on this plan and arrange to take
0.5% each month, you will get $50 if the value of your account is $10,000 on the
payment date.


TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For tax purposes, an exchange is considered a sale and purchase,  and may result
in a gain or loss. A sale is a taxable transaction.  If you sell shares for less
than their cost,  the  difference is a capital loss. If you sell shares for more
than their cost, the  difference is a capital gain.  Your gain may be short term
(for  shares  held for one year or less) or long term (for shares held more than
one year).

If you buy Class A shares of this or another American Express fund and within 91
days  exchange  into this Fund,  you may not  include  the sales  charge in your
calculation of tax gain or loss on the sale of the first fund you purchased. The
sales  charge may be included in the  calculation  of your tax gain or loss on a
subsequent sale of this Fund.

For example:

You purchase 100 shares of one fund having a public offering price of $10.00 per
share.  With a sales  load of 5%, you pay  $50.00 in sales  load.  With a NAV of
$9.50 per share,  the value of your  investment  is  $950.00.  Within 91 days of
purchasing  that fund,  you decide to exchange out of that fund, now at a NAV of
$11.00 per share, up from the original NAV of $9.50,  and purchase into a second
fund,  at a NAV of  $15.00  per  share.  The  value  of your  investment  is now
$1,100.00 ($11.00 x 100 shares).  You cannot use the $50.00 paid as a sales load
when calculating your tax gain or loss in the sale of the first fund shares.  So
instead of having $100.00 gain ($1,100.00 - $1,000.00),  you have a $150.00 gain
($1,100.00  - $950.00).  You can  include the $50.00  sales load in the basis of
your shares in the second fund.

If you have a  nonqualified  investment in the Fund and you wish to move part or
all of those shares to an IRA or qualified  retirement  account in the Fund, you
can do so without  paying a sales  charge.  However,  this type of  exchange  is
considered  a  redemption  of  shares  and may  result in a gain or loss for tax
purposes.  In  addition,   this  type  of  exchange  may  result  in  an  excess
contribution  under IRA or qualified plan  regulations  if the amount  exchanged
plus the amount of the  initial  sales  charge  applied to the amount  exchanged
exceeds annual  contribution  limitations.  For example: If you were to exchange
$2,000  in  Class  A  shares  from a  nonqualified  account  to an  IRA  without
considering the 5% ($100) initial sales charge


<PAGE>


applicable to that $2,000, you may be deemed to have exceeded current IRA annual
contribution  limitations.  You should  consult  your tax  advisor  for  further
details about this complex subject.


Net investment  income  dividends  received should be treated as dividend income
for federal income tax purposes.  Corporate  shareholders are generally entitled
to a  deduction  equal to 70% of that  portion  of the Fund's  dividend  that is
attributable to dividends the Fund received from domestic (U.S.) securities. For
the most recent fiscal year, 100% of the Fund's net investment  income dividends
qualified for the corporate deduction.


The Fund may be subject  to U.S.  taxes  resulting  from  holdings  in a passive
foreign investment  company (PFIC). A foreign  corporation is a PFIC when 75% or
more of its gross income for the taxable  year is passive  income or 50% or more
of the average  value of its assets  consists  of assets  that  produce or could
produce passive income.

Income  earned by the Fund may have had foreign taxes imposed and withheld on it
in foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may
reduce or eliminate  such taxes.  If more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at
the close of its fiscal year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the
Fund will be eligible  to file an election  with the  Internal  Revenue  Service
under which shareholders of the Fund would be required to include their pro rata
portions of foreign taxes withheld by foreign countries as gross income in their
federal  income tax returns.  These pro rata portions of foreign taxes  withheld
may be taken as a credit or deduction in computing  federal income taxes. If the
election is filed, the Fund will report to its shareholders the per share amount
of such foreign taxes withheld and the amount of foreign tax credit or deduction
available for federal income tax purposes.

Capital gain  distributions,  if any, received by shareholders should be treated
as  long-term  capital  gains  regardless  of how long they owned their  shares.
Short-term  capital gains earned by the Fund are paid to shareholders as part of
their ordinary  income  dividend and are taxable.  A special 28% rate on capital
gains may apply to sales of precious metals, if any, owned directly by the Fund.
A special 25% rate on capital gains may apply to investments in REITs.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), gains or losses attributable
to  fluctuations  in exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest  or  other  receivables,  or  accrues  expenses  or  other  liabilities
denominated in a foreign  currency and the time the Fund actually  collects such
receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or
ordinary loss.  Similarly,  gains or losses on  disposition  of debt  securities
denominated in a foreign  currency  attributable to fluctuations in the value of
the foreign  currency  between the date of  acquisition  of the security and the
date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gains or losses. These gains or
losses,  referred  to under  the Code as  "section  988"  gains or  losses,  may
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment  company taxable income
to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

Under  federal tax law, by the end of a calendar  year the Fund must declare and
pay dividends representing 98% of ordinary income for that calendar year and 98%
of net capital gains (both  long-term and  short-term)  for the 12-month  period
ending Oct. 31 of that calendar year. The Fund is subject to an excise tax equal
to 4% of the excess,  if any, of the amount required to be distributed  over the
amount actually distributed. The Fund intends to comply with federal tax law and
avoid any excise tax.

For purposes of the excise tax  distributions,  "section 988" ordinary gains and
losses are  distributable  based on an Oct. 31 year end. This is an exception to
the general rule that ordinary income is paid based on a calendar year end.

If a mutual  fund is the  holder of  record of any share of stock on the  record
date for any dividend payable with respect to such stock, such dividend shall be
included in gross  income by the Fund as of the later of (1) the date such share
became  ex-dividend  or (2) the date the Fund acquired  such share.  Because the
dividends on some foreign equity investments may be received some time after the
stock goes  ex-dividend,  and in certain rare cases may never be received by the
Fund,  this rule may cause the Fund to take into income  dividend income that it
has not received and pay such income to its shareholders. To the extent that


<PAGE>


the  dividend  is never  received,  the Fund will take a loss at the time that a
determination is made that the dividend will not be received.

This  is  a  brief  summary  that  relates  to  federal  income  taxation  only.
Shareholders  should consult their tax advisor as to the application of federal,
state, and local income tax laws to Fund distributions.

AGREEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

AEFC, a wholly-owned  subsidiary of American Express Company,  is the investment
manager for the Fund. Under the Investment Management Services Agreement,  AEFC,
subject  to the  policies  set  by the  board,  provides  investment  management
services.

For its services, AEFC is paid a fee based on the following schedule. Each class
of the Fund pays its proportionate share of the fee.

Assets                       Annual rate at
(billions)                   each asset level
- ---------                    ----------------
First       $0.50                  0.530%
Next         0.50                  0.505
Next         1.00                  0.480
Next         1.00                  0.455
Next         3.00                  0.430
Over         6.00                  0.400


On the last day of the most recent  fiscal  year,  the daily rate applied to the
Fund's net assets was equal to 0.488% on an annual basis.  The fee is calculated
for each calendar day on the basis of net assets as of the close of business two
business days prior to the day for which the calculation is made.


Before the fee based on the asset charge is paid, it is adjusted for  investment
performance.  The adjustment,  determined monthly,  will be calculated using the
percentage  point  difference  between  the change in the net asset value of one
Class A share of the Fund and the change in the Lipper  Equity Income Fund Index
(Index).  The  performance  of one  Class A share  of the  Fund is  measured  by
computing the  percentage  difference  between the opening and closing net asset
value of one  Class A share of the  Fund,  as of the  last  business  day of the
period  selected  for   comparison,   adjusted  for  dividend  or  capital  gain
distributions  which are treated as  reinvested  at the end of the month  during
which the  distribution  was  made.  The  performance  of the Index for the same
period is  established  by  measuring  the  percentage  difference  between  the
beginning  and  ending  Index for the  comparison  period.  The  performance  is
adjusted for dividend or capital gain  distributions  (on the  securities  which
comprise  the Index),  which are treated as  reinvested  at the end of the month
during which the  distribution was made. One percentage point will be subtracted
from the calculation to help assure that incentive  adjustments are attributable
to AEFC's  management  abilities rather than random  fluctuations and the result
multiplied by 0.01%. That number will be multiplied times the Fund's average net
assets for the comparison period and then divided by the number of months in the
comparison period to determine the monthly adjustment.

Where the Fund's Class A share  performance  exceeds that of the Index, the base
fee  will  be  increased.  Where  the  performance  of  the  Index  exceeds  the
performance  of the Fund's Class A share,  the base fee will be  decreased.  The
maximum  monthly  increase or decrease  will be 0.08% of the Fund's  average net
assets on an annual basis.


The 12 month comparison period rolls over with each succeeding month, so that it
always  equals 12  months,  ending  with the  month  for  which the  performance
adjustment is being computed.


<PAGE>


The management fee is paid monthly.  Under the agreement,  the total amount paid
was  $13,270,362  for fiscal year 1999,  $12,214,128  for fiscal year 1998,  and
$9,000,327 for fiscal year 1997.

Under the  agreement,  the Fund  also  pays  taxes,  brokerage  commissions  and
nonadvisory  expenses,  which include  custodian  fees;  audit and certain legal
fees;  fidelity bond premiums;  registration  fees for shares;  office expenses;
postage of  confirmations  except  purchase  confirmations;  consultants'  fees;
compensation of board members,  officers and employees;  corporate  filing fees;
organizational   expenses;   expenses   incurred  in  connection   with  lending
securities;  and expenses  properly payable by the Fund,  approved by the board.
Under the agreement,  nonadvisory expenses, net of earnings credits, paid by the
Fund were  $1,164,411  for fiscal year 1999,  $788,921 for fiscal year 1998, and
$669,884 for fiscal year 1997.


Administrative Services Agreement

The  Fund  has an  Administrative  Services  Agreement  with  AEFC.  Under  this
agreement,  the Fund  pays  AEFC for  providing  administration  and  accounting
services. The fee is calculated as follows:

Assets                       Annual rate
(billions)                   each asset level
- ---------                    ----------------
First       $0.50                  0.040%
Next         0.50                  0.035
Next         1.00                  0.030
Next         1.00                  0.025
Next         3.00                  0.020
Over         6.00                  0.020


On the last day of the most recent  fiscal  year,  the daily rate applied to the
Fund's net assets was equal to 0.032% on an annual basis.  The fee is calculated
for each calendar day on the basis of net assets as of the close of business two
business  days  prior to the day for which the  calculation  is made.  Under the
agreement,  the Fund paid fees of $879,373  for fiscal year 1999,  $805,208  for
fiscal year 1998, and $614,714 for fiscal year 1997.


Transfer Agency Agreement

The Fund has a Transfer  Agency  Agreement with American  Express Client Service
Corporation   (AECSC).   This  agreement  governs  AECSC's   responsibility  for
administering and/or performing transfer agent functions,  for acting as service
agent in connection with dividend and distribution  functions and for performing
shareholder  account  administration  agent  functions  in  connection  with the
issuance,  exchange and redemption or repurchase of the Fund's shares. Under the
agreement,  AECSC will earn a fee from the Fund  determined by  multiplying  the
number of  shareholder  accounts at the end of the day by a rate  determined for
each class per year and dividing by the number of days in the year. The rate for
Class A is $19.00  per year,  for Class B is $20.00  per year and for Class Y is
$17.00  per year.  The fees paid to AECSC may be  changed  by the board  without
shareholder approval.

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

AEFA is the Fund's principal  underwriter  (distributor).  The Fund's shares are
offered on a continuous basis.


Under a Distribution  Agreement,  sales charges deducted for  distributing  Fund
shares are paid to AEFA daily.  These charges  amounted to $5,108,026 for fiscal
year 1999. After paying  commissions to personal financial  advisors,  and other
expenses,  the amount  retained was $692,914.  The amounts were  $8,261,535  and
$211,507 for fiscal year 1998,  and  $6,708,006  and  $(160,271) for fiscal year
1997.

Part of the sales charge may be paid to selling dealers who have agreements with
AEFA.  AEFA will  retain the  balance of the sales  charge.  At times the entire
sales charge may be paid to selling dealers.


<PAGE>

SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT

With  respect to Class Y shares,  the Fund pays a fee for  service  provided  to
shareholders  by  financial  advisors  and other  servicing  agents.  The fee is
calculated  at a rate of 0.10% of  average  daily net  assets.  During  the most
recent fiscal year, the Fund also paid a shareholder service fee with respect to
Class A and Class B shares at a rate of 0.175% of average daily net assets.  The
Shareholder  Service Agreement for Class A and Class B shares was converted to a
Plan and Agreement of Distribution effective July 1, 1999.

PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION

For Class A and Class B shares, to help AEFA defray the cost of distribution and
servicing  not  covered by the sales  charges  received  under the  Distribution
Agreement,  the Fund and AEFA entered into a Plan and Agreement of  Distribution
(Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, AEFA is paid a
fee up to  actual  expenses  incurred  at an  annual  rate of up to 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets  attributable  to Class A shares and up to 1.00%
for Class B shares.

Expenses covered under this Plan include sales commissions,  business,  employee
and financial  advisor  expenses  charged to distribution of Class A and Class B
shares; and overhead appropriately  allocated to the sale of Class A and Class B
shares.  These  expenses  also include  costs of providing  personal  service to
shareholders. A substantial portion of the costs are not specifically identified
to any one of the American Express funds.


The Plan must be  approved  annually  by the board,  including a majority of the
disinterested board members, if it is to continue for more than a year. At least
quarterly, the board must review written reports concerning the amounts expended
under the Plan and the purposes for which such  expenditures were made. The Plan
and any  agreement  related  to it may be  terminated  at any  time by vote of a
majority of board members who are not interested persons of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect  financial  interest in the  operation  of the Plan or in any
agreement  related  to the Plan,  or by vote of a  majority  of the  outstanding
voting  securities of the relevant  class of shares or by AEFA. The Plan (or any
agreement related to it) will terminate in the event of its assignment,  as that
term is defined in the 1940 Act.  The Plan may not be  amended to  increase  the
amount  to be spent  for  distribution  without  shareholder  approval,  and all
material  amendments  to the Plan must be  approved  by a majority  of the board
members,  including  a  majority  of the board  members  who are not  interested
persons of the Fund and who do not have a financial interest in the operation of
the Plan or any  agreement  related  to it.  The  selection  and  nomination  of
disinterested  board members is the  responsibility  of the other  disinterested
board members.  No board member who is not an interested  person, has any direct
or  indirect  financial  interest  in the  operation  of the Plan or any related
agreement. For the most recent fiscal year, the Fund paid fees of $1,338,524 for
Class A shares and $4,999,378 for Class B shares. For Class A shares, these fees
were  based on the  0.25% fee in  effect  as of July 1,  1999.  The Plan was not
effective  with  respect to Class A shares  prior to July 1,  1999.  For Class B
shares,  these fees were based on the 1.00% fee in effect as of July 1, 1999 and
the 0.75% fee in  effect  prior  thereto.  The fee is not  allocated  to any one
service (such as advertising, payments to underwriters, or other uses). However,
a  significant  portion of the fee is generally  used for sales and  promotional
expenses.


Custodian Agreement

The Fund's securities and cash are held by American Express Trust Company,  1200
Northstar Center West, 625 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55402-2307, through a
custodian  agreement.  The  custodian is permitted to deposit some or all of its
securities  in central  depository  systems as allowed by federal  law.  For its
services,  the Fund pays the  custodian  a  maintenance  charge and a charge per
transaction in addition to reimbursing the custodian's out-of-pocket expenses.

The custodian has entered into a  sub-custodian  agreement  with the Bank of New
York 90  Washington  Street,  New York, NY 10286.  As part of this  arrangement,
securities  purchased outside the United States are maintained in the custody of
various foreign branches of Bank of New York or in other financial  institutions
as permitted by law and by the Fund's sub-custodian agreement.

<PAGE>

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund is an open-end management investment company. The Fund headquarters are
at 901 S. Marquette Ave., Suite 2810, Minneapolis, MN 55402-3268.

SHARES

The shares of the Fund  represent  an interest  in that fund's  assets only (and
profits or  losses),  and, in the event of  liquidation,  each share of the Fund
would have the same rights to dividends  and assets as every other share of that
Fund.

VOTING RIGHTS

As a shareholder in the Fund, you have voting rights over the Fund's  management
and fundamental  policies.  You are entitled to one vote for each share you own.
Each class, if applicable,  has exclusive  voting rights with respect to matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate  under applicable law. All shares
have  cumulative  voting  rights with respect to the election of board  members.
This  means  that  you have as many  votes  as the  number  of  shares  you own,
including fractional shares, multiplied by the number of members to be elected.

Dividend Rights

Dividends  paid by the Fund,  if any,  with respect to each class of shares,  if
applicable, will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same
day,  and will be in the same  amount,  except for  differences  resulting  from
differences in fee structures.

<PAGE>

FUND HISTORY TABLE FOR ALL PUBLICLY OFFERED AMERICAN EXPRESS FUNDS*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>                    <C>             <C>           <C>       <C>
                                             Date of            Form of         State of     Fiscal
Fund                                      Organization        Organization    Organization  Year End  Diversified
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Bond Fund, Inc.                    6/27/74, 6/31/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        8/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Discovery Fund, Inc.               4/29/81, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Equity Select Fund, Inc.**         3/18/57, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN       11/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Extra Income Fund, Inc.                  8/17/83          Corporation          MN         5/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Federal Income Fund, Inc.                3/12/85          Corporation          MN         5/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Global Series, Inc.                     10/28/88          Corporation          MN        10/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Emerging Markets Fund                                                                             Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Global Balanced Fund                                                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Global Bond Fund                                                                                   No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Global Growth Fund                                                                                Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Innovations Fund                                                                                  Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Growth Series, Inc.                5/21/70, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Growth Fund                                                                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Research Opportunities Fund                                                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP High Yield Tax-Exempt Fund, Inc.        12/21/78,         Corporation        NV/MN       11/30       Yes
                                           6/13/86***
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP International Fund, Inc.                 7/18/84          Corporation          MN        10/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Investment Series, Inc.            1/18/40, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        9/30
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund                                                                    Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Mutual                                                                                            Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Managed Series, Inc.                     10/9/84          Corporation          MN         9/30
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Managed Allocation Fund                                                                           Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Market Advantage Series, Inc.            8/25/89          Corporation          MN         1/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Blue Chip Advantage Fund                                                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------

   AXP International Equity Index                                                                         No
   Fund
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Mid Cap Index Fund                                                                                 No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Nasdaq 100 Index Fund                                                                              No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP S&P 500 Index Fund                                                                                 No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Small Company Index Fund                                                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Total Stock Market Index Fund                                                                      No

- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Money Market Series, Inc.          8/22/75, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Cash Management Fund                                                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP New Dimensions Fund, Inc.          2/20/68, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Precious Metals Fund, Inc.               10/5/84          Corporation          MN         3/31        No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Progressive Fund, Inc.             4/23/68, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        9/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Selective Fund, Inc.               2/10/45, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        5/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Stock Fund, Inc.                   2/10/45, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        9/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Strategy Series, Inc.                    1/24/84          Corporation          MN         3/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Equity Value Fund**                                                                               Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Small Cap Advantage Fund                                                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Strategy Aggressive Fund**                                                                        Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Tax-Exempt Series, Inc.            9/30/76, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN       11/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                      Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Tax-Exempt Bond Fund                                                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.          2/29/80, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN       12/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Utilities Income Fund, Inc.              3/25/88          Corporation          MN         6/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP California Tax-Exempt Trust              4/7/86             Business           MA         6/30
                                                               Trust****
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP California Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                         No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Special Tax-Exempt Series Trust          4/7/86             Business           MA         6/30
                                                               Trust****
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Insured Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                           Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                      No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Michigan Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                           No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Minnesota Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                          No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP New York Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                           No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Ohio Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                               No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


*    At the  shareholders  meeting  held on June 16, 1999,  shareholders  of the
     existing funds (except for AXP Small Cap Advantage  Fund) approved the name
     change  from IDS to AXP.  In  addition  to  substituting  AXP for IDS,  the
     following  series changed their names:  IDS Growth Fund, Inc. to AXP Growth
     Series,  Inc., IDS Managed  Retirement  Fund,  Inc. to AXP Managed  Series,
     Inc.,  IDS  Strategy  Fund,  Inc. to AXP  Strategy  Series,  Inc.,  and IDS
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Inc. to AXP Tax-Exempt Series, Inc.


**   At the  shareholders  meeting  held on Nov. 9, 1994,  IDS Equity Plus Fund,
     Inc. changed its name to IDS Equity Select Fund, Inc. At that same time IDS
     Strategy Aggressive Equity Fund changed its name to IDS Strategy Aggressive
     Fund,  and IDS  Strategy  Equity Fund  changed its name to IDS Equity Value
     Fund.
***  Date merged into a Minnesota corporation incorporated on 4/7/86.
**** Under  Massachusetts  law,  shareholders  of a business  trust  may,  under
     certain  circumstances,  be held  personally  liable  as  partners  for its
     obligations. However, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on
     account of shareholder  liability is limited to  circumstances in which the
     trust itself is unable to meet its obligations.

<PAGE>

BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholders  elect a board  that  oversees  the  Fund's  operations.  The board
appoints officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on
policies set by the board.

The following is a list of the Fund's board members.  They serve 15 Master Trust
portfolios and 53 American Express funds.

H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.'
Born in 1931
4900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Retired  chairman and chief executive  officer,  General Mills,  Inc.  Director,
Merck & Co., Inc. and Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Arne H. Carlson+'*
Born in 1934
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN

Chairman  and chief  executive  officer of the Fund.  Chairman,  Board  Services
Corporation  (provides  administrative  services to boards).  Former Governor of
Minnesota.

Lynne V. Cheney
Born in 1941
American Enterprise Institute
for Public Policy Research (AEI)
1150 17th St., N.W. Washington, D.C.

Distinguished  Fellow AEI. Former Chair of National Endowment of the Humanities.
Director,  The Reader's  Digest  Association  Inc.,  Lockheed-Martin,  and Union
Pacific Resources.

William H. Dudley'**
Born in 1932
2900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Senior adviser to the chief executive officer of AEFC.

David R. Hubers**
Born in 1943
2900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

President, chief executive officer and director of AEFC.

Heinz F. Hutter+'
Born in 1929
P.O. Box 2187
Minneapolis, MN

Retired president and chief operating officer, Cargill,  Incorporated (commodity
merchants and processors).


<PAGE>

Anne P. Jones+
Born in 1935
5716 Bent Branch Rd.
Bethesda, MD

Attorney  and  telecommunications   consultant.  Former  partner,  law  firm  of
Sutherland,  Asbill & Brennan.  Director,  Motorola, Inc.  (electronics),  C-Cor
Electronics, Inc., and Amnex, Inc. (communications).

William R. Pearce'
Born in 1927
2050 One Financial Plaza
Minneapolis, MN

RII Weyerhaeuser World Timberfund, L.P. (develops timber resources) - management
committee. Retired vice chairman of the board, Cargill,  Incorporated (commodity
merchants and processors). Former chairman, Board Services Corporation.

Alan K. Simpson+
Born in 1931
1201 Sunshine Ave.
Cody, WY

Director of The Institute of Politics,  Harvard  University.  Former  three-term
United States Senator for Wyoming.  Former  Assistant  Republican  Leader,  U.S.
Senate. Director, PacifiCorp (electric power) and Biogen (bio-pharmaceuticals).

John R. Thomas+'**
Born in 1937
2900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Senior vice president of AEFC.

C. Angus Wurtele+'
Born in 1934
Valspar Corporation
Suite 1700
Foshay Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Retired  chairman  of  the  board  and  chief  executive  officer,  The  Valspar
Corporation  (paints).  Director,  Valspar,  Bemis  Corporation  (packaging) and
General Mills, Inc. (consumer foods).

+ Member of executive committee.
' Member of investment review committee.
* Interested person by reason of being an officer and employee of the Fund.
**Interested person by reason of being an officer, board member, employee and/or
shareholder of AEFC or American Express.

<PAGE>

The board has appointed  officers who are  responsible  for day-to-day  business
decisions based on policies it has established.  In addition to Mr. Carlson, who
is chairman of the board,  and Mr.  Thomas,  who is president,  the Fund's other
officers are:

Leslie L. Ogg
Born in 1938
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN

President of Board Services  Corporation.  Vice  president,  general counsel and
secretary for the Fund.

Officers who also are officers and employees of AEFC:

Peter J. Anderson
Born in 1942
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN

Director    and    senior    vice    president-investments    of   AEFC.    Vice
president-investments for the Fund.

Frederick C. Quirsfeld
Born in 1947
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN

Vice president - taxable mutual fund investments of AEFC. Vice president - fixed
income investments for the Fund.

John M. Knight
Born in 1952
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN

Vice President - investment accounting of AEFC. Treasurer for the Fund.

<PAGE>

COMPENSATION FOR BOARD MEMBERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the most recent  fiscal  year,  the  independent  members of the Fund and
Portfolio  boards,  for  attending  up to 28 meetings,  received  the  following
compensation:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            Compensation Table
<S>                           <C>                       <C>                        <C>

                                                                                   Total cash compensation
                              ------------------------  -------------------------  from American Express
Board member                  Aggregate compensation    Aggregate compensation     Funds and Preferred
                              from the Fund             from the Portfolio         Master Trust Group
H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.                  $ 1,575                   $ 2,075                  $ 121,000
- -----------------------------
Lynne V. Cheney                             1,253                     1,788                    103,500
- -----------------------------
Heinz F. Hutter                             1,250                     1,750                    101,500
- -----------------------------
Anne P. Jones                               1,507                     2,047                    119,000
- -----------------------------
William R. Pearce                             600                       850                     49,300
- -----------------------------
Alan K. Simpson                             1,253                     1,788                    103,500
- -----------------------------
C. Angus Wurtele                            1,675                     2,175                    127,000
</TABLE>

As of 30 days  prior to the date of this  SAI,  the  Fund's  board  members  and
officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class.



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  financial  statements  contained  in the  Annual  Report  were  audited  by
independent  auditors,  KPMG  LLP,  4200  Norwest  Center,  90 S.  Seventh  St.,
Minneapolis,   MN  55402-3900.  The  independent  auditors  also  provide  other
accounting and tax-related services as requested by the Fund.

<PAGE>

                                                 APPENDIX

                                          DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

                                      Standard & Poor's Debt Ratings
A Standard & Poor's  corporate or municipal debt rating is a current  assessment
of the  creditworthiness  of an obligor with  respect to a specific  obligation.
This  assessment  may  take  into  consideration  obligors  such as  guarantors,
insurers, or lessees.

The debt rating is not a recommendation  to purchase,  sell, or hold a security,
inasmuch  as it does  not  comment  as to  market  price  or  suitability  for a
particular investor.

The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained
by S&P from other sources it considers  reliable.  S&P does not perform an audit
in connection with any rating and may, on occasion,  rely on unaudited financial
information.  The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes  in,  or   unavailability   of  such   information  or  based  on  other
circumstances.

The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

         o    Likelihood of default  capacity and  willingness of the obligor as
              to the timely  payment of interest  and  repayment of principal in
              accordance with the terms of the obligation.

         o    Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

         o    Protection  afforded by, and relative  position of, the obligation
              in the event of bankruptcy,  reorganization,  or other arrangement
              under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws  affecting  creditors'
              rights.

Investment Grade

Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and
differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.

Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although
it  is  somewhat  more   susceptible  to  the  adverse  effects  of  changes  in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.

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.



<PAGE>


Speculative grade

Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates  the least degree of  speculation  and C the highest.  While such debt
will  likely  have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,  these  are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative
issues.  However,  it faces major  ongoing  uncertainies  or exposure to adverse
business,  financial,  or  economic  conditions  that could  lead to  inadequate
capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.  The BB rating category
also is used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied BBB- rating.

Debt  rated B has a greater  vulnerability  to  default  but  currently  has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal  repayments.  Adverse business,
financial,  or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay  principal.  The B rating  category also is used for debt
subordinated  to senior  debt that is  assigned  an actual or  implied BB or BB-
rating.

Debt rated CCC has a  currently  identifiable  vulnerability  to default  and is
dependent upon favorable  business,  financial,  and economic conditions to meet
timely  payment of interest and repayment of principal.  In the event of adverse
business,  financial,  or  economic  conditions,  it is not  likely  to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay  principal.  The CCC rating  category also is
used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.

Debt rated CC typically is applied to debt  subordinated  to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.

Debt rated C typically  is applied to debt  subordinated  to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied  CCC  rating.  The C rating may be used to cover a
situation where a bankruptcy  petition has been filed, but debt service payments
are continued.

The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.

Debt rated D is in payment default.  The D rating category is used when interest
payments  or  principal  payments  are not  made on the  date  due,  even if the
applicable grace period has not expired,  unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace  period.  The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

                                      Moody's Long-Term Debt Ratings

Aaa - Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.  They carry
the smallest  degree of investment  risk.  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 that 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 that make the
long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

A - Bonds that 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 that
suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.



<PAGE>


Baa - Bonds that 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  that 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  that  are  rated B  generally  lack  characteristics  of a  desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or maintenance of other
terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa - Bonds  that 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 that are rated Ca represent  obligations  that are  speculative  in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C - Bonds that 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.

                                            SHORT-TERM RATINGS

                                Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Ratings

A Standard  & Poor's  commercial  paper  rating is a current  assessment  of the
likelihood  of timely  payment of debt  considered  short-term  in the  relevant
market.

Ratings are graded into  several  categories,  ranging  from A-1 for the highest
quality obligations to D for the lowest. These categories are as follows:

         A-1      This  highest  category  indicates  that the  degree of safety
                  regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to
                  possess  extremely strong safety  characteristics  are denoted
                  with a plus sign (+) designation.

         A-2      Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
                  satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
                  high as for issues designated A-1.

         A-3      Issues carrying this  designation  have adequate  capacity for
                  timely  payment.  They are,  however,  more  vulnerable to the
                  adverse effects of changes in  circumstances  than obligations
                  carrying the higher designations.

         B        Issues are  regarded as having only  speculative  capacity for
                  timely payment.

         C        This rating is assigned to short-term  debt  obligations  with
                  doubtful capacity for payment.

         D        Debt rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
                  used when interest payments or principal payments are not made
                  on the date due, even if the  applicable  grace period has not
                  expired,  unless S&P believes  that such payments will be made
                  during such grace period.

<PAGE>

                                      Standard & Poor's Note Ratings

An S&P note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market-access risks unique
to notes.  Notes  maturing  in three  years or less will  likely  receive a note
rating.  Notes maturing  beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term
debt rating.

Note rating symbols and definitions are as follows:

         SP-1     Strong   capacity  to  pay  principal  and  interest.   Issues
                  determined to possess very strong  characteristics are given a
                  plus (+) designation.

         SP-2     Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
                  vulnerability  to adverse  financial and economic changes over
                  the term of the notes.

         SP-3     Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

                                        Moody's Short-Term Ratings

Moody's  short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations.  These obligations have an original maturity
not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

         Issuers  rated  Prime-l (or  supporting  institutions)  have a superior
         ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt  obligations.  Prime-l
         repayment  ability  will often be  evidenced  by many of the  following
         characteristics:  (i)  leading  market  positions  in  well-established
         industries,  (ii)  high  rates  of  return  on  funds  employed,  (iii)
         conservative  capitalization  structure with moderate  reliance on debt
         and ample asset protection,  (iv) broad margins in earnings coverage of
         fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation, and (v) well
         established  access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
         of alternate liquidity.

         Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the  characteristics  cited above, but
         to a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios,  while sound,
         may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

         Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial leverage.
         Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

         Issuers  rated Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the Prime  rating
         categories.



<PAGE>


                                             Moody's & S&P's
                                     Short-Term Muni Bonds and Notes

Short-term  municipal  bonds  and notes are  rated by  Moody's  and by S&P.  The
ratings reflect the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique to notes.

Moody's  MIG  1/VMIG 1  indicates  the best  quality.  There is  present  strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

Moody's MIG 2/VMIG 2 indicates  high quality.  Margins of  protection  are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.

Moody's MIG 3/VMIG 3 indicates  favorable  quality.  All  security  elements are
accounted  for but there is lacking the  undeniable  strength  of the  preceding
grades.  Liquidity and cash flow  protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.

Moody' s MIG 4/VMIG 4 indicates adequate quality.  Protection  commonly regarded
as required of an investment  security is present and although not distinctly or
predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

Standard & Poor's rating SP-1  indicates  very strong or strong  capacity to pay
principal and interest.  Those issues determined to possess  overwhelming safety
characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.

Standard & Poor's rating SP-2 indicates  satisfactory  capacity to pay principal
and interest.

Standard & Poor's rating SP-3  indicates  speculative  capacity to pay principal
and interest.

<PAGE>

                                      AXPSM INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.

                                   STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                                   FOR

                                         AXPSM MUTUAL (the Fund)

                                              Nov. 29, 1999

This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should be
read together with the prospectus and the financial  statements contained in the
most recent Annual Report to  shareholders  (Annual Report) that may be obtained
from your American Express  financial  advisor or by writing to American Express
Shareholder  Service,  P.O. Box 534,  Minneapolis,  MN  55440-0534 or by calling
800-862-7919.

The Independent Auditors' Report and the Financial  Statements,  including Notes
to the  Financial  Statements  and the Schedule of  Investments  in  Securities,
contained in the Annual Report are  incorporated  in this SAI by  reference.  No
other portion of the Annual Report,  however, is incorporated by reference.  The
prospectus for the Fund,  dated the same date as this SAI, also is  incorporated
in this SAI by reference.



<PAGE>

                                            TABLE OF CONTENTS


Mutual Fund
Checklist......................................................p.3

Fundamental Investment
Policies... ...................................................p.5

Investment Strategies and Types of
Investments....................................................p. 7

Information Regarding Risks and Investment
Strategies.....................................................p. 9

Security Transactions..........................................p. 32

Brokerage Commissions Paid to Brokers Affiliated with
American Express Financial Corporation.........................p. 34

Performance Information........................................p. 34

Valuing Fund Shares............................................p. 35

Investing in the Fund..........................................p. 36

Selling Shares.................................................p. 39

Pay-out Plans..................................................p. 40

Taxes..........................................................p. 41

Agreements.....................................................p. 43

Organizational Information.....................................p. 46

Board Members and Officers.....................................p. 48

Compensation for Board Members.................................p. 51

Independent Auditors...........................................p. 51

Appendix:  Description of Ratings..............................p. 52

<PAGE>

MUTUAL FUND CHECKLIST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    |X|
                              Mutual funds are NOT  guaranteed or insured by any
                              bank or government agency. You can lose money.
                    |X|
                              Mutual funds ALWAYS carry investment  risks.  Some
                              types carry more risk than others.
                    |X|
                              A  higher  rate of  return  typically  involves  a
                              higher risk of loss.
                    |X|
                              Past performance is not a reliable indicator of
                              future performance.
                    |X|
                              ALL mutual funds have costs that lower investment
                              return.
                    |X|
                              You can buy some mutual funds by  contacting  them
                              directly.  Others,  like this one, are sold mainly
                              through brokers,  banks,  financial  planners,  or
                              insurance   agents.   If  you  buy  through  these
                              financial professionals,  you generally will pay a
                              sales charge.
                    |X|
                              Shop around.  Compare a mutual fund with others of
                              the same type before you buy.

OTHER IDEAS FOR SUCCESSFUL MUTUAL FUND INVESTING:

Develop a Financial Plan

Have a plan - even a simple  plan can help you take  control  of your  financial
future.  Review  your  plan  with  your  advisor  at  least  once a year or more
frequently if your circumstances change.

Dollar-Cost Averaging

An  investment  technique  that  works  well  for  many  investors  is one  that
eliminates  random  buy and sell  decisions.  One  such  system  is  dollar-cost
averaging.  Dollar-cost  averaging  involves  building a  portfolio  through the
investment of fixed amounts of money on a regular basis  regardless of the price
or market  condition.  This may enable an  investor to smooth out the effects of
the volatility of the financial  markets.  By using this  strategy,  more shares
will be purchased  when the price is low and less when the price is high. As the
accompanying chart illustrates,  dollar-cost averaging tends to keep the average
price  paid  for the  shares  lower  than the  average  market  price of  shares
purchased, although there is no guarantee.

While this does not ensure a profit and does not  protect  against a loss if the
market declines,  it is an effective way for many  shareholders who can continue
investing  through  changing  market  conditions  to  accumulate  shares to meet
long-term goals.

<PAGE>

Dollar-cost averaging:

- -------------------------------------------------------------
Regular           Market Price        Shares
Investment        of a Share          Acquired
- -------------------------------------------------------------
    $100               $6.00            16.7
     100                4.00            25.0
     100                4.00            25.0
     100                6.00            16.7
     100                5.00            20.0
   -----            --------          ------
    $500              $25.00           103.4

Average market price of a share over 5 periods:  $5.00 ($25.00 divided by 5)
The average price you paid for each share:       $4.84 ($500 divided by 103.4)

Diversify

Diversify your portfolio.  By investing in different asset classes and different
economic  environments  you help protect against poor performance in one type of
investment  while  including  investments  most likely to help you achieve  your
important goals.

