NEW ECONOMY FUND
485BPOS, 1996-01-31
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                                            SEC. File Nos. 2-83848
                                                           811-3735
                                                                             
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                   
                                    FORM N-1A
                             Registration Statement
                                     Under
                           the Securities Act of 1933
                        Post-Effective Amendment No.  19
                                      and
                             Registration Statement
                                     Under
                       The Investment Company Act of 1940
                             Amendment No.  16    
                                  
                             THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
              (Exact Name of Registrant as specified in charter)
                             333 South Hope Street
                        Los Angeles, California 90071
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
 
               Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
                                (213) 486-9200
                                  
 
                                Chad L. Norton
                      Capital Research and Management Company
                             333 South Hope Street
                         Los Angeles, California 90071
                    (name and address of agent for service)
                                  
 
                                  Copies to:
                         MICHAEL  J. FAIRCLOUGH, ESQ.
                               O'Melveny & Myers
                             400 South Hope Street
                         Los Angeles, California  90071
                          (Counsel for the Registrant)
                                  
          The Registrant has filed a declaration pursuant to rule 24f-2
  registering an indefinite number of shares under the Securities Act of 1933.
       On January 23, 1996, it filed its 24f-2 notice for fiscal 1995.    
 
                       Approximate date of proposed public offering:
   It is proposed that this filing become effective on February 1, 1996,       
                     pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485.    
 
 
                               THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
      
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item Number of                                Captions in Prospectus (Part "A")           
Part "A" of Form N-1A                                                                                      
 
<S>    <C>                                    <C>                                         
 1.    Cover Page                             Cover Page                                  
 
 2.    Synopsis                               Summary of Expenses                         
 
 3.    Condensed Financial Information        Financial Highlights, Investment Results    
 
 4.    General Description of Registrant      Investment Objective and Policies; Certain Securities and   
 
                                              Investment Techniques; Fund Organization and   
 
                                              Management                                  
 
 5.    Management of the Fund                 Financial Highlights; Fund Organization and Management;   
 
                                              Summary of Expenses, Certain Securities and Investment   
 
                                              Techniques                                  
 
 6.    Capital Stock and Other Securities     Investment Objective and Policies; Certain Securities and   
 
                                              Investment Techniques; Fund Organization and Management;   
 
                                              Dividends, Distributions and Taxes          
 
 7.    Purchase of Securities Being Offered   Purchasing Shares; Shareholder Services; Fund Organization   
 
                                              and Management                              
 
 8.    Redemption or Repurchase               Redeeming Shares                            
 
 9.    Legal Proceedings                      N/A                                         
 
</TABLE>
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Item Number of                             Captions in Statement of                    
Part "B" of Form N-1A                         Additional Information (Part "B")           
 
<S>    <C>                                    <C>                                         
10.    Cover Page                             Cover                                       
 
11.    Table of Contents                      Table of Contents                           
 
12.    General Information and History        Fund Organization and Management (Part "A")   
 
13.    Investment Objectives and Policies     Certain Securities and Investment Techniques (Part "A");   
 
                                              Investment Policies; Investment Restrictions   
 
14.    Management of the Registrant           Fund Trustees and Officers; Management      
 
15.    Control Persons and Principal Holders   Fund Trustees and Officers                  
 
       of Securities                                                                      
 
16.    Investment Advisory and Other Services   Management; Fund Organization and Management (Part "A");   
 
                                              General Information                         
 
17.    Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices   Execution of Portfolio Transactions         
 
18.    Capital Stock and Other Securities     N/A                                         
 
19.    Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of    Purchase of Shares; Purchasing Shares (Part "A"); Shareholder   
 
       Securities Being Offered               Account Services and Privileges; Redemption of Shares   
 
20.    Tax Status                             Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes   
 
21.    Underwriter                            Management -- Principal Underwriter         
 
22.    Calculation of Performance Data        Investment Results                          
 
23.    Financial Statements                   Financial Statements                        
 
</TABLE>
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>    <C>                                                                             
   Item in Part "C"                                                                                   
 
24.    Financial Statements and Exhibits                                               
 
25.    Persons Controlled by or under                                                  
 
       Common Control with Registrant                                                  
 
26.    Number of Holders of Securities                                                 
 
27.    Indemnification                                                                 
 
28.    Business and Other Connections of                                               
 
       Investment Adviser                                                              
 
29.    Principal Underwriters                                                          
 
30.    Location of Accounts and Records                                                
 
31.    Management Services                                                             
 
32.    Undertakings                                                                    
 
       Signature Page                                                                  
 
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
 
Prospectus
 
THE NEW ECONOMY FUND(R)
 
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG-TERM
GROWTH OF CAPITAL
 
   February 1, 1996    
 
[LOGO OF THE NEW ECONOMY FUND(R)] 
 
                              THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                             333 South Hope Street
                         Los Angeles, California 90071
  
The fund's investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Current income
is a secondary consideration. In seeking to achieve its objective, the fund
invests principally in the equity securities of companies that derive their
revenue primarily from operations in the services and information area of the
global economy or that appear to have future prospects tied importantly to
that area of the economy.
 
This prospectus presents information you should know before investing in the
fund. It should be retained for future reference.
    
You may obtain the statement of additional information for the fund, dated
February 1, 1996, which contains the fund's financial statements, without
charge by writing to the Secretary of the fund at the above address or
telephoning 800/421-0180. These requests will be honored within three business
days of receipt.    
    
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER AGENCY, ENTITY OR PERSON. THE
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS
OF PRINCIPAL.    
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   14-010-0296    
 
<PAGE>
    
          TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Summary of Expenses.....................................     3
  Financial Highlights....................................     4
  Investment Objective and Policies.......................     4
  Certain Securities and Investment Techniques............     6
  Investment Results......................................     7
  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes......................     8
  Fund Organization and Management........................     9
  The American Funds
   Shareholder Guide...................................... 12-20
   Purchasing Shares......................................    12
   Reducing Your Sales Charge.............................    15
   Shareholder Services...................................    16
   Redeeming Shares.......................................    18
   Retirement Plans.......................................    20
     
       IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
 
  Shareholder Services:...800/421-0180 ext. 1
 
  Dealer Services:........800/421-9900 ext.11
 
  American FundsLine(R):..800/325-3590
  (24-hour information)
 
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
      SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
   
   Average annual expenses
       paid over a 10-year
           period would be
     approximately $16 per
   year, assuming a $1,000
       investment and a 5%
    annual return with the
     maximum sales charge.
    
This table is designed to help you understand the costs of investing in the
fund. These are historical expenses; your actual expenses may vary.
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum sales charge on purchases
 (as a percentage of offering price)................................... 5.75%/1/
 
The fund has no sales charge on reinvested dividends, deferred sales
 charge,/2/ redemption fees or exchange fees.
    
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
 (as a percentage of average net assets)
 
Management fees........................................................ 0.45%
12b-1 expenses......................................................... 0.20%/3/
Other expenses (including audit, legal, shareholder
 services, transfer agent and custodian expenses)...................... 0.23%
Total fund operating expenses.......................................... 0.88%
     
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                           1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------                           ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                               <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
You would pay the following
 cumulative expenses on a $1,000
 investment, assuming
 a 5% annual return./4/           $66     $84    $103     $160
</TABLE>    
 
/1/ Sales charges are reduced for certain large purchases. (See "The American
    Funds Shareholder Guide: Purchasing Shares--Sales Charges.")
   
/2/ Any employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or defined contribution plan qualified
    under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code including a "401(k)" plan
    with 200 or more eligible employees or any other purchaser investing at
    least $1 million in shares of the fund (or in combination with shares of
    other funds in The American Funds Group other than the money market funds)
    may purchase shares at net asset value; however, a contingent deferred sales
    charge of 1% applies on certain redemptions made within 12 months following
    such purchases. (See "The American Funds Shareholder Guide: Redeeming
    Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.")    
/3/ These expenses may not exceed 0.25% of the fund's average net assets
    annually. (See "Fund Organization and Management--Plan of Distribution.")
    Due to these distribution expenses, long-term shareholders may pay more than
    the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by
    the National Association of Securities Dealers.
/4/ Use of this assumed 5% return is required by the Securities and Exchange
    Commission; it is not an illustration of past or future investment results.
    THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
    EXPENSES; ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                                                              3
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
          FINANCIAL    The following information has been audited by Deloitte
         HIGHLIGHTS    & Touche LLP, independent accountants, whose
                       unqualified report covering each of the most recent
       (For a share    five years is included in the statement of additional
        outstanding    information. This information should be read in
     throughout the    conjunction with the financial statements and
       fiscal year)    accompanying notes which are also included in the
                       statement of additional information.
     
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30/1/
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              1995    1994     1993    1992    1991    1990     1989    1988    1987     1986
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
  <S>                        <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
  Net Asset Value, Begin-
   ning of Year...........   $14.65  $16.47   $13.17  $10.98  $ 9.80  $13.22   $10.48  $ 9.29  $10.60   $ 9.37
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
   INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
    OPERATIONS
    Net investment income.      .20     .17      .11     .08     .15     .27      .25     .22     .22      .19
    Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments.......     2.99    (.59)    3.75    2.45    1.76   (1.79)    3.33    1.70    (.73)    1.71
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
    Total income from
     investment operations     3.19    (.42)    3.86    2.53    1.91   (1.52)    3.58    1.92    (.51)    1.90
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
   LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
    Dividends from net
     investment income....     (.18)   (.12)    (.07)   (.14)   (.26)   (.29)    (.24)   (.19)   (.24)    (.10)
    Distributions from net
     realized gains.......     (.68)  (1.28)    (.49)   (.20)   (.47)  (1.61)    (.60)   (.54)   (.56)    (.57)
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
     Total distributions..     (.86)  (1.40)    (.56)   (.34)   (.73)  (1.90)    (.84)   (.73)   (.80)    (.67)
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
  Net Asset Value, End of
   Year...................   $16.98  $14.65   $16.47  $13.17  $10.98  $ 9.80   $13.22  $10.48  $ 9.29   $10.60
                             ======  ======   ======  ======  ======  ======   ======  ======  ======   ======
  Total Return/2/.........    23.22%  (2.94)%  30.60%  23.58%  20.68% (13.39)%  36.87%  22.32%  (5.37)%  21.35%
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
   Net assets, end of year
    (in millions).........   $3,523  $2,592   $1,912  $1,115    $908    $783     $888    $678    $696     $776
   Ratios of expenses to
    average net assets....      .88%    .85%     .85%    .89%    .92%    .92%     .83%    .81%    .73%     .68%
   Ratio of net income to
    average net assets....     1.33%   1.25%     .76%    .67%   1.33%   2.50%    2.13%   1.97%   1.91%    2.06%
   Portfolio turnover
    rate..................    27.03%  25.51%   26.97%  19.03%  18.52%  17.21%   23.31%   8.06%  15.40%   25.60%
</TABLE>    
 --------
 /1/ Adjusted to reflect the /1//0//0/% share dividend effective May 26,
     1994.
 /2/ This was calculated without deducting a sales charge. The maximum sales
     charge is 5.75% of the fund's offering price.
 
         INVESTMENT    The fund's investment objective is long-term growth of
          OBJECTIVE    capital. Current income is a secondary consideration.
       AND POLICIES    In seeking to meet its investment objective, the fund
                       invests in securities of companies that derive their
   The fund aims to    revenues primarily from operations in the services and
   provide you with    information area of the global economy or that appear
   long-term growth    to have future prospects tied importantly to that area
       of  capital.    of the economy. These could include, for example,
                       companies involved in the areas of telecommunications,
                       computer systems and software, broadcasting and
                       publishing, health care, advertising, leisure, tourism,
                       financial services, distribution and transportation.
                       This investment policy is based on the belief that
                       growth in services and information industries will
                       continue to outpace overall economic growth, and will
                       be more resistant to economic downturn.
 
                       The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in
                       companies outside of the services and information area.
                       This percentage is measured at the time of a particular
                       investment. 
 
 
 
           
 
                       
4
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       The fund normally invests in equity securities,
                       including common and preferred stocks or other
                       securities convertible into stocks.
    
                       When prevailing market, economic, political or currency
                       conditions warrant, assets may also be invested in debt
                       securities generally rated in the top three quality
                       categories by Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's
                       Investors Service, Inc. or determined to be of
                       equivalent quality by the fund's investment adviser,
                       Capital Research and Management Company; however, up to
                       10% of the fund's assets may be invested in lower rated
                       debt securities. These securities may be rated,
                       measured at the time of purchase, as high as Baa by
                       Moody's or BBB by S&P and as low as Ca by Moody's or CC
                       by S&P. Bonds rated Ca or CC are described by the
                       rating agencies as "speculative in a high degree, often
                       in default or [having] other marked shortcomings."
                       Securities rated Ba and BB or below or unrated
                       securities that are determined to be of equivalent
                       quality are commonly known as "junk" or "high-yield,
                       high-risk" bonds. As of the date of this prospectus,
                       none of the fund's assets were invested in "high-yield,
                       high-risk" bonds. (See the statement of additional
                       information for a complete description of the bond
                       ratings.) The market values of fixed-income securities
                       tend to vary inversely with the level of interest
                       rates--when interest rates rise, their values generally
                       will decline; when interest rates decline, their values
                       generally will rise. The fund may also hold cash or
                       cash equivalents and government securities. These
                       investments are not limited to services and information
                       companies. (See the statement of additional information
                       for a description of cash equivalents.)    
 
                       The fund may also invest up to 40% of its assets in
                       securities of issuers outside the U.S. and/or
                       denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar
                       subject to the limitations discussed above. The fund's
                       investments in non-U.S. fixed-income securities will
                       consist principally of securities issued or guaranteed
                       as to principal and interest by governments or their
                       agencies or instrumentalities or by multinational
                       agencies.
 
                       The fund's investment restrictions (which are described
                       in the statement of additional information) and
                       objective cannot be changed without shareholder
                       approval. All other investment practices may be changed
                       by the fund's board.
 
                       ACHIEVEMENT OF THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE CANNOT,
                       OF COURSE, BE ASSURED DUE TO THE RISK OF CAPITAL LOSS
                       FROM FLUCTUATING PRICES INHERENT IN ANY INVESTMENT IN
                       SECURITIES AND THE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
                       INVESTMENT OUTSIDE THE U.S. DESCRIBED HEREIN.
 
                                                                              5
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 CERTAIN SECURITIES    INVESTING AROUND THE WORLD The fund's assets are
     AND INVESTMENT    invested globally which, in the opinion of Capital
         TECHNIQUES    Research and Management Company, enhances the fund's
                       ability to meet its objective--long-term growth of
                       capital.
 
   Global investing    Of course, investing globally involves special risks,
   involves special    particularly in certain developing countries, caused
          risks and    by, among other things, fluctuating currency values;
     opportunities.    different accounting, auditing, and financial reporting
   Capital Research    regulations and practices in some countries; changing
     and Management    local and regional economic, political, and social
   Company monitors    conditions; differing securities market structures; and
    these risks and    various administrative difficulties such as delays in
   opportunities by    clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in
  closely following    receiving payment of dividends.
         companies,
        industries,    However, in the opinion of Capital Research and
   governments, and    Management Company, global investing also can reduce
     securities and    certain portfolio risks due to greater diversification
  currency exchange    opportunities.
  markets worldwide.
                       Additional costs could be incurred in connection with
                       the fund's investment activities outside the U.S.
                       Brokerage commissions are generally higher outside the
                       U.S., and the fund will bear certain expenses in
                       connection with its currency transactions. Furthermore,
                       increased custodian costs may be associated with the
                       maintenance of assets in certain jurisdictions.
    
                       CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS In connection with its non-U.S.
                       investments, the fund has the ability to hold
                       currencies other than the U.S. dollar and to enter into
                       forward currency contracts to facilitate settlements
                       and to protect against certain changes in exchange
                       rates. However, there is no assurance that such
                       strategies will be successful. Moreover, due to the
                       expenses involved, the fund will not generally attempt
                       to protect against all potential changes in exchange
                       rates.    
    
                       MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM The basic
                       investment philosophy of Capital Research and
                       Management Company is to seek fundamental values at
                       reasonable prices, using a system of multiple portfolio
                       counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this
                       system the portfolio of the fund is divided into
                       segments which are managed by individual counselors.
                       Each counselor decides how their segment will be
                       invested (within the limits provided by the fund's
                       objectives and policies and by Capital Research and
                       Management Company's investment committee). In
                       addition, Capital Research and Management Company's
                       research professionals make investment decisions with
                       respect to a portion of the fund's portfolio. The
                       primary individual portfolio counselors for the fund
                       are listed on the next page.    
 
6
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS
                                                          YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS      INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL
                                                         PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR (AND          (APPROXIMATE)
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELORS                                     RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL,      WITH CAPITAL
          FOR                PRIMARY TITLE(S)               IF APPLICABLE) FOR        RESEARCH AND
 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND                                      THE NEW ECONOMY FUND        MANAGEMENT
                                                               (APPROXIMATE)           COMPANY OR
                                                                                           ITS
                                                                                       AFFILIATES    TOTAL YEARS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                     <C>                          <C>                             <C>           <C>       <C>
 William R. Grimsley     President, Trustee and       Since the fund began operations    26 years   33 years
                         Principal Executive Officer 
                         of the fund; Senior Vice 
                         President and Director,
                         Capital Research and Man-
                         agement Company
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Timothy D. Armour       Vice President of the fund;  Five years (plus five years as     13 years   13 years
                         Executive Vice President,    a research professional prior
                         Capital Research Company*    to becoming a portfolio
                                                      counselor for the fund)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 James B. Lovelace       Vice President of the fund;  Five years (plus two years as      14 years   14 years
                         Vice President, Capital Re-  a research professional prior
                         search and Management        to becoming a portfolio
                         Company                      counselor for the fund)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Gordon Crawford         Senior Vice President and    Two years (plus five years as      25 years   25 years
                         Director, Capital Research   a research professional prior
                         Company*                     to becoming a portfolio
                                                      counselor for the fund)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Mark E. Denning         Senior Vice President,       Three years                        14 years   14 years
                         Capital Research Company*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 William C. Newton       Senior Partner, The Capital  Since the fund began operations    37 years   43 years
                         Group Partners L.P.*
</TABLE>    
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   THE FUND BEGAN OPERATIONS ON DECEMBER 1, 1983.
 
 * COMPANY AFFILIATED WITH CAPITAL RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
 
    
         INVESTMENT    The fund may from time to time compare its investment
            RESULTS    results to various unmanaged indices or other mutual
                       funds in reports to shareholders, sales literature and
       The fund has    advertisements. The results may be calculated on a to-
   averaged a total    tal return, yield and/or distribution rate basis for
 return of 14.46% a    various periods, with or without sales charges. Results
 year (assuming the    calculated without a sales charge will be higher. Total
      maximum sales    returns assume the reinvestment of all dividends and
   charge was paid)    capital gain distributions. The fund's distribution
  over its lifetime    rate is calculated by dividing the dividends paid by
                       the fund over the last 12 months by the sum of the
  (December 1, 1983    month-end price and the capital gains paid over the
            through    last 12 months. The yield reflects income earned by the
       December 31,    fund, while the distribution rate reflects dividends
             1995).    paid by the fund.    
    
                       The fund's total return over the past 12 months, and
                       average annual returns over the past five- and ten-year
                       periods, as of December 31, 1995, were 17.21%, 16.31% and
                       13.27%, respectively. These results were calculated in
                       accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules
                       which require that the maximum sales charge be deducted.
                       Of course, past results are not an indication of future
                       results. Further information
 
                                                                               7
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
 
                       regarding the fund's investment results is contained in
                       the fund's annual report which may be obtained without
                       charge by writing to the Secretary of the fund at the
                       address indicated on the cover of this prospectus.    
 
         DIVIDENDS,    DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends are usually paid
      DISTRIBUTIONS    in June and December. Capital gains, if any, are
          AND TAXES    usually distributed in December. When a dividend or
                       capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per
             Income    share is reduced by the amount of the payment.
  distributions are
    usually made in    FEDERAL TAXES The fund intends to operate as a
 June and December.    "regulated investment company" under the Internal
                       Revenue Code. In any fiscal year in which the fund so
                       qualifies and distributes to shareholders all of its
                       net investment income and net capital gains, the fund
                       itself is relieved of federal income tax.
                        
                       All dividends and capital gains are taxable whether
                       they are reinvested or received in cash--unless you are
                       exempt from taxation or entitled to tax deferral. Early
                       each year, you will be notified as to the amount and
                       federal tax status of all dividends and capital gains
                       paid during the prior year. Such dividends and capital
                       gains may also be subject to state or local taxes.
 
                       IF YOU HAVE NOT FURNISHED A CERTIFIED CORRECT TAXPAYER
                       IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (GENERALLY YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
                       NUMBER) AND HAVE NOT CERTIFIED THAT WITHHOLDING DOES
                       NOT APPLY, OR IF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE HAS
                       NOTIFIED THE FUND THAT THE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
                       NUMBER LISTED ON YOUR ACCOUNT IS INCORRECT ACCORDING TO
                       ITS RECORDS OR THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO BACKUP
                       WITHHOLDING, FEDERAL LAW GENERALLY REQUIRES THE FUND TO
                       WITHHOLD 31% FROM ANY DIVIDENDS AND/OR REDEMPTIONS
                       (INCLUDING EXCHANGE REDEMPTIONS). Amounts withheld are
                       applied to your federal tax liability; a refund may be
                       obtained from the Service if withholding results in
                       overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the
                       fund to withhold 30% or the applicable tax treaty rate
                       from dividends paid to certain nonresident alien, non-
                       U.S. partnership and non-U.S. corporation shareholder
                       accounts.
 
                       The fund may be required to pay withholding and other
                       taxes imposed by various countries in connection with
                       investments outside the U.S. generally at rates from
                       10% to 40%, which would reduce the fund's investment
                       income.
 
                       This is a brief summary of some of the tax laws that
                       affect your investment in the fund. Please see the
                       statement of additional information and your tax
                       adviser for further information.
 
 
8
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
               FUND    FUND ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS The fund, an open-
       ORGANIZATION    end, diversified management investment company, was
                AND    organized as a Massachusetts business trust in 1983.
         MANAGEMENT    The fund's board supervises fund operations and
                       performs duties required by applicable state and
      The fund is a    federal law. Members of the board who are not employed
      member of The    by Capital Research and Management Company or its
     American Funds    affiliates are paid for services rendered to the fund
    Group, which is    as described in the statement of additional
  managed by one of    information. They may elect to defer all or a portion
    the largest and    of these fees through a deferred compensation plan in
   most experienced    effect for the fund. Shareholders have one vote per
         investment    share owned and, at the request of the holders of at
          advisers.    least 10% of the shares, the fund will hold a meeting
                       at which any member of the board could be removed by a
                       majority vote. There will not usually be a shareholder
                       meeting in any year except, for example, when the
                       election of the board is required to be acted upon by
                       shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
     
                       THE INVESTMENT ADVISER Capital Research and Management
                       Company, a large and experienced investment management
                       organization founded in 1931, is the investment adviser
                       to the fund and other funds, including those in The
                       American Funds Group. Capital Research and Management
                       Company is located at 333 South Hope Street, Los
                       Angeles, CA 90071, and at 135 South State College
                       Boulevard, Brea, CA 92621. (See "The American Funds
                       Shareholder Guide: Purchasing Shares--Investment
                       Minimums and Fund Numbers" for a listing of funds in
                       The American Funds Group.) Capital Research and
                       Management Company manages the investment portfolio and
                       business affairs of the fund and receives a fee at the
                       lower of the annual rates of 0.60% on the first $300
                       million of the fund's net assets, 0.48% on net assets
                       in excess of $300 million but not exceeding $750
                       million, 0.45% on net assets in excess of $750 million
                       but not exceeding $1.25 billion, and 0.42% on net
                       assets in excess of $1.25 billion; or 0.58% on the
                       first $500 million of the fund's net assets, 0.48% on
                       net assets in excess of $500 million but not exceeding
                       $1 billion, 0.44% on net assets in excess of $1 billion
                       but not exceeding $1.5 billion, 0.41% on net assets in
                       excess of $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion,
                       0.39% on net assets in excess of $2.5 billion but not
                       exceeding $4 billion, 0.38% on net assets in excess of
                       $4 billion but not exceeding $6.5 billion, and 0.375%
                       on net assets in excess of $6.5 billion. The latter fee
                       schedule provides for lower fees when net assets exceed
                       $3 billion.    
 
                       Capital Research and Management Company is a wholly
                       owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
                       (formerly "The Capital Group, Inc."), which is located
                       at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The
                       research activities of Capital Research and Management
                       Company are conducted by affiliated companies which
                       have offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York,
                       Washington, D.C., London, Geneva, Singapore, Hong Kong
                       and Tokyo.
 
                                                                              9
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       Capital Research and Management Company and its
                       affiliated companies have adopted a personal investing
                       policy that is consistent with the recommendations
                       contained in the report dated May 9, 1994 issued by the
                       Investment Company Institute's Advisory Group on
                       Personal Investing. (See the statement of additional
                       information.)
 
                       PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS Orders for the fund's portfolio
                       securities transactions are placed by Capital Research
                       and Management Company, which strives to obtain the
                       best available prices, taking into account the costs
                       and quality of executions. In the over-the-counter
                       market, purchases and sales are transacted directly
                       with principal market-makers except in those
                       circumstances where it appears better prices and
                       executions are available elsewhere.
 
                       Subject to the above policy, when two or more brokers
                       are in a position to offer comparable prices and
                       executions, preference may be given to brokers that
                       have sold shares of the fund or have provided
                       investment research, statistical, and other related
                       services for the benefit of the fund and/or other funds
                       served by Capital Research and Management Company.
 
                       PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER American Funds Distributors,
                       Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital Research and
                       Management Company, is the principal underwriter of the
                       fund's shares. American Funds Distributors, Inc. is
                       located at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
                       90071, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA
                       92621, 8000 1H-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78230, 8332
                       Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240,
                       and 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513. Telephone
                       conversations with American Funds Distributors may be
                       recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping
                       and quality assurance purposes.
    
                       PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The fund has a plan of
                       distribution or "12b-1 Plan" under which it may finance
                       activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided
                       the categories of expenses are approved in advance by
                       the board and the expenses paid under the plan were
                       incurred within the last 12 months and accrued while
                       the plan is in effect. Expenditures by the fund under
                       the plan may not exceed 0.25% of its average net assets
                       annually (all of which may be for service fees). See
                       "The American Funds Shareholder Guide: Purchasing
                       Shares--Sales Charges" below.    
 
10
 
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
                TRANSFER AGENT American Funds Service Company, a wholly
                owned subsidiary of Capital Research and Management
                Company, is the transfer agent and performs shareholder
                service functions. It was paid a fee of $4,047,000 for
                the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995. Telephone
                conversations with American Funds Service Company may
                be recorded or monitored for verification,
                recordkeeping and quality assurance purposes.    
                
                      AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY SERVICE AREAS
                
                 SERVICE      ADDRESS                  AREAS SERVED
                  AREA
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                WEST      P.O. Box 2205                AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID,    
                          Brea, CA 92622-2205          MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and 
                          Fax: 714/671-7080            outside the U.S.        
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                CENTRAL-  P.O. Box 659522              AR, CO, IA, KS, LA,
                WEST      San Antonio, TX 78265-9522   MN, MO, ND, NE, NM,
                          Fax: 210/530-4050            OK, SD, TX, and WY  
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                CENTRAL-  P.O. Box 6007                AL, IL, IN, KY, MI,
                EAST      Indianapolis, IN 46206-6007  MS, OH, TNand WI    
                          Fax: 317/735-6620           
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                EAST     P.O. Box 2280                 CT, DE, FL, GA, MA,   
                         Norfolk, VA 23501-2280        MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ,   
                         Fax: 804/670-4773             NY, PA, RI, SC, VA,   
                                                       VT, WV and Washington, 
                                                       D.C.
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                 ALL SHAREHOLDERS MAY CALL AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE
                 COMPANY AT 800/421-0180 FOR SERVICE.
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                
                            [MAP OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]
                
                -------------------------------------------------------------
                West (light grey); Central-West (white); Central-East
                (dark grey); East (red)
 
                                                                              11
 
<PAGE>
 
LOGO
 
 
 
 
 
 
                      --------------------------------------------------------- 
  PURCHASING SHARES    METHOD      INITIAL INVESTMENT   ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
                      ---------------------------------------------------------
     Your investment   By          See "Investment      $50 minimum (except
    dealer can help    contacting  Minimums and Fund    where a lower
 you establish your    your        Numbers" for         minimum is noted
  account--and help    investment  initial              under "Investment
      you add to it    dealer      investment           Minimums and Fund
 whenever you like.                minimums.            Numbers").
                                   Visit any            Mail directly to
                                   investment dealer    your investment
                                   who is registered    dealer's address
                                   in the state         printed on your
                                   where the            account statement.
                                   purchase is made
                                   and who has a
                                   sales agreement
                                   with American
                                   Funds
                                   Distributors.
                      ---------------------------------------------------------
                       By mail     Make your check      Fill out the account
                                   payable to the       additions form at the
                                   fund and mail to     bottom of a recent
                                   the address          account statement,
                                   indicated on the     make your check
                                   account              payable to the fund,
                                   application.         write your account
                                   Please indicate      number on your check,
                                   an investment        and mail the check
                                   dealer on the        and form in the
                                   account              envelope provided
                                   application.         with your account
                                                        statement.
                      ---------------------------------------------------------
                       By wire     Call 800/421-0180    Your bank should wire
                                   to obtain your       your additional
                                   account              investments in the
                                   number(s), if        same manner as
                                   necessary. Please    described under
                                   indicate an          "Initial Investment."
                                   investment dealer
                                   on the account.
                                   Instruct your
                                   bank to wire
                                   funds to:    
 
                                   Wells Fargo Bank
                                   155 Fifth Street
                                   Sixth Floor
                                   San Francisco,
                                   CA 94106
                                   (ABA #121000248)
 
                                   For credit to the
                                   account of:
                                   American Funds
                                   Service Company
                                   a/c #4600-076178
                                   (fund name)
                                   (your fund acct.
                                   no.)
                      ---------------------------------------------------------
                       THE FUNDS AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS RESERVE
                       THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY PURCHASE ORDER.
 
    
                      SHARE PRICE Shares are purchased at the offering price
                      next determined after the order is received by the fund
                      or American Funds Service Company. In the case of orders
                      sent directly to the fund or American Funds Service
                      Company, an investment dealer MUST be indicated. This
                      price is the net asset value plus a sales charge, if
                      applicable. Dealers are responsible for promptly
                      transmitting orders. (See the statement of additional
                      information under "Purchase of Shares--Price of
                      Shares.")    
 
                      The net asset value per share is determined as of the
                      close of trading (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) on
                      each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. The
                      current value of the fund's total assets, less all
                      liabilities, is divided by the total number of shares
                      outstanding and the result, rounded to the nearer cent,
                      is the net asset value per share. The net asset value
                      per share of the money market funds normally will remain
                      constant at $1.00 based on the funds' current practice
                      of valuing their shares using the penny-rounding method
                      in accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange
                      Commission.
 
                      SHARE CERTIFICATES Shares are credited to your account
                      and certificates are not issued unless specifically
                      requested. This eliminates the costly problem of lost or
                      destroyed certificates.
 
12
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       If you would like certificates issued, please request
                       them by writing to American Funds Service Company.
                       There is usually no charge for issuing certificates in
                       reasonable denominations. CERTIFICATES ARE NOT AVAIL-
                       ABLE FOR THE MONEY MARKET FUNDS.
 
                       INVESTMENT MINIMUMS AND FUND NUMBERS Here are the
                       minimum initial investments required by the funds in
                       The American Funds Group along with fund numbers for
                       use with our automated phone line, American
                       FundsLine(R) (see description below):
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MINIMUM
                                             INITIAL          FUND
  FUND                                      INVESTMENT       NUMBER
  ----                                      ----------       ------
  <S>                                       <C>              <C>
  STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS 
  AMCAP Fund(R)............................   $1,000           02
  American Balanced Fund(R)................      500           11
  American Mutual Fund(R)..................      250           03
  Capital Income Builder(R)................    1,000           12
  Capital World Growth and Income Fund(SM).    1,000           33
  EuroPacific Growth Fund(R)...............      250           16
  Fundamental Investors(SM)................      250           10
  The Growth Fund of America(R)............    1,000           05
  The Income Fund of America(R)............    1,000           06
  The Investment Company of America(R).....      250           04
  The New Economy Fund(R)..................    1,000           14
  New Perspective Fund(R)..................      250           07
  SMALLCAP World Fund(SM)..................    1,000           35
  Washington Mutual Investors Fund(SM).....      250           01
 
<CAPTION>
                                             MINIMUM
                                             INITIAL          FUND
  FUND                                      INVESTMENT       NUMBER
  ----                                      ----------       ------
  <S>                                       <C>              <C>
  BOND FUNDS
  Amerian High-Income Municipal
   Bond Fund(SM)...........................   $1,000           40
  American High-Income Trust(R)............    1,000           21
  The Bond Fund of America(SM).............    1,000           08
  Capital World Bond Fund(R)...............    1,000           31
  Intermediate Bond Fund of America(R).....    1,000           23
  Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
   of America(SM)..........................    1,000           43
  The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America(SM)..    1,000           19
  The Tax-Exempt Fund of California(R)*....    1,000           20
  The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland(R)*......    1,000           24
  The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia(R)*......    1,000           25
  U.S. Government Securities Fund(SM)......    1,000           22
  MONEY MARKET FUNDS
  The Cash Management Trust of America(R)..    2,500           09
  The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America(SM).    2,500           39
  The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of
   America(SM).............................    2,500           49
</TABLE>
 --------
*Available only in certain states.
 
 
                       For retirement plan investments, the minimum is $250,
                       except that the money market funds have a minimum of
                       $1,000 for individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Mini-
                       mums are reduced to $50 for purchases through "Auto-
                       matic Investment Plans" (except for the money market
                       funds) or to $25 for purchases by retirement plans
                       through payroll deductions and may be reduced or waived
                       for shareholders of other funds in The American Funds
                       Group. TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS SHOULD NOT SERVE AS RETIREMENT
                       PLAN INVESTMENTS. The minimum is $50 for additional in-
                       vestments (except as noted above).
 
                       SALES CHARGES The sales charges you pay when purchasing
                       the stock, stock/bond, and bond funds of The American
                       Funds Group are set forth below. The money market funds
                       of The American Funds Group are offered at net asset
                       value. (See "Investment Minimums and Fund Numbers" for
                       a listing of the funds.)
 
                                                                             13
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   DEALER    
                                                              SALES CHARGE AS    CONCESSION 
                                                            PERCENTAGE OF THE:  AS PERCENTAGE
                                                            ------------------     OF THE   
               AMOUNT OF PURCHASE                           NET AMOUNT OFFERING   OFFERING  
               AT THE OFFERING PRICE                         INVESTED   PRICE       PRICE   
               ---------------------                        ---------- -------- -------------
               <S>                                          <C>        <C>      <C>         
               STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS                                                   
               Less than $50,000.....................          6.10%     5.75%       5.00%   
               $50,000 but less than                                                        
                $100,000.............................          4.71      4.50        3.75    
                                                                                            
               BOND FUNDS                                                                   
               Less than $25,000.....................         4.99      4.75        4.00    
               $25,000 but less than                                                        
                $50,000..............................         4.71      4.50        3.75    
               $50,000 but less than                                                        
                $100,000.............................         4.17      4.00        3.25    
                                                                                            
               STOCK, STOCK/BOND, AND                                                       
                 BOND FUNDS                                                                 
               $100,000 but less than $250,000.......         3.63      3.50        2.75    
               $250,000 but less than $500,000.......         2.56      2.50        2.00    
               $500,000 but less than $1,000,000.....         2.04      2.00        1.60    
               $1,000,000 or more....................         none      none     (see below) 
</TABLE>
 
    
                       Commissions of up to 1% will be paid to dealers who
                       initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1
                       million or more, for purchases by any employer-
                       sponsored 403(b) plan or defined contribution plan
                       qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue
                       Code including a "401(k)" plan with 200 or more
                       eligible employees (paid pursuant to the fund's plan of
                       distribution), and for purchases made at net asset
                       value by certain retirement plans of organizations with
                       collective retirement plan assets of $100 million or
                       more as set forth in the statement of additional
                       information (paid by American Funds Distributors).    
    
                       American Funds Distributors, at its expense (from a
                       designated percentage of its income), will, during
                       calendar year 1996, provide additional compensation to
                       dealers. Currently these payments are limited to the
                       top one hundred dealers who have sold shares of the
                       fund or other funds in The American Funds Group. These
                       payments will be based on a pro rata share of a
                       qualifying dealer's sales. American Funds Distributors
                       will, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of
                       continuing these payments.    
    
                       Any employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or defined
                       contribution plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the
                       Internal Revenue Code including a "401(k)" plan with
                       200 or more eligible employees or any other purchaser
                       investing at least $1 million in shares of the fund (or
                       in combination with shares of other funds in The
                       American Funds Group other than the money market funds)
                       may purchase shares at net asset value; however, a
                       contingent deferred sales charge of 1% is imposed on
                       certain redemptions made within one year of the
                       purchase. (See "Redeeming Shares--Contingent Deferred
                       Sales Charge.")    
 
                       Qualified dealers currently are paid a continuing
                       service fee not to exceed 0.25% of average net assets
                       (0.15% in the case of the money market funds) annually
                       in order to promote selling efforts and to
 
14
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       compensate them for providing certain services. (See
                       "Fund Organization and Management--Plan of
                       Distribution.") These services include processing
                       purchase and redemption transactions, establishing
                       shareholder accounts and providing certain information
                       and assistance with respect to the fund.
    
                       NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASES The stock, stock/bond and
                       bond funds may sell shares at net asset value to: (1)
                       current or retired directors, trustees, officers and
                       advisory board members of the funds managed by Capital
                       Research and Management Company, employees of
                       Washington Management Corporation, employees and
                       partners of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and its
                       affiliated companies, certain family members of the
                       above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such
                       persons; (2) current registered representatives,
                       retired registered representatives with respect to
                       accounts established while active, or full-time
                       employees (and their spouses, parents, and children) of
                       dealers who have sales agreements with American Funds
                       Distributors (or who clear transactions through such
                       dealers) and plans for such persons or the dealers; (3)
                       companies exchanging securities with the fund through a
                       merger, acquisition or exchange offer; (4) trustees or
                       other fiduciaries purchasing shares for certain
                       retirement plans of organizations with retirement plan
                       assets of $100 million or more; (5) insurance company
                       separate accounts; (6) accounts managed by subsidiaries
                       of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.; and (7) The
                       Capital Group Companies, Inc., its affiliated companies
                       and Washington Management Corporation. Shares are
                       offered at net asset value to these persons and
                       organizations due to anticipated economies in sales
                       effort and expense.    
 
           REDUCING    AGGREGATION Sales charge discounts are available for
         YOUR SALES    certain aggregated investments. Qualifying investments
             CHARGE    include those by you, your spouse and your children
                       under the age of 21, if all parties are purchasing
       You and your    shares for their own account(s), which may include
   immediate family    purchases through employee benefit plan(s) such as an
        may combine    IRA, individual-type 403(b) plan or single-participant
     investments to    Keogh-type plan or by a business solely controlled by
 reduce your costs.    these individuals (for example, the individuals own the
                       entire business) or by a trust (or other fiduciary
                       arrangement) solely for the benefit of these
                       individuals. Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or
                       other fiduciary(ies) may also be aggregated if the
                       investments are (1) for a single trust estate or
                       fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan
                       other than those described above or (2) made for two or
                       more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of
                       affiliated employers as defined in the Investment
                       Company Act of 1940, again excluding employee benefit
                       plans described above, or (3) for a diversified common
                       trust fund or other diversified pooled account not
                       specifically formed for the purpose of accumulating
                       fund shares. Purchases made for nominee or street name
                       accounts (securities held in the name of an investment
                       dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust
                       department instead of the customer) may not be
                       aggregated with those made for
 
                                                                             15
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       other accounts and may not be aggregated with other
                       nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise
                       qualified as described above.
 
                       CONCURRENT PURCHASES To qualify for a reduced sales
                       charge, you may combine concurrent purchases of two or
                       more funds in The American Funds Group, except direct
                       purchases of the money market funds. (Shares of the
                       money market funds purchased through an exchange,
                       reinvestment or cross-reinvestment from a fund having a
                       sales charge do qualify.) For example, if you
                       concurrently invest $25,000 in one fund and $25,000 in
                       another, the sales charge would be reduced to reflect a
                       $50,000 purchase.
 
                       RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION The sales charge for your invest-
                       ment may also be reduced by taking into account the
                       current value of your existing holdings in The American
                       Funds Group. Direct purchases of the money market funds
                       are excluded. (See account application.)
    
                       STATEMENT OF INTENTION You may reduce sales charges on
                       all investments by meeting the terms of a statement of
                       intention, a non-binding commitment to invest a certain
                       amount in fund shares subject to a commission within a
                       13-month period. Five percent of the statement amount
                       will be held in escrow to cover additional sales
                       charges which may be due if your total investments over
                       the statement period are insufficient to qualify for a
                       sales charge reduction. (See account application and
                       the statement of additional information under "Purchase
                       of Shares--Statement of Intention.")    
 
                       YOU MUST LET YOUR INVESTMENT DEALER OR AMERICAN FUNDS
                       SERVICE COMPANY KNOW IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A REDUCTION IN
                       YOUR SALES CHARGE USING ONE OR ANY COMBINATION OF THE
                       METHODS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
 
        SHAREHOLDER    AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN You may make regular monthly
           SERVICES    or quarterly investments through automatic charges to
                       your bank account. Once a plan is established, your ac-
    The fund offers    count will normally be charged by the 10th day of the
     you a valuable    month during which an investment is made (or by the
  array of services    15th day of the month in the case of any retirement
        designed to    plan for which Capital Guardian Trust Company--another
       increase the    affiliate of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.--acts as
    convenience and    trustee or custodian).
     flexibility of
  your investment--    AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT Dividends and capital gain dis-
   services you can    tributions are reinvested in additional shares at no
  use to alter your    sales charge unless you indicate otherwise on the
 investment program    account application. You also may elect to have divi-
  as your needs and    dends and/or capital gain distributions paid in cash by
      circumstances    informing the fund, American Funds Service Company or
            change.    your investment dealer.
                     
                       CROSS-REINVESTMENT You may cross-reinvest dividends or
                       dividends and capital gain distributions paid by one
                       fund into another fund in The American Funds Group,
                       subject to conditions outlined in the statement of ad-
                       ditional information. Generally, to use this service
                       the value of your account in the paying fund must equal
                       at least $5,000.
 
16
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE You may exchange shares into other
                       funds in The American Funds Group. Exchange purchases
                       are subject to the minimum investment requirements of
                       the fund purchased and no sales charge generally
                       applies. However, exchanges of shares from the money
                       market funds are subject to applicable sales charges on
                       the fund being purchased, unless the money market fund
                       shares were acquired by an exchange from a fund having
                       a sales charge, or by reinvestment or cross-
                       reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
                       distributions.
 
                       You may exchange shares by writing to American Funds
                       Service Company (see "Redeeming Shares"), by contacting
                       your investment dealer, by using American FundsLine(R)
                       (see "Shareholder Services--American FundsLine(R)" be-
                       low), or by telephoning 800/421-0180 toll-free, faxing
                       (see "Transfer Agent" above for the appropriate fax
                       numbers) or telegraphing American Funds Service Compa-
                       ny. (See "Telephone Redemptions and Exchanges" below.)
                       Shares held in corporate-type retirement plans for
                       which Capital Guardian Trust Company serves as trustee
                       may not be exchanged by telephone, fax or telegraph.
                       Exchange redemptions and purchases are processed simul-
                       taneously at the share prices next determined after the
                       exchange order is received. (See "Purchasing Shares--
                       Share Price.") THESE TRANSACTIONS HAVE THE SAME TAX
                       CONSEQUENCES AS ORDINARY SALES AND PURCHASES.
 
                       AUTOMATIC EXCHANGES You may automatically exchange
                       shares (in amounts of $50 or more) among any of the
                       funds in The American Funds Group on any day (or pre-
                       ceding business day if the day falls on a non-business
                       day) of each month you designate. You must either meet
                       the minimum initial investment requirement for the re-
                       ceiving fund OR the originating fund's balance must be
                       at least $5,000 and the receiving fund's minimum must
                       be met within one year.
 
                       AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWALS You may make automatic
                       withdrawals of $50 or more as follows: five or more
                       times per year if you have an account of $10,000 or
                       more, or four or fewer times per year if you have an
                       account of $5,000 or more. Withdrawals are made on or
                       about the 15th day of each month you designate, and
                       checks will be sent within seven days. (See "Other
                       Important Things to Remember.") Additional investments
                       in a withdrawal account must not be less than one
                       year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is
                       greater. However, additional investments in a
                       withdrawal account may be inadvisable due to sales
                       charges and tax liabilities.
 
                       These services are available only in states where the
                       fund to be purchased may be legally offered and may be
                       terminated or modified at any time upon 60 days'
                       written notice.
    
                       ACCOUNT STATEMENTS Your account is opened in accordance
                       with your registration instructions. Transactions in
                       the account, such as additional investments and
                       dividend reinvestments, will be reflected on regular
                       confirmation statements from American Funds Service
                       Company. Purchases through automatic investment plans
                       will be confirmed at least quarterly.    
 
                                                                             17
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       AMERICAN FUNDSLINE(R) You may check your share balance,
                       the price of your shares, or your most recent account
                       transaction, redeem shares (up to $10,000 per fund, per
                       account each day), or exchange shares around the clock
                       with American FundsLine(R). To use this service, call
                       800/325-3590 from a TouchTone(TM) telephone.
                       Redemptions and exchanges through American FundsLine(R)
                       are subject to the conditions noted above and in
                       "Redeeming Shares--Telephone Redemptions and Exchanges"
                       below. You will need your fund number (see the list of
                       funds in The American Funds Group under "Purchasing
                       Shares--Investment Minimums and Fund Numbers"),
                       personal identification number (the last four digits of
                       your Social Security number or other tax identification
                       number associated with your account) and account
                       number.
 
          REDEEMING     By writing to  Send a letter of instruction
             SHARES     American       specifying the name of the fund, the
                        Funds Service  number of shares or dollar amount to
 You may take money     Company (at    be sold, your name and account
        out of your     the            number. You should also enclose any
   account whenever     appropriate    share certificates you wish to
        you please.     address        redeem. For redemptions over $50,000
                        indicated      and for certain redemptions of
                        under "Fund    $50,000 or less (see below), your
                        Organization   signature must be guaranteed by a
                        and            bank, savings association, credit
                        Management--   union, or member firm of a domestic
                        Transfer       stock exchange or the National
                        Agent")        Association of Securities Dealers,
                                       Inc., that is an eligible guarantor
                                       institution. You should verify with
                                       the institution that it is an
                                       eligible guarantor prior to signing.
                                       Additional documentation may be
                                       required for redemption of shares
                                       held in corporate, partnership or
                                       fiduciary accounts. Notarization by a
                                       Notary Public is not an acceptable
                                       signature guarantee.
  
                        By contacting  If you redeem shares through your
                        your           investment dealer, you may be charged
                        investment     for this service. SHARES HELD FOR YOU
                        dealer         IN YOUR INVESTMENT DEALER'S STREET
                                       NAME MUST BE REDEEMED THROUGH THE
                                       DEALER.
 
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                        You may have   You may use this option, provided the
                        a redemption   account is registered in the name of
                        check sent to  an individual(s), a UGMA/UTMA
                        you by using   custodian, or a non-retirement plan
                        American       trust. These redemptions may not
                        FundsLine(R)   exceed $10,000 per day, per fund
                        or by          account and the check must be made
                        telephoning,   payable to the shareholder(s) of
                        faxing, or     record and be sent to the address of
                        telegraphing   record provided the address has been
                        American       used with the account for at least 10
                        Funds Service  days. See "Transfer Agent" and
                        Company        "Exchange Privilege" above for the
                        (subject to    appropriate telephone or fax number.
                        the
                        conditions
                        noted in this
                        section and
                        in "Telephone
                        Redemptions
                        and
                        Exchanges"
                        below)    
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                        In the case    Upon request (use the account
                        of the money   application for the money market
                        market funds,  funds) you may establish telephone
                        you may have   redemption privileges (which will
                        redemptions    enable you to have a redemption sent
                        wired to your  to your bank account) and/or check
                        bank by        writing privileges. If you request
                        telephoning    check writing privileges, you will be
                        American       provided with checks that you may use
                        Funds Service  to draw against your account. These
                        Company        checks may be made payable to anyone
                        ($1,000 or     you designate and must be signed by
                        more) or by    the authorized number of registered
                        writing a      shareholders exactly as indicated on
                        check ($250    your checking account signature card.
                        or more)
                       --------------------------------------------------------
 
                       A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IS NOT CURRENTLY REQUIRED FOR ANY
                       REDEMPTION OF $50,000 OR LESS PROVIDED THE REDEMPTION
                       CHECK IS MADE PAYABLE TO THE REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER(S)
                       AND IS MAILED TO THE ADDRESS OF RECORD, PROVIDED THE
                       ADDRESS HAS BEEN USED WITH THE ACCOUNT FOR AT LEAST 10
                       DAYS.
 
18
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       THE PRICE YOU RECEIVE FOR THE SHARES YOU REDEEM IS THE
                       NET ASSET VALUE NEXT DETERMINED AFTER YOUR ORDER AND
                       ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ARE RECEIVED BY THE FUND OR
                       AMERICAN fUNDS SERVICE COMPANY. (SEE "PURCHASING
                       SHARES--SHARE PRICE.")
 
                       TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES By using the
                       telephone (including American FundsLine(R)), fax or
                       telegraph redemption and/or exchange options, you agree
                       to hold the fund, American Funds Service Company, any
                       of its affiliates or mutual funds managed by such
                       affiliates, and each of their respective directors,
                       trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from
                       any losses, expenses, costs or liability (including
                       attorney fees) which may be incurred in connection with
                       the exercise of these privileges. Generally, all
                       shareholders are automatically eligible to use these
                       options. However, you may elect to opt out of these
                       options by writing American Funds Service Company (you
                       may reinstate them at any time also by writing American
                       Funds Service Company). If American Funds Service
                       Company does not employ reasonable procedures to
                       confirm that the instructions received from any person
                       with appropriate account information are genuine, the
                       fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or
                       fraudulent instructions. In the event that shareholders
                       are unable to reach the fund by telephone because of
                       technical difficulties, market conditions, or a natural
                       disaster, redemption and exchange requests may be made
                       in writing only.
    
                       CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE A contingent deferred
                       sales charge of 1% applies to certain redemptions made
                       within twelve months of purchase on investments of $1
                       million or more and on any investment made with no
                       initial sales charge by any employer-sponsored 403(b)
                       plan or defined contribution plan qualified under
                       Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code including a
                       "401(k)" plan with 200 or more eligible employees. The
                       charge is 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares
                       redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital
                       gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares.
                       Shares held for the longest period are assumed to be
                       redeemed first for purposes of calculating this charge.
                       The charge is waived for exchanges (except if shares
                       acquired by exchange were then redeemed within 12
                       months of the initial purchase); for distributions from
                       qualified retirement plans and other employee benefit
                       plans; for redemptions resulting from participant-
                       directed switches among investment options within a
                       participant-directed employer-sponsored retirement
                       plan; for distributions from 403(b) plans or IRAs due
                       to death, disability or attainment of age 59 1/2; for
                       tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs; for
                       redemptions through certain automatic withdrawals not
                       exceeding 10% of the amount that would otherwise be
                       subject to the charge; and for redemptions in
                       connection with loans made by qualified retirement
                       plans.    
 
                       REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE You may reinvest proceeds from
                       a redemption or a dividend or capital gain distribution
                       without a sales charge (any contingent deferred sales
                       charge paid will be credited to your
 
                                                                             19
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       account) in any fund in The American Funds Group. Send
                       a written request and a check to American Funds Service
                       Company within 90 days after the date of the redemption
                       or distribution. Reinvestment will be at the next
                       calculated net asset value after receipt. The tax
                       status of a gain realized on a redemption will not be
                       affected by exercise of the reinstatement privilege,
                       but a loss may be nullified if you reinvest in the same
                       fund within 30 days. If you redeem your shares within
                       90 days after purchase and the sales charge on the
                       purchase of other shares is waived under the
                       reinstatement privilege, the sales charge you
                       previously paid for the shares may not be taken into
                       account when you calculate your gain or loss on that
                       redemption.
 
                       OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER The net asset value
                       for redemptions is determined as indicated under
                       "Purchasing Shares--Share Price." Because each stock,
                       stock/bond and bond fund's net asset value fluctuates,
                       reflecting the market value of the fund's portfolio,
                       the amount a shareholder receives for shares redeemed
                       may be more or less than the amount paid for them.
 
                       Redemption proceeds will not be mailed until sufficient
                       time has passed to provide reasonable assurance that
                       checks or drafts (including certified or cashier's
                       checks) for shares purchased have cleared (which may
                       take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date).
                       Except for delays relating to clearance of checks for
                       share purchases or in extraordinary circumstances (and
                       as permissible under the Investment Company Act of
                       1940), redemption proceeds will be paid on or before
                       the seventh day following receipt of a proper
                       redemption request.
 
                       A fund may, with 60 days' written notice, close your
                       account if, due to a redemption, the account has a
                       value of less than the minimum required initial
                       investment. (For example, a fund may close an account
                       if a redemption is made shortly after a minimum initial
                       investment is made.)
 
                       You may invest in the funds through various retirement
         RETIREMENT    plans including the following plans for which Capital
              PLANS    Guardian Trust Company acts as trustee or custodian:
                       IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension plans, 403(b) plans
                       and Keogh- and corporate-type business retirement
                       plans. For further information about any of the plans,
                       agreements, applications and annual fees, contact
                       American Funds Distributors or your investment dealer.
                       To determine which retirement plan is appropriate for
                       you, please consult your tax adviser. TAX-EXEMPT FUNDS
                       SHOULD NOT SERVE AS INVESTMENTS FOR RETIREMENT PLANS.
 
                       FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE ACCOUNT
                       APPLICATION OR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
                       IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THE SHAREHOLDER
                       SERVICES DESCRIBED HEREIN OR YOUR ACCOUNT, PLEASE
                       CONTACT YOUR INVESTMENT DEALER OR AMERICAN FUNDS
                       SERVICE COMPANY.
 
                       [RECYCLE LOGO]  This prospectus has been printed on
                                       recycled paper that meets the
                                       guidelines of the United States
                                       Environmental Protection Agency
 
20
 
 
<PAGE>
 
                                  Prospectus
                        for Eligible Retirement Plans
 
 
                                   THE NEW
                               ECONOMY FUND(R)
 
 
 
                                    (ART) 
 
 
 
                         An opportunity for long-term
                               growth of capital
 
 
 
 
   FEBRUARY 1, 1996    [LOGO OF THE AMERICAN FUNDS GROUP(R)]
 
 
                             THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                             333 South Hope Street
                         Los Angeles, California 90071
 
The fund's investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Current income
is a secondary consideration. In seeking to achieve its objective, the fund
invests principally in the equity securities of companies that derive their
revenue primarily from operations in the services and information area of the
global economy or that appear to have future prospects tied importantly to
that area of the economy.
 
This prospectus relates only to shares of the fund offered without a sales
charge to eligible retirement plans. For a prospectus regarding shares of the
fund to be acquired otherwise, contact the Secretary of the fund at the
address indicated above.
 
This prospectus presents information you should know before investing in the
fund. It should be retained for future reference.
    
You may obtain the statement of additional information for the fund, dated
February 1, 1996, which contains the fund's financial statements, without
charge, by writing to the Secretary of the fund at the above address or
telephoning 800/421-0180. These requests will be honored within three business
days of receipt.    
    
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY, ENTITY OR PERSON. THE
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS
OF PRINCIPAL.    
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   RP 14-010-0296    
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
            SUMMARY OF
              EXPENSES
  
        Average annual
    expenses paid over
      a 10-year period
would be approximately
$11 per year, assuming
   a $1,000 investment
and a 5% annual return
  with no sales charge.
 