Understand Your Investment

Know what you are buying. Make sure you understand the potential risks, rewards,
costs, and expenses associated with each of your investments.

<PAGE>

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund pursues its  investment  objective  by  investing  all of its assets in
Balanced  Portfolio  (the  Portfolio) of Growth and Income Trust (the Trust),  a
separate investment  company,  rather than by directly investing in and managing
its  own  portfolio  of  securities.  The  Portfolio  has  the  same  investment
objectives, policies, and restrictions as the Fund. References to "Fund" in this
SAI, where  applicable,  refer to the Fund and Portfolio,  collectively,  to the
Fund, singularly, or to the Portfolio, singularly.

Fundamental  investment  policies  adopted by the Fund cannot be changed without
the approval of a majority of the outstanding  voting  securities of the Fund as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).

Notwithstanding any of the Fund's other investment policies, the Fund may invest
its assets in an open-end management investment company having substantially the
same  investment  objectives,  policies,  and  restrictions  as the Fund for the
purpose of having those assets managed as part of a combined pool.

The policies  below are  fundamental  policies that apply to the Fund and may be
changed  only with  shareholder  approval.  Unless  holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities agree to make the change, the Fund will not:

o    Act as an  underwriter  (sell  securities for others).  However,  under the
     securities  laws,  the  Fund may be  deemed  to be an  underwriter  when it
     purchases securities directly from the issuer and later resells them.

o    Borrow money or property,  except as a temporary  measure for extraordinary
     or emergency  purposes,  in an amount not exceeding one-third of the market
     value of its total assets  (including  borrowings) less liabilities  (other
     than borrowings) immediately after the borrowing.

o    Make cash  loans if the total  commitment  amount  exceeds 5% of the Fund's
     total assets.

o    Concentrate in any one industry. According to the present interpretation by
     the Securities and Exchange  Commission  (SEC), this means no more than 25%
     of the  Fund's  total  assets,  based on  current  market  value at time of
     purchase, can be invested in any one industry.

o    Purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer.

o    Invest more than 5% of its total assets in  securities  of any one company,
     government,  or political  subdivision thereof,  except the limitation will
     not apply to investments in securities issued by the U.S.  government,  its
     agencies,  or  instrumentalities,  and except  that up to 25% of the Fund's
     total assets may be invested without regard to this 5% limitation.

o    Buy or sell  real  estate,  unless  acquired  as a result of  ownership  of
     securities  or other  instruments,  except  this shall not prevent the Fund
     from investing in securities or other instruments  backed by real estate or
     securities of companies  engaged in the real estate business or real estate
     investment trusts.  For purposes of this policy,  real estate includes real
     estate limited partnerships.

o    Buy or sell physical  commodities  unless acquired as a result of ownership
     of securities or other instruments,  except this shall not prevent the Fund
     from buying or selling  options and futures  contracts or from investing in
     securities or other instruments  backed by, or whose value is derived from,
     physical commodities.

<PAGE>

o    Make a loan  of any  part  of its  assets  to  American  Express  Financial
     Corporation (AEFC), to the board members and officers of AEFC or to its own
     board members and officers.

o    Lend Fund securities in excess of 30% of its net assets.

Except  for  the  fundamental   investment  policies  listed  above,  the  other
investment  policies  described  in the  prospectus  and in  this  SAI  are  not
fundamental and may be changed by the board at any time.

<PAGE>

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This table shows various  investment  strategies and investments that many funds
are  allowed to engage in and  purchase.  It is  intended to show the breadth of
investments  that the  investment  manager may make on behalf of the Fund. For a
description of principal risks,  please see the prospectus.  Notwithstanding the
Fund's  ability to utilize  these  strategies  and  techniques,  the  investment
manager is not obligated to use them at any particular  time. For example,  even
though  the  investment  manager  is  authorized  to adopt  temporary  defensive
positions and is  authorized to attempt to hedge against  certain types of risk,
these practices are left to the investment manager's sole discretion.

- ----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
                                                        AXP Mutual

Investment strategies & types of investments:     Allowable for the Fund?
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency and Government Securities                            yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrowing                                                   yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash/Money Market Instruments                               yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collateralized Bond Obligations                             yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Paper                                            yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock                                                yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities                                      yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Bonds                                             yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt Obligations                                            yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositary Receipts                                         yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative Instruments                                      yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Currency Transactions                               yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities                                          yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities (Junk Bonds)              yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illiquid and Restricted Securities                          yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed Securities                                          yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inverse Floaters                                            yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Companies                                        yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lending of Portfolio Securities                             yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Participations                                         yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities                       yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Dollar Rolls                                       yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Municipal Obligations                                       yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock                                             yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate Investment Trusts                               yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase Agreements                                       yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reverse Repurchase Agreements                               yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Sales                                                 no
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sovereign Debt                                              yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structured Products                                         yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities                       yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrants                                                    yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-Issued Securities                                      yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon, and Pay-in-Kind Securities        yes
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

The following are guidelines that may be changed by the board at any time:

o    No more than 65% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in common
     stocks.

o    No less than 35% of the Fund's  total  assets  will be  invested  in senior
     securities (preferred stocks and debt obligations), convertible securities,
     derivative instruments and money market instruments.

o    At least 25% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in debt securities
     and convertible securities.

o    The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in bonds below
     investment grade.

o    The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign investments.

o    No more than 5% of the  Fund's  net  assets can be used at any one time for
     good faith  deposits on futures and premiums for options on futures that do
     not offset existing investment positions.

o    No more than 10% of the Fund's net assets will be held in securities and
     other instruments that are illiquid.

o    Ordinarily,  less than 25% of the Fund's  total  assets are invested in
     money market instruments.

o    The Fund  will not buy on margin or sell  short,  except  the Fund may make
     margin payments in connection with transactions in futures contracts.

o    The Fund will not invest in a company to control or manage it.

o    The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities of
     investment companies.

<PAGE>

INFORMATION REGARDING RISKS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RISKS

The  following  is a summary  of common  risk  characteristics.  Following  this
summary is a description of certain  investments  and investment  strategies and
the risks  most  commonly  associated  with them  (including  certain  risks not
described below and, in some cases, a more  comprehensive  discussion of how the
risks apply to a particular investment or investment strategy).  Please remember
that a mutual  fund's  risk  profile  is largely  defined by the fund's  primary
securities and investment strategies.  However, most mutual funds are allowed to
use certain  other  strategies  and  investments  that may have  different  risk
characteristics. Accordingly, one or more of the following types of risk will be
associated  with the Fund at any time (for a  description  of  principal  risks,
please see the prospectus):

Call/Prepayment Risk

The risk that a bond or other security might be called (or otherwise  converted,
prepaid,  or redeemed) before maturity.  This type of risk is closely related to
"reinvestment risk."

Correlation Risk

The risk that a given  transaction  may fail to achieve its objectives due to an
imperfect  relationship  between  markets.  Certain  investments  may react more
negatively than others in response to changing market conditions.

Credit Risk


The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to a contract,  will
default or  otherwise  become  unable to honor a financial  obligation  (such as
payments due on a bond or a note). The price of junk bonds may react more to the
ability of the issuing  company to pay interest and  principal  when due than to
changes in interest rates.  Junk bonds have greater price  fluctuations  and are
more likely to experience a default than investment grade bonds.


Event Risk

Occasionally,  the value of a security may be seriously and unexpectedly changed
by a natural or industrial accident or occurrence.

Foreign/Emerging Markets Risk

The following are all components of foreign/emerging markets risk:

         Country risk includes the political,  economic, and other conditions of
a country. These conditions include lack of publicly available information, less
government  oversight  (including  lack of accounting,  auditing,  and financial
reporting standards),  the possibility of government-imposed  restrictions,  and
even the nationalization of assets.

         Currency  risk  results  from the  constantly  changing  exchange  rate
between local currency and the U.S.  dollar.  Whenever the Fund holds securities
valued in a foreign currency or holds the currency, changes in the exchange rate
add or subtract from the value of the investment.

<PAGE>

         Custody risk refers to the process of clearing and settling trades.  It
also covers holding  securities with local agents and depositories.  Low trading
volumes and volatile  prices in less  developed  markets  make trades  harder to
complete  and settle.  Local agents are held only to the standard of care of the
local  market.  Governments  or trade  groups  may compel  local  agents to hold
securities  in  designated  depositories  that are not  subject  to  independent
evaluation. The less developed a country's securities market is, the greater the
likelihood of problems occurring.

         Emerging  markets risk includes the dramatic pace of change  (economic,
social,  and  political)  in  emerging  market  countries  as well as the  other
considerations  listed above.  These markets are in early stages of  development
and are extremely volatile. They can be marked by extreme inflation, devaluation
of  currencies,  dependence  on  trade  partners,  and  hostile  relations  with
neighboring countries.

Inflation Risk

Also known as  purchasing  power risk,  inflation  risk  measures the effects of
continually rising prices on investments. If an investment's yield is lower than
the rate of inflation,  your money will have less purchasing  power as time goes
on.

Interest Rate Risk

The risk of losses  attributable  to changes  in  interest  rates.  This term is
generally  associated  with bond prices (when interest  rates rise,  bond prices
fall).  In general,  the longer the maturity of a bond, the higher its yield and
the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

Issuer Risk

The risk that an  issuer,  or the value of its  stocks  or bonds,  will  perform
poorly. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive
pressures, breakthroughs in technology, reliance on suppliers, labor problems or
shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, or other factors.

Legal/Legislative Risk

Congress and other  governmental  units have the power to change  existing  laws
affecting securities. A change in law might affect an investment adversely.

Leverage Risk

Some derivative  investments (such as options,  futures,  or options on futures)
require  little or no initial  payment  and base their  price on a  security,  a
currency,  or an index. A small change in the value of the underlying  security,
currency,  or  index  may  cause a  sizable  gain or  loss in the  price  of the
instrument.

Liquidity Risk

Securities  may be  difficult  or  impossible  to sell at the time that the Fund
would  like.  The  Fund  may  have  to  lower  the  selling  price,  sell  other
investments, or forego an investment opportunity.

Management Risk

The risk that a strategy or selection method utilized by the investment  manager
may fail to  produce  the  intended  result.  When all other  factors  have been
accounted for and the investment manager chooses an investment,  there is always
the possibility that the choice will be a poor one.

<PAGE>

Market Risk

The  market  may drop and you may lose  money.  Market  risk may affect a single
issuer,  sector of the economy,  industry,  or the market as a whole. The market
value  of  all  securities  may  move  up  and  down,   sometimes   rapidly  and
unpredictably.

Reinvestment Risk

The risk that an investor  will not be able to reinvest  income or  principal at
the same rate it currently is earning.

Sector/Concentration Risk

Investments that are concentrated in a particular issuer,  geographic region, or
industry will be more  susceptible  to changes in price (the more you diversify,
the more you spread risk).

Small Company Risk

Investments  in small and medium  companies  often  involve  greater  risks than
investments  in larger,  more  established  companies  because  small and medium
companies  may lack the  management  experience,  financial  resources,  product
diversification,  and competitive strengths of larger companies. In addition, in
many  instances  the  securities  of small and medium  companies are traded only
over-the-counter  or on regional  securities  exchanges  and the  frequency  and
volume  of their  trading  is  substantially  less  than is  typical  of  larger
companies.

<PAGE>

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The following  information  supplements the discussion of the Fund's  investment
objectives, policies, and strategies that are described in the prospectus and in
this SAI. The following describes many strategies that many mutual funds use and
types of securities  that they  purchase.  Please refer to the section  entitled
Investment  Strategies  and Types of  Investments to see which are applicable to
the Fund.

Agency and Government Securities

The U.S.  government and its agencies issue many different  types of securities.
U.S.  Treasury bonds,  notes, and bills and securities  including  mortgage pass
through  certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) are
guaranteed by the U.S. government.  Other U.S. government  securities are issued
or guaranteed by federal  agencies or  government-sponsored  enterprises but are
not  guaranteed  by the U.S.  government.  This may  increase  the  credit  risk
associated with these investments.

Government-sponsored   entities  issuing  securities  include  privately  owned,
publicly  chartered  entities  created  to reduce  borrowing  costs for  certain
sectors of the economy, such as farmers,  homeowners, and students. They include
the  Federal  Farm  Credit  Bank  System,   Farm  Credit  Financial   Assistance
Corporation,  Federal  Home Loan  Bank,  FHLMC,  FNMA,  Student  Loan  Marketing
Association (SLMA), and Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Government-sponsored
entities may issue discount notes (with maturities ranging from overnight to 360
days) and  bonds.  Agency  and  government  securities  are  subject to the same
concerns as other debt obligations. (See also Debt Obligations and Mortgage- and
Asset-Backed Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  agency  and  government   securities  include:
Call/Prepayment  Risk, Inflation Risk, Interest Rate Risk,  Management Risk, and
Reinvestment Risk.

Borrowing

The Fund may borrow money from banks for  temporary  or  emergency  purposes and
make other  investments or engage in other  transactions  permissible  under the
1940 Act that may be considered a borrowing  (such as  derivative  instruments).
Borrowings  are subject to costs (in addition to any interest  that may be paid)
and  typically  reduce the  Fund's  total  return.  Except as  qualified  above,
however, the Fund will not buy securities on margin.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with borrowing  include:  Inflation Risk and Management
Risk.

Cash/Money Market Instruments

The Fund may  maintain  a  portion  of its  assets  in cash and  cash-equivalent
investments.  Cash-equivalent  investments  include short-term U.S. and Canadian
government  securities and negotiable  certificates  of deposit,  non-negotiable
fixed-time  deposits,  bankers'  acceptances,  and letters of credit of banks or
savings and loan associations having capital, surplus, and undivided profits (as
of the date of its most  recently  published  annual  financial  statements)  in
excess of $100 million (or the equivalent in the instance of a foreign branch of
a U.S.  bank) at the date of investment.  The Fund also may purchase  short-term
notes and  obligations  of U.S. and foreign banks and  corporations  and may use
repurchase  agreements  with  broker-dealers  registered  under  the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and with commercial banks. (See also Commercial Paper, Debt
Obligations,  Repurchase Agreements, and Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities.)
These types of instruments  generally  offer low rates of return and subject the
Fund to certain costs and expenses.

See the appendix for a discussion of securities ratings.

<PAGE>

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with cash/money  market  instruments  include:  Credit
Risk, Inflation Risk, and Management Risk.

Collateralized Bond Obligations

Collateralized  bond  obligations  (CBOs) are investment grade bonds backed by a
pool of junk  bonds.  CBOs are  similar in concept  to  collateralized  mortgage
obligations  (CMOs),  but  differ in that CBOs  represent  different  degrees of
credit  quality  rather  than  different  maturities.  (See also  Mortgage-  and
Asset-Backed  Securities.)  Underwriters of CBOs package a large and diversified
pool of high-risk,  high-yield junk bonds, which is then separated into "tiers."
Typically,  the first tier represents the higher quality collateral and pays the
lowest  interest  rate;  the second  tier is backed by riskier  bonds and pays a
higher rate; the third tier  represents the lowest credit quality and instead of
receiving a fixed interest rate receives the residual  interest  payments--money
that is left over after the higher tiers have been paid.  CBOs,  like CMOs,  are
substantially  overcollateralized and this, plus the diversification of the pool
backing them, earns them  investment-grade  bond ratings.  Holders of third-tier
CBOs stand to earn high yields or less money  depending  on the rate of defaults
in the collateral pool. (See also High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with CBOs include:  Call/Prepayment  Risk, Credit Risk,
Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

Commercial Paper

Commercial  paper is a short-term debt obligation with a maturity ranging from 2
to 270 days issued by banks,  corporations,  and other borrowers.  It is sold to
investors with temporary idle cash as a way to increase  returns on a short-term
basis.  These  instruments are generally  unsecured,  which increases the credit
risk  associated  with this type of investment.  (See also Debt  Obligations and
Illiquid and Restricted Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with commercial paper include:  Credit Risk,  Liquidity
Risk, and Management Risk.

Common Stock

Common stock  represents  units of ownership in a corporation.  Owners typically
are entitled to vote on the selection of directors and other  important  matters
as  well  as to  receive  dividends  on  their  holdings.  In the  event  that a
corporation  is  liquidated,  the claims of secured and unsecured  creditors and
owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who
own common stock.

The price of common stock is generally determined by corporate earnings, type of
products or services offered,  projected growth rates, experience of management,
liquidity,  and  general  market  conditions  for the markets on which the stock
trades.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated  with common stock  include:  Issuer Risk,  Management
Risk, Market Risk, and Small Company Risk.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are bonds, debentures,  notes, preferred stocks, or other
securities  that may be  converted  into common stock of the same or a different
issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price. Some convertible
securities, such as preferred  equity-redemption  cumulative stock (PERCs), have
mandatory  conversion  features.  Others are voluntary.  A convertible  security
entitles the holder to receive interest  normally paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the

<PAGE>

convertible   security  matures  or  is  redeemed,   converted,   or  exchanged.
Convertible  securities  have  unique  investment  characteristics  in that they
generally  (i) have  higher  yields  than  common  stocks but lower  yields than
comparable non-convertible  securities,  (ii) are less subject to fluctuation in
value than the  underlying  stock since they have fixed income  characteristics,
and (iii) provide the potential for capital  appreciation if the market price of
the underlying common stock increases.

The value of a  convertible  security  is a function of its  "investment  value"
(determined  by its yield in comparison  with the yields of other  securities of
comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its
"conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the
underlying  common  stock).  The investment  value of a convertible  security is
influenced by changes in interest  rates,  with  investment  value  declining as
interest rates  increase and  increasing as interest  rates decline.  The credit
standing  of the  issuer  and  other  factors  also  may have an  effect  on the
convertible  security's  investment value. The conversion value of a convertible
security is determined by the market price of the  underlying  common stock.  If
the conversion  value is low relative to the investment  value, the price of the
convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally,
the conversion value decreases as the convertible  security approaches maturity.
To the extent the market  price of the  underlying  common stock  approaches  or
exceeds the  conversion  price,  the price of the  convertible  security will be
increasingly   influenced  by  its  conversion  value.  A  convertible  security
generally  will sell at a premium  over its  conversion  value by the  extent to
which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying  common stock
while holding a fixed income security.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with convertible  securities  include:  Call/Prepayment
Risk,  Interest  Rate Risk,  Issuer Risk,  Management  Risk,  Market  Risk,  and
Reinvestment Risk.

Corporate Bonds

Corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by private corporations, as distinct
from bonds  issued by a government  agency or a  municipality.  Corporate  bonds
typically have four distinguishing features: (1) they are taxable; (2) they have
a par value of $1,000; (3) they have a term maturity,  which means they come due
all at once;  and (4) many are traded on major  exchanges.  Corporate  bonds are
subject  to the  same  concerns  as  other  debt  obligations.  (See  also  Debt
Obligations and High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.)

Corporate  bonds may be either secured or unsecured.  Unsecured  corporate bonds
are generally  referred to as "debentures." See the appendix for a discussion of
securities ratings.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated  with corporate bonds include:  Call/Prepayment  Risk,
Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk,  Management Risk, and Reinvestment
Risk.

Debt Obligations

Many different types of debt obligations  exist (for example,  bills,  bonds, or
notes).  Issuers  of  debt  obligations  have a  contractual  obligation  to pay
interest at a specified  rate on  specified  dates and to repay  principal  on a
specified  maturity date.  Certain debt obligations  (usually  intermediate- and
long-term  bonds)  have  provisions  that allow the issuer to redeem or "call" a
bond  before its  maturity.  Issuers  are most  likely to call these  securities
during periods of falling  interest  rates.  When this happens,  an investor may
have to replace these  securities  with lower yielding  securities,  which could
result in a lower return.

<PAGE>

The  market  value of debt  obligations  is  affected  primarily  by  changes in
prevailing  interest rates and the issuers  perceived ability to repay the debt.
The market value of a debt  obligation  generally  reacts  inversely to interest
rate changes.  When prevailing interest rates decline,  the price usually rises,
and when prevailing interest rates rise, the price usually declines.

In general,  the longer the maturity of a debt obligation,  the higher its yield
and the greater the  sensitivity to changes in interest rates.  Conversely,  the
shorter the maturity, the lower the yield but the greater the price stability.

As noted,  the values of debt obligations also may be affected by changes in the
credit rating or financial condition of their issuers.  Generally, the lower the
quality rating of a security, the higher the degree of risk as to the payment of
interest and return of  principal.  To  compensate  investors for taking on such
increased  risk,  those issuers  deemed to be less  creditworthy  generally must
offer their  investors  higher interest rates than do issuers with better credit
ratings.  (See also  Agency and  Government  Securities,  Corporate  Bonds,  and
High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities.)


All ratings  limitations  are  applied at the time of  purchase.  Subsequent  to
purchase,  a debt  security  may cease to be rated or its  rating may be reduced
below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.  Neither event will require
the sale of such a security,  but it will be a factor in considering  whether to
continue to hold the security.  To the extent that ratings change as a result of
changes in a rating organization or their rating systems,  the Fund will attempt
to use comparable ratings as standards for selecting investments.


See the appendix for a discussion of securities ratings.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with debt obligations  include:  Call/Prepayment  Risk,
Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Issuer Risk,  Management Risk, and Reinvestment
Risk.

Depositary Receipts

Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American  Depositary  Receipts
(ADRs).  ADRs are  receipts  typically  issued by a U.S.  bank or trust  company
evidencing ownership of the underlying  securities of foreign issuers.  European
Depositary  Receipts (EDRs) and Global  Depositary  Receipts (GDRs) are receipts
typically  issued by foreign banks or trust companies,  evidencing  ownership of
underlying  securities  issued by either a foreign  or U.S.  issuer.  Generally,
depositary  receipts in  registered  form are  designed  for use in the U.S. and
depositary  receipts in bearer form are designed for use in  securities  markets
outside the U.S.  Depositary  receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the
same  currency as the  underlying  securities  into which they may be converted.
Depositary   receipts  involve  the  risks  of  other   investments  in  foreign
securities.  In  addition,  ADR  holders  may not have all the  legal  rights of
shareholders   and  may   experience   difficulty   in   receiving   shareholder
communications. (See also Common Stock and Foreign Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with  depositary  receipts  include:  Foreign/Emerging
Markets Risk, Issuer Risk, Management Risk, and Market Risk.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative  instruments are commonly defined to include  securities or contracts
whose values depend, in whole or in part, on (or "derive" from) the value of one
or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, or commodities.

<PAGE>


A  derivative  instrument  generally  consists  of, is based  upon,  or exhibits
characteristics similar to options or forward contracts. Such instruments may be
used to  maintain  cash  reserves  while  remaining  fully  invested,  to offset
anticipated declines in values of investments,  to facilitate trading, to reduce
transaction   costs,  or  to  pursue  higher  investment   returns.   Derivative
instruments are  characterized by requiring little or no initial payment.  Their
value  changes daily based on a security,  a currency,  a group of securities or
currencies, or an index. A small change in the value of the underlying security,
currency,  or index can cause a sizable  percentage gain or loss in the price of
the derivative instrument.


Options and forward  contracts are considered to be the basic "building  blocks"
of  derivatives.   For  example,   forward-based   derivatives  include  forward
contracts,   swap  contracts,   and   exchange-traded   futures.   Forward-based
derivatives  are  sometimes  referred to  generically  as  "futures  contracts."
Option-based  derivatives include privately negotiated,  over-the-counter  (OTC)
options  (including  caps,  floors,   collars,   and  options  on  futures)  and
exchange-traded options on futures.  Diverse types of derivatives may be created
by  combining  options or futures  in  different  ways,  and by  applying  these
structures to a wide range of underlying assets.

         Options. An option is a contract. A person who buys a call option for a
security  has the right to buy the security at a set price for the length of the
contract.  A person who sells a call option is called a writer.  The writer of a
call option  agrees for the length of the  contract to sell the  security at the
set price when the buyer wants to exercise the option, no matter what the market
price of the  security  is at that time.  A person who buys a put option has the
right to sell a security at a set price for the length of the contract. A person
who  writes a put  option  agrees  to buy the  security  at the set price if the
purchaser  wants to exercise the option  during the length of the  contract,  no
matter  what the market  price of the  security  is at that  time.  An option is
covered if the writer  owns the  security  (in the case of a call) or sets aside
the cash or securities of equivalent  value (in the case of a put) that would be
required upon exercise.

The price paid by the buyer for an option is called a premium.  In  addition  to
the premium, the buyer generally pays a broker a commission. The writer receives
a premium,  less  another  commission,  at the time the option is  written.  The
premium  received  by the  writer  is  retained  whether  or not the  option  is
exercised.  A  writer  of a call  option  may have to sell  the  security  for a
below-market  price if the market price rises above the exercise price. A writer
of a put option may have to pay an  above-market  price for the  security if its
market price decreases below the exercise price.

When an option is purchased, the buyer pays a premium and a commission.  It then
pays a second commission on the purchase or sale of the underlying security when
the option is exercised. For record keeping and tax purposes, the price obtained
on the sale of the underlying security is the combination of the exercise price,
the premium, and both commissions.

One of the risks an investor  assumes  when it buys an option is the loss of the
premium. To be beneficial to the investor,  the price of the underlying security
must change within the time set by the option contract.  Furthermore, the change
must be sufficient to cover the premium paid, the  commissions  paid both in the
acquisition of the option and in a closing transaction or in the exercise of the
option  and sale (in the case of a call) or  purchase  (in the case of a put) of
the underlying security.  Even then, the price change in the underlying security
does not ensure a profit since prices in the option  market may not reflect such
a change.

Options on many securities are listed on options  exchanges.  If the Fund writes
listed options,  it will follow the rules of the options  exchange.  Options are
valued  at the  close of the New York  Stock  Exchange.  An  option  listed on a
national exchange, CBOE, or NASDAQ will be valued at the last quoted sales price
or, if such a price is not  readily  available,  at the mean of the last bid and
ask prices.

Options on certain  securities are not actively traded on any exchange,  but may
be entered into directly with a dealer.  These options may be more  difficult to
close.  If an investor is unable to effect a closing  purchase  transaction,  it
will not be able to sell the  underlying  security until the call written by the
investor expires or is exercised.

<PAGE>

         Futures  Contracts.  A futures  contract is a sales contract  between a
buyer (holding the "long" position) and a seller (holding the "short"  position)
for an asset with delivery deferred until a future date. The buyer agrees to pay
a fixed  price at the agreed  future  date and the seller  agrees to deliver the
asset.  The seller hopes that the market price on the delivery date is less than
the agreed upon  price,  while the buyer hopes for the  contrary.  Many  futures
contracts  trade  in a  manner  similar  to the  way a stock  trades  on a stock
exchange and the commodity exchanges.


Generally,  a futures  contract is  terminated  by entering  into an  offsetting
transaction.  An  offsetting  transaction  is effected by an investor  taking an
opposite position.  At the time a futures contract is made, a good faith deposit
called  initial  margin is set up.  Daily  thereafter,  the futures  contract is
valued and the payment of variation  margin is required so that each day a buyer
would pay out cash in an amount equal to any decline in the contract's  value or
receive  cash equal to any  increase.  At the time a futures  contract is closed
out, a nominal  commission is paid, which is generally lower than the commission
on a comparable transaction in the cash market.


Futures contracts may be based on various  securities,  securities indices (such
as the S&P 500 Index),  foreign  currencies and other financial  instruments and
indices.

         Options on Futures  Contracts.  Options on futures  contracts  give the
holder a right to buy or sell futures contracts in the future.  Unlike a futures
contract,  which requires the parties to the contract to buy and sell a security
on a set date  (some  futures  are  settled  in  cash),  an  option on a futures
contract merely entitles its holder to decide on or before a future date (within
nine  months of the date of issue)  whether  to enter  into a  contract.  If the
holder  decides not to enter into the  contract,  all that is lost is the amount
(premium) paid for the option. Further, because the value of the option is fixed
at the point of sale,  there are no daily payments of cash to reflect the change
in the value of the  underlying  contract.  However,  since an option  gives the
buyer the right to enter  into a contract  at a set price for a fixed  period of
time, its value does change daily.

One of the risks in buying  an option on a futures  contract  is the loss of the
premium  paid for the option.  The risk  involved in writing  options on futures
contracts an investor  owns, or on  securities  held in its  portfolio,  is that
there could be an increase in the market value of these contracts or securities.
If that  occurred,  the option would be exercised  and the asset sold at a lower
price than the cash market  price.  To some extent,  the risk of not realizing a
gain could be reduced by entering into a closing transaction.  An investor could
enter into a closing  transaction by purchasing an option with the same terms as
the one  previously  sold.  The cost to  close  the  option  and  terminate  the
investor's  obligation,  however,  might still  result in a loss.  Further,  the
investor might not be able to close the option because of insufficient  activity
in the options  market.  Purchasing  options  also limits the use of monies that
might otherwise be available for long-term investments.

         Options on Stock  Indexes.  Options  on stock  indexes  are  securities
traded on national securities  exchanges.  An option on a stock index is similar
to an option on a futures  contract  except all  settlements are in cash. A fund
exercising a put, for example, would receive the difference between the exercise
price and the current index level.


         Tax  Treatment.  As permitted  under federal income tax laws and to the
extent the Fund is allowed to invest in futures  contacts,  the Fund  intends to
identify futures contracts as mixed straddles and not mark them to market,  that
is, not treat them as having  been sold at the end of the year at market  value.
Such an  election  may result in the Fund being  required  to defer  recognizing
losses incurred on futures contracts and on underlying  securities identified as
hedged positions and require recognition of unrealized gains.


Federal income tax treatment of gains or losses from  transactions in options on
futures  contracts  and  indexes  will depend on whether the option is a section
1256 contract. If the option is a non-equity option, the Fund will either make a
1256(d)  election and treat the option as a mixed straddle or mark to market the
option at fiscal  year end and treat the  gain/loss  as 40%  short-term  and 60%
long-term.

<PAGE>

The IRS has ruled publicly that an exchange-traded call option is a security for
purposes  of the  50%-of-assets  test and that its  issuer is the  issuer of the
underlying  security,  not  the  writer  of  the  option,  for  purposes  of the
diversification requirements.

Accounting  for  futures  contracts  will be  according  to  generally  accepted
accounting principles.  Initial margin deposits will be recognized as assets due
from a broker (the Fund's agent in acquiring the futures  position).  During the
period the futures  contract is open,  changes in value of the contract  will be
recognized as  unrealized  gains or losses by marking to market on a daily basis
to reflect the market  value of the  contract at the end of each day's  trading.
Variation margin payments will be made or received  depending upon whether gains
or  losses  are  incurred.  All  contracts  and  options  will be  valued at the
last-quoted sales price on their primary exchange.

         Other Risks of Derivatives.

Derivatives are risky investments.

The primary risk of derivatives is the same as the risk of the underlying asset,
namely  that  the  value of the  underlying  asset  may go up or  down.  Adverse
movements in the value of an underlying  asset can expose an investor to losses.
Derivative  instruments may include elements of leverage and,  accordingly,  the
fluctuation  of the  value  of the  derivative  instrument  in  relation  to the
underlying asset may be magnified.  The successful use of derivative instruments
depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the investment manager's ability
to predict movements of the securities, currencies, and commodity markets, which
requires  different  skills than predicting  changes in the prices of individual
securities. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy will succeed.

Another risk is the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure
of a  counterparty  to comply  with the terms of a  derivative  instrument.  The
counterparty risk for exchange-traded  derivative  instruments is generally less
than for  privately-negotiated or OTC derivative instruments,  since generally a
clearing  agency,  which is the issuer or counterparty  to each  exchange-traded
instrument,  provides  a  guarantee  of  performance.  For  privately-negotiated
instruments, there is no similar clearing agency guarantee. In all transactions,
an investor  will bear the risk that the  counterparty  will  default,  and this
could result in a loss of the expected benefit of the derivative transaction and
possibly other losses.

When a derivative  transaction  is used to completely  hedge  another  position,
changes in the market value of the combined position (the derivative  instrument
plus the position being hedged) result from an imperfect correlation between the
price movements of the two  instruments.  With a perfect hedge, the value of the
combined  position  remains  unchanged  for  any  change  in  the  price  of the
underlying  asset.  With  an  imperfect  hedge,  the  values  of the  derivative
instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated. For example, if the value
of a derivative instrument used in a short hedge (such as writing a call option,
buying a put option, or selling a futures  contract)  increased by less than the
decline  in value of the hedged  investment,  the hedge  would not be  perfectly
correlated.  Such a lack of correlation  might occur due to factors unrelated to
the  value  of the  investments  being  hedged,  such as  speculative  or  other
pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded.

Derivatives  also are subject to the risk that they cannot be sold,  closed out,
or  replaced  quickly at or very close to their  fundamental  value.  Generally,
exchange  contracts are very liquid  because the exchange  clearinghouse  is the
counterparty  of  every  contract.   OTC   transactions  are  less  liquid  than
exchange-traded  derivatives  since  they  often can only be closed out with the
other party to the transaction.


Another  risk is caused by the legal  unenforcibility  of a party's  obligations
under  the  derivative.  A  counterparty  that  has lost  money in a  derivative
transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting  various legal  uncertainties
about certain derivative products.


(See also Foreign Currency Transactions.)

<PAGE>

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with derivative  instruments  include:  Leverage Risk,
Liquidity Risk, and Management Risk.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Since  investments in foreign  countries  usually involve  currencies of foreign
countries,  the value of the Fund's  assets as measured  in U.S.  dollars may be
affected  favorably or  unfavorably  by changes in currency  exchange  rates and
exchange control regulations.  Also, the Fund may incur costs in connection with
conversions  between various  currencies.  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate
significantly  over short  periods of time causing the Fund's NAV to  fluctuate.
Currency  exchange  rates are  generally  determined by the forces of supply and
demand in the  foreign  exchange  markets,  actual  or  anticipated  changes  in
interest rates, and other complex factors.  Currency  exchange rates also can be
affected by the intervention of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or
the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments.

Spot Rates and Derivative  Instruments.  The Fund conducts its foreign  currency
exchange  transactions  either at the spot (cash) rate prevailing in the foreign
currency exchange market or by entering into forward currency exchange contracts
(forward  contracts) as a hedge against  fluctuations in future foreign exchange
rates.  (See also  Derivative  Instruments).  These  contracts are traded in the
interbank  market  conducted  directly  between  currency traders (usually large
commercial  banks) and their customers.  Because foreign  currency  transactions
occurring in the interbank  market might involve  substantially  larger  amounts
than those involved in the use of such derivative instruments, the Fund could be
disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market for the underlying foreign
currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

The Fund may enter into forward  contracts to settle a security  transaction  or
handle  dividend and interest  collection.  When the Fund enters into a contract
for the purchase or sale of a security  denominated in a foreign currency or has
been  notified of a dividend or interest  payment,  it may desire to lock in the
price of the security or the amount of the payment in dollars.  By entering into
a forward  contract,  the Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible
loss  resulting  from an adverse change in the  relationship  between  different
currencies  from the date the security is purchased or sold to the date on which
payment  is made or  received  or when the  dividend  or  interest  is  actually
received.

The Fund also may enter  into  forward  contracts  when  management  of the Fund
believes the currency of a particular foreign country may change in relationship
to another  currency.  The precise  matching of forward contract amounts and the
value of securities  involved  generally  will not be possible  since the future
value of securities in foreign  currencies  more than likely will change between
the date the  forward  contract  is entered  into and the date it  matures.  The
projection of short-term  currency market  movements is extremely  difficult and
successful  execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.  The
Fund will not enter into such  forward  contracts  or maintain a net exposure to
such  contracts  when  consummating  the  contracts  would  obligate the Fund to
deliver  an  amount of  foreign  currency  in excess of the value of the  Fund's
securities or other assets denominated in that currency.

The Fund will  designate  cash or  securities in an amount equal to the value of
the Fund's total assets committed to consummating forward contracts entered into
under the second  circumstance  set forth above.  If the value of the securities
declines,  additional  cash or securities will be designated on a daily basis so
that the value of the cash or  securities  will  equal the  amount of the Fund's
commitments on such contracts.

At maturity of a forward  contract,  the Fund may either sell the  security  and
make  delivery of the foreign  currency or retain the security and terminate its
contractual  obligation  to  deliver  the  foreign  currency  by  purchasing  an
offsetting  contract with the same currency trader  obligating it to buy, on the
same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.

<PAGE>

If the Fund retains the security and engages in an offsetting  transaction,  the
Fund will incur a gain or loss (as described below) to the extent there has been
movement  in forward  contract  prices.  If the Fund  engages  in an  offsetting
transaction,  it may subsequently  enter into a new forward contract to sell the
foreign currency. Should forward prices decline between the date the Fund enters
into a forward contract for selling foreign currency and the date it enters into
an  offsetting  contract  for  purchasing  the foreign  currency,  the Fund will
realize a gain to the  extent  that the price of the  currency  it has agreed to
sell  exceeds  the price of the  currency it has agreed to buy.  Should  forward
prices  increase,  the Fund will  suffer a loss to the  extent  the price of the
currency it has agreed to buy exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to
sell.