 
 
               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   <TABLE>
  <S>                                      <C>
  Summary of Expenses.....................   2
  Financial Highlights....................   3
  Investment Objective and Policies.......   3
  Certain Securities and Investment
   Techniques.............................   5
  Investment Results......................   6
  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes......   7
  Fund Organization and Management........   7
  Purchasing Shares.......................   9
  Shareholder Services....................  11
  Redeeming Shares........................  11
</TABLE>    
 
 
 
This table is designed to help you understand the costs of investing in the
fund. These are historical expenses; your actual expenses may vary.
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Certain retirement plans may purchase shares of the fund with no sales
charge./1/ The fund also has no sales charge on reinvested dividends, deferred
sales charge, redemption fees or exchange fees.
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets)
 
   <TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
Management fees........................................................ 0.45%
12b-1 expenses......................................................... 0.20%/2/
Other expenses (including audit, legal, shareholder services,
 transfer agent and custodian expenses)................................ 0.23%
Total fund operating expenses.......................................... 0.88%
</TABLE>    
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                                       1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -------                                       ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                           <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
You would pay the following cumulative
expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
a 5% annual return./3/                          $9      $28    $49     $108
</TABLE>    
    
/1/ Retirement plans of organizations with $100 million or more in collective
    retirement plan assets may purchase shares of the fund with no sales charge.
    In addition, any employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or defined contribution plan
    qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code including a
    "401(k)" plan with 200 or more eligible employees or any other plan that
    invests at least $1 million in shares of the fund (or in combination with
    shares of other funds in The American Funds Group other than the money
    market funds) may purchase shares at net asset value; however, a contingent
    deferred sales charge of 1% applies on certain redemptions made within 12
    months following such purchases. (See "Redeeming Shares--Contingent Deferred
    Sales Charge.")    
 
/2/ These expenses may not exceed 0.25% of the fund's average net assets
    annually. (See "Fund Organization and Management--Plan of Distribution.")
    Due to these distribution expenses, long-term shareholders may pay more than
    the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by
    the National Association of Securities Dealers.
 
/3/ Use of this assumed 5% return is required by the Securities and Exchange
    Commission; it is not an illustration of past or future investment results.
    THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
    EXPENSES; ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
2
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
          FINANCIAL   The following information has been audited by Deloitte &
         HIGHLIGHTS   Touche LLP, independent accountants, whose unqualified
                      report covering each of the most recent five years is
       (For a share   included in the statement of additional information.
        outstanding   This information should be read in conjunction with the
     throughout the   financial statements and accompanying notes which are
       fiscal year)   also included in the statement of additional
                      information.
 
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30/1/
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              1995    1994     1993    1992    1991    1990     1989    1988    1987     1986
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
  <S>                        <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
  Net Asset Value, Begin-
   ning of Year...........   $14.65  $16.47   $13.17  $10.98  $ 9.80  $13.22   $10.48  $ 9.29  $10.60   $ 9.37
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
   INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
    OPERATIONS
    Net Investment Income..     .20     .17      .11     .08     .15     .27      .25     .22     .22      .19
    Net realized and
     unrealized gain (loss)
     on investments........    2.99    (.59)    3.75    2.45    1.76   (1.79)    3.33    1.70    (.73)    1.71
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
     Total income from
      investment
      operations...........    3.19    (.42)    3.86    2.53    1.91   (1.52)    3.58    1.92    (.51)    1.90
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
   LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
    Dividends from net
     investment income.....    (.18)   (.12)    (.07)   (.14)   (.26)   (.29)    (.24)   (.19)   (.24)    (.10)
    Distributions from net
     realized gains........    (.68)  (1.28)    (.49)   (.20)   (.47)  (1.61)    (.60)   (.54)   (.56)    (.57)
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
     Total Distributions...    (.86)  (1.40)    (.56)   (.34)   (.73)  (1.90)    (.84)   (.73)   (.80)    (.67)
                             ------  ------   ------  ------  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------   ------
  Net Asset Value, End of
   Year...................   $16.98  $14.65   $16.47  $13.17  $10.98  $ 9.80   $13.22  $10.48  $ 9.29   $10.60
                             ======  ======   ======  ======  ======  ======   ======  ======  ======   ======
   Total Return/2/........    23.22%  (2.94)%  30.60%  23.58%  20.68% (13.39)%  36.87%  22.32%  (5.37)%  21.35%
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
   Net Assets, end of year
    (in millions).........   $3,523  $2,592   $1,912  $1,115    $908    $783     $888    $678    $696     $776
   Ratios of expenses to
    average net assets....      .88%    .85%     .85%    .89%    .92%    .92%     .83%    .81%    .73%     .68%
   Ratio of net income to
    average net assets....     1.33%   1.25%     .76%    .67%   1.33%   2.50%    2.13%   1.97%   1.91%    2.06%
   Portfolio turnover
    rate..................    27.03%  25.51%   26.97%  19.03%  18.52%  17.21%   23.31%   8.06%  15.40%   25.60%
</TABLE>    
 --------
 /1/ Adjusted to reflect the 100% share dividend effective May 26,
     1994.
 /2/ Calculated with no sales charge.
 
 
         INVESTMENT   The fund's investment objective is long-term growth of
          OBJECTIVE   capital. Current income is a secondary consideration. In
       AND POLICIES   seeking to meet its investment objective, the fund
                      invests in securities of companies that derive their
  The fund seeks to   revenues primarily from operations in the services and
   provide you with   information area of the global economy or that appear to
   long-term growth   have future prospects tied importantly to that area of
        of capital.   the economy. These could include, for example, companies
                      involved in the areas of telecommunications, computer
                      systems and software, broadcasting and publishing,
                      health care, advertising, leisure, tourism, financial
                      services, distribution and transportation. This
                      investment policy is based on the belief that growth in
                      services and information industries will continue to
                      outpace overall economic growth, and will be more
                      resistant to economic downturn.
 
                      The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in companies
                      outside of the services and information area. This
                      percentage is measured at the time of a particular
                      investment.
 
                      The fund normally invests in equity securities,
                      including common and preferred stocks or other
                      securities convertible into stocks.
 
                                                                              3
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
                       When prevailing market, economic, political or currency
                       conditions warrant, assets may also be invested in debt
                       securities generally rated in the top three quality
                       categories by Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's
                       Investors Service, Inc. or determined to be of
                       equivalent quality by the fund's investment adviser,
                       Capital Research and Management Company; however, up to
                       10% of the fund's assets may be invested in lower rated
                       debt securities. These securities may be rated,
                       measured at the time of purchase, as high as Baa by
                       Moody's or BBB by S&P and as low as Ca by Moody's or CC
                       by S&P. Bonds rated Ca or CC are described by the
                       rating agencies as "speculative in a high degree, often
                       in default or [having] other marked shortcomings."
                       Securities rated Ba and BB or below or unrated
                       securities that are determined to be of equivalent
                       quality are commonly known as "junk" or "high-yield,
                       high-risk" bonds. As of the date of this prospectus,
                       none of the fund's assets were invested in "high-yield,
                       high-risk" bonds. (See the statement of additional
                       information for a complete description of the bond
                       ratings.) The market values of fixed-income securities
                       tend to vary inversely with the level of interest
                       rates--when interest rates rise, their values generally
                       will decline; when interest rates decline, their values
                       generally will rise. The fund may also hold cash or
                       cash equivalents and government securities. These
                       investments are not limited to services and information
                       companies. (See the statement of additional information
                       for a description of cash equivalents.)    
 
                       The fund may also invest up to 40% of its assets in
                       securities of issuers outside the U.S. and/or
                       denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar
                       subject to the limitations discussed above. The fund's
                       investments in non-U.S. fixed-income securities will
                       consist principally of securities issued or guaranteed
                       as to principal and interest by governments or their
                       agencies or instrumentalities or by multinational
                       agencies.
 
                       The fund's investment restrictions (which are described
                       in the statement of additional information) and
                       objectives cannot be changed without shareholder
                       approval. All other investment practices may be changed
                       by the fund's board.
 
                       ACHIEVEMENT OF THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE CANNOT,
                       OF COURSE, BE ASSURED DUE TO THE RISK OF CAPITAL LOSS
                       FROM FLUCTUATING PRICES INHERENT IN ANY INVESTMENT IN
                       SECURITIES AND THE SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
                       INVESTING OUTSIDE THE U.S. DESCRIBED HEREIN.
 
4
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 CERTAIN SECURITIES    INVESTING AROUND THE WORLD The fund's assets are
     AND INVESTMENT    invested globally which, in the opinion of Capital
         TECHNIQUES    Research and Management Company, enhances the fund's
                       ability to meet its primary objective--long-term growth
   Global investing    of capital.
   involves special  
          risks and    Of course, investing globally involves special risks,   
     opportunities.    particularly in certain developing countries, caused    
   Capital Research    by, among other things: fluctuating currency values;    
     and Management    different accounting, auditing, and financial reporting 
   Company monitors    regulations and practices in some countries; changing   
    these risks and    local and regional economic, political, and social      
   opportunities by    conditions; differing securities market structures; and 
  closely following    various administrative difficulties such as delays in   
         companies,    clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in      
        industries,    receiving payment of dividends.                         
   governments, and                                                            
     securities and    However, in the opinion of Capital Research and         
  currency exchange    Management Company, global investing also can reduce    
 markets worldwide.    certain portfolio risks due to greater diversification  
                       opportunities.
                                          
                       Additional costs could be incurred in connection with   
                       the fund's investment activities outside the U.S.       
                       Brokerage commissions are generally higher outside the  
                       U.S., and the fund will bear certain expenses in        
                       connection with its currency transactions. Furthermore, 
                       increased custodian costs may be associated with the    
                       maintenance of assets in certain jurisdictions.         
                                       
                       CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS In connection with its non-U.S.   
                       investments, the fund has the ability to hold           
                       currencies other than the U.S. dollar and to enter into 
                       forward currency contracts to facilitate settlements    
                       and to protect against certain changes in exchange      
                       rates. However, there is no assurance that such         
                       strategies will be successful. Moreover, due to the     
                       expenses involved, the fund will not generally attempt  
                       to protect against all potential changes in exchange    
                       rates.                        
    
                       MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM The basic
                       investment philosophy of Capital Research and
                       Management Company is to seek fundamental values at
                       reasonable prices, using a system of multiple portfolio
                       counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this
                       system the portfolio of the fund is divided into
                       segments which are managed by individual counselors.
                       Each counselor decides how their segment will be
                       invested (within the limits provided by the fund's
                       objectives and policies and by Capital Research and
                       Management Company's investment committee). In
                       addition, Capital Research and Management Company's
                       research professionals make investment decisions with
                       respect to a portion of the fund's portfolio. The
                       primary individual portfolio counselors for the fund
                       are listed on the next page.    
 
                                                                              5
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
                                                   YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS            AS INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL
PORTFOLIO COUNSELORS                                PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR                      (APPROXIMATE)
        FOR                                            (AND RESEARCH               WITH CAPITAL
  THE NEW ECONOMY            PRIMARY TITLE(S)          PROFESSIONAL,               RESEARCH AND
       FUND                                         IF APPLICABLE) FOR              MANAGEMENT
                                                      THE NEW ECONOMY              COMPANY OR ITS      TOTAL
                                                     FUND (APPROXIMATE)              AFFILIATES        YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                         <C>                          <C>               <C>             
William R. Grimsley        President, Trustee and      Since the fund began            26 years       33 years        
                           Principal Executive         operations.                                                    
                           Officer of the fund;                                                                      
                           Senior Vice President                                                                     
                           and Director, Capital                                                                     
                           Research and Management                                                                   
                           Company                                                                                   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy D. Armour          Vice President of the       Five years (plus                13 years       13 years        
                           fund. Executive Vice        five years as a                                                
                           President, Capital          research professional                                          
                           Research Company*           prior to becoming a                                            
                                                       portfolio counselor                                            
                                                       for the fund)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James B. Lovelace, Jr.     Vice President of the       Five years (plus                14 years       14 years
                           fund; Vice President,       two years as a
                           Capital Research and        research professional
                           Management Company          prior to becoming a
                                                       portfolio counselor
                                                       for the fund)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Crawford            Senior Vice President       Two years (plus                 25 years       25 years
                           and Director, Capital       five years as a
                           Research Company*           research professional
                                                       prior to becoming a
                                                       portfolio counselor
                                                       for the fund)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark E. Denning            Senior Vice President,      Three years                     14 years       14 years
                           Capital Research
                           Company*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William C. Newton          Senior Partner, The         Since the fund                  37 years       43 years
                           Capital Group               began operations.
                           Partners L.P.*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund began operations on December 1, 1983.
 * Company affiliated with Capital Research and Management Company.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE>     
    
         INVESTMENT    The fund may from time to time compare its investment
            RESULTS    results to various unmanaged indices or other mutual
                       funds in reports to shareholders, sales literature and
       The fund has    advertisements. The results may be calculated on a
   averaged a total    total return, yield and/or distribution rate basis for
      return (at no    various periods, with or without sales charges. Results
   sales charge) of    calculated without a sales charge will be higher. Total
 15.02% a year over    returns assume the reinvestment of all dividends and
       its lifetime    capital gain distributions. The fund's distribution
                       rate is calculated by dividing the dividends paid by
  (December 1, 1983    the fund over the last 12 months by the sum of the
   through December    month-end price and the capital gains paid over the
         31, 1995).    last 12 months. The yield reflects income earned by the
                       fund, while the distribution rate reflects dividends
                       paid by the fund.    
    
                       The fund's total return over the past 12 months, and
                       average annual returns over the past five- and ten-year
                       periods, as of December 31, 1995, were 24.37%, 17.69%
                       and 13.95%, respectively. These results were calculated
                       with no sales charge in accordance with Securities and
                       Exchange Commission requirements. Of course, past
                       results are not an indication of future results.
                       Further information regarding the fund's investment
                       results is contained in the fund's annual report which
                       may be obtained without charge by writing to the
                       Secretary of the fund at the address indicated on the
                       cover of this prospectus.    
 
6
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
         DIVIDENDS,    DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends are usually paid
      DISTRIBUTIONS    in June and December. Capital gains, if any, are
          AND TAXES    usually distributed in December. When a dividend or
                       capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per
             Income    share is reduced by the amount of the payment.
  distributions are  
    usually made in    The terms of your plan will govern how your plan may   
          June, and    receive distributions from the fund. Generally,        
          December.    periodic distributions from the fund to your plan are  
                       reinvested in additional fund shares, although your    
                       plan may permit fund distributions from net investment 
                       income to be received by you in cash while reinvesting 
                       capital gain distributions in additional shares or all 
                       fund distributions to be received in cash. Unless you  
                       select another option, all distributions will be       
                       reinvested in additional fund shares.                   
                       
                       FEDERAL TAXES The fund intends to operate as a
                       "regulated investment company" under the Internal
                       Revenue Code. For any fiscal year in which the fund so
                       qualifies and distributes to shareholders all of its
                       net investment income and net capital gains, the fund
                       itself is relieved of federal income tax. The tax
                       treatment of redemptions from a retirement plan may
                       differ from redemptions from an ordinary shareholder
                       account.
 
                       The fund may be required to pay withholding and other
                       taxes imposed by various countries in connection with
                       its investments outside the U.S. generally at rates
                       from 10% to 40%, which would reduce the fund's
                       investment income.
 
                       Please see the statement of additional information and
                       your tax adviser for further information.
 
               FUND    FUND ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS The fund, an open-
       ORGANIZATION    end, diversified management investment company, was
                AND    organized as a Massachusetts business trust in 1983.
         MANAGEMENT    The fund's board supervises fund operations and
                       performs duties required by applicable state and
      The fund is a    federal law. Members of the board who are not employed
      member of The    by Capital Research and Management Company or its
     American Funds    affiliates are paid for services rendered to the fund
    Group, which is    as described in the statement of additional
  managed by one of    information. They may elect to defer all or a portion
    the largest and    of these fees through a deferred compensation plan in
   most experienced    effect for the fund. Shareholders have one vote per
         investment    share owned and, at the request of the holders of at
          advisers.    least 10% of the shares, the fund will hold a meeting
                       at which any member of the board could be removed by a
                       majority vote. There will not usually be a shareholder
                       meeting in any year except, for example, when the
                       election of the board is required to be acted upon by
                       shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
                                                                              7
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
                       THE INVESTMENT ADVISER Capital Research and Management
                       Company, a large and experienced investment management
                       organization founded in 1931, is the investment adviser
                       to the fund and other funds, including those in The
                       American Funds Group. Capital Research and Management
                       Company is located at 333 South Hope Street, Los Ange-
                       les, CA 90071, and at 135 South State College Boule-
                       vard, Brea, CA 92621. Capital Research and Management
                       Company manages the investment portfolio and business
                       affairs of the fund and receives a fee at the lower of
                       the annual rates of 0.60% on the first $300 million of
                       the fund's net assets, 0.48% on net assets in excess of
                       $300 million but not exceeding $750 million, 0.45% on
                       net assets in excess of $750 million but not exceeding
                       $1.25 billion, and 0.42% on net assets in excess of
                       $1.25 billion; or 0.58% on the first $500 million of
                       the fund's net assets, 0.48% on net assets in excess of
                       $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion, 0.44% on net
                       assets in excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5
                       billion, 0.41% on net assets in excess of $1.5 billion
                       but not exceeding $2.5 billion, 0.39% on net assets in
                       excess of $2.5 billion but not exceeding $4 billion,
                       0.38% on net assets in excess of $4 billion but not ex-
                       ceeding $6.5 billion, and 0.375% on net assets in ex-
                       cess of $6.5 billion. The latter fee schedule provides
                       for lower fees when net assets exceed $3 billion.    
 
                       Capital Research and Management Company is a wholly
                       owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
                       (formerly "The Capital Group, Inc."), which is located
                       at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The
                       research activities of Capital Research and Management
                       Company are conducted by affiliated companies which
                       have offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York,
                       Washington, D.C., London, Geneva, Singapore, Hong Kong
                       and Tokyo.
 
                       Capital Research and Management Company and its
                       affiliated companies have adopted a personal investing
                       policy that is consistent with the recommendations
                       contained in the report dated May 9, 1994 issued by the
                       Investment Company Institute's Advisory Group on
                       Personal Investing. (See the statement of additional
                       information.)
 
                       PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS Orders for the fund's portfolio
                       securities transactions are placed by Capital Research
                       and Management Company, which strives to obtain the
                       best available prices, taking into account the costs
                       and quality of executions. In the over-the-counter
                       market, purchases and sales are transacted directly
                       with principal market-makers except in those
                       circumstances where it appears better prices and
                       executions are available elsewhere.
 
                       Subject to the above policy, when two or more brokers
                       are in a position to offer comparable prices and
                       executions, preference may be given to brokers that
                       have sold shares of the fund or have provided
                       investment research, statistical, and other related
                       services for the benefit of the fund and/or other funds
                       served by Capital Research and Management Company.
 
 
8
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER American Funds Distributors,
                       Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital Research and
                       Management Company, is the principal underwriter of the
                       fund's shares. American Funds Distributors, Inc. is
                       located at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
                       90071, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA
                       92621, 8000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78230, 8332
                       Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240,
                       and 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513. Telephone
                       conversations with American Funds Distributors may be
                       recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping
                       and quality assurance purposes.
 
                       PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The fund has a plan of
                       distribution or "12b-1 Plan" under which it may finance
                       activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided
                       the categories of expenses are approved in advance by
                       the board and the expenses paid under the plan were
                       incurred within the last 12 months and accrued while
                       the plan is in effect. Expenditures by the fund under
                       the plan may not exceed 0.25% of its average net assets
                       annually (all of which may be for service fees.)
    
                       TRANSFER AGENT American Funds Service Company, 800/421-
                       0180, a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital Research and
                       Management Company, is the transfer agent and performs
                       shareholder service functions. American Funds Service
                       Company is located at 333 South Hope Street, Los
                       Angeles, CA 90071, 135 South State College Boulevard,
                       Brea, CA 92621, 8000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78230,
                       5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513 and 8332
                       Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
                       It was paid a fee of $4,047,000 for the fiscal year
                       ended November 30, 1995. Telephone conversations with
                       American Funds Service Company may be recorded or
                       monitored for verification, recordkeeping and quality
                       assurance purposes.    
    
  PURCHASING SHARES    ALL ORDERS TO PURCHASE SHARES MUST BE MADE THROUGH YOUR
                       RETIREMENT PLAN. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO
                       PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH YOUR PLAN OR
                       LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT THAT MAY BE PURCHASED, PLEASE
                       CONSULT WITH YOUR EMPLOYER. Shares are sold to eligible
                       retirement plans at the net asset value per share next
                       determined after receipt of an order by the fund or
                       American Funds Service Company. Orders must be received
                       before the close of regular trading on the New York
                       Stock Exchange in order to receive that day's net asset
                       value. Plans of organizations with collective
                       retirement plan assets of $100 million or more may
                       purchase shares at net asset value. In addition, any
                       employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or defined contribution
                       plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal
                       Revenue Code including a "401(k)" plan with 200 or more
                       eligible employees or any other plan that invests at
                       least $1 million in shares of the fund (or in
                       combination with shares of other funds in The American
                       Funds Group other than the money market funds) may
                       purchase shares at net asset
 
                                                                              9
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       value; however, a contingent deferred sales charge of
                       1% is imposed on certain redemptions made within twelve
                       months of such purchase. (See "Redeeming Shares--
                       Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.") Plans may also
                       qualify to purchase shares at net asset value by
                       completing a statement of intention to purchase $1
                       million in fund shares subject to a commission over a
                       maximum of 13 consecutive months. Certain redemptions
                       of such shares may also be subject to a contingent
                       deferred sales charge as described above. (See the
                       statement of additional information.)    
    
                       The minimum initial investment is $250, except that the
                       money market funds have a minimum of $1,000 for
                       individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Minimums are
                       reduced to $50 for purchases through "Automatic
                       Investment Plans" (except for the money market funds)
                       or to $25 for purchases by retirement plans through
                       payroll deductions and may be reduced or waived for
                       shareholders of other funds in The American Funds
                       Group.    
    
                       American Funds Distributors, at its expense (from a
                       designated percentage of its income), will, during
                       calendar year 1996, provide additional promotional
                       incentives to dealers. Currently these incentives are
                       limited to the top one hundred dealers who have sold
                       shares of the fund or other funds in The American Funds
                       Group. Such incentive payments will be based on a pro
                       rata share of a qualifying dealer's sales. American
                       Funds Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine
                       the advisability of continuing these promotional
                       incentives.    
 
                       Qualified dealers currently are paid a continuing
                       service fee not to exceed 0.25% of average net assets
                       (0.15% in the case of the money market funds) annually
                       in order to promote selling efforts and to compensate
                       them for providing certain services. (See "Fund
                       Organization and Management--Plan of Distribution.")
                       These services include processing purchase and
                       redemption transactions, establishing shareholder
                       accounts and providing certain information and
                       assistance with respect to the fund.
 
                       Shares of the fund are offered to other shareholders
                       pursuant to another prospectus at public offering
                       prices that may include an initial sales charge.
 
                       SHARE PRICE Shares are offered to eligible retirement
                       plans at the net asset value next determined after the
                       order is received by the fund or American Funds Service
                       Company. In the case of orders sent directly to the
                       fund or American Funds Service Company, an investment
                       dealer must be indicated. Dealers are responsible for
                       promptly transmitting orders. (See the statement of ad-
                       ditional information under "Purchase of Shares--Price
                       of Shares.")
 
                       The fund's net asset value per share is determined as
                       of the close of trading (currently 4:00 p.m., New York
                       time) on each day the New York
 
10
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       Stock Exchange is open. The current value of the fund's
                       total assets, less all liabilities, is divided by the
                       total number of shares outstanding and the result,
                       rounded to the nearer cent, is the net asset value per
                       share.
 
        SHAREHOLDER    Subject to any restrictions contained in your plan, you
           SERVICES    can exchange your shares for shares of other funds in
                       The American Funds Group which are offered through the
                       plan at net asset value. In addition, again depending
                       on your plan, you may be able to exchange shares
                       automatically or cross-reinvest dividends in shares of
                       other funds. Contact your plan administrator/trustee
                       regarding how to use these services. Also, see the
                       fund's statement of additional information for a
                       description of these and other services that may be
                       available through your plan. These services are
                       available only in states where the fund to be purchased
                       may be legally offered and may be terminated or
                       modified at any time upon 60 days' written notice.
 
          REDEEMING    Subject to any restrictions imposed by your plan, you
             SHARES    can sell your shares through the plan any day the New
                       York Stock Exchange is open. For more information about
                       how to sell shares of the fund through your retirement
                       plan, including any charges that may be imposed by the
                       plan, please consult with your employer.
 
                        By contacting     Your plan administrator/trustee must 
                        your plan         send a letter of instruction       
                        administrator/    specifying the name of the fund, the 
                        trustee           number of shares or dollar amount to 
                                          be sold, and, if applicable, your  
                                          name and account number. For your  
                                          protection, if you redeem more than
                                          $50,000, the signatures of the     
                                          registered owners or their legal   
                                          representatives must be guaranteed 
                                          by a bank, savings association,
                                          credit union, or member firm of a
                                          domestic stock exchange or the
                                          National Association of Securities
                                          Dealers, Inc., that is an eligible
                                          guarantor institution. Your plan
                                          administrator/trustee should verify
                                          with the institution that it is an
                                          eligible guarantor prior to signing.
                                          Additional documentation may be
                                          required to redeem shares from certain
                                          accounts. Notarization by a Notary
                                          Public is not an acceptable signature
                                          guarantee.
                                       
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                        By                Shares may also be redeemed through
                        contacting        an investment dealer; however, you or
                        an                your plan may be charged for this
                        investment        service. SHARES HELD FOR YOU IN AN
                        dealer            INVESTMENT DEALER'S STREET NAME MUST
                                          BE REDEEMED THROUGH THE DEALER.
 
 
                      THE PRICE YOU RECEIVE FOR THE SHARES YOU REDEEM IS THE
                      NET ASSET VALUE NEXT DETERMINED AFTER YOUR ORDER AND ALL
                      REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ARE RECEIVED BY THE FUND OR
                      AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY. (SEE "PURCHASING
                      SHARES--SHARE PRICE.")
    
                      CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE A contingent deferred
                      sales charge of 1% applies to certain redemptions made
                      within twelve months of purchase on investments of $1
                      million or more and on any investment
 
                                                                             11
 
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       made with no initial sales charge by any employer-
                       sponsored 403(b) plan or defined contribution plan
                       qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue
                       Code including a "401(k)" plan with 200 or more
                       eligible employees. The charge is 1% of the lesser of
                       the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of
                       reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or
                       the total cost of such shares. Shares held for the
                       longest period are assumed to be redeemed first for
                       purposes of calculating this charge. The charge is
                       waived for exchanges (except if shares acquired by
                       exchange were then redeemed within 12 months of the
                       initial purchase); for distributions from qualified
                       retirement plans and other employee benefit plans; for
                       redemptions resulting from participant-directed
                       switches among investment options within a participant-
                       directed employer-sponsored retirement plan; and for
                       redemptions in connection with loans made by qualified
                       retirement plans.    
 
                       OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER  The net asset value
                       for redemptions is determined as indicated under
                       "Purchasing Shares--Share Price." Because the fund's
                       net asset value fluctuates, reflecting the market value
                       of the portfolio, the amount you receive for shares
                       redeemed may be more or less than the amount paid for
                       them.
 
                       Redemption proceeds will not be mailed until sufficient
                       time has passed to provide reasonable assurance that
                       checks or drafts (including certified or cashier's
                       checks) for shares purchased have cleared (which may
                       take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date).
                       Except for delays relating to clearance of checks for
                       share purchases or in extraordinary circumstances (and
                       as permissible under the Investment Company Act of
                       1940), redemption proceeds will be paid on or before
                       the seventh day following receipt of a proper
                       redemption request.
 