It is impossible to forecast what the market value of securities  will be at the
expiration of a contract.  Accordingly,  it may be necessary for the Fund to buy
additional  foreign  currency  on the spot  market (and bear the expense of that
purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of foreign
currency  the Fund is  obligated  to deliver  and a decision is made to sell the
security  and make  delivery  of the  foreign  currency.  Conversely,  it may be
necessary  to sell on the spot market some of the foreign  currency  received on
the sale of the  portfolio  security if its market  value  exceeds the amount of
foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

The  Fund's  dealing in forward  contracts  will be limited to the  transactions
described  above.  This method of protecting the value of the Fund's  securities
against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate  fluctuations in
the  underlying  prices  of the  securities.  It  simply  establishes  a rate of
exchange that can be achieved at some point in time.  Although forward contracts
tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in value of hedged  currency,
they tend to limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such
currency increase.

Although the Fund values its assets each business day in terms of U.S.  dollars,
it does not intend to convert  its  foreign  currencies  into U.S.  dollars on a
daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and  shareholders  should be aware
of currency conversion costs.  Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a
fee for  conversion,  they do realize a profit based on the difference  (spread)
between  the prices at which they are buying  and  selling  various  currencies.
Thus,  a dealer  may offer to sell a foreign  currency  to the Fund at one rate,
while  offering a lesser rate of exchange  should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer.

Options on Foreign  Currencies.  The Fund may buy options on foreign  currencies
for hedging  purposes.  For example,  a decline in the dollar value of a foreign
currency in which  securities  are  denominated  will reduce the dollar value of
such securities,  even if their value in the foreign currency remains  constant.
In order to protect against the diminutions in the value of securities, the Fund
may buy  options on the  foreign  currency.  If the value of the  currency  does
decline, the Fund will have the right to sell the currency for a fixed amount in
dollars  and  will  offset,  in  whole or in part,  the  adverse  effect  on its
portfolio that otherwise would have resulted.

As in the case of other  types of  options,  however,  the  benefit  to the Fund
derived from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount
of the  premium and related  transaction  costs.  In  addition,  where  currency
exchange  rates do not move in the direction or to the extent  anticipated,  the
Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would
require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in
rates.

The Fund may write options on foreign  currencies  for the same types of hedging
purposes.  For example,  when the Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value
of foreign-denominated  securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates
it  could,  instead  of  purchasing  a put  option,  write a call  option on the
relevant  currency.  If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely
not be exercised  and the  diminution  in value of  securities  will be fully or
partially offset by the amount of the premium received.

<PAGE>

As in the case of other  types of  options,  however,  the  writing of a foreign
currency  option will  constitute  only a partial  hedge up to the amount of the
premium,  and only if rates  move in the  expected  direction.  If this does not
occur, the option may be exercised and the Fund would be required to buy or sell
the  underlying  currency  at a loss that may not be offset by the amount of the
premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund also may
be required to forego all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise have
been obtained from favorable movements on exchange rates.

All options written on foreign currencies will be covered.  An option written on
foreign currencies is covered if the Fund holds currency sufficient to cover the
option or has an absolute and immediate  right to acquire that currency  without
additional  cash  consideration  upon  conversion of assets  denominated in that
currency or exchange of other currency held in its  portfolio.  An option writer
could lose amounts  substantially in excess of its initial  investments,  due to
the margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.

Options on foreign currencies are traded through financial  institutions  acting
as  market-makers,  although foreign currency options also are traded on certain
national securities  exchanges,  such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the
Chicago   Board   Options   Exchange,   subject   to  SEC   regulation.   In  an
over-the-counter  trading  environment,  many  of the  protections  afforded  to
exchange  participants  will not be available.  For example,  there are no daily
price fluctuation  limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue
to an  unlimited  extent over a period of time.  Although  the  purchaser  of an
option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related  transaction
costs, this entire amount could be lost.

Foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities exchange
are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing  Corporation  (OCC),  thereby
reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in
options traded on a national  securities  exchange may be more readily available
than  in  the  over-the-counter  market,  potentially  permitting  the  Fund  to
liquidate  open  positions  at a profit prior to exercise or  expiration,  or to
limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.

The purchase and sale of exchange-traded  foreign currency options,  however, is
subject to the risks of  availability  of a liquid  secondary  market  described
above, as well as the risks  regarding  adverse market  movements,  margining of
options  written,   the  nature  of  the  foreign   currency  market,   possible
intervention by governmental  authorities and the effects of other political and
economic  events.  In addition,  exchange-traded  options on foreign  currencies
involve certain risks not presented by the over-the-counter market. For example,
exercise and  settlement  of such options must be made  exclusively  through the
OCC, which has established  banking  relationships in certain foreign  countries
for that  purpose.  As a result,  the OCC may,  if it  determines  that  foreign
governmental  restrictions  or taxes would  prevent the  orderly  settlement  of
foreign  currency option  exercises,  or would result in undue burdens on OCC or
its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and settlement,  such
as technical  changes in the  mechanics  of delivery of currency,  the fixing of
dollar settlement prices or prohibitions on exercise.

Foreign Currency  Futures and Related Options.  The Fund may enter into currency
futures  contracts  to sell  currencies.  It also may buy put  options and write
covered call options on currency futures. Currency futures contracts are similar
to currency  forward  contracts,  except that they are traded on exchanges  (and
have margin  requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery
date. Most currency  futures call for payment of delivery in U.S.  dollars.  The
Fund  may use  currency  futures  for the  same  purposes  as  currency  forward
contracts, subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) limitations.

Currency futures and options on futures values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates,  but will not reflect other factors that may affect the value of
the  Fund's  investments.  A  currency  hedge,  for  example,  should  protect a
Yen-denominated bond against a decline in the Yen, but will not protect the Fund
against price decline if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Because the
value of the Fund's  investments  denominated in foreign currency will change in
response to many factors  other than exchange  rates,  it may not be possible to
match the amount of a forward  contract  to the value of the Fund's  investments
denominated in that currency over time.

<PAGE>

The Fund will hold securities or other options or futures positions whose values
are expected to offset its  obligations.  The Fund will not enter into an option
or futures  position  that exposes the Fund to an  obligation  to another  party
unless it owns either (i) an  offsetting  position in  securities  or (ii) cash,
receivables and short-term debt securities with a value  sufficient to cover its
potential obligations.

(See also Derivative Instruments and Foreign Securities.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with foreign currency transactions include: Correlation
Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, Liquidity Risk, and Management Risk.

Foreign Securities and Domestic Companies with Foreign Operations

Foreign securities,  foreign currencies,  and securities issued by U.S. entities
with substantial  foreign operations involve special risks,  including those set
forth  below,  which  are  not  typically  associated  with  investing  in  U.S.
securities.  Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform  accounting,
auditing,  and financial reporting  standards  comparable to those applicable to
domestic companies.  Additionally,  many foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume of trading  activity,  have  substantially  less volume than the New York
Stock  Exchange,  and  securities of some foreign  companies are less liquid and
more  volatile  than  securities of domestic  companies.  Similarly,  volume and
liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than the volume and liquidity in
the U.S.  and,  at times,  volatility  of price can be greater  than in the U.S.
Further, foreign markets have different clearance, settlement, registration, and
communication  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 such
procedures  could result in temporary  periods when assets are uninvested and no
return is earned on them. The inability of an investor to make intended security
purchases  due to such  problems  could cause the  investor  to miss  attractive
investment  opportunities.  Payment  for  securities  without  delivery  may  be
required in certain foreign markets and, when participating in new issues,  some
foreign countries require payment to be made in advance of issuance (at the time
of  issuance,  the  market  value of the  security  may be more or less than the
purchase price).  Some foreign markets also have compulsory  depositories (i.e.,
an investor does not have a choice as to where the securities  are held).  Fixed
commissions on some foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated
commissions on U.S. exchanges.  Further, an investor 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 business and
industry practices,  stock exchanges,  brokers, and listed companies than in the
U.S.  It may be more  difficult  for an  investor's  agents  to  keep  currently
informed about  corporate  actions such as stock dividends or other matters that
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  delays  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 additional  withholding  or
confiscatory  taxes,  political,  social,  or economic  instability,  diplomatic
developments  that  could  affect  investments  in  those  countries,  or  other
unforeseen  actions by  regulatory  bodies  (such as changes  to  settlement  or
custody procedures).

The risks of foreign  investing  may be magnified  for  investments  in emerging
markets, which may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only
a  few  industries,  and  securities  markets  that  trade  a  small  number  of
securities.

<PAGE>

The  introduction  of a single  currency,  the  euro,  on  January  1,  1999 for
participating  European  nations  in the  Economic  and  Monetary  Union  ("EU")
presents  unique  uncertainties,  including  whether the payment and operational
systems of banks and other financial institutions will be ready by the scheduled
launch date; the creation of suitable  clearing and settlement  payment  systems
for the new  currency;  the legal  treatment  of certain  outstanding  financial
contracts  after January 1, 1999 that refer to existing  currencies  rather than
the euro; the  establishment  and maintenance of exchange rates; the fluctuation
of the euro relative to non-euro  currencies  during the transition  period from
January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2000 and beyond;  whether the interest rate, tax
or labor regimes of European  countries  participating in the euro will converge
over time;  and whether the  conversion of the  currencies of other EU countries
such as the United Kingdom,  Denmark, and Greece into the euro and the admission
of other non-EU  countries such as Poland,  Latvia,  and Lithuania as members of
the EU may have an impact on the euro.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with foreign  securities  include:  Foreign/Emerging
Markets Risk, Issuer Risk, and Management Risk.

High-Yield (High-Risk) Securities (Junk Bonds)

High yield  (high-risk)  securities  are sometimes  referred to as "junk bonds."
They are non-investment  grade (lower quality)  securities that have speculative
characteristics.  Lower quality  securities,  while  generally  offering  higher
yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities, involve greater
risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy.  They are regarded as
predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and  repay  principal.  The  special  risk  considerations  in  connection  with
investments in these securities are discussed below.

See the  appendix  for a  discussion  of  securities  ratings.  (See  also  Debt
Obligations.)

The lower-quality  and comparable  unrated security market is relatively new and
its growth has  paralleled a long  economic  expansion.  As a result,  it is not
clear how this market may withstand a prolonged  recession or economic downturn.
Such conditions  could severely  disrupt the market for and adversely affect the
value of such securities.

All interest-bearing  securities typically experience appreciation when interest
rates decline and  depreciation  when interest  rates rise. The market values of
lower-quality  and  comparable  unrated  securities  tend to reflect  individual
corporate  developments  to a greater  extent than do higher  rated  securities,
which react  primarily to  fluctuations  in the general level of interest rates.
Lower-quality and comparable  unrated  securities also tend to be more sensitive
to economic  conditions  than are  higher-rated  securities.  As a result,  they
generally  involve  more  credit  risks  than  securities  in  the  higher-rated
categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest
rates,  highly  leveraged  issuers of  lower-quality  securities  may experience
financial  stress and may not have  sufficient  revenues  to meet their  payment
obligations.  The issuer's  ability to service its debt  obligations also may be
adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected  business forecast,  or the unavailability of additional
financing.  The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of these  securities is
significantly  greater  than  issuers of  higher-rated  securities  because such
securities  are  generally   unsecured  and  are  often  subordinated  to  other
creditors.  Further,  if the issuer of a lower quality  security  defaulted,  an
investor might incur additional expenses to seek recovery.

Credit  ratings  issued by credit  rating  agencies are designed to evaluate the
safety of principal  and  interest  payments of rated  securities.  They do not,
however,  evaluate  the  market  value  risk of  lower-quality  securities  and,
therefore,  may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment.  In addition,
credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect
changes in the economy or in the  condition of the issuer that affect the market
value  of the  securities.  Consequently,  credit  ratings  are  used  only as a
preliminary indicator of investment quality.

<PAGE>

An  investor  may  have  difficulty  disposing  of  certain   lower-quality  and
comparable  unrated  securities  because there may be a thin trading  market for
such  securities.  Because not all dealers maintain markets in all lower quality
and comparable  unrated  securities,  there is no established  retail  secondary
market for many of these  securities.  To the extent a secondary  trading market
does  exist,  it is  generally  not  as  liquid  as  the  secondary  market  for
higher-rated  securities.  The lack of a  liquid  secondary  market  may have an
adverse  impact  on the  market  price  of the  security.  The  lack of a liquid
secondary  market for certain  securities also may make it more difficult for an
investor to obtain accurate market  quotations.  Market quotations are generally
available  on many  lower-quality  and  comparable  unrated  issues  only from a
limited  number of dealers and may not  necessarily  represent firm bids of such
dealers or prices for actual sales.

Legislation  may be  adopted  from  time to time  designed  to limit  the use of
certain lower quality and comparable unrated securities by certain issuers.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  high-yield   (high-risk)  securities  include:
Call/Prepayment  Risk,  Credit Risk,  Currency  Risk,  Interest  Rate Risk,  and
Management Risk.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The Fund may  invest  in  illiquid  securities  (i.e.,  securities  that are not
readily  marketable).  These  securities  may  include,  but are not limited to,
certain  securities  that are subject to legal or  contractual  restrictions  on
resale, certain repurchase agreements, and derivative instruments.

To the extent the Fund  invests in illiquid  or  restricted  securities,  it may
encounter  difficulty  in  determining  a  market  value  for  such  securities.
Disposing  of illiquid or  restricted  securities  may involve  time-  consuming
negotiations  and legal  expense,  and it may be difficult or impossible for the
Fund to sell such an investment promptly and at an acceptable price.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  illiquid and  restricted  securities  include:
Liquidity Risk and Management Risk.

Indexed Securities

The  value of  indexed  securities  is  linked to  currencies,  interest  rates,
commodities, indexes, or other financial indicators. Most indexed securities are
short- to intermediate-term  fixed income securities whose values at maturity or
interest  rates rise or fall  according  to the change in one or more  specified
underlying  instruments.  Indexed  securities  may be  more  volatile  than  the
underlying  instrument  itself and they may be less liquid  than the  securities
represented by the index. (See also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with indexed  securities  include:  Liquidity  Risk,
Management Risk, and Market Risk.

Inverse Floaters

Inverse  floaters  are created by  underwriters  using the  interest  payment on
securities. A portion of the interest received is paid to holders of instruments
based on current interest rates for short-term securities.  The remainder, minus
a servicing  fee, is paid to holders of inverse  floaters.  As interest rates go
down, the holders of the inverse floaters receive more income and an increase in
the price for the inverse floaters.  As interest rates go up, the holders of the
inverse floaters receive less income and a decrease in the price for the inverse
floaters. (See also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with inverse floaters  include:  Interest Rate Risk and
Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Investment Companies

The  Fund may  invest  in  securities  issued  by  registered  and  unregistered
investment companies.  These investments may involve the duplication of advisory
fees and certain other expenses.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risk  associated  with the  securities  of other  investment  companies
includes: Management Risk and Market Risk.

Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Fund may lend certain of its  portfolio  securities to  broker-dealers.  The
current  policy of the Fund's  board is to make  these  loans,  either  long- or
short-term,  to  broker-dealers.  In making loans,  the Fund receives the market
price in cash,  U.S.  government  securities,  letters of credit,  or such other
collateral as may be permitted by regulatory agencies and approved by the board.
If the  market  price  of the  loaned  securities  goes up,  the  Fund  will get
additional  collateral on a daily basis. The risks are that the borrower may not
provide  additional  collateral when required or return the securities when due.
During the existence of the loan, the Fund receives cash payments  equivalent to
all interest or other distributions paid on the loaned securities.  The Fund may
pay reasonable  administrative  and custodial fees in connection with a loan and
may pay a negotiated  portion of the interest earned on the cash or money market
instruments held as collateral to the borrower or placing broker.  The Fund will
receive  reasonable  interest  on the loan or a flat fee from the  borrower  and
amounts  equivalent to any dividends,  interest,  or other  distributions on the
securities loaned.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with the lending of  portfolio  securities  include:
Credit Risk and Management Risk.

Loan Participations

Loans,  loan  participations,  and  interests  in  securitized  loan  pools  are
interests in amounts owed by a corporate,  governmental,  or other borrower to a
lender  or  consortium  of  lenders  (typically  banks,   insurance   companies,
investment banks, government agencies, or international agencies). Loans involve
a risk of loss in case of default or  insolvency  of the  borrower and may offer
less legal protection to an investor in the event of fraud or misrepresentation.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with loan  participations  include:  Credit Risk and
Management Risk.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities

Mortgage-backed  securities  represent direct or indirect  participations in, or
are secured by and payable from,  mortgage loans secured by real  property,  and
include  single- and  multi-class  pass-through  securities  and  Collateralized
Mortgage  Obligations  (CMOs).  These  securities may be issued or guaranteed by
U.S.  government agencies or  instrumentalities  (see also Agency and Government
Securities),  or by private  issuers,  generally  originators  and  investors in
mortgage loans,  including savings  associations,  mortgage bankers,  commercial
banks,  investment  bankers,  and  special  purpose  entities.   Mortgage-backed
securities issued by private lenders may be supported by pools of mortgage loans
or other mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or indirectly,
by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities,  or they may
be issued without any governmental  guarantee of the underlying  mortgage assets
but with some form of non-governmental credit enhancement.



<PAGE>


Stripped mortgage-backed  securities are a type of mortgage-backed security that
receive  differing  proportions of the interest and principal  payments from the
underlying assets. Generally,  there are two classes of stripped mortgage-backed
securities:  Interest Only (IO) and Principal  Only (PO). IOs entitle the holder
to receive  distributions  consisting of all or a portion of the interest on the
underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. POs entitle the
holder to receive distributions  consisting of all or a portion of the principal
of the underlying pool of mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. The cash
flows and yields on IOs and POs are extremely sensitive to the rate of principal
payments   (including   prepayments)   on  the  underlying   mortgage  loans  or
mortgage-backed  securities.  A rapid rate of principal  payments may  adversely
affect the yield to  maturity  of IOs.  A slow rate of  principal  payments  may
adversely  affect the yield to maturity of POs. If  prepayments of principal are
greater than anticipated,  an investor in IOs may incur  substantial  losses. If
prepayments of principal are slower than anticipated,  the yield on a PO will be
affected more severely than would be the case with a traditional mortgage-backed
security.

CMOs are hybrid mortgage-related  instruments secured by pools of mortgage loans
or other mortgage-related  securities,  such as mortgage pass through securities
or stripped  mortgage-backed  securities.  CMOs may be structured  into multiple
classes,  often referred to as  "tranches,"  with each class bearing a different
stated  maturity and entitled to a different  schedule for payments of principal
and  interest,  including  prepayments.   Principal  prepayments  on  collateral
underlying  a CMO may  cause it to be  retired  substantially  earlier  than its
stated maturity.

The yield  characteristics  of  mortgage-backed  securities differ from those of
other debt  securities.  Among the  differences  are that interest and principal
payments  are  made  more  frequently  on  mortgage-backed  securities,  usually
monthly,  and principal may be repaid at any time.  These factors may reduce the
expected yield.

Asset-backed    securities   have   structural    characteristics   similar   to
mortgage-backed  securities.  Asset-backed debt obligations  represent direct or
indirect  participation in, or secured by and payable from, assets such as motor
vehicle  installment  sales contracts,  other  installment loan contracts,  home
equity loans,  leases of various types of property,  and receivables from credit
card  or  other  revolving  credit  arrangements.  The  credit  quality  of most
asset-backed  securities  depends  primarily on the credit quality of the assets
underlying  such  securities,  how well  the  entity  issuing  the  security  is
insulated  from  the  credit  risk of the  originator  or any  other  affiliated
entities,  and  the  amount  and  quality  of  any  credit  enhancement  of  the
securities.  Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed
debt  obligations  may be  supported  by  non-governmental  credit  enhancements
including  letters  of  credit,   reserve  funds,   overcollateralization,   and
guarantees by third parties.  The market for privately issued  asset-backed debt
obligations is smaller and less liquid than the market for government  sponsored
mortgage-backed securities. (See also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with mortgage- and  asset-backed  securities  include:
Call/Prepayment  Risk,  Credit Risk,  Interest Rate Risk,  Liquidity  Risk,  and
Management Risk.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

Mortgage   dollar  rolls  are   investments   whereby  an  investor  would  sell
mortgage-backed  securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously
contract to purchase  substantially  similar  securities  on a specified  future
date.  While  an  investor  would  forego  principal  and  interest  paid on the
mortgage-backed  securities  during  the  roll  period,  the  investor  would be
compensated  by the  difference  between the  current  sales price and the lower
price for the future  purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds
of the initial sale. The investor also could be compensated  through the receipt
of fee income equivalent to a lower forward price.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  mortgage  dollar rolls  include:  Credit Risk,
Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Municipal Obligations


Municipal obligations include debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states,
territories, possessions, or sovereign nations within the territorial boundaries
of the United States  (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico).  The
interest on these  obligations  is  generally  exempt from  federal  income tax.
Municipal  obligations are generally classified as either "general  obligations"
or "revenue obligations."


General  obligation  bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith,
credit,  and taxing  power for the payment of interest  and  principal.  Revenue
bonds are payable only from the  revenues  derived from a project or facility or
from the proceeds of a specified  revenue source.  Industrial  development bonds
are  generally  revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private
users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of
state, regional, and local governments. Municipal notes include tax anticipation
notes,  bond anticipation  notes,  revenue  anticipation  notes, tax and revenue
anticipation  notes,   construction  loan  notes,   short-term  discount  notes,
tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes, and similar instruments.

Municipal  lease  obligations  may  take the  form of a  lease,  an  installment
purchase,  or a conditional  sales contract.  They are issued by state and local
governments  and  authorities to acquire land,  equipment,  and  facilities.  An
investor  may  purchase  these   obligations   directly,   or  it  may  purchase
participation interests in such obligations.  Municipal leases may be subject to
greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds. State  constitutions and
statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order
to issue municipal  obligations.  Municipal leases may contain a covenant by the
state or  municipality to budget for and make payments due under the obligation.
Certain municipal leases may, however,  provide that the issuer is not obligated
to make  payments  on the  obligation  in future  years  unless  funds have been
appropriated for this purpose each year.

Yields on municipal  bonds and notes  depend on a variety of factors,  including
money  market  conditions,  municipal  bond  market  conditions,  the  size of a
particular  offering,  the  maturity  of the  obligation,  and the rating of the
issue. The municipal bond market has a large number of different  issuers,  many
having  smaller  sized bond issues,  and a wide choice of  different  maturities
within each issue.  For these reasons,  most  municipal  bonds do not trade on a
daily  basis and many trade  only  rarely.  Because  many of these  bonds  trade
infrequently,  the  spread  between  the bid and offer may be wider and the time
needed to develop a bid or an offer may be longer than other  security  markets.
See the  appendix  for a  discussion  of  securities  ratings.  (See  also  Debt
Obligations.)

Taxable  Municipal  Obligations.  There is another type of municipal  obligation
that is subject to federal income tax for a variety of reasons.  These municipal
obligations do not qualify for the federal income exemption because (a) they did
not receive necessary authorization for tax-exempt treatment from state or local
government  authorities,  (b) they exceed certain regulatory  limitations on the
cost of issuance for tax-exempt  financing or (c) they finance public or private
activities  that do not  qualify  for the federal  income tax  exemption.  These
non-qualifying   activities  might  include,  for  example,   certain  types  of
multi-family   housing,   certain  professional  and  local  sports  facilities,
refinancing   of  certain   municipal   debt,   and  borrowing  to  replenish  a
municipality's underfunded pension plan.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with municipal obligations include:  Credit Risk, Event
Risk,  Inflation Risk,  Interest Rate Risk,  Legal/Legislative  Risk, and Market
Risk.

<PAGE>

Preferred Stock

Preferred  stock is a type of stock that pays  dividends at a specified rate and
that has  preference  over  common  stock in the  payment of  dividends  and the
liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights.

The price of a preferred  stock is generally  determined  by  earnings,  type of
products  or  services,   projected  growth  rates,  experience  of  management,
liquidity,  and  general  market  conditions  of the  markets on which the stock
trades.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with preferred stock include:  Issuer Risk,  Management
Risk, and Market Risk.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Real estate  investment  trusts  (REITs) are entities that manage a portfolio of
real estate to earn profits for their  shareholders.  REITs can make investments
in real  estate such as  shopping  centers,  nursing  homes,  office  buildings,
apartment complexes,  and hotels. REITs can be subject to extreme volatility due
to  fluctuations in the demand for real estate,  changes in interest rates,  and
adverse economic conditions.  Additionally, the failure of a REIT to continue to
qualify as a REIT for tax purposes can materially affect its value.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest associated with REITs include:  Issuer Risk, Management Risk, and Market
Risk.

Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may enter into  repurchase  agreements  with certain  banks or non-bank
dealers. In a repurchase  agreement,  the Fund buys a security at one price, and
at the time of sale,  the  seller  agrees  to  repurchase  the  obligation  at a
mutually agreed upon time and price (usually within seven days).  The repurchase
agreement  thereby  determines the yield during the purchaser's  holding period,
while the  seller's  obligation  to  repurchase  is  secured by the value of the
underlying  security.  Repurchase  agreements could involve certain risks in the
event of a default or insolvency of the other party to the agreement,  including
possible  delays or  restrictions  upon the  Fund's  ability  to  dispose of the
underlying securities.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with repurchase  agreements  include:  Credit Risk and
Management Risk.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

In a reverse repurchase agreement,  the investor would sell a security and enter
into an agreement  to  repurchase  the  security at a specified  future date and
price.  The  investor  generally  retains  the right to interest  and  principal
payments on the security.  Since the investor receives cash upon entering into a
reverse  repurchase  agreement,  it may be  considered  a  borrowing.  (See also
Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with reverse  repurchase  agreements  include:  Credit
Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.


<PAGE>

Short Sales

With  short  sales,  an  investor  sells a  security  that  it  does  not own in
anticipation  of a decline in the market value of the security.  To complete the
transaction,  the  investor  must borrow the  security  to make  delivery to the
buyer.  The investor is  obligated to replace the security  that was borrowed by
purchasing  it at the market price on the  replacement  date.  The price at such
time may be more or less than the price at which the investor sold the security.
A fund that is allowed  to utilize  short  sales will  designate  cash or liquid
securities  to cover its open short  positions.  Those  funds also may engage in
"short sales against the box," a form of  short-selling  that involves selling a
security that an investor owns (or has an  unconditioned  right to purchase) for
delivery at a specified date in the future. This technique allows an investor to
hedge protectively against anticipated declines in the market of its securities.
If the value of the  securities  sold  short  increased  prior to the  scheduled
delivery date, the investor loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated  with short sales include:  Management Risk and Market
Risk.

Sovereign Debt

A sovereign debtor's  willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest
in a timely  manner may be affected by a variety of factors,  including its cash
flow  situation,  the extent of its  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 sovereign  debtor's policy toward
international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor
may be subject. (See also Foreign Securities.)

With respect to sovereign debt of emerging market issuers,  investors  should be
aware that certain  emerging  market  countries are among the largest debtors to
commercial  banks and foreign  governments.  At times,  certain  emerging market
countries  have  declared  moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on
external debt.

Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their
sovereign debt on a timely basis that led to defaults and the  restructuring  of
certain indebtedness.

Sovereign  debt  includes  Brady Bonds,  which are  securities  issued under the
framework of the Brady Plan,  an  initiative  announced by former U.S.  Treasury
Secretary  Nicholas  F.  Brady in 1989 as a  mechanism  for  debtor  nations  to
restructure their outstanding external commercial bank indebtedness.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks   associated   with   sovereign   debt   include:   Credit  Risk,
Foreign/Emerging Markets Risk, and Management Risk.

Structured Products

Structured   products  are   over-the-counter   financial   instruments  created
specifically  to meet  the  needs of one or a small  number  of  investors.  The
instrument may consist of a warrant,  an option,  or a forward contract embedded
in  a  note  or  any  of  a  wide  variety  of  debt,  equity,  and/or  currency
combinations.  Risks of structured  products include the inability to close such
instruments,  rapid changes in the market,  and defaults by other parties.  (See
also Derivative Instruments.)

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  structured  products  include:   Credit  Risk,
Liquidity Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities

The Fund may invest in  securities  that offer a variable- or  floating-rate  of
interest.  Variable-rate securities provide for automatic establishment of a new
interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily,  monthly,  semi-annually,  etc.).
Floating-rate  securities  generally  provide for  automatic  adjustment  of the
interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index changes.

Variable-  or  floating-rate  securities  frequently  include  a demand  feature
enabling the holder to sell the  securities to the issuer at par. In many cases,
the demand  feature can be exercised at any time.  Some  securities  that do not
have variable or floating  interest  rates may be  accompanied by puts producing
similar results and price characteristics.

Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes that are obligations that
permit the Fund to invest  fluctuating  amounts,  which may change daily without
penalty,  pursuant to direct  arrangements  between the Fund as lender,  and the
borrower.  The interest  rates on these notes  fluctuate  from time to time. The
issuer of such  obligations  normally has a corresponding  right,  after a given
period,  to prepay in its discretion  the  outstanding  principal  amount of the
obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days' notice to the
holders of such  obligations.  Because  these  obligations  are  direct  lending
arrangements  between the lender and borrower,  it is not contemplated that such
instruments  generally  will be traded.  There  generally is not an  established
secondary market for these obligations. Accordingly, where these obligations are
not  secured by  letters of credit or other  credit  support  arrangements,  the
Fund's  right to redeem is  dependent  on the  ability  of the  borrower  to pay
principal and interest on demand.  Such obligations  frequently are not rated by
credit rating agencies and may involve heightened risk of default by the issuer.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks  associated with variable- or  floating-rate  securities  include:
Credit Risk and Management Risk.

Warrants

Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation,  to
buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally  higher than the value of
the stock at the time of  issuance)  during a specified  period or  perpetually.
Warrants may be acquired  separately or in connection  with the  acquisition  of
securities.  Warrants  do not carry with them the right to  dividends  or voting
rights  and they do not  represent  any  rights  in the  assets  of the  issuer.
Warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics than certain
other  types of  investments.  In  addition,  the  value of a  warrant  does not
necessarily  change with the value of the underlying  securities,  and a warrant
ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with warrants include: Management Risk and Market Risk.

When-Issued Securities


These  instruments  are contracts to purchase  securities for a fixed price at a
future date beyond normal  settlement  time  (when-issued  securities or forward
commitments).  The price of debt obligations  purchased on a when-issued  basis,
which  may be  expressed  in  yield  terms,  generally  is fixed at the time the
commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take
place at a later date.  Normally,  the settlement  date occurs within 45 days of
the purchase  although in some cases  settlement  may take longer.  The investor
does not pay for the  securities or receive  dividends or interest on them until
the contractual  settlement date. Such instruments involve a risk of loss if the
value of the security to be purchased  declines  prior to the  settlement  date,
which risk is in  addition  to the risk of  decline  in value of the  investor's
other  assets.  In  addition,  when the Fund engages in forward  commitment  and
when-issued  transactions,  it  relies on the  counterparty  to  consummate  the
transaction.  The failure of the  counterparty to consummate the transaction may
result in the Fund losing the opportunity to obtain a price and yield considered
to be advantageous.


<PAGE>

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest risks associated with when-issued  securities  include:  Credit Risk and
Management Risk.

Zero-Coupon, Step-Coupon, and Pay-in-Kind Securities

These  securities  are debt  obligations  that do not make regular cash interest
payments (see also Debt Obligations). Zero-coupon and step-coupon securities are
sold at a deep  discount to their face value  because  they do not pay  interest
until  maturity.  Pay-in-kind  securities  pay interest  through the issuance of
additional securities.  Because these securities do not pay current cash income,
the price of these  securities  can be extremely  volatile when  interest  rates
fluctuate. See the appendix for a discussion of securities ratings.

Although  one or more of the other risks  described  in this SAI may apply,  the
largest  risks  associated  with  zero-coupon,   step-coupon,   and  pay-in-kind
securities include: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Management Risk.

<PAGE>

SECURITY TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject  to  policies  set  by the  board,  AEFC  is  authorized  to  determine,
consistent with the Fund's  investment goal and policies,  which securities will
be purchased, held, or sold. In determining where the buy and sell orders are to
be placed,  AEFC has been  directed  to use its best  efforts to obtain the best
available  price  and  the  most  favorable  execution  except  where  otherwise
authorized by the board. In selecting  broker-dealers  to execute  transactions,
AEFC may consider the price of the  security,  including  commission or mark-up,
the size and  difficulty of the order,  the  reliability,  integrity,  financial
soundness,  and general operation and execution  capabilities of the broker, the
broker's expertise in particular markets,  and research services provided by the
broker.

AEFC has a strict Code of Ethics that  prohibits its  affiliated  personnel from
engaging in personal investment  activities that compete with or attempt to take
advantage of planned  portfolio  transactions for any fund or trust for which it
acts as investment manager.

The Fund's  securities may be traded on a principal rather than an agency basis.
In other words,  AEFC will trade  directly  with the issuer or with a dealer who
buys or sells for its own  account,  rather  than  acting  on behalf of  another
client. AEFC does not pay the dealer commissions.  Instead, the dealer's profit,
if any, is the  difference,  or spread,  between the dealer's  purchase and sale
price for the security.

On occasion, it may be desirable to compensate a broker for research services or
for  brokerage  services  by paying a  commission  that might not  otherwise  be
charged or a commission in excess of the amount another broker might charge. The
board has adopted a policy authorizing AEFC to do so to the extent authorized by
law, if AEFC  determines,  in good faith,  that such commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage or research services provided by a broker
or dealer,  viewed  either in the light of that  transaction  or AEFC's  overall
responsibilities  with respect to the Fund and the other American  Express funds
for which it acts as investment manager.

Research provided by brokers  supplements AEFC's own research  activities.  Such
services include economic data on, and analysis of, U.S. and foreign  economies;
information  on  specific  industries;  information  about  specific  companies,
including earnings  estimates;  purchase  recommendations  for stocks and bonds;
portfolio strategy services;  political,  economic, business, and industry trend
assessments;  historical statistical information; market data services providing
information  on specific  issues and prices;  and technical  analysis of various
aspects of the securities markets, including technical charts. Research services
may take the form of written reports,  computer software, or personal contact by
telephone or at seminars or other meetings. AEFC has obtained, and in the future
may  obtain,  computer  hardware  from  brokers,  including  but not  limited to
personal computers that will be used exclusively for investment  decision-making
purposes,  which  include  the  research,   portfolio  management,  and  trading
functions and other services to the extent permitted under an  interpretation by
the SEC.

When paying a commission  that might not otherwise be charged or a commission in
excess of the amount  another broker might charge,  AEFC must follow  procedures
authorized by the board. To date,  three  procedures have been  authorized.  One
procedure  permits AEFC to direct an order to buy or sell a security traded on a
national  securities  exchange to a specific broker for research services it has
provided.  The second procedure  permits AEFC, in order to obtain  research,  to
direct  an order on an  agency  basis to buy or sell a  security  traded  in the
over-the-counter  market to a firm that does not make a market in that security.
The commission paid generally includes  compensation for research services.  The
third  procedure  permits  AEFC,  in  order to  obtain  research  and  brokerage
services,  to cause the Fund to pay a commission in excess of the amount another
broker might have charged.  AEFC has advised the Fund that it is necessary to do
business with a number of brokerage  firms on a continuing  basis to obtain such
services as the handling of


<PAGE>


large  orders,  the  willingness  of a broker  to risk its own money by taking a
position in a security,  and the specialized  handling of a particular  group of
securities  that only certain  brokers may be able to offer. As a result of this
arrangement,  some  portfolio  transactions  may not be  effected  at the lowest
commission,  but AEFC believes it may obtain better overall execution.  AEFC has
represented  that under all three  procedures the amount of commission paid will
be reasonable and competitive in relation to the value of the brokerage services
performed or research provided.

All  other  transactions  will be  placed  on the  basis of  obtaining  the best
available  price  and the  most  favorable  execution.  In so  doing,  if in the
professional  opinion  of the person  responsible  for  selecting  the broker or
dealer,   several  firms  can  execute  the   transaction  on  the  same  basis,
consideration  will be given by such  person to those  firms  offering  research
services.  Such services may be used by AEFC in providing advice to all American
Express  funds even  though it is not  possible  to relate the  benefits  to any
particular fund.

Each  investment  decision  made  for the  Fund is made  independently  from any
decision made for another  portfolio,  fund, or other account advised by AEFC or
any of its  subsidiaries.  When the  Fund  buys or sells  the same  security  as
another portfolio,  fund, or account, AEFC carries out the purchase or sale in a
way the Fund agrees in advance is fair.  Although sharing in large  transactions
may adversely affect the price or volume purchased or sold by the Fund, the Fund
hopes to gain an overall advantage in execution.

On a periodic basis, AEFC makes a comprehensive review of the broker-dealers and
the overall reasonableness of their commissions. The review evaluates execution,
operational efficiency, and research services.

The Fund paid total  brokerage  commissions  of $6,804,222 for fiscal year ended
Sept. 30, 1999,  $8,262,117 for fiscal year 1998, and $3,749,845 for fiscal year
1997.  Substantially  all firms through whom  transactions were executed provide
research services.

No  transactions  were  directed to brokers  because of research  services  they
provided to the Fund except for the affiliates as noted below.

As of the end of the most recent  fiscal year,  the Fund held  securities of its
regular  brokers or dealers  or of the parent of those  brokers or dealers  that
derived more than 15% of gross  revenue from  securities-related  activities  as
presented below:

                                                   Value of Securities
                    Name of Issuer             owned at End of Fiscal Year
                    --------------             ---------------------------
              Bank of America                            $ 87,350,027
              Chase Manhattan                              36,180,000
              Equitable Life Assurance                      5,521,230
              Fleet Financial Group                        47,297,889
              Morgan (JP)                                  13,137,900
              Morgan Stanley                               51,282,813
              NationsBank                                  11,328,913
              Salomon Smith Barney                         14,989,021

The portfolio  turnover rate was 134% in the most recent fiscal year, and 98% in
the year before. Higher turnover rates may result in higher brokerage expenses.


<PAGE>


BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID TO BROKERS AFFILIATED WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL
CORPORATION

Affiliates  of  American  Express  Company  (of  which  AEFC  is a  wholly-owned
subsidiary) may engage in brokerage and other securities  transactions on behalf
of the Fund  according  to  procedures  adopted  by the board and to the  extent
consistent with applicable  provisions of the federal securities laws. AEFC will
use an American Express affiliate only if (i) AEFC determines that the Fund will
receive  prices  and  executions  at least as  favorable  as  those  offered  by
qualified  independent  brokers  performing similar brokerage and other services
for the Fund and (ii) the affiliate charges the Fund commission rates consistent
with those the affiliate charges  comparable  unaffiliated  customers in similar
transactions  and if  such  use  is  consistent  with  terms  of the  Investment
Management Services Agreement.

Information  about  brokerage  commissions  paid by the Fund for the last  three
fiscal  years to brokers  affiliated  with AEFC is  contained  in the  following
table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       As of the end of Fiscal Year

                                                          1999                             1998             1997

                                    ------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------
<S>               <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>               <C>


                                                                     Percent of
                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------  Aggregate        ---------------  --------------
                                                                     Dollar Amount
                                                                     of
                                    Aggregate        Percent of      Transactions     Aggregate        Aggregate
                                    Dollar amount    Aggregate       Involving        Dollar Amount    Dollar Amount
Broker             Nature of        of Commissions   Brokerage       Payment of       of Commissions   of
                   Affiliation      Paid to Broker   Commissions     Commissions      Paid to Broker   Commissions
                                                                                                       Paid to Broker
American           Wholly-owned        $112,076          1.65%            1.85%           $18,405         $24,783
Enterprise         subsidiary of
Investment         AEFC
Services Inc.
- ------------------
</TABLE>


PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund may quote various  performance  figures to illustrate past performance.
Average annual total return and current yield quotations, if applicable, used by
the Fund are based on standardized methods of computing  performance as required
by the  SEC.  An  explanation  of  the  methods  used  by the  Fund  to  compute
performance follows below.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

The Fund may  calculate  average  annual  total  return for a class for  certain
periods by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the period
that would equate the initial amount  invested to the ending  redeemable  value,
according to the following formula:

                                               P(1+T)n = ERV

where:         P =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
               T =  average annual total return
               n =  number of years
             ERV =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical  $1,000 payment,
                    made at the beginning of a period,  at the end of the period
                    (or fractional portion thereof)

<PAGE>

AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN

The Fund may calculate  aggregate  total return for a class for certain  periods
representing  the  cumulative  change in the value of an  investment in the Fund
over a specified period of time according to the following formula:

                                                 ERV - P
                                                    P

where:         P =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
             ERV =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical  $1,000 payment,
                    made at the beginning of a period,  at the end of the period
                    (or fractional portion thereof)

In its sales material and other  communications,  the Fund may quote, compare or
refer to rankings,  yields,  or returns as published by independent  statistical
services or publishers and  publications  such as The Bank Rate Monitor National
Index, Barron's,  Business Week, CDA Technologies,  Donoghue's Money Market Fund
Report,  Financial  Services Week,  Financial Times,  Financial  World,  Forbes,
Fortune,  Global Investor,  Institutional  Investor,  Investor's Business Daily,
Kiplinger's Personal Finance,  Lipper Analytical Services,  Money,  Morningstar,
Mutual  Fund  Forecaster,  Newsweek,  The New  York  Times,  Personal  Investor,
Shearson Lehman Aggregate Bond Index,  Stanger Report,  Sylvia Porter's Personal
Finance,  USA Today,  U.S. News and World Report,  The Wall Street Journal,  and
Wiesenberger  Investment  Companies  Service.  The  Fund  also may  compare  its
performance to a wide variety of indexes or averages. There are similarities and
differences  between  the  investments  that  the  Fund  may  purchase  and  the
investments  measured  by the  indexes or averages  and the  composition  of the
indexes or averages will differ from that of the Fund.

VALUING FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As of the end of the most recent fiscal year, the computation looked like this:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                            Net asset value
                    Net assets                          Shares                              of one share
                                                        outstanding
                    ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                 <C>                                   <C>                                   <C>
Class A             $ 3,101,195,693      divided by      $239,593,466          equals           $ 12.94
Class B               459,140,489                          35,716,069                             12.86
Class Y             1,144,666,349                          88,422,184                             12.95
</TABLE>


In determining net assets before shareholder transactions, the Fund's securities
are valued as follows as of the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange
(the Exchange):

o    Securities  traded on a securities  exchange for which a last-quoted  sales
     price is readily available are valued at the last-quoted sales price on the
     exchange where such security is primarily traded.

o    Securities  traded on a securities  exchange for which a last-quoted  sales
     price is not  readily  available  are valued at the mean of the closing bid
     and asked prices, looking first to the bid and asked prices on the exchange
     where  the  security  is  primarily  traded  and,  if  none  exist,  to the
     over-the-counter market.

o    Securities  included in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the
     last-quoted sales price in this market.

o    Securities  included  in the  NASDAQ  National  Market  System  for which a
     last-quoted  sales price is not  readily  available,  and other  securities
     traded  over-the-counter  but not  included in the NASDAQ  National  Market
     System are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices.


<PAGE>



o    Futures and options traded on major exchanges are valued at the last-quoted
     sales price on their primary exchange.

o    Foreign securities traded outside the United States are generally valued as
     of the time their trading is complete,  which is usually different from the
     close of the Exchange.  Foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are
     translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange. Occasionally,
     events  affecting the value of such securities may occur between such times
     and the close of the Exchange that will not be reflected in the computation
     of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially  affecting the value of
     such securities  occur during such period,  these securities will be valued
     at their fair value  according to procedures  decided upon in good faith by
     the board.

o    Short-term  securities  maturing more than 60 days from the valuation  date
     are valued at the readily  available  market  price or  approximate  market
     value based on current interest rates. Short-term securities maturing in 60
     days  or less  that  originally  had  maturities  of  more  than 60 days at
     acquisition date are valued at amortized cost using the market value on the
     61st day before maturity. Short-term securities maturing in 60 days or less
     at  acquisition  date are valued at amortized  cost.  Amortized  cost is an
     approximation of market value determined by  systematically  increasing the
     carrying  value of a security if acquired  at a discount,  or reducing  the
     carrying  value if acquired  at a premium,  so that the  carrying  value is
     equal to maturity value on the maturity date.

o    Securities  without a readily  available  market price and other assets are
     valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the board. The board is
     responsible  for  selecting  methods it believes  provide fair value.  When
     possible,  bonds are valued by a pricing service independent from the Fund.
     If a valuation of a bond is not available from a pricing service,  the bond
     will be valued by a dealer knowledgeable about the bond if such a dealer is
     available.

INVESTING IN THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALES CHARGE


Shares of the Fund are sold at the public  offering  price.  The public offering
price is the NAV of one share  adjusted  for the sales  charge  for Class A. For
Class B and Class Y, there is no  initial  sales  charge so the public  offering
price is the same as the NAV.  For  Class A, the  public  offering  price for an
investment of less than $50,000,  made on the last day of the most recent fiscal
year,  was  determined  by  dividing  the  NAV of one  share,  $12.94,  by  0.95
(1.00-0.05 for a maximum 5% sales charge) for a public offering price of $13.62.
The sales charge is paid to American Express  Financial  Advisors Inc. (AEFA) by
the person buying the shares.


Class A - Calculation of the Sales Charge

Sales charges are determined as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Within     each
                                                            increment,     sales
                                                            charge      as     a
                                                            percentage of:
                                               ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                           <C>
                                                          Public                          Net
Amount of Investment                                  Offering Price                Amount Invested
- --------------------                                  --------------                ---------------
First      $      50,000                                   5.0%                         5.26%
Next              50,000                                   4.5                          4.71
Next             400,000                                   3.8                          3.95
Next             500,000                                   2.0                          2.04
$1,000,000 or more                                         0.0                          0.00

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

Sales charges on an investment greater than $50,000 and less than $1,000,000 are
calculated for each increment  separately and then totaled.  The resulting total
sales charge,  expressed as a percentage of the public offering price and of the
net amount invested,  will vary depending on the proportion of the investment at
different sales charge levels.

For example, compare an investment of $60,000 with an investment of $85,000. The
$60,000  investment  is composed of $50,000 that incurs a sales charge of $2,500
(5.0% x  $50,000)  and  $10,000  that  incurs  a sales  charge  of $450  (4.5% x
$10,000). The total sales charge of $2,950 is 4.92% of the public offering price
and 5.17% of the net amount invested.

In the case of the $85,000  investment,  the first  $50,000  also incurs a sales
charge of $2,500  (5.0% x $50,000)  and $35,000  incurs a sales charge of $1,575
(4.5% x  $35,000).  The total  sales  charge  of  $4,075 is 4.79% of the  public
offering price and 5.04% of the net amount invested.

The  following  table shows the range of sales  charges as a  percentage  of the
public  offering  price and of the net amount  invested on total  investments at
each applicable level.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               On          total
                                                               investment, sales
                                                               charge    as    a
                                                               percentage of:
                                               ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                           <C>
                                                          Public                          Net
                                                      Offering Price                Amount Invested
Amount of investment                                                  ranges from:
- ----------------------------------------------
First      $      50,000                                 5.00%                       5.26%
Next              50,000 to 100,000                      5.00-4.50                   5.26-4.71
Next             100,000 to 500,000                      4.50-3.80                   4.71-3.95
Next             500,000 to 999,999                      3.80-2.00                   3.95-2.04
$1,000,000 or more                                       0.00                        0.00
</TABLE>

The initial sales charge is waived for certain qualified plans.  Participants in
these  qualified  plans may be  subject to a  deferred  sales  charge on certain
redemptions.   The  Fund  will  waive  the  deferred  sales  charge  on  certain
redemptions if the redemption is a result of a participant's death,  disability,
retirement,  attaining age 59 1/2, loans, or hardship withdrawals.  The deferred
sales charge  varies  depending on the number of  participants  in the qualified
plan and total plan assets as follows:

Deferred Sales Charge

                                          Number of Participants

Total Plan Assets                        1-99          100 or more
- -----------------                        ----          -----------
Less than $1 million                         4%                0%
$1 million or more                           0%                0%

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

Class A - Reducing the Sales Charge

Your total  investments in the Fund determine your sales charges.  The amount of
all prior investments plus any new purchase is referred to as your "total amount
invested." For example, suppose you have made an investment of $20,000 and later
decide to invest $40,000 more. Your total amount invested would be $60,000. As a
result,  $10,000 of your $40,000  investment  qualifies for the lower 4.5% sales
charge that applies to investments of more than $50,000 and up to $100,000.

<PAGE>

Class A - Letter of Intent (LOI)

If you  intend to invest $1 million  over a period of 13 months,  you can reduce
the sales  charges in Class A by filing a LOI.  The  agreement  can start at any
time and will remain in effect for 13 months.  Your  investment  will be charged
normal sales  charges  until you have  invested $1 million.  At that time,  your
account  will be  credited  with the  sales  charges  previously  paid.  Class A
investments  made  prior to  signing a LOI may be used to reach  the $1  million
total,  excluding AXP Cash Management Fund and AXP Tax-Free Money Fund. However,
we will not adjust for sales charges on investments made prior to the signing of
the LOI.  If you do not invest $1  million by the end of 13 months,  there is no
penalty, you will just miss out on the sales charge adjustment.  A LOI is not an
option (absolute right) to buy shares.

Class Y Shares

Class Y shares are offered to certain  institutional  investors.  Class Y shares
are sold  without a  front-end  sales  charge or a CDSC and are not subject to a
distribution  fee. The  following  investors  are  eligible to purchase  Class Y
shares:

o    Qualified employee benefit plans* if the plan:

         - uses a daily transfer recordkeeping service offering participants
           daily access to American Express funds and has

                  - at least $10 million in plan assets or

                  - 500 or more participants; or

         - does not use daily transfer recordkeeping and has

                  - at least $3 million invested in American Express funds or

                  - 500 or more participants.

o    Trust companies or similar institutions,  and charitable organizations that
     meet the  definition in Section  501(c)(3) of the Internal  Revenue  Code.*
     These  institutions  must have at least $10  million  in  American  Express
     funds.

o    Nonqualified  deferred  compensation plans* whose participants are included
     in a qualified employee benefit described above.

* Eligibility  must be  determined  in advance by AEFA.  To do so,  contact your
financial advisor.

SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAMS

After you make your initial investment of $100 or more, you must make additional
payments of $100 or more on at least a monthly basis until your balance  reaches
$2,000. These minimums do not apply to all systematic  investment programs.  You
decide how often to make payments - monthly, quarterly, or semiannually. You are
not obligated to make any payments.  You can omit  payments or  discontinue  the
investment program altogether. The Fund also can change the program or end it at
any time.

<PAGE>

AUTOMATIC DIRECTED DIVIDENDS

Dividends,  including  capital  gain  distributions,  paid by  another  American
Express fund subject to a sales charge,  may be used to  automatically  purchase
shares in the same class of this Fund without  paying a sales charge.  Dividends
may be directed  to existing  accounts  only.  Dividends  declared by a fund are
exchanged to this Fund the following  day.  Dividends can be exchanged  into the
same  class  of  another  American  Express  fund  but  cannot  be split to make
purchases  in two or more funds.  Automatic  directed  dividends  are  available
between accounts of any ownership except:

o    Between a non-custodial account and an IRA, or 401(k) plan account or other
     qualified  retirement  account of which American Express Trust Company acts
     as custodian;

o    Between  two  American  Express  Trust  Company  custodial   accounts  with
     different owners (for example, you may not exchange dividends from your IRA
     to the IRA of your spouse); and

o    Between different kinds of custodial  accounts with the same ownership (for
     example,  you may not exchange  dividends from your IRA to your 401(k) plan
     account, although you may exchange dividends from one IRA to another IRA).

Dividends may be directed from accounts  established  under the Uniform Gifts to
Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) only into other UGMA
or UTMA accounts with identical ownership.

The Fund's  investment  goal is  described  in its  prospectus  along with other
information, including fees and expense ratios. Before exchanging dividends into
another  fund,  you  should  read that  fund's  prospectus.  You will  receive a
confirmation  that the automatic  directed  dividend service has been set up for
your account.

REJECTION OF BUSINESS

The Fund reserves the right to reject any business, in its sole discretion.

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

You have a right to sell your shares at any time.  For an  explanation  of sales
procedures, please see the prospectus.

During  an  emergency,  the board  can  suspend  the  computation  of NAV,  stop
accepting  payments for  purchase of shares,  or suspend the duty of the Fund to
redeem shares for more than seven days.  Such emergency  situations  would occur
if:

o    The Exchange  closes for reasons  other than the usual  weekend and holiday
     closings or trading on the Exchange is restricted, or

o    Disposal of the Fund's  securities is not  reasonably  practicable or it is
     not reasonably  practicable for the Fund to determine the fair value of its
     net assets, or

o    The SEC,  under  the  provisions  of the 1940  Act,  declares  a period  of
     emergency to exist.

Should the Fund stop  selling  shares,  the board may make a deduction  from the
value of the assets held by the Fund to cover the cost of future liquidations of
the assets so as to distribute fairly these costs among all shareholders.

<PAGE>

The Fund has  elected to be  governed  by Rule 18f-1  under the 1940 Act,  which
obligates the Fund to redeem shares in cash, with respect to any one shareholder
during any 90-day  period,  up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets
of the Fund at the beginning of the period.  Although  redemptions  in excess of
this  limitation  would normally be paid in cash, the Fund reserves the right to
make these payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets in case of
an emergency,  or if the payment of a redemption in cash would be detrimental to
the  existing  shareholders  of the Fund as  determined  by the board.  In these
circumstances,  the securities  distributed would be valued as set forth in this
SAI.  Should the Fund distribute  securities,  a shareholder may incur brokerage
fees or other transaction costs in converting the securities to cash.

PAY-OUT PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can use any of several  pay-out  plans to redeem your  investment in regular
installments.  If you redeem  Class B shares you may be subject to a  contingent
deferred sales charge as discussed in the prospectus.  While the plans differ on
how the  pay-out  is  figured,  they  all are  based on the  redemption  of your
investment.  Net investment income dividends and any capital gain  distributions
will  automatically be reinvested,  unless you elect to receive them in cash. If
you are redeeming a tax-qualified  plan account for which American Express Trust
Company acts as  custodian,  you can elect to receive your  dividends  and other
distributions in cash when permitted by law. If you redeem an IRA or a qualified
retirement account,  certain  restrictions,  federal tax penalties,  and special
federal income tax reporting requirements may apply. You should consult your tax
advisor about this complex area of the tax law.

Applications  for a  systematic  investment  in a class of the Fund subject to a
sales charge normally will not be accepted while a pay-out plan for any of those
funds is in effect. Occasional investments, however, may be accepted.

To start any of these plans, please write American Express Shareholder  Service,
P.O. Box 534,  Minneapolis,  MN 55440-0534,  or call American Express  Financial
Advisors Telephone Transaction Service at 800-437-3133.  Your authorization must
be received in the  Minneapolis  headquarters at least five days before the date
you want your  payments  to begin.  The  initial  payment  must be at least $50.
Payments will be made on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly,  semiannual, or annual
basis. Your choice is effective until you change or cancel it.

The  following  pay-out  plans  are  designed  to take care of the needs of most
shareholders in a way AEFC can handle  efficiently and at a reasonable  cost. If
you need a more irregular  schedule of payments,  it may be necessary for you to
make a series of individual redemptions,  in which case you will have to send in
a separate  redemption request for each pay-out.  The Fund reserves the right to
change or stop any pay-out plan and to stop making such plans available.

Plan #1: Pay-out for a fixed period of time

If you choose this plan, a varying  number of shares will be redeemed at regular
intervals  during the time  period you  choose.  This plan is designed to end in
complete  redemption  of all  shares  in your  account  by the end of the  fixed
period.

Plan #2: Redemption of a fixed number of shares

If you choose this plan,  a fixed  number of shares  will be  redeemed  for each
payment and that amount will be sent to you.  The length of time these  payments
continue is based on the number of shares in your account.

<PAGE>

Plan #3: Redemption of a fixed dollar amount

If you decide on a fixed dollar amount,  whatever  number of shares is necessary
to make the payment will be redeemed in regular  installments  until the account
is closed.

Plan #4: Redemption of a percentage of net asset value

Payments  are made  based on a fixed  percentage  of the net asset  value of the
shares in the account  computed on the day of each  payment.  Percentages  range
from 0.25% to 0.75%.  For  example,  if you are on this plan and arrange to take
0.5% each month, you will get $50 if the value of your account is $10,000 on the
payment date.


TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For tax purposes, an exchange is considered a sale and purchase,  and may result
in a gain or loss. A sale is a taxable transaction.  If you sell shares for less
than their cost,  the  difference is a capital loss. If you sell shares for more
than their cost, the  difference is a capital gain.  Your gain may be short term
(for  shares  held for one year or less) or long term (for shares held more than
one year).

If you buy Class A shares of this or another American Express fund and within 91
days  exchange  into this Fund,  you may not  include  the sales  charge in your
calculation of tax gain or loss on the sale of the first fund you purchased. The
sales  charge may be included in the  calculation  of your tax gain or loss on a
subsequent sale of this Fund.

For example:

You purchase 100 shares of one fund having a public offering price of $10.00 per
share.  With a sales  load of 5%, you pay  $50.00 in sales  load.  With a NAV of
$9.50 per share,  the value of your  investment  is  $950.00.  Within 91 days of
purchasing  that fund,  you decide to exchange out of that fund, now at a NAV of
$11.00 per share, up from the original NAV of $9.50,  and purchase into a second
fund,  at a NAV of  $15.00  per  share.  The  value  of your  investment  is now
$1,100.00 ($11.00 x 100 shares).  You cannot use the $50.00 paid as a sales load
when calculating your tax gain or loss in the sale of the first fund shares.  So
instead of having $100.00 gain ($1,100.00 - $1,000.00),  you have a $150.00 gain
($1,100.00  - $950.00).  You can  include the $50.00  sales load in the basis of
your shares in the second fund.

If you have a  nonqualified  investment in the Fund and you wish to move part or
all of those shares to an IRA or qualified  retirement  account in the Fund, you
can do so without  paying a sales  charge.  However,  this type of  exchange  is
considered  a  redemption  of  shares  and may  result in a gain or loss for tax
purposes.  In  addition,   this  type  of  exchange  may  result  in  an  excess
contribution  under IRA or qualified plan  regulations  if the amount  exchanged
plus the amount of the  initial  sales  charge  applied to the amount  exchanged
exceeds annual  contribution  limitations.  For example: If you were to exchange
$2,000  in  Class  A  shares  from a  nonqualified  account  to an  IRA  without
considering  the 5% ($100) initial sales charge  applicable to that $2,000,  you
may be deemed to have exceeded current IRA annual contribution limitations.  You
should consult your tax advisor for further details about this complex subject.


Net investment  income  dividends  received should be treated as dividend income
for federal income tax purposes.  Corporate  shareholders are generally entitled
to a  deduction  equal to 70% of that  portion  of the Fund's  dividend  that is
attributable to dividends the Fund received from domestic (U.S.) securities. For
the most  recent  fiscal  year,  34.61%  of the  Fund's  net  investment  income
dividends qualified for the corporate deduction.


The Fund may be subject  to U.S.  taxes  resulting  from  holdings  in a passive
foreign investment  company (PFIC). A foreign  corporation is a PFIC when 75% or
more of its gross income for the taxable  year is passive  income or 50% or more
of the average  value of its assets  consists  of assets  that  produce or could
produce passive income.

<PAGE>

Income  earned by the Fund may have had foreign taxes imposed and withheld on it
in foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may
reduce or eliminate  such taxes.  If more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at
the close of its fiscal year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the
Fund will be eligible  to file an election  with the  Internal  Revenue  Service
under which shareholders of the Fund would be required to include their pro rata
portions of foreign taxes withheld by foreign countries as gross income in their
federal  income tax returns.  These pro rata portions of foreign taxes  withheld
may be taken as a credit or deduction in computing  federal income taxes. If the
election is filed, the Fund will report to its shareholders the per share amount
of such foreign taxes withheld and the amount of foreign tax credit or deduction
available for federal income tax purposes.

Capital gain  distributions,  if any, received by shareholders should be treated
as  long-term  capital  gains  regardless  of how long they owned their  shares.
Short-term  capital gains earned by the Fund are paid to shareholders as part of
their ordinary  income  dividend and are taxable.  A special 28% rate on capital
gains may apply to sales of precious metals, if any, owned directly by the Fund.
A special 25% rate on capital gains may apply to investments in REITs.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), gains or losses attributable
to  fluctuations  in exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest  or  other  receivables,  or  accrues  expenses  or  other  liabilities
denominated in a foreign  currency and the time the Fund actually  collects such
receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or
ordinary loss.  Similarly,  gains or losses on  disposition  of debt  securities
denominated in a foreign  currency  attributable to fluctuations in the value of
the foreign  currency  between the date of  acquisition  of the security and the
date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gains or losses. These gains or
losses,  referred  to under  the Code as  "section  988"  gains or  losses,  may
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment  company taxable income
to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

Under  federal tax law, by the end of a calendar  year the Fund must declare and
pay dividends representing 98% of ordinary income for that calendar year and 98%
of net capital gains (both  long-term and  short-term)  for the 12-month  period
ending Oct. 31 of that calendar year. The Fund is subject to an excise tax equal
to 4% of the excess,  if any, of the amount required to be distributed  over the
amount actually distributed. The Fund intends to comply with federal tax law and
avoid any excise tax.

For purposes of the excise tax  distributions,  "section 988" ordinary gains and
losses are  distributable  based on an Oct. 31 year end. This is an exception to
the general rule that ordinary income is paid based on a calendar year end.

If a mutual  fund is the  holder of  record of any share of stock on the  record
date for any dividend payable with respect to such stock, such dividend shall be
included in gross  income by the Fund as of the later of (1) the date such share
became  ex-dividend  or (2) the date the Fund acquired  such share.  Because the
dividends on some foreign equity investments may be received some time after the
stock goes  ex-dividend,  and in certain rare cases may never be received by the
Fund,  this rule may cause the Fund to take into income  dividend income that it
has not received and pay such income to its shareholders. To the extent that the
dividend  is never  received,  the  Fund  will  take a loss at the  time  that a
determination is made that the dividend will not be received.

This  is  a  brief  summary  that  relates  to  federal  income  taxation  only.
Shareholders  should consult their tax advisor as to the application of federal,
state, and local income tax laws to Fund distributions.

<PAGE>

AGREEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

AEFC, a wholly-owned  subsidiary of American Express Company,  is the investment
manager for the Fund. Under the Investment Management Services Agreement,  AEFC,
subject  to the  policies  set  by the  board,  provides  investment  management
services.

For its services, AEFC is paid a fee based on the following schedule. Each class
of the Fund pays its proportionate share of the fee.

Assets                       Annual rate at
(billions)                   each asset level
- ---------                    ----------------
First             $1.0             0.530%
Next               1.0             0.505
Next               1.0             0.480
Next               3.0             0.455
Over               6.0             0.430


On the last day of the most recent  fiscal  year,  the daily rate applied to the
Fund's net assets was equal to 0.487% on an annual basis.  The fee is calculated
for each calendar day on the basis of net assets as of the close of business two
business days prior to the day for which the calculation is made.


Before the fee based on the asset charge is paid, it is adjusted for  investment
performance.  The adjustment,  determined monthly,  will be calculated using the
percentage  point  difference  between  the change in the net asset value of one
Class A share of the Fund and the  change  in the  Lipper  Balanced  Fund  Index
(Index).  The  performance  of one  Class A share  of the  Fund is  measured  by
computing the  percentage  difference  between the opening and closing net asset
value of one  Class A share of the  Fund,  as of the  last  business  day of the
period  selected  for   comparison,   adjusted  for  dividend  or  capital  gain
distributions  which are treated as  reinvested  at the end of the month  during
which the  distribution  was  made.  The  performance  of the Index for the same
period is  established  by  measuring  the  percentage  difference  between  the
beginning  and  ending  Index for the  comparison  period.  The  performance  is
adjusted for dividend or capital gain  distributions  (on the  securities  which
comprise  the Index),  which are treated as  reinvested  at the end of the month
during which the  distribution was made. One percentage point will be subtracted
from the calculation to help assure that incentive  adjustments are attributable
to AEFC's  management  abilities rather than random  fluctuations and the result
multiplied by 0.01%. That number will be multiplied times the Fund's average net
assets for the comparison period and then divided by the number of months in the
comparison period to determine the monthly adjustment.

Where the Fund's Class A share  performance  exceeds that of the Index, the base
fee  will  be  increased.  Where  the  performance  of  the  Index  exceeds  the
performance  of the Fund's Class A share,  the base fee will be  decreased.  The
maximum  monthly  increase or decrease  will be 0.08% of the Fund's  average net
assets on an annual basis.


The 12 month comparison period rolls over with each succeeding month, so that it
always  equals 12  months,  ending  with the  month  for  which the  performance
adjustment is being computed. The adjustment decreased the fee by $1,244,183 for
fiscal year 1999.

The management fee is paid monthly.  Under the agreement,  the total amount paid
was  $23,093,721  for fiscal year 1999,  $23,644,896  for fiscal year 1998,  and
$21,571,200 for fiscal year 1997.


<PAGE>


Under the  agreement,  the Fund  also  pays  taxes,  brokerage  commissions  and
nonadvisory  expenses,  which include  custodian  fees;  audit and certain legal
fees;  fidelity bond premiums;  registration  fees for shares;  office expenses;
postage of  confirmations  except  purchase  confirmations;  consultants'  fees;
compensation of board members,  officers and employees;  corporate  filing fees;
organizational   expenses;   expenses   incurred  in  connection   with  lending
securities;  and expenses  properly payable by the Fund,  approved by the board.
Under the agreement,  nonadvisory expenses, net of earnings credits, paid by the
Fund were  $937,766  for fiscal year 1999,  $836,994  for fiscal year 1998,  and
$578,518 for fiscal year 1997.


Administrative Services Agreement

The  Fund  has an  Administrative  Services  Agreement  with  AEFC.  Under  this
agreement,  the Fund  pays  AEFC for  providing  administration  and  accounting
services. The fee is calculated as follows:

Assets                       Annual rate at
(billions)                   each asset level
- ---------                    ----------------
First       $1.0                   0.040%
Next         1.0                   0.035
Next         1.0                   0.030
Next         3.0                   0.025
Over         6.0                   0.020


On the last day of the most recent  fiscal  year,  the daily rate applied to the
Fund's net assets was equal to 0.031% on an annual basis.  The fee is calculated
for each calendar day on the basis of net assets as of the close of business two
business  days  prior to the day for which the  calculation  is made.  Under the
agreement, the Fund paid fees of $1,577,728 for fiscal year 1999, $1,584,484 for
fiscal year 1998, and $1,434,260 for fiscal year 1997.


Transfer Agency Agreement

The Fund has a Transfer  Agency  Agreement with American  Express Client Service
Corporation   (AECSC).   This  agreement  governs  AECSC's   responsibility  for
administering and/or performing transfer agent functions,  for acting as service
agent in connection with dividend and distribution  functions and for performing
shareholder  account  administration  agent  functions  in  connection  with the
issuance,  exchange and redemption or repurchase of the Fund's shares. Under the
agreement,  AECSC will earn a fee from the Fund  determined by  multiplying  the
number of  shareholder  accounts at the end of the day by a rate  determined for
each class per year and dividing by the number of days in the year. The rate for
Class A is $19.00  per year,  for Class B is $20.00  per year and for Class Y is
$17.00  per year.  The fees paid to AECSC may be  changed  by the board  without
shareholder approval.

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

AEFA is the Fund's principal  underwriter  (distributor).  The Fund's shares are
offered on a continuous basis.


Under a Distribution  Agreement,  sales charges deducted for  distributing  Fund
shares are paid to AEFA daily.  These charges  amounted to $5,215,138 for fiscal
year 1999. After paying  commissions to personal financial  advisors,  and other
expenses,  the amount  retained was $476,103.  The amounts were  $6,234,024  and
$293,913 for fiscal year 1998, and $4,945,297 and $277,279 for fiscal year 1997.

Part of the sales charge may be paid to selling dealers who have agreements with
AEFA.  AEFA will  retain the  balance of the sales  charge.  At times the entire
sales charge may be paid to selling dealers.


<PAGE>

SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGREEMENT

With  respect to Class Y shares,  the Fund pays a fee for  service  provided  to
shareholders  by  financial  advisors  and other  servicing  agents.  The fee is
calculated  at a rate of 0.10% of  average  daily net  assets.  During  the most
recent fiscal year, the Fund also paid a shareholder service fee with respect to
Class A and Class B shares at a rate of 0.175% of average daily net assets.  The
Shareholder  Service Agreement for Class A and Class B shares was converted to a
Plan and Agreement of Distribution effective July 1, 1999.

PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION

For Class A and Class B shares, to help AEFA defray the cost of distribution and
servicing  not  covered by the sales  charges  received  under the  Distribution
Agreement,  the Fund and AEFA entered into a Plan and Agreement of  Distribution
(Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, AEFA is paid a
fee up to  actual  expenses  incurred  at an  annual  rate of up to 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets  attributable  to Class A shares and up to 1.00%
for Class B shares.

Expenses covered under this Plan include sales commissions;  business,  employee
and financial  advisor  expenses  charged to distribution of Class A and Class B
shares; and overhead appropriately  allocated to the sale of Class A and Class B
shares.  These  expenses  also include  costs of providing  personal  service to
shareholders. A substantial portion of the costs are not specifically identified
to any one of the American Express funds.


The Plan must be  approved  annually  by the board,  including a majority of the
disinterested board members, if it is to continue for more than a year. At least
quarterly, the board must review written reports concerning the amounts expended
under the Plan and the purposes for which such  expenditures were made. The Plan
and any  agreement  related  to it may be  terminated  at any  time by vote of a
majority of board members who are not interested persons of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect  financial  interest in the  operation  of the Plan or in any
agreement  related  to the Plan,  or by vote of a  majority  of the  outstanding
voting  securities of the relevant  class of shares or by AEFA. The Plan (or any
agreement related to it) will terminate in the event of its assignment,  as that
term is defined in the 1940 Act.  The Plan may not be  amended to  increase  the
amount  to be spent  for  distribution  without  shareholder  approval,  and all
material  amendments  to the Plan must be  approved  by a majority  of the board
members,  including  a  majority  of the board  members  who are not  interested
persons of the Fund and who do not have a financial interest in the operation of
the Plan or any  agreement  related  to it.  The  selection  and  nomination  of
disinterested  board members is the  responsibility  of the other  disinterested
board members.  No board member who is not an interested  person, has any direct
or  indirect  financial  interest  in the  operation  of the Plan or any related
agreement. For the most recent fiscal year, the Fund paid fees of $2,055,291 for
Class A shares and $3,536,451 for Class B shares. For Class A shares, these fees
were  based on the  0.25% fee in  effect  as of July 1,  1999.  The Plan was not
effective  with  respect to Class A shares  prior to July 1,  1999.  For Class B
shares,  these fees were based on the 1.00% fee in effect as of July 1, 1999 and
the 0.75% fee in  effect  prior  thereto.  The fee is not  allocated  to any one
service (such as advertising, payments to underwriters, or other uses). However,
a  significant  portion of the fee is generally  used for sales and  promotional
expenses.


Custodian Agreement

The Fund's securities and cash are held by American Express Trust Company,  1200
Northstar Center West, 625 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55402-2307, through a
custodian  agreement.  The  custodian is permitted to deposit some or all of its
securities  in central  depository  systems as allowed by federal  law.  For its
services,  the Fund pays the  custodian  a  maintenance  charge and a charge per
transaction in addition to reimbursing the custodian's out-of-pocket expenses.

The custodian has entered into a  sub-custodian  agreement  with the Bank of New
York, 90 Washington  Street,  New York, NY 10286.  As part of this  arrangement,
securities  purchased outside the United States are maintained in the custody of
various foreign branches of Bank of New York or in other financial  institutions
as permitted by law and by the Fund's sub-custodian agreement.

<PAGE>

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund is an open-end management investment company. The Fund headquarters are
at 901 S. Marquette Ave., Suite 2810, Minneapolis, MN 55402-3268.

SHARES

The shares of the Fund  represent  an interest  in that fund's  assets only (and
profits or  losses),  and, in the event of  liquidation,  each share of the Fund
would have the same rights to dividends  and assets as every other share of that
Fund.

VOTING RIGHTS

As a shareholder in the Fund, you have voting rights over the Fund's  management
and fundamental  policies.  You are entitled to one vote for each share you own.
Each class, if applicable,  has exclusive  voting rights with respect to matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate  under applicable law. All shares
have  cumulative  voting  rights with respect to the election of board  members.
This  means  that  you have as many  votes  as the  number  of  shares  you own,
including fractional shares, multiplied by the number of members to be elected.

Dividend Rights

Dividends  paid by the Fund,  if any,  with respect to each class of shares,  if
applicable, will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same
day,  and will be in the same  amount,  except for  differences  resulting  from
differences in fee structures.