                       [RECYCLE LOGO]  This prospectus has been printed on
                                       recycled paper that meets the
                                       guidelines of the United States
                                       Environmental Protection Agency
 
 
 
                       THIS PROSPECTUS RELATES ONLY TO SHARES OF THE FUND
                       OFFERED WITHOUT A SALES CHARGE TO ELIGIBLE RETIREMENT
                       PLANS. FOR A PROSPECTUS REGARDING SHARES OF THE FUND
                       TO BE ACQUIRED OTHERWISE, CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF
                       THE FUND AT THE ADDRESS INDICATED ON THE FRONT.
 
 
12
 
 
THE NEW ECONOMY FUND (R)
 
February 1, 1996
 
 
THE NEW ECONOMY FUND(R)
 
                                    PROFILE
 
 
333 South Hope Street                                 February 1, 1996
Los Angeles, CA 90071
 
1. Goal
 
The fund seeks to make your money grow over time by investing in service and
information companies around the world.
 
2. Investment Strategies
 
The fund normally invests principally in stocks of companies involved in the
services and information area.  The fund may also invest up to 25% of its
assets in other companies, and up to 40% of its assets in companies based
outside the U.S.  The fund may also hold other types of securities, such as
bonds, when appropriate.
 
3. Risks
 
Stock prices rise and fall.  Investing outside the U.S. involves a number of
risks caused by, among other things, currency fluctuations and differing
securities market structures and accounting standards.
 
YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND; YOUR INVESTMENT IS NOT GUARANTEED. 
THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS IS GREATER IF YOU INTEND TO INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD
OF TIME.
 
 
4. Appropriateness
 
If you are not a long-term investor seeking capital growth through investments
in services and information industries through global diversification, this
fund may not be appropriate for you.  Please consult your investment dealer.
 
5. Fees and Expenses
 
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell
shares of a fund.  Annual fund operating expenses are paid out of the fund's
assets.  The fund's expenses are factored into its share price and
distributions and are not charged directly to shareholder accounts.
 
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>      
Maximum sales charge              
on purchases                      
 
(as a percentage of offering price)    5.75%    
 
                                  
 
</TABLE>
 
SALES CHARGES ARE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED FOR LARGER PURCHASES.  The fund has no
sales charge on reinvested dividends, and no deferred sales charge or
redemption or exchange fees.  A contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies
on certain redemptions within 12 months following purchases without a sales
charge.
 
 
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                              <C>      
Management fees                  0.45%    
 
12b-1 expenses                   0.20%    
 
Other expenses                   0.23%    
 
Total fund operating expenses    0.88%    
 
                                  
 
</TABLE>
 
Example
 
You would pay the following cumulative expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return.  This example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>          <C>   
One year     $66   
 
Three years   84    
 
Five years   103   
 
Ten years    160   
 
                   
 
</TABLE>
 
 
6. Past Results
 
Here are the fund's annual total returns for each of the past 10 calendar
years:
[CHART]
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>      <C>        
1986     13.30%     
 
1987      5.17%     
 
1988     15.74%     
 
1989     31.79%     
 
1990     -10.10%    
 
1991     29.17%     
 
1992     16.82%     
 
1993     30.95%     
 
1994     -8.11%     
 
1995     24.37%     
 
</TABLE>
 
[END CHART]
 
Sales charges have not been deducted from results shown above.
 
The fund's average annual total return* is +14.46% over its lifetime (December
1, 1983 through December 31, 1995).  PAST RESULTS ARE NOT A GUARANTEE OF FUTURE
RESULTS.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>             <C>               
                                  
 
                Average Annual    
                Total Returns*    
 
 On                               
e year          + 17.21%          
 
 Five years       + 16.31%        
 
 Ten years        + 13.27%        
 
                                  
 
</TABLE>
 
* These results were calculated for periods ended December 31, 1995 in
accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules which require that the
maximum sales charge be deducted.
 
7. Investment Adviser
 
Capital Research and Management Company, one of the world's largest and most
experienced investment advisers, manages the fund, which is a member of The
American Funds Group.  Capital Research and Management Company manages this
diversified mutual fund using the multiple portfolio counselor system.  Under
this system, the fund's assets are divided into several portions.  Each portion
is independently managed by a portfolio counselor or a group of research
professionals, subject to oversight by the investment adviser's investment
committee.
 
8. Purchases
 
The fund's shares are sold through investment dealers.  Your investment dealer
can help you with your account, or you may call American Funds Service Company
at 800/421-0180 with questions about your account.  Generally, the minimum
initial investment is $250.
 
9. Redemptions
 
You may redeem shares at no cost at any time through your investment dealer or
by calling American FundsLineR at 800/325-3590.  (You will need the fund's
number - 14 - if you use this service.)  Transactions will be processed as of
the next close of the New York Stock Exchange.
 
10. Distributions
 
Dividends and capital gain distributions are automatically reinvested unless
you notify American Funds Service Company that you would like to invest them in
another of the American Funds or receive payment in cash.  Income distributions
are usually made in June and December.  Capital gains, if any, are usually
distributed in December.
 
11. Other Services
 
You may exchange your shares for any of the other American Funds or obtain
information about your investment any time by calling American FundsLineR.  If
you purchase shares at net asset value through a retirement plan, some or all
of the services or features described may not be available.  Contact your
employer for details.
 
THIS PROFILE CONTAINS KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND.  MORE DETAILS APPEAR IN
THE FUND'S ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.
 
 
 This profile has been printed on recycled
 paper that meets the guidelines of the United
 States Environmental Protection Agency.
 
 
                               THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
                                      PART B
 
                         STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                  FEBRUARY 1, 1996    
 
         This document is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction
with the current prospectus dated February 1, 1996 of The New Economy Fund 
(the fund or NEF).  The prospectus may be obtained from your investment dealer
or financial planner or by writing to the fund at the following address:    
 
                               THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
                               Attention:  Secretary
                               333 South Hope Street
                               Los Angeles, CA  90071
                                   (213) 486-9200
 
         The fund has two forms of prospectuses. Each reference to the
prospectus in the Statement of Additional Information includes both of the
fund's prospectuses. Shareholders who purchase shares at net asset value
through eligible retirement plans should note that not all of the services or
features described below may be available to them, and they should contact
their employer for details.    
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM                                                        PAGE       
                                                            NO.        
 
<S>                                                              <C>        
INVESTMENT POLICIES                                              1          
 
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES                                2          
 
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELATING TO BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS    3          
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS                                          4          
 
FUND TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS                                       6          
 
MANAGEMENT                                                       10         
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAXES                       12         
 
PURCHASE OF SHARES                                               15         
 
SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES AND PRIVILEGES                      17         
 
REDEMPTION OF SHARES                                             18         
 
EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS                              18         
 
GENERAL INFORMATION                                              19         
 
INVESTMENT RESULTS                                               20         
 
APPENDIX - DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS                           25         
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                          ATTACHED   
 
</TABLE>    
 
                              INVESTMENT POLICIES
 
     The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in debt securities which are
rated below the top three quality categories by Standard & Poor's Corporation
(S&P) or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) or securities that are
determined equivalent by the fund's investment adviser, Capital Research and
Management Company (the Investment Adviser).  (See "Appendix - Description of
Bond Ratings" below for a more complete description of bond ratings.)
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES - Securities guaranteed by the U.S. Government
include: (1) direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as Treasury bills,
notes and bonds) and (2) federal agency obligations guaranteed as to principal
and interest by the U.S. Treasury.  In these securities, the payment of
principal and interest is unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
and thus they are of the highest possible credit quality.  Such securities are
subject to variations in market value due to fluctuations in interest rates,
but, if held to maturity, will be paid in full.
 
     Securities issued by U.S. Government instrumentalities and certain federal
agencies are neither direct obligations of, nor guaranteed by, the Treasury. 
However, they generally involve federal sponsorship in one way or another; some
are backed by specific types of collateral; some are supported by the issuer's
right to borrow from the Treasury; some are supported by the discretionary
authority of the Treasury to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; others
are supported only by the credit of the issuing government agency or
instrumentality.  These agencies and instrumentalities include, but are not
limited to, Federal Land Banks, Farmers Home Administration, Central Bank
Cooperatives, and Federal Intermediate Credit Banks.
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS - These securities include (1) commercial paper (short-term
notes up to 9 months in maturity issued by corporations or governmental
bodies), (2) commercial bank obligations (certificates of deposit
(interest-bearing time deposits), bankers' acceptances (time drafts on a
commercial bank where the bank accepts an irrevocable obligation to pay at
maturity) and documented discount notes (corporate promissory discount notes
accompanied by a commercial bank guarantee to pay at maturity)), (3) savings
association obligations (certificates of deposit issued by savings banks or
savings and loan associations), (4) securities of the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities that mature, or may be redeemed, in one year or
less, and (5) corporate bonds and notes (corporate obligations that mature, or
that may be redeemed, in one year or less).
 
   REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - Although the fund currently does not anticipate
doing so during the next 12 months, it is authorized to enter into repurchase
agreements.  A repurchase agreement permits the fund to buy a security and
obtain a simultaneous commitment from the seller to repurchase the security at
a specified time and price.  Repurchase agreements permit the fund to maintain
liquidity and earn income over periods of time as short as overnight.  The
seller must maintain with the fund's custodian collateral equal to at least
100% of the repurchase price including accrued interest, as monitored daily by
the Investment Adviser.  See "Management" below.  The fund will only enter into
repurchase agreements involving securities in which it could otherwise invest
and with selected banks and securities dealers whose financial condition is
monitored by the Investment Adviser.  If the seller under the repurchase
agreement defaults, the fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral
securing the repurchase agreement has declined, and may incur disposition costs
in connection with liquidating the collateral.  If bankruptcy proceedings are
commenced with respect to the seller, realization upon the collateral by the
fund may be delayed or limited.    
 
   CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS -- The fund has the ability to hold a portion of its
assets in U.S. dollars and other currencies and to enter into certain currency
contracts (on either a spot or forward basis) in connection with investing in
non-U.S. dollar denominated securities including foreign exchange and forward
currency contracts.  A foreign exchange contract is used to facilitate
settlement of trades.  For example, the fund might purchase a currency or enter
into a foreign exchange contract to preserve the U.S. dollar price of
securities it has contracted to purchase.  A forward currency contract is an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may
be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the
parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.  For example, the fund
might enter into a forward currency contract to protect against an anticipated
decline in value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar when it holds
securities denominated in that foreign currency.   To avoid having an amount
greater than its net assets subject to market risk in connection with currency
contract transactions, the fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents, or high
quality debt instruments to the extent required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.    
 
         At the maturity of a forward contract, the fund may either accept or
make delivery of the currency specified in the contract or, prior to maturity,
enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an
offsetting contract.  Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts
are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original
contract.  The fund will only enter into such a forward contract if it is
expected that the fund will be able to readily close out such contract.  There
can, however, be no assurance that it will be able in any particular case to do
so, in which case the fund may suffer a loss.    
 
         Certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit the extent
to which the fund may enter into forward contracts.  Such transactions may also
affect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the character and timing of
income, gain or loss recognized by the fund.    
 
         CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELATING TO BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS
 
         Certain risk factors relating to investing in below investment grade
securities, bonds rated Ba and BB or below or unrated but determined to be of
equivalent quality (high-yield, high-risk bonds) are discussed below.    
 
SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATE AND ECONOMIC CHANGES - High-yield, high-risk bonds
are very sensitive to adverse economic changes and corporate developments. 
During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates,
highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely
affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment
obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional
financing.  If the issuer of a bond defaulted on its  proceedings, the fund may
incur losses or expenses in seeking recovery of amounts owed to it.  In
addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result
in increased volatility of market prices of high-yield, high-risk bonds.
 
PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS - High-yield, high-risk bonds, like other bonds, may
contain redemption or call provisions.  If an issuer exercised these provisions
in a declining interest rate market, the fund would have to replace the
security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for
investors.  Conversely, a high-yield, high-risk bond's value will decrease in a
rising interest rate market, as it will with all bonds.
 
LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION - There may be little trading in the secondary market
for particular bonds, which may affect adversely the fund's ability to value
accurately or dispose of such bonds.  Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the
values and liquidity of high-yield, high-risk bonds, especially in a thin
market.
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
     The fund has adopted certain investment restrictions, which cannot be
changed without approval by a majority of its outstanding shares.  Such
majority is defined within the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")
as the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the outstanding shares present
at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are
present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. 
These restrictions provide that the fund may not:
 
 1. Invest in securities of another issuer (other than the U.S. or its agencies
or instrumentalities), if immediately after and as a result of such investment
more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the fund would be invested in
the securities of such other issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer would be owned by the fund;
 
 2. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management;
 
 3. Purchase the securities of companies in a particular industry (other than
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities) if thereafter 25% or more of the value of its total assets
would consist of securities issued by companies in that industry;
 
 4. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in connection
with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or reorganization, or by purchase in
the open market of securities of closed-end investment companies where no
underwriter or dealer's commission or profit, other than customary broker's
commissions, is involved, and only if immediately thereafter no more than 10%
of the value of the fund's total assets would be invested in such securities;
 
 5. Buy or sell real estate in the ordinary course of its business; however,
the fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein
or issued by companies, including real estate investment trusts, which invest
in real estate or interests therein;
 
 6. Buy or sell commodities or commodity contracts in the ordinary course of
its business provided, however, that entering into a forward currency contract
shall not be prohibited by this restriction;
 
 7. Invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets in securities which
are not readily marketable or engage in the business of underwriting of
securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the disposal of an
investment position may technically constitute the fund an underwriter as that
term is defined under the Securities Act of 1933;
 
 8. Lend any of its assets; provided, however that investment in government
obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker's
acceptances and publicly traded bonds, debentures, or other debt securities or
entering into repurchase agreements, shall not be prohibited by this
restriction;
 
 9. Sell securities short, except to the extent that the fund contemporaneously
owns or has the right to acquire at no additional cost, securities identical to
those sold short;
 
 10. Purchase securities on margin;
 
 11. Enter into any repurchase agreement if, as a result, more than 10% of the
fund's total assets would be subject to repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days (see above);
 
 12. Borrow amounts in excess of 5% of the value of its total assets or issue
senior securities; in any event, the fund may borrow only as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not for investment in
securities;
 
 13. Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets to any extent;
 
 14. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer, if those individual
officers and trustees of the fund, its investment adviser or distributor, each
owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer,
together own more than 5% of the securities of such issuer;
 
 15. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of
companies having, together with their predecessors, a record of less than three
years of continuous operation;
 
 16. Invest in puts, calls, straddles or spreads, or combinations thereof; nor
 
 17. Purchase partnership interests in oil, gas, or mineral exploration,
drilling or mining ventures.
 
         Further investment policies of the fund, which may be changed by
action of the Board of Trustees, without shareholder approval, include the
following:  the fund will not invest more than 40% of its assets in securities
of issuers outside the U.S. and/or denominated in currencies other than the
U.S. dollar; nor will the fund invest more than 5% of the value of the fund's
net assets in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, with no more
than 2% being unlisted on the New York or American Stock Exchanges (warrants
acquired by the fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be
without value for purposes of this restriction).    
 
     All percentages relating to the policies and restrictions of the fund are
measured at the time the investment is made.
 
     For purposes of investment restriction number 3, the fund will not invest
25% or more of total assets in the securities of issuers in the same industry.
 
     For purposes of investment restriction number 4, the fund may invest in
securities of other managed investment companies if deemed advisable by its
officers in connection with the administration of a deferred compensation plan
adopted by Trustees, and to the extent such  investments are allowed by an
exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
     For purposes of investment restriction number 6, forward currency
contracts are not considered commodities or commodities contracts.
 
                           FUND TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
                       TRUSTEES AND TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE   POSITION       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST   AGGREGATE COMPENSATION   TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM  
TOTAL NUMBER    
                        WITH           5 YEARS (POSITIONS WITHIN THE   (INCLUDING VOLUNTARILY   ALL FUNDS MANAGED BY   OF FUND
BOARDS   
                        REGISTRANT     ORGANIZATIONS LISTED MAY HAVE   DEFERRED COMPENSATION/1/)   CAPITAL RESEARCH AND   ON WHICH  
     
                                       CHANGED DURING THIS PERIOD)   FROM THE FUND         MANAGEMENT COMPANY/2/   TRUSTEE SERVES   
                                                                     DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED   FOR THE YEAR ENDED                  
 
                                                                     11/30/95              11/30/95                             
 
<S>                     <C>            <C>                           <C>                   <C>                  <C>             
Richard G. Capen, Jr.   Trustee        Corporate Director and author; former   $12,300               $25,300              2         
     
Box 2494                               United States Ambassador to Spain;                                                           
  
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067                  former Vice Chairman of the Board;                                                       
      
Age: 61                                Knight Ridder, Inc.; former Chairman                                                         
    
                                       and Publisher, The Miami Herald.                                                             
 
 
+H. Frederick Christie   Trustee        Private Investor; former President and   $12,358/3/            $140,200/3/          18      
       
P.O. Box 144                           Chief Executive Officer, The Mission                                                         
    
Palos Verdes Estates, CA                  Group (non-utility holding company,                                                       
      
90274                                  subsidiary of Southern California                                                            
 
Age: 62                                Edison Company); former President,                                                           
  
                                       Southern California Edison Company                                                           
  
 
Alan E. Clements        Trustee        Private investor; former Executive   $11,600               $23,900              2            
  
16 Great Peter Street                  Director - Finance, Imperial Chemical                                                        
     
London SW1P3JF                         Industries PLC                                                                           
England                                                                                                                         
Age: 67                                                                                                                         
 
++Robert B. Egelston    Chairman       Senior Partner, Capital Group   None/4/               None/4/              5               
333 South Hope Street   of the         Partners, Limited Partnership                                                              
Los Angeles, CA 90071   Board                                                                                                   
Age: 65                                                                                                                         
 
Alan Greenway           Trustee        Private Investor;             $12,550               $65,400              4               
7413 Fairway Road                      President, Greenway Associates, Inc.                                                         
    
La Jolla, CA 92037                     (management consulting services)                                                             
 
Age: 68                                                                                                                         
 
++William R. Grimsley   President      Senior Vice President and Director,   None/4/               None/4/              3           
   
Four Embarcadero Center,   and            Capital Research and Management                                                           
  
Suite 1800              Trustee        Company                                                                                  
San Francisco, CA 94111                                                                                                           
Age: 57                                                                                                                         
 
++Graham Holloway       Director       Former Chairman of the Board,   None/4/               None/4/              2               
17309 Club Hill Drive                  American Funds Distributors, Inc.                                                            
 
Dallas, TX 75248                                                                                                                
Age: 65                                                                                                                         
 
Leonade D. Jones        Trustee        Treasurer, The Washington Post   $7,667/3/             $58,517/3/           5               
1150-15th Street, N.W.                  Company                                                                                  
Washington, DC 20071                                                                                                            
Age: 48                                                                                                                         
 
William H. Kling        Trustee        President, Minnesota Public Radio;   $11,950/3/            $70,100/3/           4            
  
45 East Seventh Street                  President, Greenspring Co.; former                                                          
   
St. Paul, MN 55101                     President, American Public Radio                                                             
 
Age: 53                                (now Public Radio International)                                                             
 
 
Norman R. Weldon        Trustee        President and Director, Corvita   $12,200               $32,600              2               
8210 N.W. 27th Street                  Corporation; Chairman of the                                                              
Miami, FL 33122                        Board, Novoste Corporation; Director,                                                        
     
Age: 61                                Enable Medical                                                                           
 
Patricia K. Woolf       Trustee        Private investor; Lecturer, Department   $11,900               $63,950              5        
      
506 Quaker Road                        of Molecular Biology, Princeton                                                              
Princeton, NJ 08540                    University                                                                               
Age: 61                                                                                                                         
 
</TABLE>    
 
    + May be deemed an "interested person" within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) due to membership on the board of directors
of the parent company of a registered broker-dealer.
 
 ++ Trustees who are "interested persons" within the meaning of the 1940 Act on
the basis of their affiliation with the Investment Adviser.
 
 /1/ Amounts may be deferred by eligible directors under a non-qualified
deferred compensation plan adopted by the fund in 1993.  Deferred amounts
accumulate at an earnings rate determined by the total return of one or more of
the funds in The American Funds Group as designated by the director.
 
 /2/ Capital Research and Management Company manages The American Funds Group
consisting of 28 funds: AMCAP Fund, American Balanced Fund, Inc., American
High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., American High-Income Trust, American
Mutual Fund, Inc., The Bond Fund of America, Inc., The Cash Management Trust of
America, Capital Income Builder, Inc., Capital World Growth and Income Fund,
Inc., Capital World Bond Fund, Inc., EuroPacific Growth Fund, Fundamental
Investors, Inc., The Growth Fund of America, Inc., The Income Fund of America.
Inc., Intermediate Bond Fund of America, The Investment Company of America,
Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, The New Economy Fund, New
Perspective Fund, Inc., SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of
America, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Fund of California, The Tax-Exempt Fund of
Maryland, The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia, The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of
America, The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America, U.S. Government Securities
Fund and Washington Mutual Investors Fund, Inc.  Capital Research and
Management Company also manages American Variable Insurance Series and Anchor
Pathway Fund which serve as the underlying investment vehicles for certain
variable insurance contracts; amd Bond Portfolio for Endowments, Inc. and
Endowments, Inc whose shares may be owned only by tax-exempt organizations.
 
 /3/ Since the plan's adoption, the total amounts of deferred compensation
accrued by the fund (plus earnings thereon) for participating Trustees are as
follows: H. Frederick Christie ($8,371); William H. Kling ($23,651); and
Leonade D. Jones ($8,673).  Amounts deferred and accumulated earnings thereon
are not funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund until paid to
the Trustee.
 
 /4/ Robert B. Egelston, William R. Grimsley and Graham Holloway are affiliated
with the Investment Adviser and, accordingly, receive no compensation from the
fund.    
 
                                  OFFICERS
       (with their principal occupations during the past five years)#
 
 ROBERT B. EGELSTON, Chairman of the Board (see above).
 
 WILLIAM R. GRIMSLEY, President (see above).
 
   ** STEVEN N. KEARSLEY, Vice President and Treasurer.
Vice President and   Treasurer, Capital Research and Management Company.    
 
   * TIMOTHY D. ARMOUR, Vice President. Executive Vice President, 
Capital Research   Company.    
 
   * VINCENT P. CORTI, Vice President.
Vice President - Fund Business Management   Group, Capital Research and
Management Company.    
 
   JAMES B. LOVELACE, Vice President.   11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa  
Monica, CA  90025.  Vice President, Capital Research and   Management
Company.    
 
   * CHAD L. NORTON, Secretary.
Vice President - Fund Business Management   Group, Capital Research and
Management Company.    
 
   ** MARY C. HALL, Assistant Treasurer.
Senior Vice President - Fund Business Management Group, Capital Research and
Management Company.    
 
    ROBERT P. SIMMER, Assistant Treasurer.  5300 Robin Hood Raod, Norfolk, VA
23513.  Vice President - Fund Business   Management Group,
 Capital Research and Management Company.    
 
__________________________________
 
# Positions within the organizations listed may have change during this period.
 
* Address is 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA  90071
 
** Address is 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92621
 
         All of the Trustees and officers also are officers and/or
directors/trustees of one or more of the other funds for which Capital Research
and Management company serves as Investment Adviser.  No compensation is paid
by the fund to any officer or Trustee who is a director, officer or employee of
the Investment Adviser or affiliated companies.  The fund pays each
unaffiliated Trustee a fee of $7,000 per annum, plus $700 for each Board of
Trustees meeting attended, plus $300 for each meeting attended as a member of a
committee of the Board of Trustees.  The Trustees may elect, on a voluntary
basis, to defer all or a portion of these fees through a deferred compensation
plan in effect for the fund.  The fund also reimburses certain expenses of the
Trustees who are not affiliated with the Investment Adviser.  As of January 1,
1996 the officers and Trustees of the fund and their families as a group owned
beneficially or of record less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the
fund.    
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER -  The Investment Adviser, founded in 1931, maintains
research facilities in the U.S. and abroad, with a staff of professionals, many
of whom have a number of years of investment experience.  The Investment
Adviser's professionals travel several million miles a year, making more than
5,000 research visits in more than 50 countries around the world.  The
Investment Adviser believes that it is able to attract and retain quality
personnel.
 
     An affiliate of the Investment Adviser compiles indices for major stock
markets around the world and compiles and edits the Morgan Stanley Capital
International Perspective, providing financial and market information about
more than 2,400 companies around the world.
 
     The Investment Adviser is responsible for more than $100 billion of
stocks, bonds and money market instruments and serves over five million
investors of all types.  These investors include privately owned businesses and
large corporations as well as schools, colleges, foundations and other
non-profit and tax-exempt organizations.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT - The  Investment Advisory and
Service Agreement (the Agreement) between the fund and the Investment Adviser
will continue in effect until November 30, 1996, and may be renewed from year
to year thereafter, provided that any such renewal has been specifically
approved at least annually by (i) the Board of Trustees, or by the vote of a
majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of
the fund, and (ii) the vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to
the Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such
party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.  The Agreement provides that the Investment Adviser has no liability
to the fund for its acts or omissions in the performance of its obligations to
the fund not involving willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of its obligations under the Agreement.  The Agreement also
provides that either party has the right to terminate it, without penalty, upon
60 days' written notice to the other party and that the Agreement automatically
terminates in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
 
     As compensation for its services, the Investment Adviser receives a
monthly fee which is accrued daily, calculated at the lower of the annual rates
of 0.60% on the first $300 million of the fund's net assets, 0.48% on assets
over $300 million to $750 million, 0.45% on assets over $750 million to $1.25
billion, and 0.42% on assets over $1.25 billion; or 0.58% on the first $500
million of the fund's net assets, 0.48% on assets from $500 million to $1
billion, 0.44% on assets from $1 billion to $1.5 billion, 0.41% on assets from
$1.5 billion to $2.5 billion, 0.39% on assets from $2.5 billion to $4 billion,
0.38% on assets from $4 billion to $6.5 billion, and 0.375% on assets over $6.5
billion.  The latter fee schedule provides for lower fees when net assets
exceed $3 billion.
 
     The Investment Adviser, in addition to providing investment advisory
services, furnishes the services and pays the compensation and travel expenses
of persons to perform the executive, clerical and bookkeeping functions of the
fund and provides suitable office space, small office equipment and utilities,
and general purpose accounting forms, supplies, and postage used at the office
of the fund relating to the services furnished by the Investment Adviser. 
Subject to the expense agreement described below, the fund will pay all
expenses not expressly assumed by the Investment Adviser, including, but not
limited to, registration and filing fees with federal and state agencies; blue
sky expenses; expenses of shareholders' meetings; the expense of reports to
existing shareholders; expenses of printing proxies and prospectuses;  legal
and auditing fees; dividend disbursement expenses; the expense of the issuance,
transfer, and redemption of its shares; expenses pursuant to the fund's Plan of
Distribution (described below); custodian fees; printing and preparation of
registration statements; taxes; compensation, compensation and expenses paid to
Trustees unaffiliated with the Investment Adviser; association dues; and costs
of stationery, forms and certificates prepared exclusively for the fund.
 
         The Agreement provides for an advisory fee reduction by any amount
necessary to assure that the fund's annual ordinary net operating expenses do
not exceed applicable expense limitations in any state in which the fund's
shares are being offered for sale.  Only one state (California) continues to
impose expense limitations on funds registered for sale therein.  The
California provision currently limits annual expenses to the sum of 2 1/2% of
the first $30 million of average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million and 1
1/2% of the remaining average net assets.  Rule 12b-1 distribution plan
expenses are excluded from this limit.  Other expenses which are not subject to
this limitation are interest, taxes, and extraordinary items such as
litigation.  Expenditures, including costs incurred in connection with the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities, which are capitalized in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to investment
companies, are accounted for as capital items and not as expenses.    
 
         During the fiscal years ended November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the
Investment Adviser's total fees amounted to $13,517,000, $10,711,000 and
$7,097,000, respectively.    
 
   PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER - American Funds Distributors, Inc. (the Principal
Underwriter) is the principal underwriter of the fund's shares.  The fund has
adopted a Plan of Distribution (the Plan), pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act (see "Fund Organization and Management -- Principal Underwriter" in
the prospectus).  The Principal Underwriter receives amounts payable pursuant
to the Plan (see below) and commissions consisting of that portion of the sales
charge remaining after the discounts which it allows to investment dealers. 
Commissions retained by the Principal Underwriter on sales of fund shares
during the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995 amounted to $2,620,000 after
allowance of $13,820,000 to dealers.  During the fiscal years ended November
30, 1994 and 1993 the Principal Underwriter retained $4,309,000 and $2,223,000
respectively.    
 
         As required by rule 12b-1, the Plan (together with the Principal
Underwriting Agreement) has been approved by a majority of the entire Board of
Trustees, and separately by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested
persons" of the fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or the Principal Underwriting Agreement, and the Plan
has been approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the fund.  The officers and Trustees who are "interested persons"
of the fund may be considered to have a direct or indirect financial interest
in the operation of the Plan due to present or past affiliations with the
Investment Adviser and related companies.  Potential benefits of the Plan to
the fund include improved shareholder services, savings to the fund in transfer
agency costs, savings to the fund in advisory fees and other expenses, benefits
to the investment process from growth or stability of assets and maintenance of
a financially healthy management organization.  The selection and nomination of
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the fund is committed to the
discretion of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" during the
existence of the Plan.  The Plan is reviewed quarterly and must be renewed
annually by the Board of Trustees.    
 
         Under the Plan the fund may expend up to 0.25% of its average net
assets annually to finance any activity which is primarily intended to result
in the sale of fund shares provided the fund's Board of Trustees has approved
the category of expenses for which payment is being made.  These include
service fees for qualified dealers and wholesaler compensation on sales of
shares exceeding $1 million (including purchases by any employer-sponsored
403(b) plan or purchases by any defined contribution plan qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code including a 401 (k) plan with 200
or more eligible employees).  Only expenses incurred during the preceding 12
months and accrued while the Plan is in effect may be paid by the fund. During 
the year ended November 30, 1995, the fund paid or accrued $6,124,000 for
compensation to dealers under the Plan.    
 
     The Glass-Stegall Act and other applicable laws, among other things,
generally prohibit commercial banks from engaging in the business of
underwriting, selling or distributing securities, but permit banks to make
shares of mutual funds available to their customers and to perform
administrative and shareholder servicing functions.  However, judicial or
administrative decisions or interpretations of such laws, as well as changes in
either federal or state statutes or regulations relating to the permissible
activities of banks or their subsidiaries of affiliates, could prevent a bank
from continuing to perform all or a part of its servicing activities.  If a
bank were prohibited from so acting, shareholder clients of such bank would be
permitted to remain shareholders of the fund and alternate means for continuing
the servicing of such shareholders would be sought.  In such event, changes in
the operation of the fund might occur and shareholders serviced by such bank
might no longer be able to avail themselves of any automatic investment or
other services then being provided by such bank.  It is not expected that
shareholders would suffer adverse financial consequences as a result of any of
these occurrences.
 
     In addition, state securities laws on this issue may differ from the
interpretations of federal law expressed herein and certain banks and financial
institutions may be required to be registered as dealers pursuant to state law.
 
                   DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAXES
 
     The fund intends to meet all the requirements and has elected the tax
status of a "regulated investment company" under the provisions of Subchapter M
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (the Code).  Under Subchapter M, if the
fund distributes within specified times at least 90% of the sum of its
investment company taxable income, it will be taxed only on that portion of
such investment company taxable income that it retains.
 
     To qualify, the fund must (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, and
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, currencies or
other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies; (b) derive less than 30% of its gross income from the
sale or other disposition of stock or securities held for less than three
months; and (c) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal
quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the fund's assets is
represented by cash, U.S. Government securities,  securities of other regulated
investment companies, and other securities, but such other securities must be
limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the
fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and
(ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities
of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of
other regulated investment companies), or in two or more issuers which the fund
controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or
related trades or businesses.
 
     Under the Code, a nondeductible excise tax of 4% is imposed on the excess
of a regulated investment company's "required distribution" for the calendar
year ending within the regulated investment company's taxable year over the
"distributed amount" for such calendar year.  The term "required distribution"
means the sum of (i) 98% of ordinary income (generally net investment income)
for the calendar year, (ii) 98% of capital gains (both long-term and
short-term) for the one-year period ending on October 31 (as though the
one-year period ending on October 31 were the regulated investment company's
taxable year), and (iii) the sum of any untaxed, undistributed net investment
income and net capital gains of the regulated investment company for prior
periods.  The term "distributed amount" generally means the sum of (i) amounts
actually distributed by the fund from its current year's ordinary income and
capital gain net income and (ii) any amount on which the fund pays income tax
for the year.  The fund intends to distribute net investment income and net
capital gains so as to minimize or avoid the excise tax liability.
 
     The amount of any realized gain or loss on closing out a forward currency
contract such as a forward commitment for the purchase or sale of foreign
currency will generally result in a realized capital gain or loss for tax
purposes.  Under Code Section 1256, forward currency contracts held by the fund
at the end of each fiscal year will be required to be "marked to market" for
federal income tax purposes, that is, deemed to have been sold at market value. 
Code Section 988 may also apply to forward currency contracts.  Under Section
988, each foreign currency gain or loss is generally computed separately and
treated as ordinary income or loss.  In the case of overlap between Sections
1256 and 988, special provisions determine the character and timing of any
income, gain or loss.  The fund will attempt to monitor Section 988
transactions to avoid an adverse tax impact.
 
         Distributions of investment company taxable income, including
short-term capital gains, generally are taxable to the shareholder as ordinary
income, regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested
in additional shares of the fund.  The fund also intends to continue
distributing to shareholders all of the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss on  sales of securities.  A capital gain
distribution, whether paid in cash or reinvested in shares, is taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time a
shareholder has held the shares or whether such gain was realized by the fund
before the shareholder acquired such shares and was reflected in the price paid
for the shares.     
 
     Except for transactions the fund has identified as hedging transactions,
the fund is required for federal income tax purposes to recognize as income for
each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on forward currency
contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during
the year.
 
     Sales of forward currency contracts which are intended to hedge against a
change in the value of securities or currencies held by the fund may affect the
holding period of such securities or currencies and, consequently, the nature
of the gain or loss on such securities or currencies upon disposition.
 
     It is anticipated that any net gain realized from the closing out of
forward currency contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities
or currencies and therefore be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% of
gross income from qualified sources requirement, as discussed above.  In order
to avoid realizing excessive gains on securities or currencies held less than
three months, the fund may be required to defer the closing out of a forward
currency contract beyond the time when it would otherwise be advantageous to do
so.  It is anticipated that unrealized gains on forward currency contracts,
which have been open for less than three months as of the end of the fund's
fiscal year and which are recognized for tax purposes, will not be considered
gains on securities or currencies held less than three months for purposes of
the 30% test, as discussed above.
 
     The fund will distribute to shareholders annually any net long-term
capital gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes
(including unrealized gains at the end of the fund's fiscal year) on forward
currency contract transactions.  Such distributions will be combined with
distributions of capital gains realized on the fund's other investments.
 
     Dividends generally are taxable to shareholders at the time they are paid. 
However, dividends declared in October, November and December and made payable
to shareholders of record in such a month are treated as paid and are thereby
taxable as of December 31, provided that the fund pays the dividend during
January of the following year.
 
     If a shareholder exchanges or otherwise disposes of shares of the fund
within 90 days of having acquired such shares, and if, as a result of having
acquired those shares, the shareholder subsequently pays a reduced sales charge
for shares of the fund, or of a different fund, the sales charge previously
incurred in acquiring the fund's shares shall not be taken into account (to the
extent such previous sales charges do not exceed the reduction in sales
charges) for the purpose of determining the amount of gain or loss on the
exchange, but will be treated as having been incurred in the acquisition of
such other shares.  Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange of
shares of a fund will be disallowed to the extent substantially identical
shares are reacquired within the 61-day period beginning 30 days before and
ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of.
 
         Under the Code, distributions of net investment income by the fund to
a shareholder who, as to the U.S., is a nonresident alien individual,
nonresident alien fiduciary of a trust or estate, non-U.S. corporation, or
non-U.S. partnership (a non-U.S. shareholder) will be subject to U.S.
withholding tax (at a rate of 30% or lower treaty rate).  Withholding will not
apply if a dividend paid by the fund to a non-U.S. shareholder is "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business, in which case the reporting and
withholding requirements applicable to U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, or
domestic corporations will apply.  However, if the distribution is effectively
connected with the conduct of the non-U.S. shareholder's trade or business
within the U.S., the distribution would be included in the net income of the
shareholder and subject to U.S. income tax at the applicable marginal rate. 
Distributions of net long-term capital gains are not subject to tax
withholding, but if the non-U.S. shareholder was an individual who was
physically present in the U.S. during the tax year for more than 182 days and
such shareholder is nonetheless treated as a nonresident alien, the
distributions would be subject to a 30% tax.    
 
     The fund may be required to pay withholding and other taxes imposed by
foreign countries generally at rates from 10% to 40% which would reduce the
fund's investment income.  Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.  If more than 50% in value of
the fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities
of foreign issuers, the fund will be eligible to file elections with the
Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the fund will be
required to include their respective pro rata portions of such withholding
taxes in their federal income tax returns as gross income, treat such amounts
as foreign taxes paid by them, and deduct such amounts in computing their
taxable incomes or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits against
their federal income taxes.  In any year the fund makes such an election,
shareholders will be notified as to the amount of foreign withholding and other
taxes paid by the fund.
 
         As of the date of this statement of additional information, the
maximum federal individual stated tax rate applicable to ordinary income is
39.6% (effective tax rates may be higher for some individuals due to phase out
of exemptions and elimination of deductions); the maximum individual tax rate
applicable to net capital gain is 28%; and the maximum corporate tax applicable
to ordinary income and net capital gain is 35%.  However, to eliminate the
benefit of lower marginal corporate income tax rates,  corporations which have
taxable income in excess of $100,000 for a taxable year will be required to pay
an additional income tax liability up to $11,700 and corporations which have
taxable income in excess of $15,000,000 for a taxable year will be required to
pay and additional amount of tax up to $100,000.  Naturally, the amount of tax
payable by a taxpayer will be affected by a combination of tax law rules
covering, E.G., deductions, credits, deferrals, exemptions, sources of income
and other matters.  Under the Code, an individual is entitled to establish and
contribute to an IRA each year (prior to the tax return filing deadline for
that year) whereby earnings on investments are tax-deferred. In addition, in
some cases, the IRA contribution itself may be deductible.    
 
     The foregoing is limited to a summary  federal taxation and should not be
viewed as a comprehensive discussion of all provisions of the Code relevant to
investors.  Dividends and capital gain distributions may also be subject to
state or local taxes.  Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers for
additional details as to their particular tax status.
 
                               PURCHASE OF SHARES
 
   PRICE OF SHARES - Purchases of shares are made at the offering price next
determined after the purchase order is received by the fund or American Funds
Service Company (the Transfer Agent); this offering price is effective for
orders received prior to the time of determination of the net asset value and,
in the case of orders placed with dealers, accepted by the Principal
Underwriter prior to its close of business.  The dealer is responsible for
promptly transmitting purchase orders to the Principal Underwriter.  Orders
received by the investment dealer, the Transfer Agent, or the fund after the
time of the determination of the net asset value will be entered at the next
calculated offering price.  Prices which appear in the newspaper are not always
indicative of prices at which you will be purchasing and redeeming shares of
the fund, since such prices generally reflect the previous day's closing price,
whereas purchases and redemptions are made at the next calculated price.    
 
         The price paid for shares, the offering price, is based on the net
asset value per share which is calculated once daily at the close of trading
(currently 4:00 p.m., New York Time) each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open as set forth below.  The New York Stock Exchange is currently closed on
weekends and on the following holidays: New Year's Day, President's Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Day.  The net asset value per share is determined as follows:    
 
 1.   Stocks, and convertible bonds and debentures, traded on the New York
Stock Exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of
valuation, or if there is no sale on the day of valuation, at the last-reported
bid price.  Nonconvertible bonds and debentures, and other long-term debt
securities normally are valued at prices obtained for the day of valuation from
a bond pricing service, when such prices are available; however, in
circumstances where the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to do so, an
over-the-counter or exchange quotation may be used.  Securities traded
primarily on securities exchanges outside the U.S. are valued at the last sale
price on such exchanges on the day of valuation, or if there is no sale on the
day of valuation, at the last-reported bid price.  U.S. Treasury bills,
certificates of deposit issued by banks, corporate short-term notes and other
short-term investments with original or remaining maturities in excess of 60
days are valued at the mean of representative quoted bid and asked prices for
such securities or, if such prices are not available, for securities of
comparable maturity, quality and type.  Short-term securities with 60 days or
less to maturity are amortized to maturity based on their cost to the fund if
acquired within 60 days of maturity or, if already held by the fund on the 60th
day, based on the value determined on the 61st day.  Other securities are
valued on the basis of last sale or bid prices in what is, in the opinion of
the Investment Adviser, the broadest and most representative market, which may
be either a securities exchange or the over-the-counter market.  Where
quotations are not readily available, securities are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.  The fair value of all other
assets is added to the value of securities to arrive at the total assets;
 
 2.  There are deducted from the total assets, thus determined, the
liabilities, including accruals of taxes and other expense items; and
 
 3.  The net assets so obtained are then divided by the total number of shares
outstanding (excluding treasury shares), and the result, rounded to the nearer
cent, is the net asset value per share.
 
     Any purchase order may be rejected by the Principal Underwriter or the
fund.  The fund will not knowingly sell shares (other than for the reinvestment
of dividends or capital gain distributions) directly or indirectly or through a
unit investment trust to any other investment company, person or entity, where,
after the sale, such investment company, person, or entity would own
beneficially, directly, indirectly, or through a unit investment trust more
than 4.5% of the outstanding shares of the fund without the consent of a
majority of the Board of Trustees.
 
   STATEMENT OF INTENTION -  The reduced sales charges and offering prices set
forth in the  prospectus apply to purchases of $50,000 or more made within a
13-month period subject to the following statement of intention (the Statement)
terms.  The Statement is not a binding obligation to purchase the indicated
amount.  When a shareholder signs a Statement in order to qualify for a reduced
sales charge, shares equal to 5% of the dollar amount specified in the
Statement will be held in escrow in the shareholder's account out of the
initial purchase (or subsequent purchases, if necessary) by the Transfer Agent. 
All dividends and capital gain distributions on shares held in escrow will be
credited to the shareholder's account in shares (or paid in cash, if
requested).  If the intended investment is not completed within the specified
13-month period, the purchaser will remit to the Principal Underwriter the
difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which
would have been paid if the total purchases had been made at a single time.  If
the difference is not paid within 45 days after written request by the
Principal Underwriter or the securities dealer, the appropriate number of
shares will be redeemed to pay such difference.  If the proceeds from this
redemption are inadequate, the purchaser will be liable to the Principal
Underwriter for the balance still outstanding.  The Statement may be revised
upward at any time during the 13-month period, and such a revision will be
treated as a new Statement, except that the 13-month period during which the
purchase must be made will remain unchanged and there will be no retroactive
reduction of the sales charges paid on prior purchases.  The Statement may be
revised upward at any time during the 13-month period, and such a revision will
be treated as a new Statement, except that the 13-month period during which the
purchase must be made will remain unchanged and there will be no retroactive
reduction of the sales charges paid on prior purchases.  Existing holdings
eligible for rights of accumulation (see the prospectus and account
application) may be credited toward satisfying the Statement.  During the
Statement period reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions,
investments in money market funds, and investments made under a right of
reinstatement will not be credited toward satisfying the Statement.    
 
         In the case of purchase orders by the trustees of certain retirement
plans by payroll deduction, the sales charge for the investments made during
the 13-month period will be handled as follows:  The regular monthly payroll
deduction will be multiplied by 13 and then multiplied by 1.5.  The current
value of existing American Funds investments (other than money market fund
investments) and any rollovers or transfers reasonably anticipated to be
invested in non-money market American Funds during the 13-month period are
added to the figure determined above.  The sum is the Statement amount and
applicable breakpoint level.  On the first investment and all other investments
made pursuant to the statement of intention, a sales charge will be assessed
according to the sales charge breakpoint thus determined.  There will be no
retroactive adjustments in sales charges on investments previously made during
the 13-month period.    
 
         Shareholders purchasing shares at a reduced sales charge under a
Statement indicate their accepatance of these terms with their first
purchase.    
 
   DEALER COMMISSIONS - The following commissions will be paid to dealers who
initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1 million or more, for purchases
by any employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or purchases by any defined contribution
plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code including a
401(k) plan with 200 or more eligible employees, and for purchases made at net
asset value by certain retirement plans of organizations with collective
retirement plan assets of $100 million or more:  1.00% on amounts of $1 million
to $2 million, 0.80% on amounts over $2 million to $3 million, 0.50% on amounts
over $3 million to $50 million, 0.25% on amounts over $50 million to $100
million, and 0.15% on amounts over $100 million.  The level of dealer
commissions will be determined based on sales made over a 12-month period
commencing from the date of the first sale at net asset value.  See "The
American Funds Shareholder Guide" in the fund's prospectus for more
information.     
 
                  SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES AND PRIVILEGES
 
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN - The automatic investment plan enables shareholders
to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in shares through automatic
charges to their bank accounts.  With shareholder authorization and bank
approval, the Transfer Agent will automatically charge the bank account for the
amount specified ($50 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares
at the offering price on or about the 10th day of the month (or on or about the
15th day of the month in the case of accounts for retirement plans where
Capital Guardian Trust Company serves as trustee or custodian).  Bank accounts
will be charged on the day or a few days before investments are credited,
depending on the bank's capabilities, and shareholders will receive a
confirmation statement showing the current transaction.  Participation in the
plan will begin within 30 days after receipt of the account application.  If
the Shareholders bank account cannot be charged due to insufficient funds, a
stop-payment order or closing of the account, the plan may be terminated and
the related investment reversed.  The shareholder may change the amount of the
investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Transfer
Agent.
 
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWALS -  Withdrawal payments are not to be considered as
dividends, yield or income.  Automatic investments may not be made into a
shareholder account from which there are automatic withdrawals.  Withdrawals of
amounts exceeding reinvested dividends and distributions and increases in share
value would reduce the aggregate value of the shareholder's account.  The
Transfer Agent arranges for the redemption by the fund of sufficient shares,
deposited by the shareholder with the Transfer Agent, to provide the withdrawal
payment specified.
 
CROSS-REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS - A shareholder in one fund
may elect to cross-reinvest dividends or dividends and capital gain
distributions paid by that fund (the paying fund) into any other fund in The
American funds Group (the receiving fund) subject to the following conditions: 
(i) the aggregate value of the shareholder's account(s) in the paying fund(s)
must equal or exceed $5,000 (this condition is waived if the value of the
account in the receiving fund equals or exceeds that fund's minimum initial
investment requirement), (ii) as long as the value of the account in the
receiving fund is below that fund's minimum initial investment requirement,
dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the receiving fund must be
automatically reinvested in the receiving fund, and (iii) if this privilege is
discontinued with respect to a particular receiving fund, the value of the
account in that fund must equal or exceed the fund's minimum initial investment
requirement or the fund shall have the right, if the shareholder fails to
increase the value of the account to such minimum within 90 days after being
notified of the deficiency, automatically to redeem the account and send the
proceeds to the shareholder.  These cross-reinvestments of dividends and
capital gain distributions will be at net asset value (without sales charge).
 
                              REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
         The fund's Declaration of Trust permits the fund to direct the
Transfer Agent to redeem the shares of any shareholder if the shares owned by
such shareholder through redemptions, market decline or otherwise, have a value
of less than $1,000 (determined, for this purpose only as the greater of the
shareholder's cost or the current net asset value of the shares, including any
shares acquired through the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gain
distributions).  Prior written notice of at least 60 days will be given to a
shareholder before the involuntary redemption provision is made effective with
respect to the shareholder's account.  The shareholder will have not less than
30 days from the date of such notice within which to bring the account up to
the minimum determined as set forth above.    
 
                      EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
     There are occasions on which portfolio transactions for the fund may be
executed as part of concurrent authorizations to purchase or sell the same
security for other funds served by the Investment Adviser, or for trusts or
other accounts served by affiliated companies of the Investment Adviser. 
Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could be either
advantageous or disadvantageous to the fund, they are effected only when the
Investment Adviser believes that to do so is in the interest of the fund.  When
such concurrent authorizations occur, the objective is to allocate the
executions in an equitable manner.  The fund will not pay a mark-up for
research in principal transactions.
 
         Brokerage commissions paid on portfolio transactions, including dealer
concessions on underwritings, for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1995,
1994 and 1993 amounted to $6,058,000, $3,496,000 and $2,644,000
respectively.    
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS - Securities and cash owned by the fund, including proceeds
from the sale of shares of the fund and of securities in the fund's portfolio,
are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
MA 02101, as Custodian.  Non-U.S. securities may be held by the Custodian
pursuant to sub-custodial arrangements in non-U.S. banks or foreign branches of
U.S. banks.
 
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS - Deloitte & Touche LLP, 1000 Wilshire
Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017, have served as the fund's
independent accountants since its inception, providing audit services,
preparation of tax returns and review of certain documents to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  The financial statements included in this
Statement of Additional Information from the Annual Report have been so
included in reliance on the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS - The fund's fiscal year ends on November 30. 
Shareholders are provided at least semi-annually with reports showing the
investment portfolio, financial statements and other information.  The
financial statements are audited annually by the fund's independent public
accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose selection is determined annually by
the Board of Trustees.
 
PERSONAL INVESTING POLICY - Capital Research and Management Company and its
affiliated companies have adopted a personal investing policy consistent with
Investment Company Institute guidelines.  This policy includes:  a ban on
acquisitions of securities pursuant to an initial public offering; restrictions
on acquisitions of private placement securities; pre-clearance and reporting
requirements; review of duplicate confirmation statements; annual
recertification of compliance with codes of ethics; disclosure of personal
holdings by certain investment personnel prior to recommendation for purchase
for the fund; blackout periods on personal investing for certain investment
personnel; ban on short-term trading profits for investment personnel;
limitations on service as a director of publicly traded companies; and
disclosure of personal securities transactions.
 
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITY - Under the laws of certain states,
including Massachusetts where the fund was organized and California where the
fund's principal office is located, shareholders of a Massachusetts business
trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners
for the obligations of the fund.  However, the risk of a shareholder incurring
any financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which the fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. 
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder
liability for acts, omissions, obligations or affairs of the fund and provides
that notice of the disclaimer may be given in each agreement, obligation, or
instrument which is entered into or executed by the fund or Trustees.  The
Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of fund property of any
shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund and also
provides for the fund to reimburse such shareholder for all legal and other
expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any such claim or liability.
 
     Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees, officers, employees or
agents of the fund are not liable for actions or failure to act; however, they
are not protected from liability by reason of their willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of their office.
 
SHAREHOLDER VOTING RIGHTS - At any meeting of shareholders, duly called and at
which a quorum is present, the shareholders may, by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast thereon, remove any
trustee or trustees from office and may elect a successor or successors to fill
any resulting vacancies for the unexpired terms of removed trustees.  The fund
has made an undertaking, at the request of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, to apply the provisions of section 16(c) of the 1940 Act
with respect to the removal of trustees, as though the fund were a common-law
trust.  Accordingly, the trustees of the fund shall promptly call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any
trustee when requested in writing to do so by the record holders of not less
than 10% of the outstanding shares.
 
     The financial statements including the investment portfolio and the report
of Independent Auditors contained in the Annual Report are included in this
Statement of Additional Information.  The following information is not included
in the Annual Report:
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE AND                       
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE -- NOVEMBER 30, 1995                        
 
                                                                             
 
<S>                                                      <C>                 
  Net asset value and redemption price per share         $16.98              
  (Net assets divided by shares outstanding)                                 
 
  Maximum offering price per share (100/94.25 of per     $18.02              
  share net asset value, which takes into account                            
  the fund's current maximum sales load)                                     
 
</TABLE>    
 
                               INVESTMENT RESULTS
 
         The fund's yield is 1.08% based on a 30-day (or one month) period
ended November 30, 1995, computed by dividing the net investment income per
share earned during the period by the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period, according to the following formula:    
 
  YIELD = 2[(a-b/cd+1)/6/-1]
 
 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.
 
         The fund's total return for the past 12 months and average annual
total returns over the past five- and ten-year periods as of November 30, 1995
were 16.16%, 17.03% and 13.84%, respectively.  The average total return ("T")
is computed by equating the value at the end of the period ("ERV") with a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P") over a period of years ("n")
according to the following formula as required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission:  P(1+T)/n/ = ERV.    
 
     To calculate total return, an initial investment is divided by the public
offering price (which includes the sales charge) as of the first day of the
period in order to determine the initial number of shares purchased. Subsequent
dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value on
the reinvestment date determined by the Board of Trustees.  The sum of the
initial shares purchased and shares acquired through reinvestment is multiplied
by the net asset value per share as of the end of the period in order to
determine ending value.  The difference between the ending and the initial
investment value divided by the initial investment converted to a percentage
equals total return.  The resulting percentage indicates the positive or
negative investment results that an investor would have experienced from
reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions and changes in share price
during the periods.  Total return may be calculated for one-year, five-years,
ten-years and for other periods.  The average annual total return over periods
greater than one year may also be computed by utilizing ending values as
determined above.
 
     The following assumptions will be reflected in computations made in
accordance with the formulas stated above:  (1) deduction of the maximum sales
load of 5.75% from the $1,000 initial investment; (2) reinvestment of dividends
and distributions at net asset value on the reinvestment date determined by the
Board; and (3) a complete redemption at the end of any period illustrated.
 
         The fund may also, at times, calculate total return based on net asset
value per share (rather than the offering price), in which case the figure
would not reflect the effect of any sales charges which would have been paid if
shares were purchased during the period reflected in the computation. 
Consequently, total return calculated in this manner will be higher.  These
total returns may be calculated over periods in addition to those described
above.  Total return for the unmanaged indices will be calculated assuming
reinvestment of dividends and interest, but will not reflect any deductions for
advisory fees, brokerage costs or administrative expenses.    
 
     The fund may also calculate a distribution rate on a taxable and tax
equivalent basis.  The distribution rate is computed by dividing the dividends
paid by the fund over the last 12 months by the sum of the month-end net asset
value or maximum offering price and the capital gains paid over the last 12
months.  The distribution rate may differ from the yield.
 
     The fund may include information on its investment results and/or
comparisons of its investment results to various unmanaged indices (such as The
Dow Jones Average of 30 Industrial Stocks and The Standard and Poor's 500 Stock
Composite Index) or results of other mutual funds or investment or savings
vehicles in advertisements or in reports furnished to present or prospective
shareholders.
 
         The fund may refer to results compiled by organizations such as CDA
Investment Technologies, Ibbottson Associates, Lipper Analytical Services,
Morningstar, Inc., Wiesenberger Investment Companies Services and the U.S.
Department of Commerce.  Additionally, the fund may, from time to time, refer
to results published in various periodicals, including BARRON'S, FORBES,
FORTUNE, INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR, KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE MAGAZINE, MONEY,
U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT and THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.    
 
     The fund may from time to time illustrate the benefits of tax-deferral by
comparing taxable investments to investments made through tax-deferred
retirement plans.
 
     The fund may from time to time compare its investment results with the
Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change in prices over
time in a fixed market basket of good and services (E.G. food, clothing, fuels,
transportation, and other goods and services that people buy for day-to-day
living).
 
   EXPERIENCE OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER - Capital Research and Management
Company manages nine common stock funds that are at least 10 years old.  In the
rolling 10-year periods since January 1, 1966 (121 in all), those funds have
had better total returns than the Standard and Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index
in 94 of the 121 periods.    
 
     Note that past results are not an indication of future investment results. 
Also, the fund has different investment policies than the funds mentioned
above.  These results are included solely for the purpose of informing
investors about the experience and history of Capital Research and Management
Company.
 
     The investment results set forth below were calculated as described in the
fund's prospectus.  The fund's results will vary from time to time depending
upon market conditions, the composition of the fund's portfolio and operating
expenses of the fund, so that any investment results reported by the fund
should not be considered representative of what an investment in the fund may
earn in any future period.  These factors and possible differences in
calculation methods should be considered when comparing the fund's investment
results with those published for other mutual funds, other investment vehicles
and unmanaged indices.  The fund's results also should be considered relative
to the risks associated with the fund's investment objective and policies.
 