<PAGE>

FUND HISTORY TABLE FOR ALL PUBLICLY OFFERED AMERICAN EXPRESS FUNDS*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>                    <C>             <C>           <C>       <C>
                                             Date of            Form of         State of     Fiscal
Fund                                      Organization        Organization    Organization  Year End  Diversified
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Bond Fund, Inc.                    6/27/74, 6/31/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        8/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Discovery Fund, Inc.               4/29/81, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Equity Select Fund, Inc.**         3/18/57, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN       11/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Extra Income Fund, Inc.                  8/17/83          Corporation          MN         5/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Federal Income Fund, Inc.                3/12/85          Corporation          MN         5/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Global Series, Inc.                     10/28/88          Corporation          MN        10/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Emerging Markets Fund                                                                             Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Global Balanced Fund                                                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Global Bond Fund                                                                                   No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Global Growth Fund                                                                                Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Innovations Fund                                                                                  Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Growth Series, Inc.                5/21/70, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Growth Fund                                                                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Research Opportunities Fund                                                                       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP High Yield Tax-Exempt Fund, Inc.        12/21/78,         Corporation        NV/MN       11/30       Yes
                                           6/13/86***
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP International Fund, Inc.                 7/18/84          Corporation          MN        10/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Investment Series, Inc.            1/18/40, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        9/30
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund                                                                    Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Mutual                                                                                            Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Managed Series, Inc.                     10/9/84          Corporation          MN         9/30
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Managed Allocation Fund                                                                           Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Market Advantage Series, Inc.            8/25/89          Corporation          MN         1/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Blue Chip Advantage Fund                                                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------

   AXP International Equity Index                                                                         No
   Fund
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Mid Cap Index Fund                                                                                 No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Nasdaq 100 Index Fund                                                                              No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP S&P 500 Index Fund                                                                                 No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Small Company Index Fund                                                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Total Stock Market Index Fund                                                                      No

- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Money Market Series, Inc.          8/22/75, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Cash Management Fund                                                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP New Dimensions Fund, Inc.          2/20/68, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        7/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Precious Metals Fund, Inc.               10/5/84          Corporation          MN         3/31        No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Progressive Fund, Inc.             4/23/68, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        9/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Selective Fund, Inc.               2/10/45, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        5/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Stock Fund, Inc.                   2/10/45, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN        9/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Strategy Series, Inc.                    1/24/84          Corporation          MN         3/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Equity Value Fund**                                                                               Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Small Cap Advantage Fund                                                                          Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Strategy Aggressive Fund**                                                                        Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Tax-Exempt Series, Inc.            9/30/76, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN       11/31
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Intermediate Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                      Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Tax-Exempt Bond Fund                                                                              Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.          2/29/80, 6/13/86***    Corporation        NV/MN       12/31       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Utilities Income Fund, Inc.              3/25/88          Corporation          MN         6/30       Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP California Tax-Exempt Trust              4/7/86             Business           MA         6/30
                                                               Trust****
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP California Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                         No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
AXP Special Tax-Exempt Series Trust          4/7/86             Business           MA         6/30
                                                               Trust****
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Insured Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                           Yes
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                      No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Michigan Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                           No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Minnesota Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                          No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP New York Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                           No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
   AXP Ohio Tax-Exempt Fund                                                                               No
- -------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>


*    At the  shareholders  meeting  held on June 16, 1999,  shareholders  of the
     existing funds (except for AXP Small Cap Advantage  Fund) approved the name
     change  from IDS to AXP.  In  addition  to  substituting  AXP for IDS,  the
     following  series changed their names:  IDS Growth Fund, Inc. to AXP Growth
     Series,  Inc., IDS Managed  Retirement  Fund,  Inc. to AXP Managed  Series,
     Inc.,  IDS  Strategy  Fund,  Inc. to AXP  Strategy  Series,  Inc.,  and IDS
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Inc. to AXP Tax-Exempt Series, Inc.


<PAGE>

**   At the  shareholders  meeting  held on Nov. 9, 1994,  IDS Equity Plus Fund,
     Inc. changed its name to IDS Equity Select Fund, Inc. At that same time IDS
     Strategy Aggressive Equity Fund changed its name to IDS Strategy Aggressive
     Fund,  and IDS  Strategy  Equity Fund  changed its name to IDS Equity Value
     Fund.
***  Date merged into a Minnesota corporation incorporated on 4/7/86.
**** Under  Massachusetts  law,  shareholders  of a business  trust  may,  under
     certain  circumstances,  be held  personally  liable  as  partners  for its
     obligations. However, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on
     account of shareholder  liability is limited to  circumstances in which the
     trust itself is unable to meet its obligations.

BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholders  elect a board  that  oversees  the  Fund's  operations.  The board
appoints officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on
policies set by the board.


The following is a list of the Fund's board members.  They serve 15 Master Trust
portfolios and 58 American Express funds.


H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.'
Born in 1931
4900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Retired  chairman and chief executive  officer,  General Mills,  Inc.  Director,
Merck & Co., Inc. and Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Arne H. Carlson+'*
Born in 1934
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN

Chairman  and chief  executive  officer of the Fund.  Chairman,  Board  Services
Corporation  (provides  administrative  services to boards).  Former Governor of
Minnesota.

Lynne V. Cheney
Born in 1941
American Enterprise Institute
for Public Policy Research (AEI)
1150 17th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Distinguished  Fellow AEI. Former Chair of National Endowment of the Humanities.
Director,  The Reader's  Digest  Association  Inc.,  Lockheed-Martin,  and Union
Pacific Resources.

William H. Dudley'**
Born in 1932
2900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Senior adviser to the chief executive officer of AEFC.

David R. Hubers**
Born in 1943
2900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

President, chief executive officer and director of AEFC.

<PAGE>

Heinz F. Hutter+'
Born in 1929
P.O. Box 2187
Minneapolis, MN

Retired president and chief operating officer, Cargill,  Incorporated (commodity
merchants and processors).

Anne P. Jones+
Born in 1935
5716 Bent Branch Rd.
Bethesda, MD

Attorney  and  telecommunications   consultant.  Former  partner,  law  firm  of
Sutherland,  Asbill & Brennan.  Director,  Motorola, Inc.  (electronics),  C-Cor
Electronics, Inc., and Amnex, Inc. (communications).

William R. Pearce'
Born in 1927
2050 One Financial Plaza
Minneapolis, MN

RII Weyerhaeuser World Timberfund, L.P. (develops timber resources) - management
committee. Retired vice chairman of the board, Cargill,  Incorporated (commodity
merchants and processors). Former chairman, Board Services Corporation.

Alan K. Simpson+
Born in 1931
1201 Sunshine Ave.
Cody, WY

Director of The Institute of Politics,  Harvard  University.  Former  three-term
United States Senator for Wyoming.  Former  Assistant  Republican  Leader,  U.S.
Senate. Director, PacifiCorp (electric power) and Biogen (bio-pharmaceuticals).

John R. Thomas+'**
Born in 1937
2900 IDS Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Senior vice president of AEFC.

C. Angus Wurtele+'
Born in 1934
Valspar Corporation
Suite 1700
Foshay Tower
Minneapolis, MN

Retired  chairman  of  the  board  and  chief  executive  officer,  The  Valspar
Corporation  (paints).  Director,  Valspar,  Bemis  Corporation  (packaging) and
General Mills, Inc. (consumer foods).

<PAGE>

+ Member of executive committee.
' Member of investment review committee.
* Interested person by reason of being an officer and employee of the Fund.
**Interested person by reason of being an officer, board member, employee and/or
shareholder of AEFC or American Express.

The board has appointed  officers who are  responsible  for day-to-day  business
decisions based on policies it has established.  In addition to Mr. Carlson, who
is chairman of the board,  and Mr.  Thomas,  who is president,  the Fund's other
officers are:

Leslie L. Ogg
Born in 1938
901 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN

President of Board Services  Corporation.  Vice  president,  general counsel and
secretary for the Fund.

Officers who also are officers and employees of AEFC:

Peter J. Anderson
Born in 1942
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN

Director    and    senior    vice    president-investments    of   AEFC.    Vice
president-investments for the Fund.

Frederick C. Quirsfeld
Born in 1947
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN

Vice president - taxable mutual fund investments of AEFC. Vice president - fixed
income investments for the Fund.

John M. Knight
Born in 1952
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN

Vice President - investment accounting of AEFC. Treasurer for the Fund.

<PAGE>

COMPENSATION FOR BOARD MEMBERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


During the most recent  fiscal  year,  the  independent  members of the Fund and
Portfolio  boards,  for  attending  up to 28 meetings,  received  the  following
compensation:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                            Compensation Table


                              ------------------------  -------------------------  ------------------------
<S>                           <C>                       <C>                        <C>

                                                                                   Total cash compensation
Board member                  Aggregate compensation    Aggregate compensation     from American Express
                              from the Fund             from the Portfolio         Funds and Preferred
                                                                                   Master Trust Group
H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.              $ 2,075                   $ 2,925                  $ 121,000
Lynne V. Cheney                         1,788                     2,698                    103,500
Heinz F. Hutter                         1,750                     2,600                    101,500
Anne P. Jones                           2,047                     2,967                    119,000
William R. Pearce                         850                     1,250                     49,300
Alan K. Simpson                         1,788                     2,698                    103,500
C. Angus Wurtele                        2,175                     3,025                    127,000
</TABLE>


As of 30 days  prior to the date of this  SAI,  the  Fund's  board  members  and
officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class.


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  financial  statements  contained  in the  Annual  Report  were  audited  by
independent  auditors,  KPMG  LLP,  4200  Norwest  Center,  90 S.  Seventh  St.,
Minneapolis,   MN  55402-3900.  The  independent  auditors  also  provide  other
accounting and tax-related services as requested by the Fund.

<PAGE>

                                                 APPENDIX

                                          DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

                                      Standard & Poor's Debt Ratings
A Standard & Poor's  corporate or municipal debt rating is a current  assessment
of the  creditworthiness  of an obligor with  respect to a specific  obligation.
This  assessment  may  take  into  consideration  obligors  such as  guarantors,
insurers, or lessees.

The debt rating is not a recommendation  to purchase,  sell, or hold a security,
inasmuch  as it does  not  comment  as to  market  price  or  suitability  for a
particular investor.

The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained
by S&P from other sources it considers  reliable.  S&P does not perform an audit
in connection with any rating and may, on occasion,  rely on unaudited financial
information.  The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes  in,  or   unavailability   of  such   information  or  based  on  other
circumstances.

The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

         o    Likelihood of default  capacity and  willingness of the obligor as
              to the timely  payment of interest  and  repayment of principal in
              accordance with the terms of the obligation.

         o    Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

         o    Protection  afforded by, and relative  position of, the obligation
              in the event of bankruptcy,  reorganization,  or other arrangement
              under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws  affecting  creditors'
              rights.

Investment Grade

Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and
differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.

Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although
it  is  somewhat  more   susceptible  to  the  adverse  effects  of  changes  in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.

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.

Speculative grade

Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates  the least degree of  speculation  and C the highest.  While such debt
will  likely  have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,  these  are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

<PAGE>

Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative
issues.  However,  it faces major  ongoing  uncertainies  or exposure to adverse
business,  financial,  or  economic  conditions  that could  lead to  inadequate
capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.  The BB rating category
also is used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied BBB- rating.

Debt  rated B has a greater  vulnerability  to  default  but  currently  has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal  repayments.  Adverse business,
financial,  or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay  principal.  The B rating  category also is used for debt
subordinated  to senior  debt that is  assigned  an actual or  implied BB or BB-
rating.

Debt rated CCC has a  currently  identifiable  vulnerability  to default  and is
dependent upon favorable  business,  financial,  and economic conditions to meet
timely  payment of interest and repayment of principal.  In the event of adverse
business,  financial,  or  economic  conditions,  it is not  likely  to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay  principal.  The CCC rating  category also is
used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.

Debt rated CC typically is applied to debt  subordinated  to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.

Debt rated C typically  is applied to debt  subordinated  to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied  CCC  rating.  The C rating may be used to cover a
situation where a bankruptcy  petition has been filed, but debt service payments
are continued.

The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.

Debt rated D is in payment default.  The D rating category is used when interest
payments  or  principal  payments  are not  made on the  date  due,  even if the
applicable grace period has not expired,  unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace  period.  The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

                                      Moody's Long-Term Debt Ratings

Aaa - Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.  They carry
the smallest  degree of investment  risk.  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 that 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 that make the
long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

A - Bonds that 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 that
suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

Baa - Bonds that 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.

<PAGE>

Ba - Bonds  that 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  that  are  rated B  generally  lack  characteristics  of a  desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or maintenance of other
terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa - Bonds  that 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 that are rated Ca represent  obligations  that are  speculative  in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C - Bonds that 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.

                                            SHORT-TERM RATINGS

                                Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Ratings

A Standard  & Poor's  commercial  paper  rating is a current  assessment  of the
likelihood  of timely  payment of debt  considered  short-term  in the  relevant
market.

Ratings are graded into  several  categories,  ranging  from A-1 for the highest
quality obligations to D for the lowest. These categories are as follows:

         A-1      This  highest  category  indicates  that the  degree of safety
                  regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to
                  possess  extremely strong safety  characteristics  are denoted
                  with a plus sign (+) designation.

         A-2      Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
                  satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
                  high as for issues designated A-1.

         A-3      Issues carrying this  designation  have adequate  capacity for
                  timely  payment.  They are,  however,  more  vulnerable to the
                  adverse effects of changes in  circumstances  than obligations
                  carrying the higher designations.

         B        Issues are  regarded as having only  speculative  capacity for
                  timely payment.

         C        This rating is assigned to short-term  debt  obligations  with
                  doubtful capacity for payment.

         D        Debt rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
                  used when interest payments or principal payments are not made
                  on the date due, even if the  applicable  grace period has not
                  expired,  unless S&P believes  that such payments will be made
                  during such grace period.

<PAGE>

                                      Standard & Poor's Note Ratings

An S&P note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market-access risks unique
to notes.  Notes  maturing  in three  years or less will  likely  receive a note
rating.  Notes maturing  beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term
debt rating.

Note rating symbols and definitions are as follows:

         SP-1     Strong   capacity  to  pay  principal  and  interest.   Issues
                  determined to possess very strong  characteristics are given a
                  plus (+) designation.

         SP-2     Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
                  vulnerability  to adverse  financial and economic changes over
                  the term of the notes.

         SP-3     Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

                                        Moody's Short-Term Ratings

Moody's  short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations.  These obligations have an original maturity
not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

         Issuers  rated  Prime-l (or  supporting  institutions)  have a superior
         ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt  obligations.  Prime-l
         repayment  ability  will often be  evidenced  by many of the  following
         characteristics:  (i)  leading  market  positions  in  well-established
         industries,  (ii)  high  rates  of  return  on  funds  employed,  (iii)
         conservative  capitalization  structure with moderate  reliance on debt
         and ample asset protection,  (iv) broad margins in earnings coverage of
         fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation, and (v) well
         established  access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
         of alternate liquidity.

         Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the  characteristics  cited above, but
         to a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios,  while sound,
         may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

         Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial leverage.
         Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

         Issuers  rated Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the Prime  rating
         categories.

<PAGE>

                                             Moody's & S&P's
                                     Short-Term Muni Bonds and Notes

Short-term  municipal  bonds  and notes are  rated by  Moody's  and by S&P.  The
ratings reflect the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique to notes.

Moody's  MIG  1/VMIG 1  indicates  the best  quality.  There is  present  strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

Moody's MIG 2/VMIG 2 indicates  high quality.  Margins of  protection  are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.

Moody's MIG 3/VMIG 3 indicates  favorable  quality.  All  security  elements are
accounted  for but there is lacking the  undeniable  strength  of the  preceding
grades.  Liquidity and cash flow  protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.

Moody' s MIG 4/VMIG 4 indicates adequate quality.  Protection  commonly regarded
as required of an investment  security is present and although not distinctly or
predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

Standard & Poor's rating SP-1  indicates  very strong or strong  capacity to pay
principal and interest.  Those issues determined to possess  overwhelming safety
characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.

Standard & Poor's rating SP-2 indicates  satisfactory  capacity to pay principal
and interest.

Standard & Poor's rating SP-3  indicates  speculative  capacity to pay principal
and interest.

<PAGE>

Independent Auditors' Report

THE BOARD AND SHAREHOLDERS
AXP INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.

We have  audited the  accompanying  statement of assets and  liabilities  of AXP
Diversified Equity Income Fund (a series of AXP Investment  Series,  Inc.) as of
September 30, 1999,  and the related  statement of operations  for the year then
ended,  and the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the
two-year period ended September 30, 1999, and the financial  highlights for each
of the years in the five-year  period ended September 30, 1999.  These financial
statements  and  the  financial   highlights  are  the  responsibility  of  fund
management.  Our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements and the financial highlights based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable  assurance  about whether the financial  statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant  estimates  made by  management,  as well as evaluating  the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable  basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the financial position of AXP Diversified Equity Income
Fund as of September 30, 1999, and the results of its operations, changes in its
net assets and the  financial  highlights  for the  periods  stated in the first
paragraph above, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 5, 1999

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Financial Statements

Statement of assets and liabilities
AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund

Sept. 30, 1999

Assets
<S>                                                                                  <C>
Investment in Equity Income Portfolio (Note 1)                                       $2,639,158,772
                                                                                     --------------
Liabilities
Dividends payable to shareholders                                                           353,971
Accrued distribution fee                                                                     30,639
Accrued service fee                                                                              58
Accrued transfer agency fee                                                                  10,910
Accrued administrative services fee                                                           2,270
Other accrued expenses                                                                      330,173
                                                                                            -------
Total liabilities                                                                           728,021
                                                                                            -------
Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock                                   $2,638,430,751
                                                                                     ==============
 Represented by
Capital stock-- $.01 par value (Note 1)                                              $    2,806,874
Additional paid-in capital                                                            2,320,166,325
Undistributed net investment income                                                       1,924,753
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)                                                    212,521,757
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies                   101,011,042
                                                                                        -----------
Total -- representing net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock             $2,638,430,751
                                                                                     ==============
Net assets applicable to outstanding shares:            Class A                      $1,984,595,192
                                                        Class B                      $  632,588,135
                                                        Class Y                      $   21,247,424
Net asset value per share of outstanding capital stock: Class A shares  211,142,299  $         9.40
                                                        Class B shares   67,284,516  $         9.40
                                                        Class Y shares    2,260,601  $         9.40
                                                                          ---------  --------------


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statement of operations
AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund

Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

Investment income
Income:
<S>                                                                        <C>
Dividends                                                                  $ 57,959,273
Interest                                                                      4,650,925
   Less foreign taxes withheld                                                 (212,616)
                                                                               --------
Total income                                                                 62,397,582
                                                                             ----------
Expenses (Note 2):
Expenses allocated from Equity Income Portfolio                              13,623,016
Distribution fee
   Class A                                                                    1,338,524
   Class B                                                                    4,999,378
Transfer agency fee                                                           3,322,968
Incremental transfer agency fee
   Class A                                                                      234,931
   Class B                                                                      151,355
Service fee
   Class A                                                                    2,646,067
   Class B                                                                      774,130
   Class Y                                                                       45,619
Administrative services fees and expenses                                       879,373
Compensation of board members                                                    10,788
Printing and postage                                                            656,257
Registration fees                                                               220,304
Audit fees                                                                        8,000
Other                                                                            24,931
                                                                                 ------
Total expenses                                                               28,935,641
   Earnings credits on cash balances (Note 2)                                  (113,726)
                                                                               --------
Total net expenses                                                           28,821,915
                                                                             ----------
Investment income (loss) -- net                                              33,575,667
                                                                             ----------
 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) -- net
Net realized gain (loss) on:
   Security transactions                                                    192,843,481
   Financial futures contacts                                                18,442,558
   Foreign currency transactions                                                 (1,483)
                                                                                 ------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                     211,284,556
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies       161,033,636
                                                                            -----------
Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies                       372,318,192
                                                                            -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            $405,893,859
                                                                           ============


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statements of changes in net assets
AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund

Year ended Sept. 30,                                                        1999           1998

Operations and distributions
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Investment income (loss)-- net                                       $   33,575,667 $   52,730,609
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                 211,284,556    263,264,592
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies   161,033,636   (386,339,002)
                                                                        -----------   ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations         405,893,859    (70,343,801)
                                                                        -----------    -----------
Distributions to shareholders from:
   Net investment income
      Class A                                                           (27,095,529)   (43,431,406)
      Class B                                                            (3,285,043)    (6,788,098)
      Class Y                                                              (714,058)    (1,965,470)
   Net realized gain
      Class A                                                          (188,382,739)  (175,753,235)
      Class B                                                           (53,833,250)   (38,518,493)
      Class Y                                                            (8,013,205)    (7,752,694)
                                                                         ----------     ----------
Total distributions                                                    (281,323,824)  (274,209,396)
                                                                       ------------   ------------
 Capital share transactions (Note 3)
Proceeds from sales
   Class A shares (Note 2)                                              239,708,503    393,326,066
   Class B shares                                                       159,748,121    237,030,056
   Class Y shares                                                        16,112,811     28,801,278
Reinvestment of distributions at net asset value
   Class A shares                                                       206,091,979    211,289,210
   Class B shares                                                        56,396,492     44,910,979
   Class Y shares                                                         8,736,974      9,754,110
Payments for redemptions
   Class A shares                                                      (386,789,771)  (300,623,162)
   Class B shares (Note 2)                                             (111,644,354)   (59,297,707)
   Class Y shares                                                       (83,588,946)   (29,628,489)
                                                                        -----------    -----------
Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions       104,771,809    535,562,341
                                                                        -----------    -----------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets                                 229,341,844    191,009,144
Net assets at beginning of year                                       2,409,088,907  2,218,079,763
                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net assets at end of year                                            $2,638,430,751 $2,409,088,907
                                                                     ============== ==============
Undistributed net investment income                                  $    1,924,753 $      616,616
                                                                     -------------- --------------


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Notes to Financial Statements

AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Fund is a series of AXP Investment Series,  Inc. and is registered under the
Investment  Company  Act  of  1940  (as  amended)  as  a  diversified,  open-end
management  investment  company.  AXPInvestment  Series,  Inc.  has  10  billion
authorized  shares of capital  stock that can be  allocated  among the  separate
series as designated by the board.

The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class Y shares.

o Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge.
o Class B shares may be  subject  to a  contingent  deferred  sales  charge and
  automatically  convert to Class A shares  during the ninth  calendar  year of
  ownership.
o Class Y  shares  have no  sales  charge  and are  offered  only to  qualifying
  institutional investors.

All classes of shares have identical  voting,  dividend and liquidation  rights.
The  distribution  fee,  incremental  transfer agency fee and service fee (class
specific  expenses)  differs among classes.  Income,  expenses (other than class
specific  expenses) and realized and  unrealized  gains or losses on investments
are allocated to each class of shares based upon its relative net assets.

Investment in Equity Income Portfolio
The Fund invests all of its assets in Equity Income Portfolio (the Portfolio), a
series of Growth and Income Trust (the Trust),  an open-end  investment  company
that has the same  objectives  as the Fund.  Equity  Income  Portfolio  seeks to
provide  shareholders  with a high level of current  income  and, as a secondary
goal, steady growth of capital by investing primarily in dividend-paying stocks.

The Fund  records  daily  its  share of the  Portfolio's  income,  expenses  and
realized  and  unrealized  gains and losses.  The  financial  statements  of the
Portfolio  are  included  elsewhere  in  this  report  and  should  be  read  in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements.

The Fund records its  investment  in the Portfolio at the value that is equal to
the Fund's  proportionate  ownership interest in the Portfolio's net assets. The
percentage of the Portfolio  owned by the Fund as of Sept.  30, 1999 was 99.96%.
Valuation  of  securities  held by the  Portfolio  is discussed in Note 1 of the
Portfolio's "Notes to financial statements" (included elsewhere in this report).

Use of estimates
Preparing  financial  statements that conform to generally  accepted  accounting
principles   requires   management  to  make  estimates  (e.g.,  on  assets  and
liabilities) that could differ from actual results.

Federal taxes
The Fund's  policy is to comply with all sections of the  Internal  Revenue Code
that  apply to  regulated  investment  companies  and to  distribute  all of its
taxable income to the  shareholders.  No provision for income or excise taxes is
thus required.

Net  investment  income  (loss) and net realized  gains  (losses) may differ for
financial  statement and tax purposes  primarily  because of deferred  losses on
certain futures  contracts,  the  recognition of certain foreign  currency gains
(losses) as ordinary income (loss) for tax purposes,  and losses deferred due to
"wash sale"  transactions.  The character of distributions  made during the year
from net investment  income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate
characterization  for federal  income tax purposes.  Also,  due to the timing of
dividend  distributions,  the fiscal year in which amounts are  distributed  may
differ from the year that the income or realized gains (losses) were recorded by
the Fund.

On  the  statements  of  assets  and  liabilities,  as  a  result  of  permanent
book-to-tax differences,  undistributed net investment income has been decreased
by  $1,172,900  and   accumulated  net  realized  gain  has  been  increased  by
$1,172,900.

Dividends to shareholders
Dividends  from net  investment  income,  declared  daily and paid each calendar
quarter,  are reinvested in additional  shares of the Fund at net asset value or
payable in cash.  Capital gains, when available,  are distributed along with the
last income dividend of the calendar year.

2. EXPENSES AND SALES CHARGES
In addition to the expenses  allocated from the Portfolio,  the Fund accrues its
own expenses as follows:

The Fund has an agreement with American Express Financial  Corporation (AEFC) to
provide administrative services. Under an Administrative Services Agreement, the
Fund pays AEFC a fee for administration and accounting  services at a percentage
of the Fund's  average  daily net assets in reducing  percentages  from 0.04% to
0.02% annually.  Additional administrative service expenses paid by the Fund are
office expenses,  consultants'  fees and compensation of officers and employees.
Under this  agreement,  the Fund also pays taxes,  audit and certain legal fees,
registration  fees for shares,  compensation of board members,  corporate filing
fees and any other  expenses  properly  payable by the Fund and  approved by the
board.

Under a separate  Transfer  Agency  Agreement,  American  Express Client Service
Corporation (AECSC) maintains  shareholder  accounts and records.  The Fund pays
AECSC an annual fee per shareholder account for this service as follows:

o  Class A $19
o  Class B $20
o  Class Y $17

Under  terms of a prior  agreement  that ended Jan.  31,  1999,  the Fund paid a
transfer agency fee at an annual rate per shareholder account of $15 for Class A
and $16 for Class B. Under terms of a prior agreement that ended March 31, 1999,
the Fund paid a transfer agency fee at an annual rate per shareholder account of
$15 for Class Y.

The Fund has  agreements  with  American  Express  Financial  Advisors  Inc. for
distribution   and  shareholder   services.   Under  a  Plan  and  Agreement  of
Distribution  (the Plan),  the Fund pays a distribution fee at an annual rate up
to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets  attributable  to Class A shares
and up to 1.00% for Class B shares.  The Plan  went into  effect  July 1,  1999.
Under terms of a prior Plan and Agreement of Distribution  (the Prior Plan) that
ended June 30, 1999, the Fund paid a  distribution  fee for Class B shares at an
annual  rate up to 0.75% of  average  daily net  assets.  The Prior Plan was not
effective with respect to Class A shares.

Under a Shareholder  Service Agreement,  the Fund's Class Y shares pay a fee for
service  provided to  shareholders  by financial  advisors  and other  servicing
agents. The fee is calculated at a rate of 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net
assets  attributable  to Class Y shares.  Under terms of a prior  agreement that
ended June 30,  1999,  the Fund paid a  shareholder  service fee for Class A and
Class B shares at a rate of 0.175% of average daily net assets.  Effective  July
1, 1999 the  agreement  for Class A and Class B shares was converted to the Plan
and Agreement of Distribution discussed above.

Sales  charges  received  by  American  Express  Financial   Advisors  Inc.  for
distributing  Fund shares were  $4,537,513  for Class A and $570,513 for Class B
for the year ended Sept. 30, 1999.

During the year ended  Sept.  30,  1999,  the Fund's  transfer  agency fees were
reduced  by  $113,726  as a result  of  earnings  credits  from  overnight  cash
balances.

3. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Transactions in shares of capital stock for the years indicated are as follows:

                                                 Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

                                         Class A          Class B      Class Y

Sold                                   24,510,779      16,309,409     1,685,598
Issued for reinvested distributions    22,400,615       6,145,593       952,278
Redeemed                              (39,784,254)    (11,498,308)   (8,845,686)
                                      -----------     -----------    ----------
Net increase (decrease)                 7,127,140      10,956,694    (6,207,810)


                                                 Year ended Sept. 30, 1998

                                        Class A         Class B        Class Y

Sold                                   39,550,200      23,873,696     2,888,847
Issued for reinvested distributions    22,731,782       4,842,867     1,048,649
Redeemed                              (30,436,389)     (6,051,331)   (3,044,633)
                                      -----------      ----------    ----------
Net increase (decrease)                31,845,593      22,665,232       892,863


4. BANK BORROWINGS
The Fund has a revolving credit agreement with U.S. Bank, N.A., whereby the Fund
is permitted to have bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes to fund
shareholder redemptions. The Fund must have asset coverage for borrowings not to
exceed the  aggregate  of 333% of advances  equal to or less than five  business
days plus 367% of advances over five business days. The agreement, which enables
the Fund to participate with other American Express funds, permits borrowings up
to $200  million,  collectively.  Interest  is charged to each Fund based on its
borrowings  at a  rate  equal  to the  Federal  Funds  Rate  plus  0.30%  or the
Eurodollar Rate (Reserve  Adjusted) plus 0.20%.  Borrowings are payable up to 90
days after such loan is executed.  The Fund also pays a commitment  fee equal to
its pro rata share of the amount of the credit  facility  at a rate of 0.05% per
annum.  The Fund had no borrowings  outstanding  during the year ended Sept. 30,
1999.

5. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
"Financial highlights" showing per share data and selected financial information
is presented on pages 30 and 31 of the prospectus.

<PAGE>
Independent Auditors' Report

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND UNITHOLDERS
GROWTH AND INCOME TRUST

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,  including
the schedule of investments in securities,  of Equity Income Portfolio (a series
of Growth and Income Trust) as of September 30, 1999,  the related  statement of
operations  for the year then ended and the  statements of changes in net assets
for each of the years in the two-year  period ended  September  30, 1999.  These
financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  portfolio  management.  Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation  of securities  owned as of September  30, 1999, by  correspondence
with the custodian and brokers.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as well as
evaluating the overall  financial  statement  presentation.  We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the financial position of Equity Income Portfolio as of
September 30, 1999, and the results of its operations and the changes in its net
assets for the periods stated in the first  paragraph  above, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 5, 1999

<PAGE>

Financial Statements

Statement of assets and liabilities
Equity Income Portfolio

Sept. 30, 1999

Assets
Investments in securities, at value (Note 1)
   (identified cost $2,555,625,742)                             $2,656,673,895
Dividends and accrued interest receivable                            3,599,886
                                                                     ---------
Total assets                                                     2,660,273,781
                                                                 -------------
 Liabilities
Disbursement in excess of cash on demand deposit                     1,146,974
Payable for investment securities purchased                          7,766,234
Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 4)                   11,003,200
Accrued investment management services fee                              35,027
Other accrued expenses                                                 142,991
                                                                       -------
Total liabilities                                                   20,094,426
                                                                    ----------
Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock              $2,640,179,355
                                                                --------------


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statement of operations
Equity Income Portfolio

Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

Investment income
Income:
<S>                                                                        <C>
Dividends                                                                  $ 57,981,376
Interest                                                                      4,600,549
   Less foreign taxes withheld                                                 (212,696)
                                                                               --------
Total income                                                                 62,369,229
                                                                             ----------
Expenses (Note 2):
Investment management services fee                                           13,270,362
Compensation of board members                                                    14,898
Custodian fees                                                                  227,178
Audit fees                                                                       24,000
Other                                                                            99,742
                                                                                 ------
Total expenses                                                               13,636,180
   Earnings credits on cash balances (Note 2)                                    (7,961)
                                                                                 ------
Total net expenses                                                           13,628,219
                                                                             ----------
Investment income (loss) -- net                                              48,741,010
                                                                             ----------
 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) -- net
Net realized gain (loss) on:
   Security transactions (Note 3)                                           192,917,723
   Financial futures contracts                                               18,449,477
   Foreign currency transactions                                                 (1,492)
                                                                                 ------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                     211,365,708
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies       161,093,888
                                                                            -----------
Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies                       372,459,596
                                                                            -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            $421,200,606
                                                                           ============


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statements of changes in net assets
Equity Income Portfolio

Year ended Sept. 30,                                                        1999          1998

Operations
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Investment income (loss)-- net                                       $   48,741,010 $   64,833,066
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                 211,365,708    263,358,256
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies   161,093,888   (386,481,334)
                                                                        -----------   ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations         421,200,606    (58,290,012)
Net contributions (withdrawals) from partners                          (191,699,690)   248,383,687
                                                                       ------------    -----------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets                                 229,500,916    190,093,675
Net assets at beginning of year                                       2,410,678,439  2,220,584,764
                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net assets at end of year                                            $2,640,179,355 $2,410,678,439
                                                                     ============== ==============


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Notes to Financial Statements

Equity Income Portfolio

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Equity Income  Portfolio (the  Portfolio) is a series of Growth and Income Trust
(the  Trust) and is  registered  under the  Investment  Company  Act of 1940 (as
amended) as a diversified, open-end management investment company. Equity Income
Portfolio  seeks to provide a high level of current  income  and, as a secondary
goal, steady growth of capital by investing primarily in dividend-paying stocks.
The  Declaration  of  Trust  permits  the  Trustees  to  issue  non-transferable
interests in the Portfolio.

The Portfolio's significant accounting policies are summarized below:

Use of estimates
Preparing  financial  statements that conform to generally  accepted  accounting
principles   requires   management  to  make  estimates  (e.g.,  on  assets  and
liabilities) that could differ from actual results.

Valuation of securities
All securities are valued at the close of each business day.  Securities  traded
on national  securities  exchanges  or included in national  market  systems are
valued at the last quoted sales price.  Debt securities are generally  traded in
the  over-the-counter  market and are valued at a price that reflects fair value
as quoted by dealers in these  securities or by an independent  pricing service.
Securities for which market  quotations are not readily  available are valued at
fair value according to methods selected in good faith by the board.  Short-term
securities  maturing in more than 60 days from the valuation  date are valued at
the market price or approximate  market value based on current  interest  rates;
those maturing in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.

Option transactions
To produce incremental earnings, protect gains and facilitate buying and selling
of securities for investments, the Portfolio may buy and write options traded on
any U.S. or foreign exchange or in the over-the-counter  market where completing
the  obligation  depends  upon the  credit  standing  of the  other  party.  The
Portfolio  also may buy and sell put and call  options  and write  covered  call
options on portfolio  securities as well as write cash-secured put options.  The
risk in writing a call option is that the Portfolio gives up the opportunity for
profit if the market price of the security increases.  The risk in writing a put
option  is that  the  Portfolio  may  incur a loss if the  market  price  of the
security decreases and the option is exercised.  The risk in buying an option is
that the Portfolio  pays a premium  whether or not the option is exercised.  The
Portfolio also has the  additional  risk of being unable to enter into a closing
transaction if a liquid secondary market does not exist.

Option  contracts  are  valued  daily at the  closing  prices  on their  primary
exchanges and unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded. The Portfolio
will realize a gain or loss when the option transaction  expires or closes. When
an option is  exercised,  the proceeds on sales for a written  call option,  the
purchase cost for a written put option or the cost of a security for a purchased
put or call option is adjusted by the amount of premium received or paid.

Futures transactions
To gain exposure to or protect itself from market changes, the Portfolio may buy
and sell financial futures contracts traded on any U.S. or foreign exchange. The
Portfolio  also  may buy and  write  put  and  call  options  on  these  futures
contracts.  Risks of entering into futures contracts and related options include
the  possibility  of an  illiquid  market  and that a change in the value of the
contract or option may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying
securities.

Upon  entering  into a futures  contract,  the  Portfolio is required to deposit
either  cash or  securities  in an amount  (initial  margin)  equal to a certain
percentage of the contract value.  Subsequent  payments  (variation  margin) are
made or received by the Portfolio  each day. The variation  margin  payments are
equal to the daily changes in the contract  value and are recorded as unrealized
gains and losses.  The  Portfolio  recognizes  a realized  gain or loss when the
contract is closed or expires.

Foreign currency translations and foreign currency contracts
Securities and other assets and  liabilities  denominated in foreign  currencies
are translated daily into U.S. dollars.  Foreign currency amounts related to the
purchase or sale of  securities  and income and expenses are  translated  at the
exchange rate on the transaction date. The effect of changes in foreign exchange
rates on realized  and  unrealized  security  gains or losses is  reflected as a
component of such gains or losses. In the statement of operations,  net realized
gains or losses from foreign currency transactions, if any, may arise from sales
of foreign currency, closed forward contracts, exchange gains or losses realized
between the trade date and settlement date on securities transactions, and other
translation   gains  or  losses  on  dividends,   interest  income  and  foreign
withholding taxes.

The Portfolio may enter into forward  foreign  currency  exchange  contracts for
operational  purposes and to protect against adverse exchange rate  fluctuation.
The net U.S.  dollar  value  of  foreign  currency  underlying  all  contractual
commitments held by the Portfolio and the resulting  unrealized  appreciation or
depreciation  are  determined  using  foreign  currency  exchange  rates from an
independent  pricing  service.  The Portfolio is subject to the credit risk that
the other party will not complete its contract obligations.

Federal taxes
For federal  income tax purposes the Portfolio  qualifies as a  partnership  and
each  investor  in the  Portfolio  is treated as the owner of its  proportionate
share of the net assets, income,  expenses and realized and unrealized gains and
losses of the Portfolio.  As a "pass-through"  entity,  the Portfolio  therefore
does not pay any income dividends or capital gain distributions.

Other
Security  transactions are accounted for on the date securities are purchased or
sold. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income,
including level-yield amortization of premium and discount, is accrued daily.

2. FEES AND EXPENSES
The Trust,  on behalf of the Portfolio,  has an Investment  Management  Services
Agreement  with  AEFC to  manage  its  portfolio.  Under  this  agreement,  AEFC
determines which securities will be purchased,  held or sold. The management fee
is a  percentage  of the  Portfolio's  average  daily  net  assets  in  reducing
percentages  from  0.53% to 0.4%  annually.  Effective  with the new  Investment
Management Services Agreement,  the fee will be adjusted upward or downward by a
performance  incentive  adjustment  based on the Fund's average daily net assets
over a rolling  12-month  period as  measured  against  the change in the Lipper
Equity Income Fund Index. The maximum  adjustment is 0.08% of the Fund's average
daily net assets after  deducting  1% from the  performance  difference.  If the
performance  difference is less than 1%, the adjustment  will be zero. The first
adjustment  will be made on Jan.  1, 2000 and will  cover the  six-month  period
beginning July 1, 1999.

Under the  agreement,  the Trust  also pays  taxes,  brokerage  commissions  and
nonadvisory  expenses,  which include  custodian  fees,  audit and certain legal
fees,  fidelity bond premiums,  registration  fees for units,  office  expenses,
consultants'  fees,  compensation of trustees,  corporate filing fees,  expenses
incurred in  connection  with lending  securities of the Portfolio and any other
expenses properly payable by the Trust or Portfolio and approved by the board.

During the year ended  Sept.  30,  1999,  the  Portfolio's  custodian  fees were
reduced by $7,961 as a result of earnings  credits from overnight cash balances.
The Portfolio  also pays custodian  fees to American  Express Trust Company,  an
affiliate of AEFC.

According to a Placement Agency Agreement,  American Express Financial  Advisors
Inc. acts as placement agent of the Trust's units.

3. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities  (other than  short-term
obligations) aggregated $2,166,435,922 and $2,237,719,660, respectively, for the
year ended Sept. 30, 1999. For the same period,  the portfolio turnover rate was
84%. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis.

Brokerage commissions paid to brokers affiliated with AEFC were $111,698 for the
year ended Sept. 30, 1999.

4. LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
As of Sept. 30, 1999,  securities valued at $11,743,800 were on loan to brokers.
For  collateral,  the Portfolio  received  $11,003,200  in cash. As of Sept. 30,
1999,  due to  fluctuating  market  conditions,  the Fund  requested  additional
collateral,  which was received on Oct. 1, 1999. Income from securities  lending
amounted  to  $395,032  for the year  ended  Sept.  30,  1999.  The risks to the
Portfolio of securities lending are that the borrower may not provide additional
collateral when required or return the securities when due.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Investments in Securities

Equity Income Portfolio
Sept. 30, 1999

(Percentages represent value of investments compared to net assets)

Common stocks (93.2%)
Issuer                                                       Shares           Value(a)

Aerospace & defense (2.2%)
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>
AlliedSignal                                                 130,000         $7,791,875
Goodrich (BF)                                                640,000         18,560,000
Rockwell Intl                                                602,000         31,605,000
Total                                                                        57,956,875

Automotive & related (3.5%)
Dana                                                         500,000         18,562,500
Ford Motor                                                   590,000         29,610,625
General Motors                                               290,000         18,251,875
TRW                                                          530,000         26,367,500
Total                                                                        92,792,500

Banks and savings & loans (9.6%)
Allied Capital                                               567,550         12,734,403
Bank of America                                            1,015,000         56,522,812
Bank of New York                                             745,000         24,910,938
BankBoston                                                   325,000         14,096,875
Chase Manhattan                                              235,400         17,743,275
First Union                                                  623,000         22,155,438
Fleet Financial Group                                        645,000         23,623,125
Mellon Bank                                                  805,000         27,168,750
Washington Mutual                                            660,000         19,305,000
Wells Fargo                                                  905,000         35,860,624
Total                                                                       254,121,240

Building materials & construction (0.9%)
Fluor                                                        465,000         18,716,250
Martin Marietta Materials                                    156,800          6,262,200
Total                                                                        24,978,450

Chemicals (2.8%)
Dow Chemical                                                 135,000         15,339,375
Du Pont (EI) de Nemours                                      510,661         31,086,488
Imperial Chemical Inds ADR                                   360,000(c)      15,547,500
Lyondell Petrochemical                                       930,000         12,438,750
Total                                                                        74,412,113

Communications equipment & services (1.5%)
Motorola                                                     445,000         39,160,000

Computers & office equipment (7.3%)
BMC Software                                                 250,000(b)      17,890,625
Electronic Data Systems                                      235,000         12,440,313
Equant                                                       175,100(b,c)    14,248,763
First Data                                                   292,300         12,824,663
Hewlett-Packard                                              200,000         18,400,000
Intl Business Machines                                       515,000         62,508,124
NOVA                                                       1,098,800(b)      27,470,000
Solectron                                                    370,000(b)      26,570,625
Total                                                                       192,353,113

Energy (10.8%)
Chevron                                                      690,000         61,237,500
Conoco Cl A                                                1,300,000(d)      36,075,000
Conoco Cl B                                                  175,050          4,791,994
ENI                                                        5,290,000(b,c)    33,155,345
FirstEnergy                                                  435,000         11,092,500
Mobil                                                        630,000         63,472,499
Sunoco                                                       920,000         25,185,000
Texaco                                                       790,000         49,868,750
Total                                                                       284,878,588

Financial services (8.7%)
Alliance Capital Management LP                             1,005,000         27,574,688
Associates First Capital Cl A                                755,000         27,180,000
Citigroup                                                  1,980,000         87,120,000
MBNA                                                       1,730,000         39,465,625
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co                   530,000         47,269,375
Total                                                                       228,609,688

Food (2.8%)
Bestfoods                                                    505,000         24,492,500
General Mills                                                315,000         25,554,375
Sara Lee                                                   1,020,000         23,906,250
Total                                                                        73,953,125

Health care (4.0%)
American Home Products                                       465,000         19,297,500
Bausch & Lomb                                                420,000         27,693,750
Baxter Intl                                                  360,000         21,690,000
Mylan Laboratories                                           715,000         13,138,125
Pharmacia & Upjohn                                           475,000         23,571,875
Total                                                                       105,391,250

Household products (2.0%)
Colgate-Palmolive                                            600,000         27,450,000
Kimberly-Clark                                               495,000         25,987,500
Total                                                                        53,437,500

Industrial equipment & services (3.1%)
Caterpillar                                                  200,000         10,962,500
Illinois Tool Works                                          490,000         36,535,625
Parker-Hannifin                                              750,000         33,609,375
Total                                                                        81,107,500

Insurance (6.6%)
American General                                             845,000         53,393,438
American Intl Group                                          781,250         67,919,921
Lincoln Natl                                                 937,665         35,221,042
Marsh & McLennan                                             263,500         18,049,750
Total                                                                       174,584,151

Media (2.8%)
CBS                                                        1,136,800         52,577,000
MediaOne Group                                               300,000(b)      20,493,750
Total                                                                        73,070,750

Multi-industry conglomerates (0.5%)
Emerson Electric                                             225,000         14,217,188

Paper & packaging (3.0%)
American Natl Can Group                                    1,400,000(b)      22,137,500
Intl Paper                                                 1,160,000         55,752,500
Total                                                                        77,890,000

Retail (4.9%)
Circuit City Stores                                        1,280,100         54,004,218
CVS                                                          705,000         28,772,813
Dayton Hudson                                                775,000         46,548,438
Total                                                                       129,325,469

Transportation (0.4%)
Teekay Shipping                                              750,000         11,718,750

Utilities -- electric (4.3%)
Carolina Power & Light                                       305,000         10,789,375
CMS Energy                                                   450,000         15,271,875
Duke Energy                                                  346,100         19,078,762
Edison Intl                                                  655,000         15,924,687
New Century Energies                                         425,000         14,210,938
NiSource                                                     500,000         11,062,500
Northern States Power                                        655,000         14,123,438
Texas Utilities                                              350,000         13,059,375
Total                                                                       113,520,950

Utilities -- gas (0.6%)
El Paso Energy                                               380,000         15,128,750

Utilities -- telephone (10.8%)
ALLTEL                                                       100,000          7,037,500
Ameritech                                                    775,000         52,070,312
AT&T                                                       1,365,000         59,377,499
Bell Atlantic                                                615,000         41,397,187
BellSouth                                                    755,000         33,975,000
GTE                                                          189,600         14,575,500
MCI WorldCom                                                 536,000(b)      38,525,000
SBC Communications                                           365,000         18,637,813
U S WEST Communications Group                                375,000         21,398,438
Total                                                                       286,994,249


Total common stocks
(Cost: $2,354,502,486)                                                   $2,459,602,199

Preferred stocks (2.1%)

Issuer                                                        Shares          Value(a)

Cox Communications
   7.00% Cm Cv                                               300,000        $17,325,000
Union Pacific Capital
   6.25% Cv                                                  811,500         36,821,813


Total preferred stocks
(Cost: $54,844,779)                                                         $54,146,813


See accompanying notes to investments in securities.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Bond (0.7%)

Issuer                                      Coupon         Principal          Value(a)
                                             rate            amount



Waste Management
   Cv Sub Nts
<S>                                            <C>       <C>                <C>
      02-01-02                                 4.00%     $21,000,000        $18,617,130

Total bond
(Cost: $21,944,946)                                                         $18,617,130


Short-term securities (4.7%)

Issuer                                     Annualized       Amount            Value(a)
                                          yield on date    payable at
                                           of purchase     maturity



U.S. government agencies (1.6%)
Federal Home Loan Bank Disc Nt
      10-08-99                                 5.11%     $10,400,000        $10,387,826
Federal Home Loan Mtge Corp Disc Nts
      10-18-99                                 5.20        8,000,000          7,979,240
      10-21-99                                 5.24        7,700,000          7,676,554
      11-08-99                                 5.28        2,700,000          2,684,644
      11-30-99                                 5.29       11,800,000         11,691,829
Federal Natl Mtge Assn Disc Nt
      10-01-99                                 5.20        2,000,000          1,999,711
Total                                                                        42,419,804

Commercial paper (3.1%)
Alcoa
      10-13-99                                 5.30        5,000,000          4,990,448
      10-28-99                                 5.31        4,100,000          4,083,130
      11-12-99                                 5.35        7,200,000          7,151,860
Ameritech Capital Funding
      10-01-99                                 5.60        7,500,000(e)       7,498,833
Barclay's U.S. Funding
      10-26-99                                 5.32        1,900,000          1,892,727
BellSouth Telecommunications
      10-21-99                                 5.32        1,100,000          1,096,599
Daimler/Chrylser
      10-29-99                                 5.32        8,000,000          7,965,844
Hewlett-Packard
      11-01-99                                 5.30        6,900,000          6,867,615
      11-24-99                                 5.32        5,900,000          5,851,235
Merrill Lynch
      10-20-99                                 5.30        2,400,000          2,392,960
Pfizer
      10-19-99                                 5.29        8,400,000(e)       8,376,591
Procter & Gamble
      10-19-99                                 5.29        5,700,000          5,684,116
Salomon Smith Barney
      10-05-99                                 5.18        5,700,000          5,695,828
United Parcel Services
      11-03-99                                 5.32       10,600,000         10,547,040
Wal-Mart Stores
      10-26-99                                 5.31        1,800,000(e)       1,793,123
Total                                                                        81,887,949


Total short-term securities
(Cost: $124,333,531)                                                       $124,307,753


Total investments in securities
(Cost: $2,555,625,742)(f)                                                $2,656,673,895



See accompanying notes to investments in securities.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Notes to investments in securities

(a)  Securities  are valued by  procedures  described in Note 1 to the financial
statements.

(b) Non-income producing.

(c) Foreign  security values are stated in U.S.  dollars.  As of Sept. 30, 1999,
the value of foreign securities represented 2.38% of net assets.

(d)  Security  is  partially  or  fully on  loan.  See  Note 4 to the  financial
statements.

(e) Commercial paper sold within terms of a private placement memorandum, exempt
from registration  under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and may be sold only to dealers in that program or other "accredited investors."
This security has been determined to be liquid under  guidelines  established by
the board.

(f) At Sept.  30, 1999,  the cost of securities  for federal income tax purposes
was  $2,556,017,758   and  the  aggregate  gross  unrealized   appreciation  and
depreciation based on that cost was:

Unrealized appreciation                                          $272,794,658
Unrealized depreciation                                          (172,138,521)
                                                                 ------------
Net unrealized appreciation                                      $100,656,137

<PAGE>
Independent Auditors' Report

THE BOARD AND SHAREHOLDERS
AXP INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.

We have  audited the  accompanying  statement of assets and  liabilities  of AXP
Mutual (a series of AXP Investment  Series,  Inc.) as of September 30, 1999, and
the related  statement of operations  for the year then ended and the statements
of  changes in net assets  for each of the years in the  two-year  period  ended
September 30, 1999,  and the financial  highlights  for each of the years in the
five-year  period ended September 30, 1999.  These financial  statements and the
financial   highlights  are  the   responsibility   of  fund   management.   Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these  financial  statements and the
financial highlights based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable  assurance  about whether the financial  statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant  estimates  made by  management,  as well as evaluating  the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects,  the financial position of AXP Mutual as of September 30,
1999,  and the  results  of its  operations,  changes  in its net assets and the
financial  highlights for the periods stated in the first  paragraph  above,  in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 5, 1999
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Financial Statements

Statement of assets and liabilities
AXP Mutual

Sept. 30, 1999

Assets
<S>                                                                                   <C>
Investments in Balanced Portfolio (Note 1)                                            $4,705,221,729
                                                                                      --------------
Liabilities
Accrued distribution fee                                                                      33,661
Accrued service fee                                                                            3,189
Accrued transfer agency fee                                                                   16,876
Accrued administrative services fee                                                            4,047
Other accrued expenses                                                                       161,425
                                                                                             -------
Total liabilities                                                                            219,198
                                                                                             -------
Net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock                                    $4,705,002,531
                                                                                      ==============
Represented by
Capital stock-- $.01 par value (Note 1)                                               $    3,637,317
Additional paid-in capital                                                             4,302,335,542
Undistributed net investment income                                                        2,722,083
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)                                                     273,842,299
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and on
   translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies                           122,465,290
                                                                                         -----------
Total -- representing net assets applicable to outstanding capital stock              $4,705,002,531
                                                                                      ==============
Net assets applicable to outstanding shares:            Class A                       $3,101,195,693
                                                        Class B                       $  459,140,489
                                                        Class Y                       $1,144,666,349
Net asset value per share of outstanding capital stock: Class A shares  239,593,466   $        12.94
                                                        Class B shares   35,716,069   $        12.86
                                                        Class Y shares   88,422,184   $        12.95
                                                                         ----------   --------------

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statement of operations
AXP Mutual

Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

Investment income
Income:
<S>                                                                        <C>
Dividends                                                                  $ 57,398,787
Interest                                                                    118,767,317
   Less foreign taxes withheld                                                  (45,124)
                                                                                -------
Total income                                                                176,120,980
                                                                            -----------
Expenses (Note 2):
Expenses allocated from Balanced Portfolio                                   23,521,886
Distribution fee
   Class A                                                                    2,055,291
   Class B                                                                    3,536,451
Transfer agency fee                                                           5,578,777
Incremental transfer agency fee
   Class A                                                                      263,783
   Class B                                                                       99,687
Service fee
   Class A                                                                    4,153,646
   Class B                                                                      546,832
   Class Y                                                                    1,327,460
Administrative services fees and expenses                                     1,577,728
Compensation of board members                                                    14,898
Printing and postage                                                            538,575
Registration fees                                                                88,551
Audit fees                                                                       10,250
Other                                                                            11,975
                                                                                 ------
Total expenses                                                               43,325,790
   Earnings credits on cash balances (Note 2)                                  (160,348)
                                                                               --------
Total net expenses                                                           43,165,442
                                                                             ----------
Investment income (loss) -- net                                             132,955,538
                                                                            -----------
 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) -- net
Net realized gain (loss):
   Security transactions                                                    209,509,143
   Financial futures contracts                                               45,972,229
   Foreign currency transactions                                                 17,626
   Options contracts written                                                 19,656,430
                                                                             ----------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                     275,155,428
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies       151,627,239
                                                                            -----------
Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies                       426,782,667
                                                                            -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            $559,738,205
                                                                           ============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statements of changes in net assets
AXP Mutual

Year ended Sept. 30,                                                        1999           1998

Operations and distributions
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Investment income (loss)-- net                                       $  132,955,538 $  168,120,630
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                 275,155,428    536,817,331
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies   151,627,239   (663,214,406)
                                                                        -----------   ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations         559,738,205     41,723,555
                                                                        -----------     ----------
Distributions to shareholders from:
   Net investment income
      Class A                                                           (85,884,466)  (108,346,778)
      Class B                                                            (8,498,742)    (8,816,146)
      Class Y                                                           (36,023,973)   (49,253,663)
   Net realized gain
      Class A                                                          (339,669,342)  (351,321,509)
      Class B                                                           (42,241,506)   (31,416,863)
      Class Y                                                          (149,459,194)  (151,670,487)
                                                                       ------------   ------------
Total distributions                                                    (661,777,223)  (700,825,446)
                                                                       ------------   ------------
 Capital share transactions (Note 3)
Proceeds from sales
   Class A shares (Note 2)                                              232,550,724    257,299,934
   Class B shares                                                       140,100,650    145,988,341
   Class Y shares                                                       256,437,748    458,580,183
Reinvestment of distributions at net asset value
   Class A shares                                                       377,479,648    406,345,457
   Class B shares                                                        49,757,221     39,425,789
   Class Y shares                                                       185,483,167    200,924,150
Payments for redemptions
   Class A shares                                                      (493,616,208)  (434,254,951)
   Class B shares (Note 2)                                              (78,008,197)   (44,948,636)
   Class Y shares                                                      (612,808,155)  (472,541,514)
                                                                       ------------   ------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions        57,376,598    556,818,753
                                                                         ----------    -----------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets                                 (44,662,420)  (102,283,138)
Net assets at beginning of year                                       4,749,664,951  4,851,948,089
                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net assets at end of year                                            $4,705,002,531 $4,749,664,951
                                                                     ============== ==============
Undistributed net investment income                                  $    2,722,083 $    2,621,849
                                                                     -------------- --------------


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Notes to Financial Statements
AXP Mutual

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Fund is a series of AXP Investment Series,  Inc. and is registered under the
Investment  Company  Act  of  1940  (as  amended)  as  a  diversified,  open-end
management  investment  company.  AXP  Investment  Series,  Inc.  has 10 billion
authorized  shares of capital  stock that can be  allocated  among the  separate
series as designated by the board.

The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class Y shares.

o Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge.
o Class B shares  may be  subject  to a  contingent  deferred  sales  charge and
automatically  convert  to Class A shares  during  the  ninth  calendar  year of
ownership.
o Class Y  shares  have no  sales  charge  and are  offered  only to  qualifying
institutional investors.

All classes of shares have identical  voting,  dividend and liquidation  rights.
The  distribution  fee,  incremental  transfer agency fee and service fee (class
specific  expenses)  differs among classes.  Income,  expenses (other than class
specific  expenses) and realized and  unrealized  gains or losses on investments
are allocated to each class of shares based upon its relative net assets.

Investment in Balanced Portfolio
The Fund  invests all of its assets in Balanced  Portfolio  (the  Portfolio),  a
series of Growth and Income Trust (the Trust),  an open-end  investment  company
that has the same objectives as the Fund. The Portfolio  invests  primarily in a
combination  of common  stocks  and  senior  securities  (debt  obligations  and
preferred stocks).

The Fund  records  daily  its  share of the  Portfolio's  income,  expenses  and
realized  and  unrealized  gains and losses.  The  financial  statements  of the
Portfolio  are  included  elsewhere  in  this  report  and  should  be  read  in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements.

The Fund records its  investment  in the Portfolio at the value that is equal to
the Fund's  proportionate  ownership interest in the Portfolio's net assets. The
percentage of the Portfolio  owned by the Fund as of Sept.  30, 1999 was 99.97%.
Valuation  of  securities  held by the  Portfolio  is discussed in Note 1 of the
Portfolio's "Notes to financial statements" (included elsewhere in this report).

Use of estimates
Preparing  financial  statements that conform to generally  accepted  accounting
principles   requires   management  to  make  estimates  (e.g.,  on  assets  and
liabilities) that could differ from actual results.

Federal taxes
The Fund's  policy is to comply with all sections of the  Internal  Revenue Code
that  apply to  regulated  investment  companies  and to  distribute  all of its
taxable income to the  shareholders.  No provision for income or excise taxes is
thus required.

Net  investment  income  (loss) and net realized  gains  (losses) may differ for
financial  statement and tax purposes  primarily  because of deferred  losses on
certain futures  contracts,  the  recognition of certain foreign  currency gains
(losses) as ordinary income (loss) for tax purposes,  and losses deferred due to
"wash sale"  transactions.  The character of distributions  made during the year
from net investment  income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate
characterization  for federal  income tax purposes.  Also,  due to the timing of
dividend  distributions,  the fiscal year in which amounts are  distributed  may
differ from the year that the income or realized gains (losses) were recorded by
the Fund.

On the statement of assets and liabilities, as a result of permanent book-to-tax
differences,   undistributed   net  investment  income  has  been  decreased  by
$2,448,123 and accumulated net realized gain has been increased by $2,448,123.

Dividends to shareholders
Dividends from net investment  income,  declared and paid each calendar quarter,
are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund at net asset value or payable in
cash. Capital gains, when available,  are distributed along with the last income
dividend of the calendar year.

2. EXPENSES AND SALES CHARGES
In addition to the expenses  allocated from the Portfolio,  the Fund accrues its
own expenses as follows:

The Fund has an agreement with American Express Financial  Corporation (AEFC) to
provide administrative services. Under an Administrative Services Agreement, the
Fund pays AEFC a fee for administration and accounting  services at a percentage
of the Fund's  average  daily net assets in reducing  percentages  from 0.04% to
0.02% annually.  Additional administrative service expenses paid by the Fund are
office expenses,  consultants'  fees and compensation of officers and employees.
Under this  agreement,  the Fund also pays taxes,  audit and certain legal fees,
registration  fees for shares,  compensation of board members,  corporate filing
fees and any other  expenses  properly  payable by the Fund and  approved by the
board.

Under a separate  Transfer  Agency  Agreement,  American  Express Client Service
Corporation (AECSC) maintains  shareholder  accounts and records.  The Fund pays
AECSC an annual fee per shareholder account for this service as follows:

o  Class A $19
o  Class B $20
o  Class Y $17

Under  terms of a prior  agreement  that ended Jan.  31,  1999,  the Fund paid a
transfer agency fee at an annual rate per shareholder account of $15 for Class A
and $16 for Class B. Under terms of a prior agreement that ended March 31, 1999,
the Fund paid a transfer agency fee at an annual rate per shareholder account of
$15 for Class Y.

The Fund has  agreements  with  American  Express  Financial  Advisors  Inc. for
distribution   and  shareholder   services.   Under  a  Plan  and  Agreement  of
Distribution  (the Plan),  the Fund pays a distribution fee at an annual rate up
to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets  attributable  to Class A shares
and up to 1.00% for Class B shares.  The Plan  went into  effect  July 1,  1999.
Under terms of a prior Plan and Agreement of Distribution  (the Prior Plan) that
ended June 30, 1999, the Fund paid a  distribution  fee for Class B shares at an
annual  rate up to 0.75% of  average  daily net  assets.  The Prior Plan was not
effective with respect to Class A shares.

Under a Shareholder  Service Agreement,  the Fund's Class Y shares pay a fee for
service  provided to  shareholders  by financial  advisors  and other  servicing
agents. The fee is calculated at a rate of 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net
assets  attributable  to Class Y shares.  Under terms of a prior  agreement that
ended June 30,  1999,  the Fund paid a  shareholder  service fee for Class A and
Class B shares at a rate of 0.175% of average daily net assets.  Effective  July
1, 1999,  the agreement for Class A and Class B shares was converted to the Plan
and Agreement of Distribution discussed above.

Sales  charges  received  by  American  Express  Financial   Advisors  Inc.  for
distributing  Fund shares were  $4,797,220  for Class A and $417,918 for Class B
for the year ended Sept. 30, 1999.

During the year ended  Sept.  30,  1999,  the Fund's  transfer  agency fees were
reduced  by  $160,348  as a result  of  earnings  credits  from  overnight  cash
balances.


3. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Transactions in shares of capital stock for the years indicated are as follows:

                                               Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

                                         Class A         Class B       Class Y

Sold                                   17,205,572      10,426,243    18,943,044
Issued for reinvested distributions    29,201,918       3,876,603    14,350,544
Redeemed                              (36,422,930)     (5,801,641)  (45,585,649)
                                      -----------      ----------   -----------
Net increase (decrease)                 9,984,560       8,501,205   (12,292,061)

                                               Year ended Sept. 30, 1998

                                         Class A         Class B       Class Y

Sold                                   17,836,543      10,193,781    31,856,564
Issued for reinvested distributions    29,658,735       2,893,659    14,655,420
Redeemed                              (30,130,218)     (3,155,238)  (33,071,646)
                                      -----------      ----------   -----------
Net increase (decrease)                17,365,060       9,932,202    13,440,338

4. BANK BORROWINGS
The Fund has a revolving credit agreement with U.S. Bank, N.A., whereby the Fund
is permitted to have bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes to fund
shareholder redemptions. The Fund must have asset coverage for borrowings not to
exceed the  aggregate  of 333% of advances  equal to or less than five  business
days plus 367% of advances over five business days. The agreement, which enables
the Fund to participate with other American Express funds, permits borrowings up
to $200  million,  collectively.  Interest  is charged to each Fund based on its
borrowings  at a  rate  equal  to the  Federal  Funds  Rate  plus  0.30%  or the
Eurodollar Rate (Reserve  Adjusted) plus 0.20%.  Borrowings are payable up to 90
days after such loan is executed.  The Fund also pays a commitment  fee equal to
its pro rata share of the amount of the credit  facility  at a rate of 0.05% per
annum.  The Fund had no borrowings  outstanding  during the year ended Sept. 30,
1999.

5. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
"Financial highlights" showing per share data and selected financial information
is presented on pages 30 and 31 of the prospectus.
<PAGE>
Independent Auditors' Report

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND UNITHOLDERS
GROWTH AND INCOME TRUST

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,  including
the schedule of investments in  securities,  of Balanced  Portfolio (a series of
Growth and Income Trust) as of September 30, 1999, and the related  statement of
operations  for the year then ended and the  statements of changes in net assets
for each of the years in the two-year  period ended  September  30, 1999.  These
financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  portfolio  management.  Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation  of securities  owned as of September  30, 1999, by  correspondence
with the custodian and brokers.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as well as
evaluating the overall  financial  statement  presentation.  We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Balanced Portfolio at September
30, 1999,  and the results of its  operations  and the changes in its net assets
for the  periods  stated  in the  first  paragraph  above,  in  conformity  with
generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 5, 1999
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Financial Statements

Statement of assets and liabilities
Balanced Portfolio

Sept. 30, 1999

Assets
Investments in securities, at value (Note 1)
<S>                                                                        <C>
   (identified cost $4,951,575,740)                                        $5,068,259,005
Cash in bank on demand deposit                                                  2,170,728
Dividends and accrued interest receivable                                      29,944,159
Receivable for investment securities sold                                      52,282,372
U.S. government securities held as collateral (Note 6)                        102,622,654
                                                                              -----------
Total assets                                                                5,255,278,918
                                                                            -------------
Liabilities
Payable for investment securities purchased                                   289,984,158
Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 6)                             257,185,154
Accrued investment management services fee                                         62,853
Other accrued expenses                                                             37,667
Options contracts written, at value (premium received $1,822,960) (Note 4)      1,595,650
                                                                                ---------
Total liabilities                                                             548,865,482
                                                                              -----------
Net assets                                                                 $4,706,413,436
                                                                           ==============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statement of operations
Balanced Portfolio

Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

Investment income
Income:
<S>                                                                        <C>
Dividends                                                                  $ 57,412,690
Interest                                                                    118,706,531
   Less foreign taxes withheld                                                  (45,135)
                                                                                -------
Total income                                                                176,074,086
                                                                            -----------
Expenses (Note 2):
Investment management services fee                                           23,093,721
Compensation of board members                                                    21,888
Custodian fees                                                                  321,150
Audit fees                                                                       30,750
Other                                                                            67,030
                                                                                 ------
Total expenses                                                               23,534,539
   Earnings credits on cash balances (Note 2)                                    (6,953)
                                                                                 ------
Total net expenses                                                           23,527,586
                                                                             ----------
Investment income (loss) -- net                                             152,546,500
                                                                            -----------
 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) -- net
Net realized gain (loss) on:
   Security transactions (Note 3)                                           209,560,355
   Financial future contracts                                                45,983,773
   Foreign currency transactions                                                 17,631
   Options contracts written (Note 4)                                        19,661,127
                                                                             ----------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                     275,222,886
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies       151,665,578
                                                                            -----------
Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies                       426,888,464
                                                                            -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            $579,434,964
                                                                           ============


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Statements of changes in net assets
Balanced Portfolio

Year ended Sept. 30,                                                        1999          1998

Operations
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Investment income (loss)-- net                                       $  152,546,500 $  185,535,190
Net realized gain (loss) on investments                                 275,222,886    536,885,565
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   and on translations of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies  151,665,578   (663,319,521)
                                                                        -----------   ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations         579,434,964     59,101,234
Net contributions (withdrawals) from partners                          (624,252,082)  (161,190,578)
                                                                       ------------   ------------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets                                 (44,817,118)  (102,089,344)
Net assets at beginning of year                                       4,751,230,554  4,853,319,898
                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net assets at end of year                                            $4,706,413,436 $4,751,230,554
                                                                     ============== ==============


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Notes to Financial Statements

Balanced Portfolio

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Balanced  Portfolio (the  Portfolio) is a series of Growth and Income Trust (the
Trust) and is registered  under the Investment  Company Act of 1940 (as amended)
as a diversified,  open-end management  investment  company.  Balanced Portfolio
seeks to provide a balance of growth of capital and current  income by investing
primarily in a  combination  of common stocks and senior  securities  (preferred
stocks and debt  obligations).  The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to
issue non-transferable interests in the Portfolio.

The Portfolio's significant accounting policies are summarized below:

Use of estimates
Preparing  financial  statements that conform to generally  accepted  accounting
principles   requires   management  to  make  estimates  (e.g.,  on  assets  and
liabilities) that could differ from actual results.

Valuation of securities
All securities are valued at the close of each business day.  Securities  traded
on national  securities  exchanges  or included in national  market  systems are
valued at the last quoted sales price.  Debt securities are generally  traded in
the  over-the-counter  market and are valued at a price that reflects fair value
as quoted by dealers in these  securities or by an independent  pricing service.
Securities for which market  quotations are not readily  available are valued at
fair value according to methods selected in good faith by the board.  Short-term
securities  maturing in more than 60 days from the valuation  date are valued at
the market price or approximate  market value based on current  interest  rates;
those maturing in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.

Option transactions
To produce incremental earnings, protect gains and facilitate buying and selling
of securities for investments, the Portfolio may buy and write options traded on
any U.S. or foreign exchange or in the over-the-counter  market where completing
the  obligation  depends  upon the  credit  standing  of the  other  party.  The
Portfolio  also may buy and sell put and call  options  and write  covered  call
options on portfolio  securities as well as write cash-secured put options.  The
risk in writing a call option is that the Portfolio gives up the opportunity for
profit if the market price of the security increases.  The risk in writing a put
option  is that  the  Portfolio  may  incur a loss if the  market  price  of the
security decreases and the option is exercised.  The risk in buying an option is
that the Portfolio  pays a premium  whether or not the option is exercised.  The
Portfolio also has the  additional  risk of being unable to enter into a closing
transaction if a liquid secondary market does not exist.

Option  contracts  are  valued  daily at the  closing  prices  on their  primary
exchanges and unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded. The Portfolio
will realize a gain or loss when the option transaction  expires or closes. When
an option is  exercised,  the proceeds on sales for a written  call option,  the
purchase cost for a written put option or the cost of a security for a purchased
put or call option is adjusted by the amount of premium received or paid.

Futures transactions
To gain exposure to or protect itself from market changes, the Portfolio may buy
and sell financial futures contracts traded on any U.S. or foreign exchange. The
Portfolio  also  may buy and  write  put  and  call  options  on  these  futures
contracts.  Risks of entering into futures contracts and related options include
the  possibility  of an  illiquid  market  and that a change in the value of the
contract or option may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying
securities.

Upon  entering  into a futures  contract,  the  Portfolio is required to deposit
either  cash or  securities  in an amount  (initial  margin)  equal to a certain
percentage of the contract value.  Subsequent  payments  (variation  margin) are
made or received by the Portfolio  each day. The variation  margin  payments are
equal to the daily changes in the contract  value and are recorded as unrealized
gains and losses.  The  Portfolio  recognizes  a realized  gain or loss when the
contract is closed or expires.

Foreign currency translations and foreign currency contracts
Securities and other assets and  liabilities  denominated in foreign  currencies
are translated daily into U.S. dollars.  Foreign currency amounts related to the
purchase or sale of  securities  and income and expenses are  translated  at the
exchange rate on the transaction date. The effect of changes in foreign exchange
rates on realized  and  unrealized  security  gains or losses is  reflected as a
component of such gains or losses. In the statement of operations,  net realized
gains or losses from foreign currency transactions, if any, may arise from sales
of foreign currency, closed forward contracts, exchange gains or losses realized
between the trade date and settlement date on securities transactions, and other
translation   gains  or  losses  on  dividends,   interest  income  and  foreign
withholding taxes.

The Portfolio may enter into forward  foreign  currency  exchange  contracts for
operational  purposes and to protect against adverse exchange rate  fluctuation.
The net U.S.  dollar  value  of  foreign  currency  underlying  all  contractual
commitments held by the Portfolio and the resulting  unrealized  appreciation or
depreciation  are  determined  using  foreign  currency  exchange  rates from an
independent  pricing  service.  The Portfolio is subject to the credit risk that
the other party will not complete its contract obligations.

Securities purchased on a when-issued basis
Delivery and payment for securities that have been purchased by the Portfolio on
a forward-commitment or when-issued basis can take place one month or more after
the transaction date. During this period,  such securities are subject to market
fluctuations,  and they may affect the  Portfolio's net assets the same as owned
securities.  The Portfolio  designates cash or liquid high-grade debt securities
at least  equal to the  amount of its  commitment.  As of Sept.  30,  1999,  the
Portfolio had entered into  outstanding  when-issued or  forward-commitments  of
$178,389,167.

Federal taxes
For federal  income tax purposes the Portfolio  qualifies as a  partnership  and
each  investor  in the  Portfolio  is treated as the owner of its  proportionate
share of the net assets, income,  expenses and realized and unrealized gains and
losses of the Portfolio.  As a "pass-through"  entity,  the Portfolio  therefore
does not pay any income dividends or capital gain distributions.

Other
Security  transactions are accounted for on the date securities are purchased or
sold. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income,
including level-yield amortization of premium and discount, is accrued daily.

2. FEES AND EXPENSES
The Trust,  on behalf of the Portfolio,  has an Investment  Management  Services
Agreement  with  AEFC to  manage  its  portfolio.  Under  this  agreement,  AEFC
determines which securities will be purchased,  held or sold. The management fee
is a  percentage  of the  Portfolio's  average  daily  net  assets  in  reducing
percentages from 0.53% to 0.43% annually. The fees may be increased or decreased
by a performance  adjustment based on a comparison of the performance of Class A
shares of AXP Mutual to the Lipper Balanced Fund Index.  The maximum  adjustment
is 0.08% of the  Portfolio's  average daily net assets on an annual  basis.  The
adjustment decreased the fee by $1,244,183 for the year ended Sept. 30, 1999.

Under the  agreement,  the Trust  also pays  taxes,  brokerage  commissions  and
nonadvisory  expenses,  which include  custodian  fees,  audit and certain legal
fees,  fidelity bond premiums,  registration  fees for units,  office  expenses,
consultants'  fees,  compensation of trustees,  corporate filing fees,  expenses
incurred in connection with lending  securities of the Portfolio,  and any other
expenses properly payable by the Trust or Portfolio and approved by the board.

During the year ended  Sept.  30,  1999,  the  Portfolio's  custodian  fees were
reduced by $6,953 as a result of earnings  credits from overnight cash balances.
The Portfolio  also pays custodian  fees to American  Express Trust Company,  an
affiliate of AEFC.