                       NEF VS. VARIOUS UNMANAGED INDICES
 
     Here is how a $10,000 investment in NEF would have grown (with all
distributions reinvested) in its lifetime compared with investments in DJIA 30
and S&P 500:
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Period            NEF         S&P 500/1/   DJIA/2/      NYSE/3/    
 
<S>                <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>        
                                                                    
 
12/1/83 -          +410%         +446%      +513%        +236%      
11/30/95                                                            
 
</TABLE>
    
   
 
 /1/ The Standard and Poor's 500 Stock Index is comprised of industrial,
transportation, public utilities and financial stocks, and represents a large
portion of the value of issues traded on the New York Stock Exchange.  Selected
issues traded on the American Stock Exchange are also included.
 
 /2/ The Dow Jones Average of 30 Industrial Stocks is comprised of 30
industrial companies such as General Motors and General Electric.
 
 /3/ Index is a capitalization weighted index of all The New York Stock
Exchange Composite common stocks listed on the exchange.
 
       IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING NEF FOR AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT...
 

    
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Here's how much you would have if you had invested $2,000                                                            
     a year in NEF:                                                            
 
<S>               <C>                <C>               <C>                 
2 Years           5 Years            7 Years           10 Years            
(12/1/93-         (12/1/90 -         (12/1/88-         (12/1/85-           
11/30/95)         11/30/95)          11/30/95)         11/30/95)           
$4,578            $15,431            $24,440           $44,148             
 
</TABLE>    
 
       SEE THE DIFFERENCE TIME CAN MAKE IN AN INVESTMENT PROGRAM
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
If you had invested       Periods                   ...and taken all        
$10,000 in NEF            12/1-11/30                distributions in shares,   
this many years and...                              your investment would   
Number                                              have been worth this    
of Years                                            much at November 30,    
                                                    1995:                   
                                                    Value                   
 
<S>                       <C>                       <C>                     
 1                        1994  -  1995             $ 11,616                
 
 2                        1993  -  1995             11,271                  
 
 3                        1992  -  1995             14,720                  
 
 4                        1991  -  1995             18,192                  
 
 5                        1990  -  1995             21,951                  
 
 6                        1989  -  1995             19,018                  
 
 7                        1988  -  1995             26,026                  
 
 8                        1987  -  1995             31,844                  
 
 9                        1986  -  1995             30,132                  
 
10                        1985  -  1995             36,563                  
 
11                        1984  -  1995             50,670                  
 
12                        1983  -  1995             50,984                  
 
</TABLE>    
   
Illustration of a $10,000 investment in NEF with
dividends reinvested and capital gain distributions taken in shares
(For the lifetime of the fund, December 1, 1983 through November 30, 1995)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       COST OF SHARES                                                  VALUE OF SHARES                              
                                      
 
Fiscal        Annual        Total          Investment   From           From               Dividends          Total             
Year End      Dividends     Dividends      Cost        Initial        Capital Gains      Reinvested         Value             
11/30                       (cumulative)               Investment     Reinvested                                              
 
<S>           <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>                <C>                <C>               
1984          $   --        $      --      $ 10,000    $   9,485      $        --        $       --         $  9,485          
 
1985          199           199            10,199      12,864         --                 280                13,144            
 
1986          140           339            10,339      14,560         913                477                15,950            
 
1987          367           706            10,706      12,761         1,586              746                15,093            
 
1988          315           1,021          11,021      14,396         2,858              1,208              18,462            
 
1989          421           1,442          11,442      18,159         5,042              2,068              25,269            
 
1990          566           2,008          12,008      13,462         6,417              2,007              21,886            
 
1991          589           2,597          12,597      15,076         8,427              2,910              26,413            
 
1992          328           2,925          12,925      18,091         10,676             3,874              32,641            
 
1993          189           3,114          13,114      22,617         14,934             5,080              42,631            
 
1994          307           3,421          13,421      20,124         16,436             4,816              41,376            
 
1995          517           3,938          13,938      23,324         21,446             6,214              50,984            
 
</TABLE>
 
 The dollar amount of capital gain distributions during the period was
$14,750    
 
                                  APPENDIX
                         DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
 
                          CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. rates the long-term debt securities issued by
various entities from "Aaa" to "C".
 
"AA -- Best quality.  These securities carry the smallest degree of investment
risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge."  Interest payments are
protected by a large, or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is
secure.  While the various protective elements are likely to change, such
changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally
strong position of such issues."
 
"AA -- High quality by all standards.  They are rated lower than the best bond
because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aa securities,
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude, or there may be
other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat greater."
 
"A -- Upper medium grade obligations.  These bonds possess many favorable
investment attributes.  Factors giving security to principal and interest are
considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility
to impairment sometime in the future."
 
"BAA -- Medium grade obligations.  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 -- Have speculative elements; future cannot be considered as well assured. 
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. 
Bonds in this class are characterized by uncertainty of position."
 
"B -- Generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment; assurance of
interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the
contract over any long period of time may be small."
 
"CAA -- Of poor standing.  Issues may be in default or there may be present
elements of danger with respect to principal or interest."
 
"CA -- Speculative in a high degree; often in default or have other marked
shortcomings."
 
"C -- Lowest rated class of bonds; can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing."
 
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION rates the long-term securities debt of various
entities in categories ranging from "AAA" to "D" according to quality.
 
"AAA -- Highest rating.  Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong."
 
"AA -- High grade.  Very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal. 
Generally, these bonds differ from AAA issues only in a small degree."
 
"A -- Have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although they
are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of change in circumstances
and economic conditions, than debt in higher rated categories."
 
"BBB -- Regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal.  These bonds normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, but
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal than for debt in
higher rated categories."
 
"BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- Regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with
respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation.  BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C
the highest degree of speculation.  While such debt will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions."
 
"C1 -- Reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid."
 
"D -- In default and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in
arrears."
 
THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
Investment Portfolio, November 30, 1995
 
 
LARGEST HOLDINGS BY INDUSTRY
Broadcasting & Publishing        14.98%
Telecommunications                8.94%
Banking                           8.36%
Insurance                         8.24%
Merchandising                     7.48%
All Other Industries             36.63%
Cash & Equivalents               15.37%
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               MARKET         PERCENT       
 
Stocks                                                        SHARES           VALUE          OF NET        
 
(Common and Preferred )                                                        (000)          ASSETS        
 
- ----------------------------------------                      -----------      ---------      --------      
 
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>           
BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING - 14.98%                                                                          
 
Tele-Communications, Inc., Series A, TCI Group/1/             5,877,067        $108,726       3.09%         
 
 (Formerly Tele-Communications, Inc.)                                                                       
 
Time Warner Inc.                                              1,488,000        59,520         1.70          
 
Tele-Communications, Inc., Series A, Liberty Media                                                          
 
 Group (Formerly Liberty Media Corp.)/1/                      1,545,866        43,284         1.23          
 
Comcast Corp., Class A, special stock                         2,050,000        40,487         1.15          
 
Viacom Inc., Class B/1/                                       750,000          36,187         1.03          
 
Gaylord Entertainment Co., Class A                            1,344,000        33,936         .96           
 
News Corp. Ltd. (Australia)                                   2,066,943        10,842                       
 
News Corp. Ltd. (American Depositary                                                                        
 
 Receipts)                                                    470,000          9,870                        
 
News Corp. Ltd., preferred shares                             1,042,295        4,987                        
 
News Corp. Ltd., preferred shares                                                                           
 
 (American Depositary Receipts)                               235,000          4,436          .86           
 
Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.                                      240,000          29,670         .84           
 
International Family Entertainment, Inc.,                                                                   
 
 Class B/1/                                                   1,250,000        23,281         .66           
 
Tele-Communications International, Series A/1/                735,000          17,273         .49           
 
Grupo Televisa, SA (American Depositary                                                                     
 
 Receipts) (Mexico)                                           738,300          15,966         .45           
 
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore SpA (Italy)                         1,950,000        15,227         .43           
 
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Class B                     469,627          13,150         .37           
 
Chris-Craft Industries, Inc./1/                               300,000          12,338         .35           
 
LIN Television Corp./1/                                       420,000          12,075         .34           
 
CANAL+ (France)                                               59,646           10,851         .31           
 
News International PLC (United Kingdom)                       1,300,000        6,109          .17           
 
Western Publishing Group, Inc./1/                             500,000          4,500          .13           
 
New York Times Co., Class A                                   150,000          4,425          .13           
 
TeleWest Communications PLC (American                                                                       
 
 Depositary Receipts) (United Kingdom)/1/                     172,000          4,386          .12           
 
Westcott Communications, Inc./1/                              300,000          4,275          .12           
 
Dow Jones & Co., Inc.                                         50,000           1,919          .05           
 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 8.94%                                                                                  
 
AirTouch Communications/1/                                    1,625,000        47,328         1.34          
 
Telefonos de Mexico, SA de CV, Class L                                                                      
 
 (American Depositary Receipts) (Mexico)                      1,341,960        44,285         1.26          
 
Telecom Corp. of New Zealand Ltd. (New Zealand)/2/            8,810,480        36,850         1.05          
 
Tele Danmark AS, Class B (American Depositary                                                               
 
 Receipts) (Denmark)                                          704,700          19,644                       
 
Tele Danmark AS, Class B                                      200,000          10,877         .87           
 
Vodafone Group PLC (American Depositary                                                                     
 
 Receipts) (United Kingdom)                                   575,000          20,772         .59           
 
Octel Communications Corp./1/                                 600,000          19,725         .56           
 
MCI Communications Corp.                                      720,000          19,260         .55           
 
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras SA, preferred                                                                  
 
 nominative (American Depositary Receipts)                                                                  
 
 (Brazil)                                                     373,291          17,918         .51           
 
AT&T Corp.                                                    200,000          13,200         .37           
 
Telefonica de Espana, SA (American                                                                          
 
 Depositary Receipts) (Spain)                                 170,000          7,055                        
 
Telefonica de Espana, SA                                      400,000          5,509          .36           
 
ALLTEL Corp.                                                  420,000          12,390         .35           
 
Technology Resources Industries Bhd.                                                                        
 
 (Malaysia)                                                   4,320,000        12,090         .34           
 
STET-Societa Finanziaria Telefonica p.a.                                                                    
 
 (Italy)                                                      4,300,000        11,713                       
 
STET-Societa Finanziaria Telefonica p.a.,                                                                   
 
 preferred shares                                             150,000          294            .34           
 
BCE Mobile Communications Inc. (Canada)/1/                    325,000          10,403         .29           
 
Nortel Inversora SA, preferred shares,                                                                      
 
 Series B (American Depositary Receipts)                                                                    
 
 (Argentina)/2/                                               284,000          3,976          .11           
 
Pakistan Telecommunication Corp. (Global                                                                    
 
  Depositary Receipts) (Pakistan)/1/ /2/                      21,800           1,657          .05           
 
BANKING - 8.36%                                                                                             
 
Svenska Handelsbanken Group, Class A (Sweden)                 2,410,000        48,675         1.38          
 
Banc One Corp.                                                800,000          30,500         .87           
 
Old Kent Financial Corp.                                      630,000          25,515         .72           
 
First Interstate Bancorp                                      175,000          23,450         .67           
 
Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.                                510,000          23,396         .66           
 
Norwest Corp.                                                 630,000          20,790         .59           
 
Golden West Financial Corp.                                   350,000          17,894         .51           
 
Washington Mutual Savings Bank                                567,500          16,032         .46           
 
Charter One Financial, Inc.                                   450,000          14,400         .41           
 
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.                                                                
 
 (Australia)                                                  3,218,711        14,349         .41           
 
Banco de Santander, SA (Spain)                                270,000          12,577         .36           
 
Stadshypotek AB, Class A (Sweden)                             500,000          10,060         .29           
 
West One Bancorp                                              180,000          8,955          .25           
 
Mercantile Bankshares Corp.                                   250,000          7,094          .20           
 
Grupo Financiero Banamex Accival, SA de CV,                                                                 
 
 Series L (Mexico)                                            2,885,500        4,111                        
 
Grupo Financiero Banamex Accival, SA de CV,                                                                 
 
 Series B                                                     1,745,000        2,686          .19           
 
Hibernia Corp., Class A                                       500,000          5,250          .15           
 
Keystone Financial, Inc.                                      150,000          4,669          .13           
 
Banco Popular Espanol, SA (Spain)                             24,000           4,025          .11           
 
INSURANCE - 8.24%                                                                                           
 
Internationale Nederlanden Groep NV                                                                         
 
 (Netherlands)                                                649,075          42,444                       
 
Internationale Nederlanden Groep NV, warrants,                                                              
 
 expire 2001/1/                                               8,800,000        29,695         2.05          
 
EXEL Ltd. (Bermuda)                                           740,000          46,157         1.31          
 
PartnerRe Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda)                             1,320,000        34,980         .99           
 
CKAG Colonia Konzern AG (Germany)                             27,900           20,421                       
 
CKAG Colonia Konzern AG, preferred shares                     5,330            3,147          .67           
 
PMI Group, Inc.                                               405,100          19,242         .55           
 
AMBAC Inc.                                                    350,000          15,444         .44           
 
TIG Holdings, Inc.                                            525,000          14,175         .40           
 
American International Group, Inc.                            150,000          13,462         .38           
 
Cincinnati Financial Corp.                                    200,000          12,400         .35           
 
Dowa Fire and Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.                                                                    
 
 (Japan)                                                      2,200,000        11,108         .31           
 
Irish Life PLC (Ireland)                                      2,507,465        9,680          .27           
 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.                               210,000          7,980          .23           
 
Nippon Fire and Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.                                                                  
 
 (Japan)                                                      1,230,000        7,006          .20           
 
Trenwick Group Inc.                                           60,000           3,075          .09           
 
MERCHANDISING - 7.48%                                                                                       
 
Viking Office Products, Inc./1/                               1,110,000        51,060         1.45          
 
Giordano Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong)                            33,436,000       30,047         .85           
 
Consolidated Stores Corp./1/                                  1,200,000        29,700         .84           
 
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B (Sweden)                   320,000          19,877         .56           
 
Barnes & Noble, Inc./1/                                       479,600          17,625         .50           
 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.                                         575,000          13,800         .39           
 
Walgreen Co.                                                  400,000          11,650         .33           
 
Giant Food Inc., Class A                                      350,000          11,287         .32           
 
Michaels Stores, Inc./1/                                      600,000          9,900          .28           
 
Arbor Drugs, Inc.                                             500,000          9,875          .28           
 
Home Depot, Inc.                                              206,000          9,141          .26           
 
Toys 'R' Us, Inc./1/                                          300,000          6,975          .20           
 
Home Shopping Network, Inc./1/                                700,000          6,562          .19           
 
Tesco PLC (United Kingdom)                                    1,430,156        6,316          .18           
 
Delhaize 'Le Lion' SA (Belgium)                               150,000          6,260          .18           
 
Duty Free International, Inc.                                 450,000          6,075          .17           
 
Gap, Inc.                                                     80,000           3,620          .10           
 
Circuit City Stores, Inc.                                     120,000          3,480          .10           
 
Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd. (Japan)                                  60,000           3,306          .09           
 
Williams-Sonoma, Inc./1/                                      150,000          3,000          .09           
 
Cifra, SA de CV, Class C (Mexico)                             2,340,000        2,474          .07           
 
Shoe Carnival, Inc./1/                                        412,000          1,596          .05           
 
MISCELLANEOUS FINANCIAL SERVICES - 6.35%                                                                    
 
Federal National Mortgage Assn.                               800,000          87,600         2.49          
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.                              560,000          43,120         1.22          
 
Student Loan Marketing Assn.                                  380,000          26,648         .76           
 
Capital One Financial Corp.                                   875,000          22,094         .63           
 
ADVANTA Corp., Class B                                        300,000          11,625                       
 
ADVANTA Corp., Class A                                        250,000          10,375         .62           
 
ORIX Corp. (Japan)                                            320,000          13,176         .38           
 
H&R Block, Inc.                                               200,000          8,900          .25           
 
ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE - 5.43%                                                                             
 
Walt Disney Co.                                               675,000          40,584         1.15          
 
Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc., Class A                          1,520,000        39,520         1.12          
 
Mirage Resorts, Inc./1/                                       1,000,000        33,875         .96           
 
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc./1/                               1,290,000        32,089         .91           
 
Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc./1/                            1,100,000        30,525         .87           
 
Station Casinos, Inc./1/                                      725,000          10,875         .31           
 
Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan)                                    50,000           3,922          .11           
 
HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE SERVICES - 4.70%                                                                     
 
United HealthCare Corp.                                       1,060,000        66,647         1.89          
 
Humana Inc./1/                                                1,100,000        30,800         .88           
 
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.                                 425,000          21,941         .62           
 
Health Systems International, Inc., Class A/1/                550,000          17,875         .51           
 
PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc., Class A/1/                   100,000          8,500                        
 
PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc., Class B/1/                   50,000           4,337          .36           
 
FHP International Corp./1/                                    305,400          8,857          .25           
 
Value Health, Inc./1/                                         130,000          3,266          .09           
 
Vivra Inc./1/                                                 90,000           2,047          .06           
 
Coram Healthcare Corp./1/                                     230,000          1,265          .04           
 
COMPUTER SERVICES & SOFTWARE - 2.96%                                                                        
 
Sybase, Inc./1/                                               850,600          29,877         .85           
 
Tech Data Corp./1/                                            900,000          15,187         .43           
 
Electronic Arts/1/                                            355,200          12,121         .35           
 
CUC International Inc./1/                                     300,000          11,400         .32           
 
General Motors Corp., Class E                                 200,000          10,100         .29           
 
Policy Management Systems Corp./1/                            220,000          9,845          .28           
 
Oracle Corp.(Formerly Oracle Systems Corp.)/1/                100,000          4,537          .13           
 
Fractal Design Corp./1/                                       250,000          3,563          .10           
 
MacNeal-Schwendler Corp.                                      200,000          3,125          .09           
 
Avid Technology, Inc./1/                                      70,000           2,774          .08           
 
FTP Software, Inc. /1/                                        50,000           1,519          .04           
 
RESTAURANTS - 2.17%                                                                                         
 
Brinker International, Inc./1/                                2,320,000        35,670         1.01          
 
McDonald's Corp.                                              470,000          20,974         .60           
 
Foodmaker, Inc./1/                                            1,900,000        9,975          .28           
 
Sizzler International, Inc.                                   1,100,000        4,262          .12           
 
Au Bon Pain Co., Inc./1/                                      400,000          3,650          .11           
 
Outback Steakhouse, Inc./1/                                   50,000           1,825          .05           
 
COMPUTER SYSTEMS - 1.48%                                                                                    
 
Silicon Graphics, Inc./1/                                     900,000          32,850         .93           
 
Digital Equipment Corp./1/                                    200,000          11,775         .34           
 
International Business Machines Corp.                         77,000           7,440          .21           
 
ELECTRONIC DATA PRODUCTS - 1.40%                                                                            
 
General Instrument Corp./1/                                   1,247,300        31,962         .91           
 
America Online, Inc./1/                                       423,800          17,323         .49           
 
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC SERVICES - 1.29%                                                                       
 
WMX Technologies, Inc.                                        695,000          20,503         .58           
 
Waste Management International PLC (American                                                                
 
 Depositary Receipts) (United Kingdom)/1/                     1,465,000        15,199         .43           
 
ADT Ltd. (Bermuda)/1/                                         500,000          7,000          .20           
 
Eurotunnel SA (France)/1/                                     1,899,400        2,778          .08           
 
ENERGY SERVICES - 1.28%                                                                                     
 
Sonat Offshore Drilling Inc.                                  400,000          13,800         .39           
 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.                                       500,000          13,625         .39           
 
Schlumberger Ltd. (Netherlands Antilles)                      200,000          12,700         .36           
 
Landmark Graphics Corp./1/                                    250,000          5,000          .14           
 
HOTELS & MOTELS - 1.05%                                                                                     
 
Marriott International, Inc.                                  755,000          28,124         .80           
 
Promus Hotel Corp./1/                                         400,000          8,850          .25           
 
DIVERSIFIED SERVICES - 0.71%                                                                                
 
First Pacific Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong)                            10,724,106       11,648         .33           
 
Brambles Industries Ltd. (Australia)                          1,000,000        10,922         .31           
 
Benpres Holdings Corp. (Global Depositary                                                                   
 
 Receipts) (Philippines)/1/ /2/                               509,190          2,485          .07           
 
ADVERTISING - 0.66%                                                                                         
 
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.                          320,000          12,280         .35           
 
Omnicom Group Inc.                                            100,000          6,675          .19           
 
Havas SA (France)                                             59,204           4,343          .12           
 
DELIVERY SERVICES - 0.55%                                                                                   
 
Federal Express Corp./1/                                      260,000          19,435         .55           
 
REAL ESTATE - 0.53%                                                                                         
 
Host Marriott Corp./1/                                        1,450,000        18,669         .53           
 
AIRLINES - 0.49%                                                                                            
 
Southwest Airlines Co.                                        500,000          12,500         .36           
 
AMR Corp./1/                                                  60,000           4,597          .13           
 
ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 0.40%                                                                                  
 
National Power PLC (United Kingdom)                           1,450,000        10,255         .29           
 
CESP - Companhia Energetica de Sao Paulo,                                                                   
 
 preferred nominative (Brazil)                                133,590,000      3,610                        
 
CESP - Companhia Energetica de Sao Paulo,                                                                   
 
 ordinary nominative                                          4,995,000        118                          
 
CESP - Companhia Energetica de Sao Paulo,                                                                   
 
 preferred nominative (American Depositary                                                                  
 
 Receipts)/1/                                                 2,000            16             .11           
 
ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION - 0.38%                                                                          
 
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc./1/                              555,000          13,389         .38           
 
INFORMATION & PRINTING SERVICES - 0.37%                                                                     
 
Primark Corp./1/                                              466,500          12,887         .37           
 
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES - 0.23%                                                                     
 
Robert Half International Inc.                                200,000          8,025          .23           
 
RAIL & ROAD SERVICES - 0.13%                                                                                
 
Norfolk Southern Corp.                                        50,000           3,937          .11           
 
Canadian National Railway System - 1st Installment                                                          
 
 (Canada)/1/                                                  50,000           750            .02           
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - 0.03%                                                                              
 
Ecolab Inc.                                                   40,000           1,150          .03           
 
MISCELLANEOUS                                                                                               
 
Other stocks in initial period of acquisition                                  142,420        4.04          
 
                                                                               ---------      -------       
 
TOTAL STOCKS                                                                                                
 
 (cost: $2,165,415,000)                                                        2,981,043      84.63         
 
                                                              Principal        ---------      -------       
 
                                                              Amount                                        
 
Short-Term Securities                                         (000)                                         
 
- ----------------------------------------                      -----------      ---------      -------       
 
CORPORATE SHORT-TERM NOTES- 15.29%                                                                          
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. 5.70% due                                                                             
 
 1/9-1/24/96                                                  45,900           $45,569        1.29          
 
Central and South West Corp. 5.68%-5.72%                                                                    
 
 due 12/12/95-1/23/96                                         38,650           38,447         1.09          
 
General Electric Capital Corp. 5.70%                                                                        
 
 due 12/6-12/11/95                                            38,200           38,157         1.08          
 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 5.68% due                                                                             
 
 12/19-12/21/95                                               36,200           36,085         1.02          
 
Coca-Cola Co. 5.67%-5.70% due 12/12-                                                                        
 
 12/14/95                                                     33,600           33,529         .94           
 
John Deere Capital Corp. 5.72% due                                                                          
 
 1/16/96                                                      30,000           29,775         .85           
 
A. I. Credit Corp. 5.67%-5.68% due                                                                          
 
 1/8-1/26/96                                                  25,000           24,824         .71           
 
Motorola Credit Corp. 5.69% due 12/8/95                       24,800           24,769         .70           
 
H.J. Heinz Co. 5.70%-5.72% due 12/5                                                                         
 
 -12/18/95                                                    24,600           24,556         .70           
 
American General Finance Corp. 5.70%                                                                        
 
 due  12/5/95                                                 21,400           21,383         .61           
 
Beneficial Corp. 5.67%-5.70% due 12/18/95                                                                   
 
 -1/11/96                                                     21,100           20,981         .60           
 
AT & T Co. 5.64%-5.69% due 12/19-12/21/95                     20,200           20,135         .57           
 
J.C. Penney Funding Corp. 5.71% due                                                                         
 
 12/11/95                                                     20,000           19,965         .57           
 
Procter & Gamble Co. 5.67% due 1/29/96                        20,000           19,810         .56           
 
SAFECO Credit Co. Inc. 5.67% due 1/26/96                      15,520           15,380         .44           
 
National Rural Utilities Cooperative                                                                        
 
 Finance Corp. 5.68% due 1/12/96                              15,000           14,898         .42           
 
Xerox Corp. 5.68% due 1/12/96                                 15,000           14,898         .42           
 
Associates Corp. of North America 5.89%                                                                     
 
 due 12/1/95                                                  13,350           13,348         .38           
 
Eli Lilly and Co. 5.67% due 12/15/95                          12,900           12,870         .37           
 
U S WEST Communications, Inc. 5.70% due                                                                     
 
 12/13/95                                                     12,000           11,975         .34           
 
Kimberly-Clark Corp. 5.67% due 12/28/95                       11,000           10,951         .31           
 
American Express Credit Co. 5.70% due                                                                       
 
 1/11/96                                                      10,000           9,934          .28           
 
Avco Financial Services Inc. 5.65% due                                                                      
 
 1/30/96                                                      10,000           9,903          .28           
 
Harvard University 5.70% due 12/13/95                         8,650            8,632          .25           
 
PACCAR Financial Corp. 5.71% due                                                                            
 
 12/5/95                                                      6,800            6,795          .19           
 
CIT Group Holdings Inc. 5.72% due                                                                           
 
 12/4/95                                                      6,000            5,996          .17           
 
Toys R Us, Inc.5.68% due 12/8/95                              5,200            5,193          .15           
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES- 0.61%                                                                        
 
Federal Home Loan Bank 5.67% due 12/18/95                     21,300           21,240         .61           
 
                                                                               ---------      -------       
 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM SECURITIES                                                                                 
 
 (cost: $560,014,000)                                                          559,998        15.90         
 
                                                                               ---------      -------       
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES                                                                                 
 
 (cost: $2,725,429,000)                                                        3,541,041      100.53        
 
                                                                                                            
 
Excess of payables over cash and receivables                                   18,465         .53           
 
                                                                               ---------      -------       
 
NET ASSETS                                                                     $3,522,576     100.00%       
 
                                                                               =========      =======       
 
</TABLE>
 
/1/ NON-INCOME-PRODUCING SECURITIES. 
 
/2/ PURCHASED IN A PRIVATE PLACEMENT TRANSACTION; RESALE TO THE PUBLIC MAY
REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR MAY EXTEND ONLY TO QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS.
 
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
STOCKS APPEARING IN THE PORTFOLIO
SINCE MAY 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
 
Arbor Drugs 
Banco de Santander 
Barnes & Noble
H&R Block 
Brambles Industries
Brinker International
Canadian National Railway System
Chris-Craft Industries
Fractal Design 
FTP Software
Gap
General Instrument 
Giordano Holdings
Harrah's Entertainment
Health Systems International
Michaels Stores
National Power
ORIX
Primark
Robert Half International
Sonat Offshore Drilling 
Sybase
Tele-Communications International
Walgreen
Wal-Mart Stores
 
 
STOCKS ELIMINATED FROM THE PORTFOLIO
SINCE MAY 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------
 
Apple Computer
BankAmerica 
Bay Networks 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 
China Light & Power 
Enhance Financial Services Group 
Intel
Le Groupe Videotron Ltee 
LIN Broadcasting 
Lotus Development 
Munchener Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft 
Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Indonesian 
 Satellite 
Rogers Communications 
Symantec 
Thai Military Bank 
TJX Companies
 
 
THE NEW ECONOMY FUND  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND                                                             (DOLLARS IN            
 
LIABILITIES AT NOVEMBER 30, 1995                                                    THOUSANDS)             
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
<S>                                                        <C>                      <C>                    
ASSETS:                                                                                                    
 
Investment securities at market                                                                            
 
 (cost: $2,725,429)                                                                 $3,541,041             
 
Cash                                                                                12                     
 
Receivables for-                                                                                           
 
 Sales of investments                                      $ 730                                           
 
 Sales of fund's shares                                    18,988                                          
 
 Dividends                                                 4,101                    23,819                 
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
                                                                                    3,564,872              
 
LIABILITIES:                                                                                               
 
Payables for-                                                                                              
 
 Purchases of investments                                  16,425                                          
 
 Repurchases of fund's shares                              23,032                                          
 
 Management services                                       1,247                                           
 
 Accrued expenses                                          1,592                    42,296                 
 
NET ASSETS AT NOVEMBER 30, 1995-                           -------------            -------------          
 
 Equivalent to $16.98 per share on                                                                         
 
 207,474,477 shares of beneficial                                                                          
 
 interest issued and outstanding;                                                                          
 
 unlimited shares authorized                                                        $3,522,576             
 
                                                                                    =============          
 
                                                                                                           
 
                                                                                                           
 
                                                                                                           
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS                                                             (DOLLARS IN            
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995                                                THOUSANDS)             
 
- ----------------------------------------                   -------------            -------------          
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                                                                                         
 
Income:                                                                                                    
 
 Dividends                                                 $ 32,308                                        
 
 Interest                                                  34,095                   $ 66,403               
 
                                                           -------------                                   
 
Expenses:                                                                                                  
 
 Management services fee                                   13,517                                          
 
 Distribution expenses                                     6,124                                           
 
 Transfer agent fee                                        4,047                                           
 
 Reports to shareholders                                   291                                             
 
 Registration statement and prospectus                     479                                             
 
 Postage, stationery and supplies                          1,046                                           
 
 Trustees' fees                                            103                                             
 
 Auditing and legal fees                                   45                                              
 
 Custodian fee                                             708                                             
 
 Taxes other than federal income tax                       46                                              
 
 Other expenses                                            92                       26,498                 
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
 Net investment income                                                              39,905                 
 
                                                                                    -------------          
 
REALIZED GAIN AND UNREALIZED                                                                               
 
 APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS:                                                                              
 
Net realized gain                                                                   146,663                
 
Net increase in unrealized                                                                                 
 
 appreciation on investments:                                                                              
 
 Beginning of year                                         355,041                                         
 
 End of year                                               815,599                                         
 
  Net unrealized appreciation                              -------------                                   
 
   on investments                                                                   460,558                
 
 Net realized gain and unrealized                                                   -------------          
 
  appreciation on investments                                                       607,221                
 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS                                                          -------------          
 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS                                                          $647,126               
 
                                                                                    =============          
 
                                                                                                           
 
                                                                                                           
 
                                                                                                           
 
                                                                                    (DOLLARS IN            
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS                                                  THOUSANDS)             
 
- ----------------------------------------                   -------------            -------------          
 
                                                                                                           
 
                                                           Year Ended               November 30            
 
                                                           1995                     1994                   
 
Operations :                                               -------------            -------------          
 
Net investment income                                      $   39,905               $   28,986             
 
Net realized gain on investments                           146,663                  120,824                
 
Net unrealized appreciation                                                                                
 
 (depreciation) on investments                             460,558                  (225,519)              
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
 Net increase (decrease) in net assets                                                                     
 
  resulting from operations                                647,126                  (75,709)               
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO                                                                        
 
  SHAREHOLDERS:                                                                                            
 
Dividends from net investment income                       (33,138)                 (15,140)               
 
Distributions from net realized                                                                            
 
 gain on investments                                       (120,976)                (151,346)              
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
                                                                                                           
 
 Total dividends and distributions                         (154,114)                (166,486)              
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:                                                                                
 
Proceeds from shares sold:                                                                                 
 
 50,144,726 and 59,645,687                                                                                 
 
 shares, respectively                                      747,511                  1,301,162              
 
Proceeds from shares issued in                                                                             
 
 reinvestment of net investment income                                                                     
 
 dividends and distributions of net                                                                        
 
 realized gain on investments:                                                                             
 
 10,606,653 and 5,227,221 shares,                                                                          
 
 respectively                                              145,052                  154,809                
 
Cost of shares repurchased:                                                                                
 
 30,229,239 and 24,316,506                                                                                 
 
 shares, respectively                                      (454,846)                (534,094)              
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
 Net increase in net assets resulting                                                                      
 
  from capital share transactions                          437,717                  921,877                
 
                                                           -------------            -------------          
 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS                               930,729                  679,682                
 
                                                                                                           
 
NET ASSETS:                                                                                                
 
Beginning of year                                          2,591,847                1,912,165              
 
End of year (including undistributed                       -------------            -------------          
 
 net investment income: $27,814 and                                                                        
 
 $21,210, respectively)                                    $3,522,576               $2,591,847             
 
                                                           =============            =============          
 
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Financial Statements
 
1. The New Economy Fund (the "fund") is registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 as an open-end, diversified management investment company. The
following paragraphs summarize the significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the fund in the preparation of its financial statements:
 
 Stocks traded on a national securities exchange (or reported on the NASDAQ
national market) and securities traded in the over-the-counter market are
stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation; other
securities, and securities for which no sale was reported on that date, are
stated at the last quoted bid price. Short-term securities with original or
remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at the mean of their
quoted bid and asked prices. Short-term securities with 60 days or less to
maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee of the Board
of Trustees.
 
 As is customary in the mutual fund industry, securities transactions are
accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains
and losses from securities transactions are reported on an identified cost
basis. Dividend and interest income is reported on the accrual basis. Discounts
on securities purchased are amortized over the life of the respective
securities. The fund does not amortize premiums on securities purchased.
Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the
ex-dividend date.
 
 Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S.
currencies are recorded in the financial statements after translation into U.S.
dollars utilizing rates of exchange on the last business day of the year.
Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are
calculated using the prevailing exchange rate as accrued. The fund does not
identify the portion of each amount shown in the fund's statement of operations
under the caption "Realized Gain and Unrealized Appreciation on Investments"
that arises from changes in non-U.S. currency exchange rates. 
 
 Pursuant to the custodian agreement, the fund receives credits against its
custodian fee for imputed interest on certain balances with the custodian bank.
The custodian fee of $708,000 includes $13,000 that was paid by these credits
rather than in cash.
 
2. It is the fund's policy to continue to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute all of its net taxable income, including any net realized gain on
investments, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is
required.
 
 As of November 30, 1995 net unrealized appreciation on investments for book
and federal income tax purposes aggregated $815,612,000, of which $921,003,000
related to appreciated securities and $105,391,000 related to depreciated
securities. There was no difference between book and tax realized gains on
securities transactions for the year ended November 30, 1995. The cost of
portfolio securities for book and federal income tax purposes was
$2,725,429,000 at November 30, 1995.
 
3. The fee of $13,517,000 for management services was paid pursuant to an
agreement with Capital Research and Management Company (CRMC), with which
certain officers and Trustees of the fund are affiliated. The Investment
Advisory and Service Agreement provides for monthly fees, accrued daily,
calculated at the lower of the annual rates of 0.60% of the first $300 million
of average net assets; 0.48% of such assets in excess of $300 million but not
exceeding $750 million; 0.45% of such assets in excess of $750 million but not
exceeding $1.25 billion; and 0.42% of such assets in excess of $1.25 billion;
OR 0.58% of the first $500 million of the fund's net assets; 0.48% of such
assets in excess of $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.44% of such
assets in excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.41% of such
assets in excess of $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.39% of such
assets in excess of $2.5 billion but not exceeding $4 billion; 0.38% of such
assets in excess of $4 billion but not exceeding $6.5 billion; and 0.375% of
such assets in excess of $6.5 billion. The latter fee schedule provides for
lower fees when net assets exceed $3 billion.  
 
 Pursuant to a Plan of Distribution, the fund may expend up to 0.25% of its
average net assets annually for any activities primarily intended to result in
sales of fund shares, provided the categories of expenses for which
reimbursement is made are approved by the fund's Board of Trustees. Fund
expenses under the Plan include payments to dealers to compensate them for
their selling and servicing efforts. During the year ended November 30, 1995,
distribution expenses under the Plan were $6,124,000. As of November 30, 1995,
accrued and unpaid distribution expenses were $1,436,000.
 
 American Funds Service Company (AFS), the transfer agent for the fund, was
paid a fee of $4,047,000. American Funds Distributors, Inc. (AFD), the
principal underwriter of the fund's shares, received $2,620,000 (after
allowances to dealers) as its portion of the sales charges paid by purchasers
of the fund's shares. Such sales charges are not an expense of the fund and,
hence, are not reflected in the accompanying statement of operations. 
 
 Trustees of the fund who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer part or
all of the fees earned for services as members of the Board. Amounts deferred
are not funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund. As of
November 30, 1995, aggregate amounts deferred were $35,000.
 
 CRMC is owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc. AFS and AFD are both wholly
owned subsidiaries of CRMC. Certain Trustees and officers of the fund are or
may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFS, and AFD. No such persons
received any remuneration directly from the fund.
 
4. As of November 30, 1995, accumulated undistributed net realized gain on
investments was $143,655,000 and paid-in capital was $2,535,508,000. The fund
reclassified permanent book and tax differences relating to shareholder
distributions of $163,000 from undistributed net investment income to
undistributed net realized gains for the year ended November 30, 1995.
 
 The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding
short-term securities, of $1,044,986,000 and $661,189,000, respectively, during
the year ended November 30, 1995.
 
 Dividend and interest income is recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid. For the
year ended November 30, 1995, such non-U.S. taxes were $1,679,000. Net realized
currency losses on dividends, interest, withholding taxes reclaimable, and
sales of non-U.S. bonds and notes were $54,000 for the year ended November 30,
1995.
 
 
PER-SHARE DATA AND RATIOS/1/
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR           ENDED          NOVEMBER      30             
 
                                             -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
                                             1995          1994           1993           1992          1991           
 
                                             -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
<S>                                          <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            
Net Asset Value, Beginning                                                                                            
 
 of Year                                     $14.65        $16.47         $13.17         $10.98        $9.80          
 
                                             -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
                                                                                                                      
 
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT                                                                                               
 
  OPERATIONS:                                                                                                         
 
  Net investment income                      .20           .17            .11            .08           .15            
 
  Net realized and unrealized                                                                                         
 
   gain (loss) on investments                2.99          (.59)          3.75           2.45          1.76           
 
   Total income  from                        -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
    investment operations                    3.19          (.42)          3.86           2.53          1.91           
 
                                             -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                                                                                  
 
  Dividends from net investment                                                                                       
 
   income                                    (.18)         (.12)          (.07)          (.14)         (.26)          
 
  Distributions from net realized                                                                                     
 
   gains                                     (.68)         (1.28)         (.49)          (.20)         (.47)          
 
                                             -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
   Total distributions                       (.86)         (1.40)         (.56)          (.34)         (.73)          
 
                                             -------       --------       -------        ------        ------         
 
Net Asset Value, End of Year                 $16.98        $14.65         $16.47         $13.17        $10.98         
 
                                             =======       ========       =======        ======        ======         
 
Total Return/2/                              23.22%         (2.94)%       30.60%         23.58%        20.68%         
 
                                                                                                                      
 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                                                                             
 
 Net assets, end of year                                                                                              
 
  (in millions)                              $3,523        $2,592         $1,912         $1,115        $908           
 
 Ratio of expenses to average                                                                                         
 
  net assets                                 .88%          .85%           .85%           .89%          .92%           
 
 Ratio of net income to                                                                                               
 
  average net assets                         1.33%         1.25%          .76%           .67%          1.33%          
 
 Portfolio turnover rate                     27.03%        25.51%         26.97%         19.03%        18.52%         
 
</TABLE>
 
/1/ Adjusted to reflect the 100% share dividend effective May 26, 1994.
 
/2/ Calculated without deducting a sales charge. The maximum sales charge is
5.75% of the fund's offering price.
 
 
Independent Auditors' Report
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of The New Economy Fund:
 
    We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of 
The New Economy Fund, including the schedule of portfolio investments, as of
November 30, 1995, and the related statement of operations for the year then
ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended, and the per-share data and ratios for each of the five years
in the period then ended. These financial statements and per-share data and
ratios are the responsibility of the fund's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements and the per-share data and
ratios 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 per-share
data and ratios 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 include confirmation of securities owned
at November 30, 1995 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where
replies were not received from brokers, we performed other procedures. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements and per-share data and ratios
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of The New Economy Fund at November 30, 1995, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and the per-share data and ratios for
each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
December 22, 1995
 
 
1995 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)
 
We are required to advise you within 60 days of the fund's fiscal year-end
regarding the federal tax status of distributions received by shareholders
during such fiscal year.
 
Corporate shareholders may exclude up to 70% of qualifying dividends received
during the year.  For purposes of computing this exclusion, 23% of the
dividends paid by the fund from net investment income represents qualifying 
dividends.
 
Dividends and distributions received by retirement plans such as IRAs,
Keogh-type plans, and 403(b) plans need not be reported as taxable income. 
However, many plan retirement trusts may need this information for their annual
information reporting.
 
SINCE THE AMOUNTS ABOVE ARE REPORTED FOR THE FUND'S FISCAL YEAR AND NOT THE
CALENDAR YEAR, SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD REFER TO THEIR FORM 1099-DIV WHICH WILL BE
MAILED IN JANUARY 1996 TO DETERMINE THE CALENDAR YEAR AMOUNTS TO BE INCLUDED ON
THEIR 1995 TAX RETURNS.  SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISERS.
 
                            PART C
 
                      OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
 
(A)  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
Included in Prospectus - Part A
 Financial Highlights
   Included in Statement of Additional Information - Part B
 Investment Portfolio 
 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 Statement of Operations
 Statement of Changes in Net Assets
 Notes to Financial Statements
 Per-Share Data and Ratios
 Independent Auditors Report    
 
(B)  EXHIBITS:
 
 1. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 2. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 3. None.
 
 4. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 5. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 6. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 7. None.
 
 8. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
    9. Form of Shareholder Services Agreement between Registrant and American
Funds Service Company, as amended January 1, 1995.    
 
 10. Not applicable to this filing.
 
 11. Consent of Independent Accountants.
 
 12. None.
 
 13. None.
 
 14. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 15. On file (see SEC file nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848)
 
 16. Updates to previously filed schedule for computation of each performance
quotation  provided in the Registration Statement in response to Item 22 (see
SEC nos. 811-3735 and 2-83848).
 
    17. Financial data schedule (EDGAR)    
 
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
 
  None.
 
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
   
      As of December 31, 1995.
 
                                         Number of
      Title of Class                     Record-Holders
 
      Beneficial Interest                333,243
      (no par value)           
 
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
 
          Registrant is a joint-insured under an Investment Advisor/Mutual Fund
Errors and Omissions Policy written by American International Surplus Lines
Insurance Company, Chubb Custom Insurance Company and ICI Mutual Insurance
Company, which insures its officers and Trustees against certain liabilities. 
However, in no such event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any
such person for any act for which Registrant itself is not permitted to
indemnify the individual.    
 
 Article VI of the Trust's By-Laws states:
 
     (a)  The Trust shall indemnify any Trustee or officer of the Trust who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative (other than action by or in the right of the Trust) by reason
of the fact that such person is or was such Trustee or officer or an employee
or agent of the Trust, or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust, and, with respect
to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such
person's conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or
proceeding by judgement, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo
contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that
the person reasonably believed to be opposed to the best interests of the the
Trust, and, with repsect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable
cause to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful.
 
    (b)  The Trust shall indemnify any Trustee or officer of the Trust who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of the Trust to procure a judgment
in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was such Trustee or
officer or an employee or agent of the Trust, or is or was serving at the
request of the Trust as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust, except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of such person's duty to the Trust unless and
only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought, or
any other court having jurisdiction in the premises, shall determine upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
circumstances ofthe case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.
 
 (c)  To the extent that a Trustee or officer of the Trust has been successful
on the merits in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
subparagraphs (a) or (b) above or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection
therewith, without the necessity for the determination as to the standard of
conduct as provided in subparagraph (d).
 
 (d)  Any indemnification under subparagraph (a) or (b) (unless ordered by a
court) shall be made by the Trust only as authorized in the specific case upon
a determination that indemnification of the Trustee or officer is proper under
the standard of conduct set forth in subparagraph (a) or (b).  Such
determination shall be made (i) by the Board by a majority vote of a quorum
consisting of Trustees who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding,
and are disinterested Trustees or (ii) if such a quorum of disinterested
Trustees so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; and any
determinations so made shall be conclusive..
 
 (e)  Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or
proceeding may be paid by the Trust in advance of the final disposition of such
action, suit or proceeding, as authorized in the particular case, upon receipt
of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Trustee or officer to repay such
amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that such person is entitled to
be indemnified by the Trust as authorized herein.  Such determination must be
made by disinterested trustees or independent legal counsel.
 
 (f)  Agents and employees of the Trust who are not Trustees or officers of the
Trust may be indemnified under the same standards and procedures set forth
above, in the discretion of the Board.
 
 (g)  Any indemnification pursuant to this Article shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled and
shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be Trustee or officer and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
 
 (h)  Nothing in the Declaration of Trust or in these By-Laws shall be deemed
to protect any Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability to the
Trust or to its shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful malfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office.
 
 (i)  The Trust shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf
of any person against any liability asserted against or incurred by such
person, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such person
against such liability under the provisions of this Article.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to Trustees, 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 Trustee, officer of controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such Trustee, officer of 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.
 
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
 
  None.
 
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
 
(A)  American Funds Distributors, Inc. is also the Principal Underwriter of
shares of:  AMCAP Fund, Inc., American Balanced Fund, Inc., The American Funds
Income Series, The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series I, The American Funds
Tax-Exempt Series II, American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., American
High-Income Trust, American Mutual Fund, Inc., The Bond Fund of America, Inc.,
Capital Income Builder, Inc., Capital World Bond Fund, Inc., Capital World
Growth and Income Fund, Inc., The Cash Management Trust of America, EuroPacific
Growth Fund, Fundamental Investors, Inc., The Growth Fund of America, Inc., The
Income Fund of America, Inc., The Intermediate Bond Fund of America, The
Investment Company of America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America,
New Perspective Fund, Inc., SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
of America, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, The U.S. Treasury Money
fund of America and Washington Mutual Investors Fund, Inc.
 
   <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(B)                (1)                            (2)                       (3)     
 
      NAME AND PRINCIPAL            POSITIONS AND OFFICES     POSITIONS AND OFFICES   
       BUSINESS ADDRESS               WITH UNDERWRITER            WITH REGISTRANT       
 
                                                                                    
 
<S>   <C>                           <C>                       <C>                   
#     David L. Abzug                Assistant Vice President   None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      John A. Agar                  Regional Vice President   None                  
      1501 N. University Drive                                                      
      Little Rock, AR 72207                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
      Robert B. Aprison             Regional Vice President   None                  
      2983 Brynwood Drive                                                           
      Madison, WI  53711                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
&     Richard L. Armstrong          Assistant Vice President   None                  
 
*     William W. Bagnard            Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Steven L. Barnes              Vice President            None                  
      8000 Town Line Avenue So.                                                     
      Suite 204                                                                     
      Minneapolis, MN   55438                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
      Michelle A. Bergeron          Regional Vice President   None                  
      1190 Rockmart Circle                                                          
      Kennesaw, GA 30144                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
      Joseph T. Blair               Vice President            None                  
      27 Drumlin Road                                                               
      West Simsbury, CT 06092                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
      Ian B. Bodell                 Vice President            None                  
      3100 West End Avenue, Suite 870                                                   
      Nashville, TN  37215                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Mick L. Brethower             Vice President            None                  
      108 Hagen Court                                                               
      Georgetown, TX  78628                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
       C. Alan Brown                Regional Vice President   None                  
      4619 McPherson Avenue                                                         
      St. Louis, MO 63108                                                           
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Daniel C. Brown               Senior Vice President, Director   None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
@     J. Peter Burns                Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Brian C. Casey                Regional Vice President   None                  
      9508 Cable Drive                                                              
      Kensington, MD   20895                                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      Victor C. Cassato             Vice President            None                  
      999 Green Oaks Drive                                                          
      Littleton, CO  80121                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Christopher J. Cassin         Regional Vice President   None                  
      231 Burlington                                                                
      Clarendon Hills, IL 60514                                                     
 
                                                                                    
 
      Denise M. Cassin              Regional Vice President   None                  
      1425 Vallejo, #203                                                            
      San Francisco, CA 94109                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Larry P. Clemmensen           Treasurer, Director       None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Kevin G. Clifford             Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Ruth M. Collier               Vice President            None                  
      145 W. 67th Street #12K                                                       
      New York, NY  10023                                                           
 
                                                                                    
 
      Thomas E. Cournoyer           Vice President            None                  
      2333 Granada Blvd.                                                            
      Coral Gables, FL  33134                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
      Douglas A. Critchell          Vice President            None                  
      3521 Rittenhouse Street N.W.                                                   
      Washington, D.C.  20015                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Carl D. Cutting               Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Michael A. Dilella            Vice President            None                  
      P.O. Box 661                                                                  
      Ramsey, NJ 07446                                                              
 
                                                                                    
 
      G. Michael Dill               Senior Vice President     None                  
      3622 East 87th Street                                                         
      Tulsa, OK  74137                                                              
 
                                                                                    
 
      Kirk D. Dodge                 Vice President            None                  
      2617 Salisbury Road                                                           
      Ann Arbor, MI  48103                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Peter J. Doran                Senior Vice President     None                  
      1205 Franklin Avenue                                                          
      Garden City, NY  11530                                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Michael J. Downer             Secretary                 None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Robert W. Durbin              Vice President            None                  
      74 Sunny Lane                                                                 
      Tiffin, OH  44883                                                             
 
                                                                                    
 
+     Lloyd G. Edwards              Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Paul H. Fieberg               Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      John R. Fodor                 Regional Vice President   None                  
      15 Latisquana Road                                                            
      Southborough, MA 01772                                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Mark P. Freeman, Jr.          President, Director       None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Clyde E. Gardner              Vice President            None                  
      Rt. 2, Box 3162                                                               
      Osage Beach, MO   65065                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
#     Evelyn K. Glassford           Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Jeffrey J. Greiner            Regional Vice President   None                  
      5898 Heather Glen Court                                                       
      Dublin, OH  43017                                                             
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Paul G. Haaga, Jr.            Director                  None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      David E. Harper               Vice President            None                  
      R.D. 1, Box 210, Rte. 519                                                     
      Frenchtown, NJ  08825                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
      Ronald R. Hulsey              Regional Vice President   None                  
      6744 Avalon                                                                   
      Dallas, TX  75214                                                             
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Robert L. Johansen            Vice President, Controller   None                  
 
       Victor J. Kriss, Jr.         Senior Vice President     None                  
      P.O. Box 274                                                                  
      Surfside, CA 90743                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
      Arthur J. Levine              Vice President            None                  
      12558 Highlands Place                                                         
      Fishers, IN  46038                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
#     Karl A. Lewis                 Assistant Vice President   None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      T. Blake Liberty              Regional Vice President   None                  
      12585-E                                                                       
      East Tennessee Circle                                                         
      Aurora, CO  80012                                                             
 
                                                                                    
 
      Stephen A. Malbasa            Regional Vice President   None                  
      13405 Lake Shore Blvd.                                                        
      Cleveland, OH  44110                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Steven M. Markel              Senior Vice President     None                  
      5241 S. Race Street                                                           
      Littleton, CO 80121                                                           
 
                                                                                    
 
*     John C. Massar                Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
*     E. Lee McClennahan            Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Laurie B. McCurdy             Regional Vice President   None                  
      6008 E. Anderson Drive                                                        
      Scottsdale, AZ 85255                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
&     John V. McLaughlin            Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Terry W. McNabb               Vice President            None                  
      2002 Barrett Station Rd.                                                      
      St. Louis, MO   63131                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
*     R. William Melinat            Vice President, Institutional   None                  
                                    Investment Services Division                         
 
                                                                                    
 
      David R. Murray               Regional Vice President   None                  
      25701 S.E. 32nd Place                                                         
      Issaquah, WA 98027                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
      Stephen S. Nelson             Vice President            None                  
      7215 Trevor Court                                                             
      Charlotte, NC  28226                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Barbara G. Nicolich           Assistant Vice President,   None                  
                                    Institutional Investment                          
                                    Services Division                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      William E. Noe                Regional Vice President   None                  
      304 River Oaks Road                                                           
      Brentwood, TN 37027                                                           
 
      Peter A. Nyhus                Regional Vice President   None                  
      3084 Wilds Ridge Court                                                        
      Prior Lake, MN 55372                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Eric P. Olson                 Regional Vice President   None                  
      62 Park Drive                                                                 
      Glenview, IL 60025                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
      Fredric Phillips              Regional Vice President   None                  
      32 Ridge Avenue                                                               
      Newton Centre, MA 02161                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
#     Candance D. Pilgram           Assistant Vice President   None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Carl S. Platou                Regional Vice President   None                  
      4021 96th Avenue, SE                                                          
      Mercer Island, WA 98040                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
*     John O. Post, Jr.             Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Steven J. Reitman             Vice President            None                  
      212 The Lane                                                                  
      Hinsdale, IL 60521                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
      Brian A. Roberts              Regional Vice President   None                  
      12025 Delmahoy Drive                                                          
      Charlotte, NC 28277                                                           
 
                                                                                    
 
*     George L. Romine, Jr.         Vice President, Institutional   None                  
                                    Investment Services Division                         
 
                                                                                    
 
      George S. Ross                Vice President            None                  
      55 Madison Avenue                                                             
      Morristown, NJ  07960                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Julie D. Roth                 Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Douglas F. Rowe               Regional Vice President   None                  
      30309 Oak Tree Drive                                                          
      Georgetown, TX 78628                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Christopher S. Rowey          Regional Vice President   None                  
      9417 Beverlywood Street                                                       
      Los Angeles, CA  90034                                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      Dean B. Rydquist              Vice President            None                  
      1080 Bay Pointe Crossing                                                      
      Alpharetta, GA 30202                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Richard R. Samson             Vice President            None                  
      4604 Glencoe Avenue, #4                                                       
      Marina del Rey, CA  90292                                                     
 
                                                                                    
 
      Joe D. Scarpitti              Regional Vice President   None                  
      25760 Kensington Drive                                                        
      Westlake, OH 44145                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
*     R. Michael Shanahan           Chairman                  None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      David W. Short                Senior Vice President     None                  
      1000 RIDC Plaza, Ste. 212                                                     
      Pittsburgh, PA  15238                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Victor S. Sidhu               Vice President,           None                  
                                    Institutional Investment Services                         
                                    Division                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      William P. Simon, Jr.         Vice President            None                  
      554 Canterbury Lane                                                           
      Berwyn, PA  19312                                                             
 
                                                                                    
 
*     John C. Smith                 Assistant Vice President,   None                  
                                    Institutional Investment                          
                                    Services Division                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Mary E. Smith                 Assistant Vice President,   None                  
                                    Institutional Investment                          
                                    Services Division                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      Rodney G. Smith               Regional Vice President   None                  
      2350 Lakeside Blvd., #850                                                     
      Richardson, TX  75082                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
      Nicholas D. Spadaccini        Regional Vice President   None                  
      855 Markley Woods Way                                                         
      Cincinnati, OH 45230                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Daniel S. Spradling           Senior Vice President     None                  
      4 West 4th Avenue, Suite 406                                                   
      San Mateo, CA  94402                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Craig R. Strauser             Regional Vice President   None                  
      17040 Summer Place                                                            
      Lake Oswego, OR 97035                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
      Francis N. Strazzeri          Regional Vice President   None                  
      31641 Saddletree Drive                                                        
      Westlake Village, CA 91361                                                    
 
                                                                                    
 
&     James P. Toomey               Assistant Vice President   None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
+     Christopher E. Trede          Assistant Vice President   None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      George F. Truesdail           Vice President            None                  
      400 Abbotsford Court                                                          
      Charlotte, NC  28270                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
      Scott W. Ursin-Smith          Regional Vice President   None                  
      606 Glenwood Avenue                                                           
      Mill Valley, CA 94941                                                         
 
                                                                                    
 
@     Andrew J. Ward                Vice President            None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
*     David M. Ward                 Assistant Vice President,   None                  
                                    Institutional Investment Services                         
                                    Division                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      Thomas E. Warren              Regional Vice President   None                  
      4001 Crockers Lake Blvd., #1012                                                   
      Sarasota, FL 34238                                                            
 
                                                                                    
 
#     J. Kelly Webb                 Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      Gregory J. Weimer             Regional Vice President   None                  
      125 Surrey Drive                                                              
      Canonsburg, PA 15317                                                          
 
                                                                                    
 
#     Timothy W. Weiss              Director                  None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
      N. Dexter Williams            Vice President            None                  
      Four Embarcadero Center                                                       
      San Francisco, CA 94111                                                       
 
                                                                                    
 
      Timothy J. Wilson             Regional Vice President   None                  
      113 Farmview Place                                                            
      Venetia, PA 15367                                                             
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Marshall D. Wingo             Senior Vice President     None                  
 
                                                                                    
 
*     Robert L. Winston             Senior Vice President,    None                  
                                    Director                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      William R. Yost               Regional Vice President   None                  
      9320 Overlook Trail                                                           
      Eden Prairie, MN 55347                                                        
 
                                                                                    
 
      Janet Young                   Regional Vice President   None                  
      1616 Vermont                                                                  
      Houston, TX  77006                                                            
 
</TABLE>    
 
* Business Address, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
 
# Business Address, 135 South State College Blvd., Brea, CA 92621
 
& Business Address, 8000 IH-10, Suite 1400, San Antonio, TX 78230
 
@ Business Address, 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA  23513
 
+ Business Address, 8332 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240
 
(C) None.
 