According to a Placement Agency Agreement,  American Express Financial  Advisors
Inc. acts as placement agent of the Trust's units.

3. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities  (other than  short-term
obligations) aggregated $6,886,727,787 and $6,770,086,105, respectively, for the
year ended Sept. 30, 1999. For the same period,  the portfolio turnover rate was
134%. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis.

Brokerage commissions paid to brokers affiliated with AEFC were $112,076 for the
year ended Sept. 30, 1999.

4. OPTIONS CONTRACTS WRITTEN
Contracts and premium amounts  associated with options  contracts written are as
follows:

                                          Year ended Sept. 30, 1999

                                      Puts                         Calls

                             Contracts     Premium         Contracts    Premium

Balance Sept. 30, 1998         2,400    $4,153,631          2,750    $4,469,066
Opened                        10,669    14,837,197         25,965    21,514,874
Closed                        (8,869)  (13,042,292)       (12,165)  (19,073,346)
Exercised                     (2,051)   (2,667,435)          (400)     (454,252)
Expired                       (2,149)   (3,281,101)        (3,650)   (4,633,382)
                              ------    ----------         ------    ----------
Balance Sept. 30, 1999            --            $--        12,500    $1,822,960

See "Summary of significant accounting policies."

5. FUTURES CONTRACTS
As of Sept. 30, 1999,  investments in securities  included  securities valued at
$46,701,039  that were pledged as collateral to cover initial margin deposits on
92 open  purchase  stock  index  contracts  and 5,725  open sale  interest  rate
contracts.  The market value of the open purchase contracts as of Sept. 30, 1999
was $29,858,600  with a net unrealized  loss of $1,495,552.  The market value of
the open  sale  contracts  as of Sept.  30,  1999  was  $649,865,750  with a net
unrealized gain of $5,828,360. See "Summary of significant accounting policies".

6. LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
As of Sep. 30, 1999,  securities valued at $247,477,134 were on loan to brokers.
For collateral,  the Portfolio received $154,562,500 in cash and U.S. government
securities  valued at $102,622,654.  Income from securities  lending amounted to
$357,417  for the year ended  Sept.  30,  1999.  The risks to the  Portfolio  of
securities lending are that the borrower may not provide  additional  collateral
when required or return the securities when due.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Investments in Securities

Balanced Portfolio
Sept. 30, 1999

(Percentages represent value of investments compared to net assets)

Common stocks (63.9%)
Issuer                                                       Shares           Value(a)

Aerospace & defense (1.9%)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>
AlliedSignal                                                 800,000        $47,950,000
Rockwell Intl                                                770,000         40,425,000
Total                                                                        88,375,000

Airlines (0.7%)
AMR                                                          625,000(b)      34,062,500

Automotive & related (2.3%)
Delphi Automotive Systems                                  1,700,916         27,320,963
Ford Motor                                                   610,000         30,614,375
General Motors                                               360,000         22,657,500
TRW                                                          577,000         28,705,750
Total                                                                       109,298,588

Banks and savings & loans (6.4%)
Bank of America                                            1,315,000         73,229,062
Bank of New York                                           1,105,000         36,948,438
Chase Manhattan                                              480,000         36,180,000
Fleet Financial Group                                      1,035,000         37,906,875
Mellon Bank                                                  985,000         33,243,750
Washington Mutual                                            925,000         27,056,250
Wells Fargo                                                1,340,000         53,097,499
Total                                                                       297,661,874

Building materials & construction (0.7%)
American Standard                                            720,000(b)      27,630,000
Martin Marietta Materials                                    190,800          7,620,075
Total                                                                        35,250,075

Chemicals (1.7%)
Air Products & Chemicals                                     815,000         23,685,938
Dow Chemical                                                 170,000         19,316,250
Du Pont (EI) de Nemours                                      640,566         38,994,455
Total                                                                        81,996,643

Communications equipment & services (1.0%)
Motorola                                                     550,000         48,400,000

Computers & office equipment (5.1%)
BMC Software                                                 315,000(b)      22,542,188
Electronic Data Systems                                      295,000         15,616,563
EQUANT                                                       216,800(b,c)    17,642,100
First Data                                                   365,150         16,020,956
Hewlett-Packard                                              250,000         23,000,000
Intl Business Machines                                       645,000         78,286,874
NOVA                                                       1,374,400         34,360,000
Solectron                                                    460,000(b)      33,033,750
Total                                                                       240,502,431

Electronics (0.7%)
Texas Instruments                                            420,000         34,545,000

Energy (6.4%)
Chevron                                                      865,000         76,768,750
Conoco Cl B                                                  219,580          6,011,003
ENI                                                        6,190,000(c)      38,796,141
Mobil                                                        865,000         87,148,749
Texaco                                                       910,000         57,443,750
Tosco                                                      1,185,000         29,921,250
Total                                                                       296,089,643

Financial services (6.0%)
Associates First Capital Cl A                                980,000         35,280,000
Capital One Financial                                        890,000         34,710,000
Citigroup                                                  2,320,000        102,079,999
Kansas City Southern Inds                                    623,900         28,972,356
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co                   575,000         51,282,813
Providian Financial                                          399,000         31,595,813
Total                                                                       283,920,981

Food (1.5%)
Bestfoods                                                    470,000         22,795,000
General Mills                                                310,000         25,148,750
Sara Lee                                                     900,000(e,f)    21,093,750
Total                                                                        69,037,500

Health care (2.0%)
American Home Products                                       365,000         15,147,500
Baxter Intl                                                  350,000         21,087,500
Guidant                                                      465,000         24,935,625
Mylan Laboratories                                           760,000         13,965,000
Pharmacia & Upjohn                                           415,000         20,594,375
Total                                                                        95,730,000

Health care services (0.7%)
Cardinal Health                                              375,000         20,437,500
Columbia/HCA Healthcare                                      605,000         12,818,438
Total                                                                        33,255,938

Industrial equipment & services (2.0%)
Illinois Tool Works                                          655,000         48,838,437
Parker-Hannifin                                            1,005,000         45,036,563
Total                                                                        93,875,000

Insurance (4.2%)
Allstate                                                     208,550          5,200,716
American General                                             785,000         49,602,188
American Intl Group                                        1,005,000         87,372,187
Lincoln Natl                                                 825,250         30,998,453
Marsh & McLennan                                             335,000         22,947,500
Total                                                                       196,121,044

Leisure time & entertainment (1.6%)
Disney (Walt)                                              1,630,000         42,176,250
Viacom Cl B                                                  770,000(b)      32,532,500
Total                                                                        74,708,750

Media (0.5%)
MediaOne Group                                               375,000(b)      25,617,188

Multi-industry conglomerates (1.3%)
Emerson Electric                                             335,000         21,167,813
Minnesota Mining & Mfg                                       210,000         20,173,125
Tyco Intl                                                    170,000(c)      17,552,500
Total                                                                        58,893,438

Paper & packaging (0.8%)
Intl Paper                                                   770,000         37,008,125

Retail (3.9%)
Costco Wholesale                                             660,000(b)      47,520,000
Dayton Hudson                                                870,000         52,254,375
Gap                                                        1,015,000         32,480,000
TJX Companies                                              1,750,000         49,109,375
Total                                                                       181,363,750

Transportation (0.6%)
Burlington Northern Santa Fe                               1,110,000         30,525,000

Utilities -- electric (3.2%)
Carolina Power & Light                                       410,000         14,503,750
CMS Energy                                                   775,000         26,301,563
Duke Energy                                                  531,800         29,315,474
Edison Intl                                                  885,000         21,516,563
FPL Group                                                    245,000         12,341,875
New Century Energies                                         710,000         23,740,625
Pinnacle West Capital                                        275,000         10,003,125
Texas Utilities                                              400,000         14,925,000
Total                                                                       152,647,975

Utilities -- gas (1.0%)
Coastal                                                    1,145,000         46,873,438

Utilities -- telephone (7.8%)
Ameritech                                                    835,000         56,101,563
AT&T                                                       1,885,000         81,997,499
Bell Atlantic                                                550,000         37,021,875
BellSouth                                                  1,005,000         45,225,000
GTE                                                          355,000         27,290,625
MCI WorldCom                                                 855,000(b)      61,453,124
SBC Communications                                           465,000         23,744,063
U S WEST Communications Group                                545,000         31,099,063
Total                                                                       363,932,812

Total common stocks
(Cost: $2,847,064,401)                                                   $3,009,692,693


Preferred stocks (0.1%)

Issuer                                                       Shares           Value(a)

Global TeleSystems Group
   7.25% Cm Cv                                                71,500(g)      $2,931,500
Intermedia Communications
   7.00% Cm Cv Series F                                      203,000          3,882,375


Total preferred stocks
(Cost: $8,085,990)                                                           $6,813,875


See accompanying notes to investments in securities.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Bonds (40.8%)

Issuer                                      Coupon          Principal         Value(a)
                                             rate            amount


Mortgage-backed securities (11.6%)
Collateralized Mtge Obligation Trust
<S>                                            <C>        <C>                <C>
      12-20-14                                 9.95%      $1,988,510         $2,089,347
Federal Home Loan Mtge Corp
      10-01-03                                 7.00        2,307,876          2,321,584
      07-01-07                                 6.50          207,953            205,512
      07-01-08                                 6.75        1,095,806          1,084,508
      06-01-09                                 5.50        3,303,712          3,131,291
      01-01-11                                 6.50       11,436,200         11,264,657
      03-01-13                                 5.50       12,989,768         12,251,733
      08-01-24                                 8.00        2,923,573          2,993,008
      09-01-28                                 6.00       26,790,182         24,990,149
Trust Series Z
      10-15-23                                 6.50        2,784,864(l)       2,477,526
Federal Natl Mtge Assn
      10-01-02                                 7.50          317,131            320,204
      05-14-04                                 5.63       10,000,000          9,701,189
      01-01-09                                 5.50        5,067,238          4,799,637
      07-01-13                                 6.50       14,280,652         14,035,120
      08-01-13                                 6.00       26,909,515         25,885,126
      02-01-14                                 7.50        1,023,607          1,015,295
      06-01-14                                 5.50       29,454,953         27,715,343
      05-01-23                                 6.50        4,070,419          3,935,606
      09-01-23                                 6.50        6,416,030          6,191,469
      01-01-24                                 6.50       11,776,565         11,364,385
      06-01-24                                 9.00        3,251,649          3,426,426
      08-01-25                                 7.50        9,759,848          9,799,473
      06-01-26                                 8.50           33,558             34,743
      04-01-28                                 6.00       11,858,290         11,054,179
      06-01-28                                 6.00        9,142,816(d,e,f)   8,522,842
      06-01-28                                 6.00       11,398,425         10,625,498
      06-01-28                                 7.00           22,879             22,479
      07-01-28                                 6.00       13,251,776         12,353,173
      09-01-28                                 6.50       46,628,511         44,742,499
      12-01-28                                 6.50       11,131,359         10,675,641
      08-01-29                                 7.00      130,000,000(i)     127,725,001
      08-01-29                                 7.50       50,000,000(i)      50,140,500
      09-01-29                                 6.50       90,000,000         88,143,750
Total                                                                       545,038,893

U.S. government obligations (14.8%)
Resolution Funding Corp
      10-15-19                                 8.13       15,000,000         17,429,457
U.S. Treasury
      11-15-05                                 5.88        1,800,000          1,790,284
      05-15-06                                 6.88       25,000,000         26,095,573
      02-15-07                                 6.25      100,000,000(g)     100,871,000
      05-15-07                                 6.63       90,000,000         92,837,997
      08-15-07                                 6.13       50,000,000(g)      50,062,500
      05-15-09                                 5.50       30,000,000         29,006,250
      11-15-15                                 9.88       24,000,000         32,161,135
      11-15-16                                 7.50       90,000,000(g)      99,700,236
      05-15-17                                 8.75        6,400,000          7,924,736
      08-15-19                                 8.13       65,000,000(d,e,f)  77,009,426
      11-15-21                                 8.00       16,000,000         18,920,261
      02-15-23                                 7.13       12,700,000         13,782,548
Zero Coupon
      05-15-09                                 5.72      110,000,000(k)      60,174,400
      05-15-13                                 6.14       74,000,000(k)      30,837,946
      11-15-13                                 6.16       90,000,000(k)      36,220,410
Total                                                                       694,824,159

Automotive & related (0.7%)
Ford Motor Credit
      07-16-04                                 6.70       10,000,000          9,950,356
      08-15-08                                 6.75       10,000,000          9,721,370
Lear
   Sr Nts
      05-15-09                                 8.11       15,000,000         14,488,500
Total                                                                        34,160,226

Banks and savings & loans (2.1%)
BankAmerica
   Sr Nts
      02-15-09                                 5.88       10,000,000          9,126,854
Fleet Financial Group
   Sub Nts
      05-15-08                                 6.38       10,000,000          9,391,014
Mellon Financial
   Sub Nts
      02-15-10                                 6.38       16,000,000         15,146,181
Morgan (JP)
   Sr Sub Medium-term Nts Series A
      02-15-12                                 4.00       15,000,000         13,137,900
NationsBank
   Sub Nts
      05-15-10                                 6.60       11,825,000         11,328,913
Newcourt Credit Group
      02-16-05                                 6.88       10,000,000(h)       9,799,630
Union Planters Capital
   Company Guaranty
      12-15-26                                 8.20       10,000,000          9,371,894
Washington Mutual Capital
   Company Guaranty
      06-01-27                                 8.38        5,800,000          5,673,898
Wells Fargo
      07-15-04                                 6.63       15,000,000         14,895,900
Total                                                                        97,872,184

Building materials & construction (0.2%)
Owens Corning
      08-01-18                                 7.50       12,500,000         11,034,625

Chemicals (0.2%)
Waste Management
   Sr Nts
      10-01-04                                 7.00        9,000,000          8,363,412

Commercial finance (0.1%)
Yale University
      04-15-96                                 7.38        4,000,000          4,008,004

Electronics (0.2%)
Hyundai Semiconductor
   (U.S. Dollar) Sr Nts
      05-15-04                                 8.25       10,000,000(c,h)     8,070,810

Energy (1.1%)
Occidental Petroleum
   Medium-term Nts Series B
      04-10-00                                 6.25        6,500,000          6,497,648
Petronas
   (U.S. Dollar)
      08-15-15                                 7.75       10,000,000(c,h)     8,644,443
R & B Falcon
   Sr Nts Series B
      04-15-05                                 6.75       10,000,000          8,550,000
Union Pacific Resources
      05-15-28                                 7.15       10,000,000          8,916,641
USX
      03-01-08                                 6.85       10,000,000          9,563,201
Woodside Petroleum
   (U.S. Dollar)
      04-15-08                                 6.60       10,000,000(c,h)     9,203,987
Total                                                                        51,375,920

Energy equipment & services (0.4%)
Global Marine
      09-01-07                                 7.13       10,000,000          9,549,627
Pioneer Natural Resource
      01-15-08                                 6.50       10,350,000          8,947,342
Total                                                                        18,496,969

Financial services (1.3%)
AT&T Capital
   Company Guaranty Medium-term Nts Series F
      05-15-05                                 6.60        9,000,000          8,623,449
Bat-CRAVE-800
      08-12-00                                 6.68        7,000,000(h)       7,027,332
Citibank Credit Card Master Trust
   Series A
      10-07-04                                 5.95        8,550,000          8,350,443
Equitable Life Assurance Society US Cl B1
      05-15-09                                 7.33        5,500,000          5,521,230
Golden State Holdings
   Sr Nts
      08-01-03                                 7.00       10,000,000          9,605,060
Liberty Mutual Insurance
      10-15-97                                 7.70       10,000,000          8,542,540
Railcar Leasing
   (U.S. Dollar)
      01-15-13                                 7.13       15,000,000(c,h)    15,194,205
Total                                                                        62,864,259

Health care services (0.4%)
Kaiser Permanente
      07-15-05                                 9.55        6,000,000          6,625,970
Service Corp Intl
      03-15-08                                 6.50        2,000,000          1,775,509
      04-15-09                                 7.70       10,000,000          9,546,734
Total                                                                        17,948,213

Insurance (0.9%)
Nationwide CSN Trust
      02-15-25                                 9.88       15,500,000(h)      16,841,963
New York Life Insurance
      12-15-23                                 7.50       11,500,000(h)      10,522,204
Principal Mutual
      03-01-44                                 8.00        7,150,000(h)       6,873,412
SAFECO Capital
   Company Guaranty
      07-15-37                                 8.07       10,000,000          9,072,442
Total                                                                        43,310,021

Media (1.0%)
Belo (AH)
   Sr Nts
      06-01-07                                 7.13       15,000,000         14,514,242
Cox Communications
      08-15-06                                 7.75        8,200,000          8,345,714
Time Warner Entertainment
   Sr Nts
      07-15-33                                 8.38       23,522,000         24,973,704
Total                                                                        47,833,660

Miscellaneous (0.4%)
DTE Burns Harbor LLC
   (U.S. Dollar) Sr Nts
      01-30-03                                 6.57        6,250,480(c,h)     6,002,148
KPNQwest
   (U.S. Dollar) Sr Nts
      06-01-09                                 8.13       15,000,000(c,h)    14,250,000
Total                                                                        20,252,148

Paper & packaging (0.5%)
Caraustar Inds
      06-01-09                                 7.38       15,000,000         14,551,119
Intl Paper
      11-15-12                                 5.13       13,400,000         10,946,313
Total                                                                        25,497,432

Real estate investment trust (0.1%)
Property Trust of America
      02-15-14                                 7.50        5,000,000          4,715,032

Restaurants & lodging (0.2%)
MGM Grand
      02-01-05                                 6.95       10,000,000          9,237,293

Retail (0.2%)
Wal-Mart CRAVE Trust
      07-17-06                                 7.00       11,603,197(h)      11,495,751

Transportation (0.5%)
Atlas Air Series C
      01-02-10                                 8.01       14,060,998         13,355,277
Burlington Northern Santa Fe
      12-15-25                                 7.00       10,200,000          9,474,666
Total                                                                        22,829,943

Utilities -- electric (2.3%)
Arizona Public Service
   1st Mtge Sale Lease-backed Obligation
      12-30-15                                 8.00        5,400,000          5,623,239
Cleveland Electric Illuminating
      07-01-00                                 7.19        5,000,000          5,022,534
      07-01-04                                 7.67       10,000,000         10,138,950
CMS Energy
   Sr Nts
      07-01-03                                 8.38       20,000,000         19,874,939
Entergy Louisiana
   1st Mtge
      03-01-08                                 6.50        5,535,000          5,203,775
Israel Electric
   (U.S. Dollar) Sr Nts
      12-15-06                                 7.25       10,000,000(c)       9,810,700
Pacific Gas & Electric
   1st Mtge Series 1992D
      11-01-22                                 8.25        4,600,000          4,680,753
PSI Energy
   1st Mtge Series BBB
      07-15-09                                 8.00        8,085,000          8,292,634
Public Service Electric & Gas
   1st & Ref Mtge (AMBAC Insured)
      01-01-16                                 6.75       13,000,000(j)      12,056,819
Public Service Electric & Gas
   1st Mtge
      05-01-23                                 6.38        5,000,000          4,881,200
TXU Electric Capital
   Company Guaranty
      01-30-37                                 8.18       10,000,000          9,546,532
Wisconsin Electric Power
      01-15-23                                 7.75        5,500,000          5,394,561
      12-01-95                                 6.88        8,000,000          7,207,873
Total                                                                       107,734,509

Utilities -- gas (0.2%)
Ras Laffan
   (U.S. Dollar)
      03-15-14                                 8.29       10,000,000(c)       9,223,181

Utilities -- telephone (1.4%)
Airtouch Communications
      05-01-08                                 6.65        6,950,000          6,695,245
Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania
      03-15-33                                 7.38        5,000,000          4,703,382
GTE
      11-01-21                                 8.75        5,000,000          5,645,245
Qwest Communications Intl
   Sr Nts Series B
      11-01-08                                 7.25       21,000,000         20,579,999
SBC Communications
      10-15-34                                 6.63        6,100,000          5,321,655
      07-15-43                                 7.38        7,500,000          7,122,091
U S West Capital Funding
   Company Guaranty
      07-15-28                                 6.88        9,000,000          7,928,887
U S WEST Communications
      09-15-05                                 6.63        7,000,000          6,758,687
Total                                                                        64,755,191

Total bonds
(Cost: $1,965,718,363)                                                   $1,920,941,835


See accompanying notes to investments in securities.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Option purchased (--%)

Issuer                      Notional      Exercise     Expiration     Value(a)
                             amount         price         date



Put
U.S. Treasury Bond        $100,000,000       $99        Nov. 1999    $1,328,000

Total option purchased
(Cost: $1,195,300)                                                   $1,328,000


See accompanying notes to investments in securities.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Short-term securities (2.8%)
Issuer                                    Annualized         Amount          Value(a)
                                         yield on date     payable at
                                          of purchase       maturity



U.S. government agencies (1.8%)
Federal Home Loan Bank Disc Nts
<S>                                            <C>        <C>                <C>
      10-22-99                                 5.22%      $8,300,000         $8,273,623
      11-03-99                                 5.27       11,500,000         11,441,241
Federal Home Loan Mtge Corp Disc Nts
      10-05-99                                 5.24          600,000            599,563
      10-07-99                                 5.21        6,000,000          5,993,933
      11-15-99                                 5.29       11,200,000         11,124,866
Federal Natl Mtge Assn Disc Nts
      10-01-99                                 5.20        9,200,000          9,198,671
      10-29-99                                 5.24       11,200,000         11,152,904
      11-03-99                                 5.27        7,000,000          6,965,357
      11-03-99                                 5.28        3,200,000          3,184,133
      11-09-99                                 5.27        2,800,000          2,783,106
      12-08-99                                 5.31       11,700,000         11,578,681
Total                                                                        82,296,078

Commercial paper (0.9%)
Alcoa
      10-13-99                                 5.30        7,000,000          6,986,628
      11-12-99                                 5.35        6,400,000          6,357,208
Heinz (HJ)
      10-08-99                                 5.30        5,100,000          5,094,004
Petrofina (Delaware)
      10-26-99                                 5.16        8,800,000          8,765,552
Salomon Smith Barney
      10-05-99                                 5.18       15,000,000         14,989,021
Total                                                                        42,192,413

Letter of credit (0.1%)
Bank of America-
AES Hawaii
      10-08-99                                 5.31        5,000,000          4,994,111

Total short-term securities
(Cost: $129,511,686)                                                       $129,482,602

Total investments in securities
(Cost: $4,951,575,740)(m)                                                $5,068,259,005


See accompanying notes to investments in securities.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

Notes to investments in securities

(a)  Securities  are valued by  procedures  described in Note 1 to the financial
statements.

(b) Non-income producing.

(c) Foreign  security values are stated in U.S.  dollars.  For debt  securities,
principal  amounts are  denominated in the currency  indicated.  As of Sept. 30,
1999, the value of foreign securities represented 3.28% of net assets.

(d) At Sept. 30, 1999,  securities valued at $15,679,468 were held to cover open
call options written as follows:

Issuer                     Notional      Exercise     Expiration     Value(a)
                            amount         price         date

U.S. Treasury Bond      $120,000,000       $105       Nov. 1999     $1,064,400
U.S. Treasury Note       $50,000,000        110       Dec. 1999        531,250
Total                                                               $1,595,650

(e) Partially  pledged as initial  deposit on the  following  open interest rate
futures contracts (see Note 5 to the financial statements):

Type of security                                        Notional amount
Sale contracts
U.S. Treasury Note, Dec. 1999, 5-year                      $10,000,000
U.S. Treasury Note, Dec. 1999, 10-year                      49,300,000
U.S. Treasury Bonds, Dec. 1999                             513,200,000

(f) Partially  pledged as initial  margin  deposit on the  following  open stock
index futures purchase contracts (see Note 5 to the financial statements):

Type of security                                              Contracts
S&P 500 Index, Dec. 1999                                             92

(g)  Security  is  partially  or  fully on  loan.  See  Note 6 to the  financial
statements.

(h)  Represents  a  security  sold  under  Rule  144A,   which  is  exempt  from
registration  under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended.  This security has
been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the board.

(i) At Sept.  30, 1999,  the cost of securities  purchased,  including  interest
purchased, on a when-issued basis was $178,389,167.

(j) The following abbreviation is used in portfolio descriptions to identify the
insurer of the issue:

AMBAC    --   American Municipal Bond Association Corporation

(k) For zero coupon bonds, the interest rate disclosed represents the annualized
effective yield on the date of acquisition.

(l) This security is a collateralized  mortgage obligation that pays no interest
or principal  during its initial accrual period until previous series within the
trust have been paid off. Interest is accrued at an effective yield;  similar to
a zero coupon bond.

(m) At Sept.  30, 1999,  the cost of securities  for federal income tax purposes
was  $4,952,496,578   and  the  aggregate  gross  unrealized   appreciation  and
depreciation based on that cost was:

Unrealized appreciation                                       $348,085,873
Unrealized depreciation                                       (232,323,446)
                                                              ------------
Net unrealized appreciation                                   $115,762,427

<PAGE>

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 23.      Exhibits

(a)  Articles of Incorporation  amended November 13, 1991, filed as Exhibit 1 to
     Registrant's  Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 to Registration Statement No.
     2-11328 are incorporated by reference.

(b)  By-laws,  as amended January 10, 1996,  filed  electronically  as Exhibit 2
     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 80 to Registration  Statement No. 2-11328 are
     incorporated by reference.

(c)  IDS Mutual's stock certificate, filed as Exhibit No. 3 to Registrant's Form
     N-1Q for the calendar  quarter ended  September 30, 1976 is incorporated by
     reference.

(d)  Investment Management Services Agreement dated July 1, 1999, between Growth
     and  Income  Trust  and  American   Express   Financial   Corporation,   is
     incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  (d) to Growth  and  Income  Trust
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration Statement No. 811-7393 filed
     on or about Nov. 29, 1999.

(e)  Distribution  Agreement,  dated July 8, 1999,  between AXP Utilities Income
     Fund, Inc. and American Express Financial  Advisors Inc. is incorporated by
     reference to Exhibit (e) to AXP Utilities Income Fund, Inc.  Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 22, to  Registration  Statement File No. 33-20872 filed on or
     about August 27, 1999. Registrant's Distribution Agreement differs from the
     one  incorporated  by  reference  only by the fact that  Registrant  is one
     executing party.

(f)  All employees are eligible to participate  in a profit sharing plan.  Entry
     into the plan is Jan. 1 or July 1. The Registrant  contributes each year an
     amount up to 15 percent of their annual  salaries,  the maximum  deductible
     amount permitted under Section 404(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(g)(1)  Custodian  Agreement  between  Registrant  and  American  Express  Trust
     Company,  dated March 20,  1995,  filed  electronically  as Exhibit 8(a) to
     Registrant's  Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to Registration Statement No.
     2-11328 is incorporated by reference.

(g)(2) Custodian  Agreement  Amendment between IDS International  Fund, Inc. and
     American Express Trust Company, dated October 9, 1997, filed electronically
     on or about  December 23, 1997 as Exhibit 8(c) to IDS  International  Fund,
     Inc.'s  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  26 to  Registration  Statement  No.
     2-92309,  is incorporated by reference.  Registrant's  Custodian  Agreement
     Amendment  differs from the one  incorporated by reference only by the fact
     that Registrant is one executing party.

(g)(3) Custodian  Agreement,  dated May 13, 1999, between American Express Trust
     Company and The Bank of New York is  incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit
     (g)(3) to IDS Precious Metals Fund, Inc. Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to
     Registration Statement File No. 2-93745 filed on or about May 24, 1999.

(g)(4) Addendum to the Custodian Agreement between IDS Investment Series,  Inc.,
     American Express Trust Company and American Express  Financial  Corporation
     dated May 13, 1996 filed  electronically  as Exhibit  8(c) to  Registrant's
     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 97 to  Registration  Statement No. 2-11328 is
     incorporated by reference.

(h)(1) Administrative  Service Agreement between Registrant and American Express
     Financial  Corporation,  dated  March 20,  1995,  filed  electronically  as
     Exhibit  9(e)  to   Registrant's   Post-Effective   Amendment   No.  97  to
     Registration Statement No. 2-11328 is incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>

(h)(2) Agreement and Declaration of Unitholders  between IDS Investment  Series,
     Inc. on behalf of IDS Mutual and Strategist Growth and Income Fund, Inc. on
     behalf of Strategist Balanced Fund dated May 13, 1996, filed electronically
     as  Exhibit  9(f)  to  Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  97  to
     Registration Statement No. 2-11328 is incorporated by reference.

(h)(3) Agreement and Declaration of Unitholders  between IDS Investment  Series,
     Inc. on behalf of IDS Diversified  Equity Income Fund and Strategist Growth
     and Income Fund, Inc. on behalf of Strategist  Equity Income Fund dated May
     13,  1996,   filed   electronically   as  Exhibit   9(g)  to   Registrant's
     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 97 to  Registration  Statement No. 2-11328 is
     incorporated by reference.

(h)(4) License Agreement between Registrant and IDS Financial  Corporation dated
     January 25, 1988 filed as Exhibit No. 9(d) to  Registrant's  Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 80 to  Registration  Statement No. 2-11328 is incorporated by
     reference.

(h)(5) License  Agreement,  dated June 17, 1999,  between the  American  Express
     Funds  and  American  Express  Company,  filed  electronically  on or about
     September   23,  1999  as  Exhibit   (h)(4)  to  AXP  Stock  Fund,   Inc.'s
     Post-Effective  Amendment No. 98 to Registration  Statement No. 2-11358, is
     incorporated by reference.

(h)(6) Plan and Agreement of Merger between IDS Mutual  Minnesota,  Inc. and IDS
     Mutual,  Inc.  dated April 10, 1986,  filed as Exhibit 9 to  Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 70 is incorporated by reference.

(h)(7) Class Y Shareholder  Service  Agreement between IDS Precious Metals Fund,
     Inc. and American Express Financial Advisors Inc., dated May 9, 1997, filed
     electronically  on or about May 27,  1997 as Exhibit  9(e) to IDS  Precious
     Metals  Fund,  Inc.'s  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  30  to  Registration
     Statement No. 2-93745,  is incorporated by reference.  Registrant's Class Y
     Shareholder   Service  Agreement  differs  from  the  one  incorporated  by
     reference only by the fact that Registrant is one executing party.

(h)(8) Transfer  Agency  Agreement  dated Feb. 1, 1999,  between  Registrant and
     American Express Client Service  Corporation,  is incorporated by reference
     to Exhibit (h)(8) to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed on
     or about Sept. 24, 1999.

(i)  Opinion and consent of counsel as to the legality of the  securities  being
     registered is filed electronically herewith.

(j)  Independent Auditors' Consent is filed electronically herewith.

(k)  Omitted Financial Statements: Not Applicable.

(l)  Initial Capital Agreements: Not Applicable.

(m)  Plan and Agreement of Distribution dated July 1, 1999 between AXP Discovery
     Fund, Inc. and American Express Financial  Advisors Inc. is incorporated by
     reference  to  Exhibit  (m)  to AXP  Discovery  Fund,  Inc.  Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 36 to  Registration  Statement  File No.  2-72174 filed on or
     about  July 30,  1999.  Registrant's  Plan and  Agreement  of  Distribution
     differs  from the one  incorporated  by  reference  only by the  fact  that
     Registrant is one executing party.

(n)  Financial Data Schedules: Not Applicable.

<PAGE>

(o)  Rule 18f-3 Plan,  dated April 1999, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
     (o) to IDS Precious  Metals Fund, Inc.  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 33 to
     Registration Statement File No. 2-93745 filed on or about May 24, 1999.

(p)(1)  Directors'  Power of Attorney to sign  Amendments  to this  Registration
     Statement,  dated January 14, 1999, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
     (p)(1) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 100 filed on or about
     Sept. 24, 1999.

(p)(2)  Officers'  Power of  Attorney to sign  Amendments  to this  Registration
     Statement  dated March 1, 1999,  is  incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit
     (p)(2) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 100 filed on or about
     Sept. 24, 1999.

(p)(3)  Trustees'  Power of  Attorney to sign  Amendments  to this  Registration
     Statement,  dated January 14, 1999, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
     (p)(3) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 100 filed on or about
     Sept. 24, 1999.

(p)(4)  Officers'  Power of  Attorney to sign  Amendments  to this  Registration
     Statement,  dated March 1, 1999 is  incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit
     (p)(4) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No. 100 filed on or about
     Sept. 24, 1999.

Item 24.       Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant:

               None.

Item 25. Indemnification

The  Articles of  Incorporation  of the  registrant  provide that the Fund shall
indemnify  any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party,
by reason of the fact that she or he is or was a director,  officer, employee or
agent  of the  Fund,  or is or was  serving  at the  request  of the  Fund  as a
director,  officer,  employee or agent of another  company,  partnership,  joint
venture,  trust or other  enterprise,  to any  threatened,  pending or completed
action,  suit or  proceeding,  wherever  brought,  and  the  Fund  may  purchase
liability  insurance  and advance  legal  expenses,  all to the  fullest  extent
permitted  by the laws of the State of  Minnesota,  as now existing or hereafter
amended.  The By-laws of the registrant provide that present or former directors
or  officers  of the Fund made or  threatened  to be made a party to or involved
(including as a witness) in an actual or threatened  action,  suit or proceeding
shall be indemnified by the Fund to the full extent  authorized by the Minnesota
Business Corporation Act, all as more fully set forth in the By-laws filed as an
exhibit to this registration statement.

Insofar as  indemnification  for liability  arising under the  Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to  directors,  officers  and  controlling  persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing  provisions,  or otherwise,  the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities  and Exchange  Commission
such  indemnification  is against  public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities  (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director,  officer or  controlling  person of the registrant in the
successful  defense of any  action,  suit or  proceeding)  is  asserted  by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been  settled by  controlling  precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification  by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

Any  indemnification  hereunder  shall not be  exclusive  of any other rights of
indemnification  to which the  directors,  officers,  employees  or agents might
otherwise  be  entitled.  No  indemnification  shall be made in violation of the
Investment Company Act of 1940.

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item 26.          Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (American Express Financial Corporation)

Directors  and  officers  of  American  Express  Financial  Corporation  who are
directors and/or officers of one or more other companies:

- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
<S>                            <C>                        <C>                         <C>
Name and Title                  Other company(s)             Address                      Title within other
                                                                                          company(s)
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Ronald G. Abrahamson,           American Express Client      IDS Tower 10                 Director and Vice President
Vice President                  Service Corporation          Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                Public Employee Payment                                   Director and Vice President
                                Company
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Douglas A. Alger,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Peter J. Anderson,              Advisory Capital             IDS Tower 10                 Director
Director and Senior Vice        Strategies Group Inc.        Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Asset                                    Director and Chairman of
                                Management Group Inc.                                     the Board

                                American Express Asset                                    Director, Chairman of the
                                Management International,                                 Board and Executive Vice
                                Inc.                                                      President

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                IDS Capital Holdings Inc.                                 Director and President

                                IDS Futures Corporation                                   Director

                                NCM Capital Management       2 Mutual Plaza               Director
                                Group, Inc.                  501 Willard Street
                                                             Durham, NC  27701
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Ward D. Armstrong,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Service                                  Vice President
                                Corporation

                                American Express Trust                                    Director and Chairman of
                                Company                                                   the Board
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

John M. Baker,                  American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Trust                                    Senior Vice President
                                Company
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Joseph M. Barsky III,           American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Timothy V. Bechtold,            American Centurion Life      IDS Tower 10                 Director and President
Vice President                  Assurance Company            Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Executive Vice President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Director and President
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

John C. Boeder,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Director
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Douglas W. Brewers,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Karl J. Breyer,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director, Corporate Senior      Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
Vice President

                                American Express Financial                                Director
                                Advisors Japan Inc.

                                American Express Minnesota                                Director
                                Foundation
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Cynthia M. Carlson,             American Enterprise          IDS Tower 10                 Director, President and
Vice President                  Investment Services Inc.     Minneapolis, MN 55440        Chief Executive Officer

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Express Service                                  Vice President
                                Corporation
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Mark W. Carter,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President and
Director, Senior Vice           Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Chief Marketing Officer
President and Chief Marketing
Officer

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Executive Vice President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

James E. Choat,                 American Centurion Life      IDS Tower 10                 Executive Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Assurance Company            Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Enterprise Life                                  Director, President and
                                Insurance Company                                         Chief Executive Officer

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Alabama Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Arkansas Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Massachusetts Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                New Mexico Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                North Carolina Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Ohio Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Wyoming Inc.

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Executive Vice President
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Kenneth J. Ciak,                AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Director and President
Vice President and General                                   Minneapolis, MN 55440
Manager

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and General
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Manager

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Director and President
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Paul A. Connolly,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

Colleen Curran,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Assistant    Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Assistant General Counsel
General Counsel

                                American Express Service                                  Vice President and Chief
                                Corporation                                               Legal Counsel
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Luz Maria Davis                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Douglas K. Dunning,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Gordon L. Eid,                  American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President,
Director, Senior Vice           Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        General Counsel and Chief
President, General Counsel                                                                Compliance Officer
and Chief Compliance Officer

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and Chief
                                Advisors Japan Inc.                                       Compliance Officer

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and Vice President
                                Agency of Arizona Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and Vice President
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and Vice President
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and Vice President
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Director and Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Director and Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Director and Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                Alabama Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                Arkansas Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                Massachusetts Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                New Mexico Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                North Carolina Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                Ohio Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and Vice President
                                Wyoming Inc.