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
     Accounts, books and other records required by Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, are maintained and kept in the offices of
the fund and its investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company,
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.  Certain accounting records are
maintained and kept in the offices of the Fund's accounting department, 135
South State College Blvd., Brea, CA  92621.
 
     Records covering shareholder accounts are maintained and kept by the
Transfer Agent, American Funds Service Company, 135 South State College Blvd.,
Brea, CA  92621, 8000 IH-10 West, Suite 1400, San Antonio, TX 78230, 5300 Robin
Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513 and 8332 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis,
IN 46240.
 
     Records covering portfolio transactions are also maintained and kept by
the Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02101.
 
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
 
  None.
 
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     As reflected in the prospectus, the fund undertakes to provide each person
to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the fund's latest annual
report to shareholders, upon request and without charge.
 
                            SIGNATURE OF REGISTRANT
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, and State of California, on the
25th day of January, 1996.
 
                            The New Economy Fund
                            By: /s/ William R. Grimsley
                                William R. Grimsley, President and Trustee
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to Registration Statement has been signed below on January 25, 1996, by the
following persons in the capacities indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>       <C>                                   <C>                                    
          SIGNATURE                             TITLE                                  
 
(1)       Principal Executive Officer:                                           
 
                                                                                 
 
                                                                                 
 
          /s/ William R. Grimsley                President                              
 
          William R. Grimsley                                                    
 
                                                                                 
 
(2)       Principal Financial Officer and                                          
 
          Principal Accounting Officer:                                          
 
                                                                                 
 
                                                                                 
 
          /s/ Steven N. Kearsley                 Vice President and Treasurer           
 
          Steven N. Kearsley                                                     
 
                                                                                 
 
(3)       Trustees:                                                              
 
                                                                                 
 
          Richard G. Capen, Jr.*          Trustee                                
 
          H. Frederick Christie*          Trustee                                
 
          Alan W. Clements*               Trustee                                
 
          Robert B. Egelston*             Chairman of the Board                  
 
          Alan Greenway*                  Trustee                                
 
          William R. Grimsley*            President and Trustee                  
 
          Leonade D. Jones*               Trustee                                
 
          William H. Kling*               Trustee                                
 
          Norman R. Weldon*               Trustee                                
 
          Patricia K. Woolf*              Trustee                                
 
</TABLE>
 
*By  /s/ Chad L. Norton 
 Chad L. Norton
 (Attorney-in-Fact)
 
     Counsel reports that the amendment does not contain disclosures that would
make the amendment ineligible for effectiveness under the provisions of rule
485(b).
 
 /s/ Michele Y. Yang                
 Michele Y. Yang, Esq.
                                      C-14
 
 
                         SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
 
 1. The parties to this Agreement, which is effective as of January 1, 1995,
are The New Economy Fund (hereinafter called "the Fund") and American Funds
Service Company, a California corporation (hereinafter called "AFS").  AFS is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Capital Research and Management Company (hereinafter
called "CRMC"). This Agreement will continue in effect until amended or
terminated in accordance with its terms.
 
 2. The Fund hereby employs AFS, and AFS hereby accepts such employment by the
Fund, as its transfer agent.  In such capacity AFS will provide the services of
stock transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, redemption agent, and such
additional related services as the Fund may from time to time require, all of
which services are sometimes referred to herein as "shareholder services."
 
 3. AFS has entered into substantially identical agreements with other
investment companies for which CRMC serves as investment adviser.  (For the
purposes of this Agreement, such investment companies, including the Fund, are
called "participating investment companies.")
 
 4. AFS has entered into an agreement with DST Systems, Inc. (hereinafter
called "DST"), to provide AFS with electronic data processing services
sufficient for the performance of the shareholder services referred to in
paragraph 2.  
 
 5. The Fund, together with the other participating companies, will maintain a
Review and Advisory Committee, which Committee will review and may make
recommendations to the boards of the participating investment companies
regarding all fees and charges provided for in this Agreement, as well as
review the level and quality of the shareholder services rendered to the
participating investment companies and their shareholders.  Each participating
investment company may select one director or trustee who is not affiliated
with CRMC, or any of its affiliated companies, or with Washington Management
Corporation or any of its affiliated companies, to serve on the Review and
Advisory Committee.
 
 6. AFS will provide to the participating investment companies the shareholder
services referred to herein in return for the following fees:
 
  ANNUAL ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEE (PAID MONTHLY):
  $.67 per month for each open account on AFS books or in Level 2 or 4   
  Networking ($8.04 per year)
  $.09 per month for each open account maintained in Street Name or Level 1 or 
  3 Networking ($1.08 per year)
 
  No annual fee will be charged for a participant account underlying a 401(k)
  or other defined contribution plan where the plan maintains a single account 
  on AFS books and responds to all participant inquiries
 
  TRANSACTION FEES:
  $2.00 per non-automated transaction
  $0.50 per automated transaction
 
     For this purpose, "transactions" shall include all types of transactions
included in an "activity index" as reported to the Review and Advisory
Committee at least annually.  AFS will bill the Fund monthly, on or shortly
after the first of each calendar month, and the Fund will pay to AFS within
five business days of such billing.
 
    Any revision of the schedule of charges set forth herein shall require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the board of
directors/trustees of the Fund.
 
 7. All fund-specific charges from third parties -- including DST charges,
payments described in the next sentence, postage, NSCC transaction charges and
similar out-of-pocket expenses -- will be passed through directly to the Fund
or other participating investment companies, as applicable.  AFS, subject to
approval of its board of directors, is authorized in its discretion to
negotiate payments to third parties for account maintenance and/or transaction
processing services provided such payments do not exceed the anticipated
savings to the Fund, either in fees payable to AFS hereunder or in other direct
Fund expenses, that AFS reasonably anticipates would be realized by the Fund
from using the services of such third party rather than maintaining the
accounts directly on AFS' books and/or processing non-automated transactions.
 
 8. It is understood that AFS may have income in excess of its expenses and may
accumulate capital and surplus.  AFS is not, however, permitted to distribute
any net income or accumulated surplus to its parent, CRMC, in the form of a
dividend without the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the
boards of directors/trustees of the Fund and all participating investment
companies.
 
 9. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the
parties, with agreement of the Fund to be evidenced by affirmative vote of a
majority of the members of the board of directors/trustees of the Fund.
 
 10. This Agreement may be terminated on 180 days' written notice by either
party.  In the event of a termination of this Agreement, AFS and the Fund will
each extend full cooperation in effecting a conversion to whatever successor
shareholder service provider(s) the Fund may select, it being understood that
all records relating to the Fund and its shareholders are property of the Fund.
 
 11. In the event of a termination of this Agreement by the Fund, the Fund will
pay to AFS as a termination fee the Fund's proportionate share of any costs of
conversion of the Fund's shareholder service from AFS to a successor.  In the
event of termination of this Agreement and all corresponding agreements with
all the participating investment companies, all assets of AFS will be sold or
otherwise converted to cash, with a view to the liquidation of AFS when it
ceases to provide shareholder services for the participating investment
companies.  To the extent any such assets are sold by AFS to CRMC and/or any of
its affiliates, such sales shall be at fair market value at the time of sale as
agreed upon by AFS, the purchasing company or companies, and the Review and
Advisory Committee.  After all assets of AFS have been converted to cash and
all liabilities of AFS have been paid or discharged, an amount equal to any
capital or paid-in surplus of AFS that shall have been contributed by CRMC or
its affiliates shall be set aside in cash for distribution to CRMC upon
liquidation of AFS.  Any other capital or surplus and any assets of AFS
remaining after the foregoing provisions for liabilities and return of capital
or paid-in surplus to CRMC shall be distributed to the participating investment
companies in such proportions as may be determined by the Review and Advisory
Committee. 
 
 12. In the event of disagreement between the Fund and AFS, or between the Fund
and other participating investment companies as to any matter arising under
this Agreement, which the parties to the disagreement are unable to resolve,
the question shall be referred to the Review and Advisory Committee for
resolution.  If the Review and Advisory Committee is unable to resolve the
question to the satisfaction of both parties, either party may elect to submit
the question to arbitration; one arbitrator to be named by each party to the
disagreement and a third arbitrator to be selected by the two arbitrators named
by the original parties.  The decision of a majority of the arbitrators shall
be final and binding on all parties to the arbitration.  The expenses of such
arbitration shall be paid by the party electing to submit the question to
arbitration.
 
 13. The obligations of the Fund under this Agreement are not binding upon any
of the directors, trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of the
Fund individually, but bind only the Fund itself.  AFS agrees to look solely to
the assets of the Fund for the satisfaction of any liability of the Fund in
respect to this Agreement and will not seek recourse against such directors,
trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders, or any of them or their
personal assets for such satisfaction.
 
AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY      THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
By /s/ Don R. Conlan                By /s/ Robert B. Egelston
 Don R. Conlan, Chairman               Robert B. Egelston, Chairman
 
By /s/ Kenneth R. Gorvetzian        By  /s/ Chad L. Norton
 Kenneth R. Gorvetzian, Secretary   Chad L. Norton, Secretary
 
 
                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The New Economy Fund:
 
We consent to (a) the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to
Registration Statement no. 2-83848 on Form N-1A of our report dated December
22, 1995, appearing in the Financial Statements that are included in part B,
the Statement of Additional Information of such Registration Statement, (b) the
reference to us under the heading "General Information" in such Statement of
Additional Information, and (c) the reference to us under the heading
"Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration
Statement.
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
January 26, 1996
 
 
SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATION OF EACH PERFORMANCE QUOTATION 
PROVIDED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
(1) ENDING REDEMPTION VALUE AND TOTAL RETURN
 
Value of an initial investment at the end of a period and total return for the
period are computed as set forth below.
 
 (A) INITIAL INVESTMENT  DIVIDED BY
  PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE FOR ONE SHARE AT BEGINNING 
  OF PERIOD   EQUALS
  NUMBER OF SHARES INITIALLY PURCHASED
 
 (B) NUMBER OF SHARES INITIALLY PURCHASED  PLUS
  NUMBER OF SHARES ACQUIRED AT NET ASSET VALUE 
  THROUGH REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL 
  GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS DURING PERIOD  EQUALS
  NUMBER OF SHARES PURCHASED DURING PERIOD
 
 (C) NUMBER OF SHARES PURCHASED DURING PERIOD  MULTIPLIED BY
  NET ASSET VALUE OF ONE SHARE AS OF THE LAST DAY 
  OF THE PERIOD  EQUALS
  VALUE OF INVESTMENT AT END OF PERIOD
 
 (D) VALUE OF INVESTMENT AT END OF PERIOD  DIVIDED BY
  INITIAL INVESTMENT
  MINUS ONE AND THEN MULTIPLIED BY 100  EQUALS
  TOTAL RETURN FOR THE PERIOD EXPRESSED AS A 
  PERCENTAGE
 
                                   Exhibit 16
 
(2) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
Average annual total return quotations for the one-year, five-year and ten-year
periods ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet are computed
according to the formula set forth below.
 
                                P(1+T)/n/ = ERV
 
WHERE: P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
 
  T = average annual total return
 
  n = number of years
 
  ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment as of the
end of one-year and lifetime periods (computed in accordance with the formula
shown in (1), above) 
 
THUS:
 
 AVG. ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE:
 
  1 Year Total Return 1,000(1+T)/1/  =  $1,161.62
       T = +16.16%
 
  Five Year Avg. Annual Total Return 1,000(1+T)/5/  =  $2,195.11
      T = +17.03%
 
  Ten-Year Avg. Annual Total Return 1,000(1+T)/10/  = $3,656.41
      T =  +13.84%
 
Hypothetical illustrations based on $1,000 and $10,000 initial investments used
to obtain ending values over various time periods are attached.  Illustrations
of $2,000 per year investments in an Individual Retirement Account are also
included.
 
(3) YIELD
Yield is computed as set forth below.
 
 (A) Dividends and interest earned during the period   MINUS
  Expenses accrued for the period     EQUALS
  Net investment income
 
 (B) Net income investment       DIVIDED BY
 
 Average daily number of shares 
  outstanding during the period that
   were entitled to receive dividends     EQUALS
 
 Net investment income per share earned
  during the period
 
 (C) Net investment income per share earned 
  during the period       DIVIDED BY
 
 Maximum offering price per share on
   last day of the period       EQUALS
 
 Current month's yield
 
 (D) Current months yield       PLUS ONE RAISED
                  TO THE SIXTH     POWER EQUALS
  Semiannual compounded yield
 
 (E) Semiannual compounded yield      MINUS ONE
           MULTIPLIED BY TWO            EQUALS
 
 Annualized rate
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
               1/01/95         1000.00      14.58       5.75 %          68.587        13.740             942
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/95      1000        13         13      1013        47       1110         49       1159         13        1172.05        72.438
                                         TOTAL   $      47
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
               1/01/91         1000.00      20.05       5.75 %          49.875        18.900             943
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/91      1000        15         15      1015        20       1181         21       1202         15        1217.58        51.418
12/31/92      1000         8         23      1023        51       1320         77       1397         25        1422.44        53.758
12/31/93      1000        12         35      1035       138       1585        234       1819         43        1862.64        58.629
12/31/94      1000        20         55      1055        80       1371        283       1654         57        1711.63       124.573
12/31/95      1000        24         79      1079        86       1614        422       2036         92        2128.74       131.566
                                         TOTAL   $     375
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
               1/01/86         1000.00      20.73       5.75 %          48.239        19.540             943
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/86      1000        19         19      1019       112        936        113       1049         18        1067.96        55.021
12/31/87      1000        21         40      1040        60        909        175       1084         39        1123.13        59.614
12/31/88      1000        28         68      1068        72        969        260       1229         70        1299.90        64.736
12/31/89      1000        37        105      1105       147       1138        454       1592        121        1713.05        72.587
12/31/90      1000        39        144      1144       142        912        494       1406        134        1540.12        81.488
12/31/91      1000        24        168      1168        32       1142        653       1795        194        1989.33        84.009
12/31/92      1000        14        182      1182        83       1276        816       2092        232        2324.01        87.831
12/31/93      1000        19        201      1201       225       1533       1212       2745        298        3043.18        95.788
12/31/94      1000        33        234      1234       131       1326       1180       2506        290        2796.49       203.529
12/31/95      1000        39        273      1273       141       1561       1534       3095        382        3477.97       214.955
                                         TOTAL   $    1145
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/83         1000.00      14.56       5.75 %          68.681        13.725             943
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/83      1000         0          0      1000         0        948          0        948          0         947.80        68.681
12/31/84      1000        20         20      1020         0        968          0        968         21         989.47        70.175
12/31/85      1000        14         34      1034         0       1342          0       1342         43        1385.87        70.925
12/31/86      1000        29         63      1063       164       1333        166       1499         71        1570.21        80.897
12/31/87      1000        31         94      1094        88       1294        257       1551        100        1651.33        87.650
12/31/88      1000        42        136      1136       107       1379        383       1762        149        1911.19        95.179
12/31/89      1000        56        192      1192       216       1621        667       2288        230        2518.69       106.724
12/31/90      1000        58        250      1250       209       1298        726       2024        240        2264.41       119.810
12/31/91      1000        35        285      1285        47       1626        960       2586        338        2924.84       123.515
12/31/92      1000        20        305      1305       121       1817       1200       3017        399        3416.91       129.135
12/31/93      1000        28        333      1333       331       2182       1782       3964        510        4474.33       140.835
12/31/94      1000        48        381      1381       192       1887       1735       3622        489        4111.63       299.245
12/31/95      1000        57        438      1438       207       2223       2256       4479        634        5113.58       316.043
                                         TOTAL   $    1682
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
               1/01/95         1000.00      13.74       0.00 %          72.780        13.740            1000
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/95      1000        14         14      1014        50       1178         52       1230         13        1243.68        76.865
                                         TOTAL   $      50
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
               1/01/91         1000.00      18.90       0.00 %          52.910        18.900            1000
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/91      1000        15         15      1015        21       1253         22       1275         16        1291.67        54.547
12/31/92      1000         8         23      1023        54       1400         81       1481         27        1508.99        57.029
12/31/93      1000        13         36      1036       146       1681        248       1929         46        1975.97        62.196
12/31/94      1000        21         57      1057        85       1454        300       1754         61        1815.78       132.153
12/31/95      1000        26         83      1083        91       1712        448       2160         98        2258.24       139.570
                                         TOTAL   $     397
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
               1/01/86         1000.00      19.54       0.00 %          51.177        19.540            1000
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/86      1000        21         21      1021       119        993        120       1113         20        1133.00        58.372
12/31/87      1000        22         43      1043        63        964        185       1149         42        1191.54        63.245
12/31/88      1000        30         73      1073        77       1028        276       1304         75        1379.01        68.676
12/31/89      1000        40        113      1113       156       1208        481       1689        128        1817.37        77.007
12/31/90      1000        42        155      1155       150        967        524       1491        142        1633.89        86.449
12/31/91      1000        26        181      1181        34       1212        693       1905        205        2110.41        89.122
12/31/92      1000        14        195      1195        88       1354        866       2220        245        2465.46        93.177
12/31/93      1000        21        216      1216       239       1626       1286       2912        316        3228.44       101.619
12/31/94      1000        34        250      1250       139       1406       1252       2658        308        2966.71       215.918
12/31/95      1000        41        291      1291       149       1656       1628       3284        405        3689.67       228.039
                                         TOTAL   $    1214
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/83         1000.00      13.73       0.00 %          72.860        13.725            1000
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/83      1000         0          0      1000         0       1005          0       1005          0        1005.47        72.860
12/31/84      1000        21         21      1021         0       1027          0       1027         22        1049.67        74.445
12/31/85      1000        15         36      1036         0       1424          0       1424         46        1470.19        75.240
12/31/86      1000        30         66      1066       174       1414        176       1590         75        1665.73        85.818
12/31/87      1000        33         99      1099        93       1373        273       1646        105        1751.78        92.982
12/31/88      1000        44        143      1143       113       1463        406       1869        158        2027.44       100.968
12/31/89      1000        59        202      1202       229       1719        708       2427        244        2671.87       113.215
12/31/90      1000        61        263      1263       221       1377        770       2147        255        2402.11       127.096
12/31/91      1000        37        300      1300        50       1725       1018       2743        359        3102.72       131.027
12/31/92      1000        21        321      1321       129       1928       1273       3201        423        3624.70       136.988
12/31/93      1000        31        352      1352       352       2315       1891       4206        540        4746.41       149.399
12/31/94      1000        51        403      1403       204       2002       1841       3843        518        4361.63       317.440
12/31/95      1000        61        464      1464       220       2358       2393       4751        673        5424.51       335.260
                                         TOTAL   $    1785
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/94         1000.00      15.54       5.75 %          64.350        14.650             943
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/94      1000         8          8      1008        44        884         44        928          8         936.79        68.180
11/30/95      1000         3         11      1011         0       1093         55       1148         13        1161.62        68.411
                                         TOTAL   $      44
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/90         1000.00      20.80       5.75 %          48.077        19.600             942
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/90      1000        20         20      1020        46        909         46        955         19         974.94        51.584
12/31/91      1000        15         35      1035        20       1138         79       1217         42        1259.30        53.180
12/31/92      1000         8         43      1043        52       1272        144       1416         55        1471.15        55.599
12/31/93      1000        12         55      1055       143       1527        319       1846         80        1926.41        60.636
12/31/94      1000        21         76      1076        83       1321        360       1681         89        1770.25       128.839
11/30/95      1000         6         82      1082         0       1633        445       2078        117        2195.11       129.276
                                         TOTAL   $     344
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/85         1000.00      19.87       5.75 %          50.327        18.730             943
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/85      1000        10         10      1010         0        983          0        983         10         993.90        50.865
12/31/86      1000        21         31      1031       118        977        119       1096         30        1126.09        58.016
12/31/87      1000        22         53      1053        63        948        184       1132         52        1184.26        62.859
12/31/88      1000        29         82      1082        76       1011        275       1286         84        1370.64        68.259
12/31/89      1000        40        122      1122       155       1188        478       1666        140        1806.30        76.538
12/31/90      1000        42        164      1164       150        951        520       1471        152        1623.94        85.923
12/31/91      1000        25        189      1189        34       1192        688       1880        217        2097.60        88.581
12/31/92      1000        14        203      1203        87       1332        861       2193        257        2450.49        92.611
12/31/93      1000        20        223      1223       238       1599       1278       2877        331        3208.83       101.002
12/31/94      1000        34        257      1257       138       1383       1245       2628        320        2948.71       214.608
11/30/95      1000        11        268      1268         0       1709       1538       3247        409        3656.41       215.336
                                         TOTAL   $    1059
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/83        10000.00      14.56       5.75 %         686.813        13.725            9427
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/83     10000         0          0     10000         0       9478          0       9478          0        9478.02       686.813
12/31/84     10000       199        199     10199         0       9684          0       9684        210        9894.75       701.755
12/31/85     10000       140        339     10339         0      13420          0      13420        438       13858.78       709.252
12/31/86     10000       286        625     10625      1644      13331       1657      14988        714       15702.01       808.965
12/31/87     10000       308        933     10933       877      12940       2569      15509       1004       16513.20       876.497
12/31/88     10000       414       1347     11347      1066      13791       3829      17620       1491       19111.84       951.785
12/31/89     10000       554       1901     11901      2160      16209       6671      22880       2306       25186.65      1067.231
12/31/90     10000       576       2477     12477      2085      12981       7256      20237       2406       22643.90      1198.090
12/31/91     10000       349       2826     12826       469      16264       9598      25862       3386       29248.14      1235.141
12/31/92     10000       198       3024     13024      1214      18173      12000      30173       3995       34168.94      1291.343
12/31/93     10000       284       3308     13308      3314      21820      17822      39642       5100       44742.93      1408.339
12/31/94     10000       480       3788     13788      1921      18874      17354      36228       4887       41115.80      2992.416
11/30/95     10000       150       3938     13938         0      23324      21446      44770       6213       50983.59      3002.567
                                         TOTAL   $   14750
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        STANDARD & POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE INDEX
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/83        10000.00     166.49       0.00 %          60.064       166.490           10000
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/83     10000       108        108     10108         0       9906          0       9906        107       10013.56        60.714
12/31/84     10000       466        574     10574         0      10045          0      10045        597       10642.65        63.637
12/31/85     10000       511       1085     11085         0      12690          0      12690       1322       14012.51        66.322
12/31/86     10000       556       1641     11641         0      14546          0      14546       2067       16613.83        68.604
12/31/87     10000       611       2252     12252         0      14841          0      14841       2651       17492.03        70.795
12/31/88     10000       697       2949     12949         0      16681          0      16681       3708       20389.92        73.419
12/31/89     10000       822       3771     13771         0      21226          0      21226       5611       26837.20        75.940
12/31/90     10000       931       4702     14702         0      19834          0      19834       6163       25997.56        78.728
12/31/91     10000       972       5674     15674         0      25052          0      25052       8845       33897.32        81.271
12/31/92     10000      1018       6692     16692         0      26170          0      26170      10300       36470.23        83.703
12/31/93     10000      1064       7756     17756         0      28017          0      28017      12117       40134.76        86.043
12/31/94     10000      1145       8901     18901         0      27585          0      27585      13069       40654.12        88.519
11/30/95     10000       913       9814     19814         0      36361          0      36361      18273       54634.04        90.249
                                         TOTAL   $       0
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/83        10000.00    1275.10       0.00 %           7.843      1275.100           10000
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
12/31/83     10000       116        116     10116         0       9871          0       9871        115        9986.05         7.934
12/31/84     10000       491        607     10607         0       9502          0       9502        620       10122.67         8.355
12/31/85     10000       527       1134     11134         0      12130          0      12130       1395       13525.63         8.745
12/31/86     10000       596       1730     11730         0      14869          0      14869       2321       17190.58         9.067
12/31/87     10000       652       2382     12382         0      15205          0      15205       2944       18149.39         9.361
12/31/88     10000       756       3138     13138         0      17007          0      17007       4086       21093.68         9.727
12/31/89     10000      1017       4155     14155         0      21592          0      21592       6289       27881.66        10.127
12/31/90     10000      1066       5221     15221         0      20654          0      20654       7067       27721.91        10.526
12/31/91     10000      1014       6235     16235         0      24852          0      24852       9590       34442.01        10.869
12/31/92     10000      1107       7342     17342         0      25889          0      25889      11096       36985.64        11.204
12/31/93     10000      1129       8471     18471         0      29441          0      29441      13809       43250.87        11.521
12/31/94     10000      1254       9725     19725         0      30072          0      30072      15362       45434.28        11.849
11/30/95     10000      1030      10755     20755         0      39797          0      39797      21533       61330.29        12.086
                                         TOTAL   $       0
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/93         2000.00      34.94       5.75 %          57.241        32.930            1885
                         ANNUAL INVESTMENTS OF $    2000.00 -- SAME DAY AS INITIAL INVESTMENT
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
                    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION DISCOUNT REFLECTED WHERE APPLICABLE IN THIS ILLUSTRATION
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/94      2000        14         14      2014       147       1677        139       1816         13        1829.52       124.882
11/30/95      4000        46         60      4060       172       4129        377       4506         71        4577.55       269.585
                                         TOTAL   $     319
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/90         2000.00      20.80       5.75 %          96.154        19.600            1885
                         ANNUAL INVESTMENTS OF $    2000.00 -- SAME DAY AS INITIAL INVESTMENT
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
                    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION DISCOUNT REFLECTED WHERE APPLICABLE IN THIS ILLUSTRATION
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/91      2000        50         50      2050        91       2111        107       2218         56        2274.42       103.618
11/30/92      4000        52        102      4102        74       4795        217       5012        128        5140.15       195.146
11/30/93      6000        35        137      6137       191       8351        521       8872        203        9075.48       275.599
11/30/94      8000        79        216      8216       852       9107       1273      10380        257       10637.99       726.143
11/30/95     10000       156        372     10372       581      12741       2201      14942        489       15431.29       908.792
                                         TOTAL   $    1789
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/88         2000.00      22.24       5.75 %          89.928        20.960            1885
                         ANNUAL INVESTMENTS OF $    2000.00 -- SAME DAY AS INITIAL INVESTMENT
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
                    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION DISCOUNT REFLECTED WHERE APPLICABLE IN THIS ILLUSTRATION
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/89      2000        43         43      2043       109       2378        147       2525         54        2579.86        97.574
11/30/90      4000       100        143      4143       563       3160        582       3742        125        3867.32       197.312
11/30/91      6000       154        297      6297       279       5650        978       6628        313        6941.64       316.248
11/30/92      8000       109        406      8406       157       9041