                                IDS Real Estate Services,                                 Vice President
                                Inc.

                                Investors Syndicate                                       Director
                                Development Corp.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Robert M. Elconin,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Gordon M. Fines,                American Express Asset       IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President and
Vice President                  Management Group Inc.        Minneapolis, MN 55440        Chief Investment Officer

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Douglas L. Forsberg,            American Centurion Life      IDS Tower 10                 Director
Vice President                  Assurance Company            Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Express Financial                                Director, President and
                                Advisors Japan Inc.                                       Chief Executive Officer
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Jeffrey P. Fox,                 American Enterprise Life     IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Corporate    Insurance Company            Minneapolis, MN 55440        Controller
Controller

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Corporate Controller
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Harvey Golub,                   American Express Company     American Express Tower       Chairman and Chief
Director                                                     World Financial Center       Executive Officer
                                                             New York, NY  10285

                                American Express Travel                                   Chairman and Chief
                                Related Services Company,                                 Executive Officer
                                Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

David A. Hammer,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Marketing    Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Marketing Controller
Controller

                                IDS Plan Services of                                      Director and Vice President
                                California, Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Lorraine R. Hart,               AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                                               Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Centurion Life                                   Vice President
                                Assurance Company

                                American Enterprise Life                                  Vice President
                                Insurance Company

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Partners Life                                    Director and Vice
                                Insurance Company                                         President

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Vice President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President

                                IDS Life Series Fund, Inc.                                Vice President

                                IDS Life Variable Annuity                                 Vice President
                                Funds A and B

                                Investors Syndicate                                       Director and Vice
                                Development Corp.                                         President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Vice President
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Vice President
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Scott A. Hawkinson,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Controller   Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Controller
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Janis K. Heaney,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Darryl G. Horsman,              American Express Trust       IDS Tower 10                 Director and President
Vice President                  Company                      Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Jeffrey S. Horton,              AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Vice President, Treasurer
Vice President and Corporate                                 Minneapolis, MN 55440        and Assistant Secretary
Treasurer

                                American Centurion Life                                   Vice President and
                                Assurance Company                                         Treasurer

                                American Enterprise                                       Vice President and
                                Investment Services Inc.                                  Treasurer

                                American Enterprise Life                                  Vice President and
                                Insurance Company                                         Treasurer

                                American Express Asset                                    Vice President and
                                Management Group Inc.                                     Treasurer

                                American Express Asset                                    Vice President and
                                Management International                                  Treasurer
                                Inc.

                                American Express Client                                   Vice President and
                                Service Corporation                                       Treasurer

                                American Express                                          Vice President and
                                Corporation                                               Treasurer

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Treasurer

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and
                                Advisors Japan Inc.                                       Treasurer

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President and
                                Agency of Arizona Inc.                                    Treasurer

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President and
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.                                      Treasurer

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President and
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.                                     Treasurer

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President and
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.                                     Treasurer

                                American Express Minnesota                                Vice President and
                                Foundation                                                Treasurer

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President and
                                Casualty Insurance Agency                                 Treasurer
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President and
                                Casualty Insurance Agency                                 Treasurer
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President and
                                Casualty Insurance Agency                                 Treasurer
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                American Partners Life                                    Vice President and
                                Insurance Company                                         Treasurer

                                IDS Cable Corporation                                     Director, Vice President
                                                                                          and Treasurer

                                IDS Cable II Corporation                                  Director, Vice President
                                                                                          and Treasurer

                                IDS Capital Holdings Inc.                                 Vice President, Treasurer
                                                                                          and Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Vice President and
                                                                                          Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                Alabama Inc.                                              Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                Arkansas Inc.                                             Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                Massachusetts Inc.                                        Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                New Mexico Inc.                                           Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                North Carolina Inc.                                       Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                Ohio Inc.                                                 Treasurer

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President and
                                Wyoming Inc.                                              Treasurer

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President, Treasurer
                                                                                          and Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Vice President and
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205             Treasurer

                                IDS Life Series Fund Inc.                                 Vice President and
                                                                                          Treasurer

                                IDS Life Variable Annuity                                 Vice President and
                                Funds A & B                                               Treasurer

                                IDS Management Corporation                                Director, Vice President
                                                                                          and Treasurer

                                IDS Partnership Services                                  Vice President and
                                Corporation                                               Treasurer

                                IDS Plan Services of                                      Vice President and
                                California, Inc.                                          Treasurer

                                IDS Real Estate Services,                                 Vice President and
                                Inc.                                                      Treasurer

                                IDS Realty Corporation                                    Vice President and
                                                                                          Treasurer

                                IDS Sales Support Inc.                                    Vice President and
                                                                                          Treasurer

                                Investors Syndicate                                       Vice President and
                                Development Corp.                                         Treasurer

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Vice President, Treasurer
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115             and Assistant Secretary

                                Public Employee Payment                                   Vice President and
                                Company                                                   Treasurer
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

David R. Hubers,                AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Director
Director, President and Chief                                Minneapolis, MN 55440
Executive Officer

                                American Express Financial                                Chairman, President and
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Chief Executive Officer

                                American Express Service                                  Director and President
                                Corporation

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Director

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Director

                                IDS Plan Services of                                      Director and President
                                California, Inc.

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Director
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Martin G. Hurwitz,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Debra A. Hutchinson             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN  55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

James M. Jensen,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President

                                IDS Life Series Fund, Inc.                                Director
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Marietta L. Johns,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Nancy E. Jones,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Service                                  Vice President
                                Corporation
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Ora J. Kaine,                   American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Linda B. Keene,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

G. Michael Kennedy,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Susan D. Kinder,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Richard W. Kling,               AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Director
Director and Senior Vice                                     Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Centurion Life                                   Director and Chairman of
                                Assurance Company                                         the Board

                                American Enterprise Life                                  Director and Chairman of
                                Insurance Company                                         the Board

                                American Express                                          Director and President
                                Corporation

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and President
                                Agency of Arizona Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and President
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and President
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Director and President
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Director and President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Director and President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Director and President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                American Express Service                                  Vice President
                                Corporation

                                American Partners Life                                    Director and Chairman of
                                Insurance Company                                         the Board

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Director and Chairman of
                                                                                          the Board

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                Alabama Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                Arkansas Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                Massachusetts Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                New Mexico Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                North Carolina Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                Ohio Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Director and President
                                Wyoming Inc.

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Director and President

                                IDS Life Series Fund, Inc.                                Director and President

                                IDS Life Variable Annuity                                 Manager, Chairman of the
                                Funds A and B                                             Board and President

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Director
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Director and Chairman of
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205             the Board
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

John M. Knight                  American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
                                Advisors                     Minneapolis, MN  55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Paul F. Kolkman,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Director and Executive
                                                                                          Vice President

                                IDS Life Series Fund, Inc.                                Vice President and Chief
                                                                                          Actuary

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Director
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Claire Kolmodin,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Steve C. Kumagai,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Director and Senior Vice
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        President
President

Kurt A Larson,                  American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Lori J. Larson,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Daniel E. Laufenberg,           American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and Chief
Vice President and Chief U.S.   Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        U.S. Economist
Economist
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Peter A. Lefferts,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Trust                                    Director
                                Company

                                IDS Plan Services of                                      Director
                                California, Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Douglas A. Lennick,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Director and Executive
Director and Executive Vice     Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Vice President
President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Mary J. Malevich,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Fred A. Mandell,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Timothy J. Masek                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Director     Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Director of Global Research
of Global Research
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Sarah A. Mealey,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Paula R. Meyer,                 American Enterprise Life     IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Insurance Company            Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express                                          Director
                                Corporation

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Partners Life                                    Director and President
                                Insurance Company

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Director and President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Director and Executive
                                                                                          Vice President

                                Investors Syndicate                                       Director, Chairman of the
                                Development Corporation                                   Board and President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

William P. Miller,              Advisory Capital             IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President and Senior       Strategies Group Inc.        Minneapolis, MN 55440
Portfolio Manager

                                American Express Asset                                    Senior Vice President and
                                Management Group Inc.                                     Chief Investment Officer

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and Senior
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Portfolio Manager
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Shashank B. Modak               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Pamela J. Moret,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Trust                                    Vice President
                                Company

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Executive Vice President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Barry J. Murphy,                American Express Client      IDS Tower 10                 Director and President
Director and Senior Vice        Service Corporation          Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Director and Executive
                                                                                          Vice President

Mary Owens Neal,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Michael J. O'Keefe,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

James R. Palmer,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Carla P. Pavone,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                Public Employee Payment                                   Director and President
                                Company
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Thomas P. Perrine,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Susan B. Plimpton,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Ronald W. Powell,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Assistant    Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Assistant General Counsel
General Counsel

                                IDS Cable Corporation                                     Vice President and
                                                                                          Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Cable II Corporation                                  Vice President and
                                                                                          Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Management Corporation                                Vice President and
                                                                                          Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Partnership Services                                  Vice President and
                                Corporation                                               Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Plan Services of                                      Vice President and
                                California, Inc.                                          Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Realty Corporation                                    Vice President and
                                                                                          Assistant Secretary
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

James M. Punch,                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and Project
Vice President and Project      Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Manager
Manager
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Frederick C. Quirsfeld,         American Express Asset       IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President and
Director and Senior Vice        Management Group Inc.        Minneapolis, MN 55440        Senior Portfolio Manager
President

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

Rollyn C. Renstrom,             American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

ReBecca K. Roloff,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Stephen W. Roszell,             Advisory Capital             IDS Tower 10                 Director
Director and Senior Vice        Strategies Group Inc.        Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Asset                                    Director, President and
                                Management Group Inc.                                     Chief Executive Officer

                                American Express Asset                                    Director
                                Management International,
                                Inc.

                                American Express Asset                                    Director
                                Management Ltd.

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Express Trust                                    Director
                                Company
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Erven A. Samsel,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Alabama Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Arkansas Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Massachusetts Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                New Mexico Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                North Carolina Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Ohio Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Wyoming Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Theresa M. Sapp                 American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Stuart A. Sedlacek,             AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Director
Director, Senior Vice                                        Minneapolis, MN 55440
President and Chief Financial
Officer

                                American Enterprise Life                                  Executive Vice President
                                Insurance Company

                                American Express Financial                                Senior Vice President and
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Chief Financial Officer

                                American Express Trust                                    Director
                                Company

                                American Partners Life                                    Director and Vice President
                                Insurance Agency

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Director and President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Executive Vice President
                                                                                          and Controller

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Director
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Donald K. Shanks,               AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Vice President                                               Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                IDS Property Casualty        1 WEG Blvd.                  Senior Vice President
                                Insurance Company            DePere, WI 54115
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

F. Dale Simmons,                AMEX Assurance Company       IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                                               Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Centurion Life                                   Vice President
                                Assurance Company

                                American Enterprise Life                                  Vice President
                                Insurance

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                American Partners Life                                    Vice President
                                Insurance Company

                                IDS Certificate Company                                   Vice President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President

                                IDS Partnership Services                                  Director and Vice President
                                Corporation

                                IDS Real Estate Services                                  Chairman of the Board and
                                Inc.                                                      President

                                IDS Realty Corporation                                    Director and Vice President

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Vice President
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Judy P. Skoglund,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Bridget Sperl,                  American Express Client      IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Service Corporation          Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.

                                Public Employee Payment                                   Director and President
                                Company
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Lisa A. Steffes,                American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

William A. Stoltzmann,          American Enterprise Life     IDS Tower 10                 Director, Vice President,
Vice President and Assistant    Insurance Company            Minneapolis, MN 55440        General Counsel and
General Counsel                                                                           Secretary

                                American Express                                          Director, Vice President
                                Corporation                                               and Secretary

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and
                                Advisors Inc.                                             Assistant General Counsel

                                American Partners Life                                    Director, Vice President,
                                Insurance Company                                         General Counsel and
                                                                                          Secretary

                                IDS Life Insurance Company                                Vice President, General
                                                                                          Counsel and Secretary

                                IDS Life Series Fund Inc.                                 General Counsel and
                                                                                          Assistant Secretary

                                IDS Life Variable Annuity                                 General Counsel and
                                Funds A & B                                               Assistant Secretary
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

James J. Strauss,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President and General      Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
Auditor
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Jeffrey J. Stremcha,            American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

Barbara Stroup Stewart,         American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Keith N. Tufte                  American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Director     Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Director of Equity Research
of Equity Research
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Norman Weaver Jr.,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Arizona Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Alabama Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Arkansas Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Massachusetts Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                New Mexico Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                North Carolina Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Ohio Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Wyoming Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Michael L. Weiner,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440

                                IDS Capital Holdings Inc.                                 Vice President

                                IDS Futures Brokerage Group                               Vice President

                                IDS Futures Corporation                                   Vice President, Treasurer
                                                                                          and Secretary

                                IDS Sales Support Inc.                                    Director, Vice President
                                                                                          and Assistant Treasurer
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Lawrence J. Welte,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Jeffry F. Welter,               American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President
Vice President                  Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Edwin M. Wistrand,              American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Vice President and
Vice President and Assistant    Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440        Assistant General Counsel
General Counsel

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President and Chief
                                Advisors Japan Inc.                                       Legal Officer
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Michael D. Wolf,                American Express Asset       IDS Tower 10                 Executive Vice President
Vice President                  Management Group Inc.        Minneapolis, MN 55440        and Senior Portfolio
                                                                                          Manager

                                American Express Financial                                Vice President
                                Advisors Inc.
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------

Michael R. Woodward,            American Express Financial   IDS Tower 10                 Senior Vice President
Director and Senior Vice        Advisors Inc.                Minneapolis, MN 55440
President

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Idaho Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Nevada Inc.

                                American Express Insurance                                Vice President
                                Agency of Oregon Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Kentucky Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Maryland Inc.

                                American Express Property                                 Vice President
                                Casualty Insurance Agency
                                of Pennsylvania Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Alabama Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Arkansas Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Massachusetts Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                New Mexico Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                North Carolina Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Ohio Inc.

                                IDS Insurance Agency of                                   Vice President
                                Wyoming Inc.

                                IDS Life Insurance Company   P.O. Box 5144                Director
                                of New York                  Albany, NY 12205
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 27. Principal Underwriters.

(a) American Express  Financial  Advisors acts as principal  underwriter for the
following investment companies:

         AXP Bond Fund,  Inc.; AXP California  Tax-Exempt  Trust;  AXP Discovery
         Fund,  Inc.; AXP Equity Select Fund, Inc.; AXP Extra Income Fund, Inc.;
         AXP Federal  Income Fund,  Inc.;  AXP Global  Series,  Inc.; AXP Growth
         Series,  Inc.; AXP High Yield Tax-Exempt Fund, Inc.; AXP  International
         Fund, Inc.; AXP Investment Series,  Inc.; AXP Managed Series, Inc.; AXP
         Market Advantage Series,  Inc.; AXP Money Market Series,  Inc.; AXP New
         Dimensions  Fund, Inc.; AXP Precious Metals Fund, Inc.; AXP Progressive
         Fund,  Inc.; AXP Selective Fund,  Inc.; AXP Special  Tax-Exempt  Series
         Trust; AXP Stock Fund, Inc.; AXP Strategy Series,  Inc.; AXP Tax-Exempt
         Series, Inc.; AXP Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.; AXP Utilities Income Fund,
         Inc.,  Growth Trust;  Growth and Income Trust;  Income Trust;  Tax-Free
         Income Trust; World Trust; IDS Certificate  Company;  Strategist Income
         Fund, Inc.;  Strategist Growth Fund, Inc.; Strategist Growth and Income
         Fund, Inc.;  Strategist World Fund, Inc. and Strategist Tax-Free Income
         Fund, Inc.

(b) As to each director, officer or partner of the principal underwriter:

<S>                                  <C>                                <C>
Name and Principal Business Address    Position and Offices with           Offices with Registrant
                                       Underwriter
- -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- -------------------------

Ronald G. Abrahamson                   Vice President-Service Quality      None
IDS Tower 10                           and Reengineering
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Douglas A. Alger                       Senior Vice President-Human         None
IDS Tower 10                           Resources
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Peter J. Anderson                      Senior Vice President-Investment    Vice President-Investments
IDS Tower 10                           Operations
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Ward D. Armstrong                      Vice President-American Express     None
IDS Tower 10                           Retirement Services
Minneapolis, MN  55440

John M. Baker                          Vice President-Plan Sponsor         None
IDS Tower 10                           Services
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Joseph M. Barsky III                   Vice President - Mutual Fund        None
IDS Tower 10                           Equities
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Timothy V. Bechtold                    Vice President-Risk Management      None
IDS Tower 10                           Products
Minneapolis, MN  55440

John D. Begley                         Group Vice President-Ohio/Indiana   None
Suite 100
7760 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH  43235

Brent L. Bisson                        Group Vice President-Los Angeles    None
Suite 900, E. Westside Twr             Metro
11835 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA  90064

John C. Boeder                         Vice President-Nonproprietary       None
IDS Tower 10                           Products
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Walter K. Booker                       Group Vice President-New Jersey     None
Suite 200, 3500 Market Street
Camp Hill, NJ  17011

Bruce J. Bordelon                      Group Vice President - San          None
1333 N. California Blvd., Suite 200    Francisco Area
Walnut Creek, CA  94596

Charles R. Branch                      Group Vice President-Northwest      None
Suite 200
West 111 North River Dr.
Spokane, WA  99201

Douglas W. Brewers                     Vice President-Sales Support        None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Karl J. Breyer                         Corporate Senior Vice President     None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Cynthia M. Carlson                     Vice President-American Express     None
IDS Tower 10                           Securities Services
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Mark W. Carter                         Senior Vice President and Chief     None
IDS Tower 10                           Marketing Officer
Minneapolis, MN  55440

James E. Choat                         Senior Vice President - Third       None
IDS Tower 10                           Party Distribution
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Kenneth J. Ciak                        Vice President and General          None
IDS Property Casualty                  Manager-IDS Property Casualty
1400 Lombardi Avenue
Green Bay, WI  54304

Paul A. Connolly                       Vice President-Advisor Staffing,    None
IDS Tower 10                           Training and Support
Minneapolis, MN 55440

Henry J. Cormier                       Group Vice President-Connecticut    None
Commerce Center One
333 East River Drive
East Hartford, CT  06108

John M. Crawford                       Group Vice President-Arkansas/      None
Suite 200                              Springfield/Memphis
10800 Financial Ctr Pkwy
Little Rock, AR  72211

Kevin F. Crowe                         Group Vice                          None
Suite 312                              President-Carolinas/Eastern
7300 Carmel Executive Pk               Georgia
Charlotte, NC  28226

Colleen Curran                         Vice President and Assistant        None
IDS Tower 10                           General Counsel
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Luz Maria Davis                        Vice President-Communications       None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Arthur E. Delorenzo                    Group Vice President - Upstate      None
4 Atrium Drive, #100                   New York
Albany, NY  12205

Scott M. DiGiammarino                  Group Vice                          None
Suite 500, 8045 Leesburg Pike          President-Washington/Baltimore
Vienna, VA  22182

Bradford L. Drew                       Group Vice President-Eastern        None
Two Datran Center                      Florida
Penthouse One B
9130 S. Dadeland Blvd.
Miami, FL  33156

Douglas K. Dunning                     Vice President-Assured Assets       None
IDS Tower 10                           Product Development and Management
Minneapolis, MN  55440

James P. Egge                          Group Vice President-Western        None
4305 South Louise, Suite 202           Iowa, Nebraska, Dakotas
Sioux Falls, SD  57103

Gordon L. Eid                          Senior Vice President, General      None
IDS Tower 10                           Counsel and Chief Compliance
Minneapolis, MN  55440                 Officer

Robert M. Elconin                      Vice President-Government           None
IDS Tower 10                           Relations
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Phillip W. Evans                       Group Vice President-Rocky          None
Suite 600                              Mountain
6985 Union Park Center
Midvale, UT  84047-4177

Gordon M. Fines                        Vice President-Mutual Fund Equity   None
IDS Tower 10                           Investments
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Douglas L. Forsberg                    Vice President - International      None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Jeffrey P. Fox                         Vice President and Corporate        None
IDS Tower 10                           Controller
Minneapolis, MN  55440

William P. Fritz                       Group Vice President-Gateway        None
Suite 160
12855 Flushing Meadows Dr
St. Louis, MO  63131

Carl W. Gans                           Group Vice President-Twin City      None
8500 Tower Suite 1770                  Metro
8500 Normandale Lake Blvd.
Bloomington, MN  55437

Peter A. Gallus                        Vice President-Investment           None
IDS Tower 10                           Administration
Minneapolis, MN  55440

David A. Hammer                        Vice President and Marketing        None
IDS Tower 10                           Controller
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Teresa A. Hanratty                     Senior Vice President-Field         None
Suites 6&7                             Management
169 South River Road
Bedford, NH  03110

Robert L. Harden                       Group Vice President-Boston Metro   None
Two Constitution Plaza
Boston, MA  02129

Lorraine R. Hart                       Vice President-Insurance            None
IDS Tower 10                           Investments
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Scott A. Hawkinson                     Vice President and                  None
IDS Tower 10                           Controller-Private Client Group
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Brian M. Heath                         Senior Vice President and General   None
Suite 150                              Sales Manager
801 E. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX  75081

Janis K. Heaney                        Vice President-Incentive            None
IDS Tower 10                           Management
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Jon E. Hjelm                           Group Vice President-Rhode          None
319 Southbridge Street                 Island/Central-Western
Auburn, MA  01501                      Massachusetts

David J. Hockenberry                   Group Vice President-Tennessee      None
30 Burton Hills Blvd.                  Valley
Suite 175
Nashville, TN  37215

Jeffrey S. Horton                      Vice President and Treasurer        None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

David R. Hubers                        Chairman, President and Chief       Board member
IDS Tower 10                           Executive Officer
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Debra A. Hutchinson                    Vice President - Relationship       None
IDS Tower 10                           Leader
Minneapolis, MN  55440

James M. Jensen                        Vice President and                  None
IDS Tower 10                           Controller-Advice and Retail
Minneapolis, MN  55440                 Distribution Group

Marietta L. Johns                      Senior Vice President-Field         None
IDS Tower 10                           Management
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Nancy E. Jones                         Vice President-Business             None
IDS Tower 10                           Development
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Ora J. Kaine                           Vice President-Financial Advisory   None
IDS Tower 10                           Services
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Linda B. Keene                         Vice President-Market Development   None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

G. Michael Kennedy                     Vice President - Senior Portfolio   None
IDS Tower 10                           Manager
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Richard W. Kling                       Senior Vice President-Products      None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

John M. Knight                         Vice President-Investment           Treasurer
IDS Tower 10                           Accounting
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Paul F. Kolkman                        Vice President-Actuarial Finance    None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Claire Kolmodin                        Vice President-Service Quality      None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

David S. Kreager                       Group Vice President-Greater        None
Suite 108                              Michigan
Trestle Bridge V
5136 Lovers Lane
Kalamazoo, MI  49002

Steven C. Kumagai                      Director and Senior Vice            None
IDS Tower 10                           President-Direct and Interactive
Minneapolis, MN  55440                 Group

Mitre Kutanovski                       Group Vice President-Chicago Metro  None
Suite 680
8585 Broadway
Merrillville, IN  48410

Kurt A. Larson                         Vice President-Senior Portfolio     None
IDS Tower 10                           Manager
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Lori J. Larson                         Vice President-Brokerage and        None
IDS Tower 10                           Direct Services
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Daniel E. Laufenberg                   Vice President and Chief U.S.       None
IDS Tower 10                           Economist
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Peter A. Lefferts                      Senior Vice President-Corporate     None
IDS Tower 10                           Strategy and Development
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Douglas A. Lennick                     Director and Executive Vice         None
IDS Tower 10                           President-Private Client Group
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Mary J. Malevich                       Vice President-Senior Portfolio     None
IDS Tower 10                           Manager
Minneapolis, MN  55440



<PAGE>



Fred A. Mandell                        Vice President-Field Marketing      None
IDS Tower 10                           Readiness
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Daniel E. Martin                       Group Vice President-Pittsburgh     None
Suite 650                              Metro
5700 Corporate Drive
Pittsburgh, PA  15237

Timothy J. Masek                       Vice President and Director of      None
IDS Tower 10                           Global Research
Minnapolis, MN  55440

Sarah A. Mealey                        Vice President-Mutual Funds         None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Paula R. Meyer                         Vice President-Assured Assets       None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

William P. Miller                      Vice President and Senior           None
IDS Tower 10                           Portfolio Manager
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Shashank B. Modak                      Vice President - Technology Leader  None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Pamela J. Moret                        Vice President-Variable Assets      None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Barry J. Murphy                        Senior Vice President-Client        None
IDS Tower 10                           Service
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Mary Owens Neal                        Vice President-Consumer Marketing   None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Thomas V. Nicolosi                     Group Vice President-New York       None
Suite 220                              Metro Area
500 Mamaroneck Avenue
Harrison, NY  10528

Michael J. O'Keefe                     Vice President-Advisory Business    None
IDS Tower 10                           Systems
Minneapolis, MN 55440

James R. Palmer                        Vice President-Taxes                None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Marc A. Parker                         Group Vice                          None
10200 SW Greenburg Road                President-Portland/Eugene
Suite 110
Portland, OR 97223

Carla P. Pavone                        Vice President-Compensation         None
IDS Tower 10                           Services and ARD Product
Minneapolis, MN  55440                 Distribution

Thomas P. Perrine                      Senior Vice President-Group         None
IDS Tower 10                           Relationship Leader/American
Minneapolis, MN  55440                 Express Technologies Financial
                                       Services

Susan B. Plimpton                      Vice President-Marketing Services   None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Larry M. Post                          Group Vice President-Philadelphia   None
One Tower Bridge                       Metro
100 Front Street 8th Fl
West Conshohocken, PA  19428

Ronald W. Powell                       Vice President and Assistant        None
IDS Tower 10                           General Counsel
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Diana R. Prost                         Group Vice                          None
3030 N.W. Expressway                   President-Kansas/Oklahoma
Suite 900
Oklahoma City, OK  73112

James M. Punch                         Vice President and Project          None
IDS Tower 10                           Manager-Platform I Value Enhanced
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Frederick C. Quirsfeld                 Senior Vice President-Fixed Income  Vice President - Fixed Income
IDS Tower 10                                                               Investments
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Rollyn C. Renstrom                     Vice President-Corporate Planning   None
IDS Tower 10                           and Analysis
Minneapolis, MN  55440

R. Daniel Richardson III               Group Vice President-Southern       None
Suite 800                              Texas
Arboretum Plaza One
9442 Capital of Texas Hwy N.
Austin, TX  78759

ReBecca K. Roloff                      Senior Vice President-Field         None
IDS Tower 10                           Management and Financial Advisory
Minneapolis, MN  55440                 Service

Stephen W. Roszell                     Senior Vice                         None
IDS Tower 10                           President-Institutional
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Max G. Roth                            Group Vice                          None
Suite 201 S IDS Ctr                    President-Wisconsin/Upper Michigan
1400 Lombardi Avenue
Green Bay, WI  54304

Erven A. Samsel                        Senior Vice President-Field         None
45 Braintree Hill Park                 Management
Suite 402
Braintree, MA  02184

Theresa M. Sapp                        Vice President - Relationship       None
IDS Tower 10                           Leader
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Russell L. Scalfano                    Group Vice                          None
Suite 201                              President-Illinois/Indiana/Kentucky
101 Plaza East Blvd.
Evansville, IN  47715

William G. Scholz                      Group Vice President-Arizona/Las    None
Suite 205                              Vegas
7333 E Doubletree Ranch Rd
Scottsdale, AZ  85258

Stuart A. Sedlacek                     Senior Vice President and Chief     None
IDS Tower 10                           Financial Officer
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Donald K. Shanks                       Vice President-Property Casualty    None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

F. Dale Simmons                        Vice President-Senior Portfolio     None
IDS Tower 10                           Manager, Insurance Investments
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Judy P. Skoglund                       Vice President-Quality and          None
IDS Tower 10                           Service Support
Minneapolis, MN  55440

James B. Solberg                       Group Vice President-Eastern Iowa   None
466 Westdale Mall                      Area
Cedar RapIDS, IA  52404

Bridget Sperl                          Vice President-Geographic Service   None
IDS Tower 10                           Teams
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Paul J. Stanislaw                      Group Vice President-Southern       None
Suite 1100                             California
Two Park Plaza
Irvine, CA  92714

Lisa A. Steffes                        Vice President - Marketing Offer    None
IDS Tower 10                           Development
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Lois A. Stilwell                       Group Vice President-Outstate       None
Suite 433                              Minnesota Area/ North
9900 East Bren Road                    Dakota/Western Wisconsin
Minnetonka, MN  55343

William A. Stoltzmann                  Vice President and Assistant        None
IDS Tower 10                           General Counsel
Minneapolis, MN  55440

James J. Strauss                       Vice President and General Auditor  None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Jeffrey J. Stremcha                    Vice President-Information          None
IDS Tower 10                           Resource Management/ISD
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Barbara Stroup Stewart                 Vice President-Channel Development  None
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Craig P. Taucher                       Group Vice                          None
Suite 150                              President-Orlando/Jacksonville
4190 Belfort Road
Jacksonville,  FL  32216

Neil G. Taylor                         Group Vice                          None
Suite 425                              President-Seattle/Tacoma/Hawaii
101 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA  98119

John R. Thomas                         Senior Vice President               Board Member
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Keith N. Tufte                         Vice President and Director of      None
IDS Tower 10                           Equity Research
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Peter S. Velardi                       Group Vice                          None
Suite 180                              President-Atlanta/Birmingham
1200 Ashwood Parkway
Atlanta, GA  30338

Charles F. Wachendorfer                Group Vice President-Detroit Metro  None
8115 East Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI  48214

Donald F. Weaver                       Group Vice President-Greater        None
3500 Market Street, Suite 200          Pennsylvania
Camp Hill, PA  17011

Norman Weaver Jr.                      Senior Vice President - Alliance    None
1010 Main St. Suite 2B                 Group
Huntington Beach, CA  92648

Michael L. Weiner                      Vice President-Tax Research and     None
IDS Tower 10                           Audit
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Jeffry M. Welter                       Vice President-Equity and Fixed     None
IDS Tower 10                           Income Trading
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Thomas L. White                        Group Vice President-Cleveland      None
Suite 200                              Metro
28601 Chagrin Blvd.
Woodmere, OH  44122

Eric S. Williams                       Group Vice President-Virginia       None
Suite 250
3951 Westerre Parkway
Richmond, VA  23233

William J. Williams                    Group Vice President-Western        None
Two North Tamiami Trail                Florida
Suite 702
Sarasota, FL  34236

Edwin M. Wistrand                      Vice President and Assistant        None
IDS Tower 10                           General Counsel
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Michael D. Wolf                        Vice President-Senior Portfolio     None
IDS Tower 10                           Manager
Minneapolis, MN  55440

Michael R. Woodward                    Senior Vice President-Field         None
32 Ellicott St                         Management
Suite 100
Batavia, NY  14020

Rande L. Zellers                       Group Vice President-Gulf States    None
1 Galleria Blvd., Suite 1900
Metairie, LA  70001

</TABLE>

Item 27 (c).        Not Applicable

Item 28.            Location of Accounts and Records

                    American Express Financial Corporation
                    IDS Tower 10
                    Minneapolis, MN  55440

Item 29.            Management Services

                    Not Applicable.

Item 30.            Undertakings

                    Not Applicable.



<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities Act and the Investment  Company
Act, the Registrant, AXP Investment Series, Inc., certifies that it meets all of
the  requirements  for  effectiveness  of  this  Amendment  to its  Registration
Statement  under  Rule  485(b)  under the  Securities  Act and has  caused  this
Amendment  to its  Registration  Statement  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis and the State
of Minnesota on the 24th day of November, 1999.

AXP INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.



By /s/   Arne H. Carlson**
         Arne H. Carlson, Chief Executive Officer



By    /s/John M. Knight
         John M. Knight, Treasurer


Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act,  this  Amendment  to its
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 24th day of November, 1999.

Signature                                            Capacity

/s/  H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.*                       Director
     H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.

/s/  Arne H. Carlson*                                Chairman
     Arne H. Carlson                                 of the Board

/s/  Lynne V. Cheney*                                Director
     Lynne V. Cheney

/s/  William H. Dudley*                              Director
     William H. Dudley

/s/  David R. Hubers*                                Director
     David R. Hubers

/s/  Heinz F. Hutter*                                Director
     Heinz F. Hutter


<PAGE>


Signature                                            Capacity

/s/  Anne P. Jones*                                  Director
     Anne P. Jones

/s/  William R. Pearce*                              Director
     William R. Pearce

/s/ Alan K. Simpson*                                 Director
    Alan K. Simpson

/s/  John R. Thomas*                                 Director
     John R. Thomas

/s/  C. Angus Wurtele*                               Director
     C. Angus Wurtele


*Signed pursuant to Directors' Power of Attorney,  dated January 14, 1999, filed
electronically  as Exhibit (p)(1) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No.
100, by:



/s/Leslie L. Ogg
Leslie L. Ogg

**Signed  pursuant to Officers'  Power of  Attorney,  dated March 1, 1999 filed,
electronically  as Exhibit (p)(2) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No.
100, by:



/s/Leslie L. Ogg
Leslie L. Ogg



<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities Act and the Investment  Company
Act,  GROWTH AND INCOME  TRUST  consents to the filing of this  Amendment to the
Registration  Statement of AXP Investment  Series,  Inc. signed on its behalf by
the  undersigned,  duly  authorized,  in the City of  Minneapolis  and  State of
Minnesota on the 24th day of November, 1999.

                                             GROWTH AND INCOME TRUST

                                             By /s/   Arne H. Carlson****
                                                      Arne H. Carlson
                                                      Chief Executive Officer



                                            /s/John M. Knight
                                               John M. Knight
                                               Treasurer


Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act,  this  Amendment  to the
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 24th day of November, 1999.

Signature                                            Capacity

/s/  H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.***                     Trustee
     H. Brewster Atwater, Jr.

/s/  Arne H. Carlson***                              Chairman
     Arne H. Carlson                                 of the Board

/s/  Lynne V. Cheney***                              Trustee
     Lynne V. Cheney

/s/  William H. Dudley***                            Trustee
     William H. Dudley

/s/  David R. Hubers***                              Trustee
     David R. Hubers

/s/  Heinz F. Hutter***                              Trustee
     Heinz F. Hutter

/s/  Anne P. Jones***                                Trustee
     Anne P. Jones

/s/  William R. Pearce***                            Trustee
     William R. Pearce

/s/ Alan K. Simpson***                               Trustee
    Alan K. Simpson


<PAGE>


Signature                                            Capacity

/s/  John R. Thomas***                               Trustee
     John R. Thomas

/s/  C. Angus Wurtele***                             Trustee
     C. Angus Wurtele


***Signed  pursuant to Trustees' Power of Attorney dated January 14, 1999, filed
electronically  as Exhibit (p)(3) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No.
100, by:



/s/Leslie L. Ogg
Leslie L. Ogg

****Signed  pursuant to Officers'  Power of Attorney dated March 1, 1999,  filed
electronically  as Exhibit (p)(4) to Registrant's  Post-Effective  Amendment No.
100, by:



/s/Leslie L. Ogg
Leslie L. Ogg


<PAGE>


CONTENTS OF THIS
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 101
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 2-11328


This post-effective amendment comprises the following papers and documents:

The facing sheet.

Part A:

        AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund's prospectus.

        AXP Mutual's prospectus.

Part B:

        AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund's SAI.

        AXP Mutual's SAI.

        Financial statements

Part C:

        Other information.

The signatures.



AXP INVESTMENT SERIES, INC.
Registration Number 2-11328/811-54


                                               Exhibit Index


Exhibit (i):        Opinion and consent of counsel

Exhibit (j):        Independent Auditors' Consent




November 24, 1999


AXP Investment Series, Inc.
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440


Gentlemen:

I have examined the Articles of Incorporation  and the By-Laws of AXP Investment
Series,  Inc.  (the  Company) and all necessary  certificates,  permits,  minute
books,  documents and records of the Company, and the applicable statutes of the
State of Minnesota, and it is my opinion that the shares sold in accordance with
applicable federal and state securities laws will be legally issued, fully paid,
and nonassessable.

This opinion may be used in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment.


Sincerely,


/s/Leslie L. Ogg
Leslie L. Ogg
Attorney at Law
901 S. Marquette Ave., Suite 2810
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3268



Independent auditors' consent

The board and shareholders AXP Investment Series, Inc:
     AXP Diversified Equity Income Fund
     AXP Mutual

The board of trustees and unitholders Growth and Income Trust:
     Equity Income Portfolio
     Balanced Portfolio

We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the
references to our Firm under the headings  "Financial  highlights" in Part A and
"INDEPENDENT AUDITORS" in Part B of the Registration Statement.


/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 23, 1999



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission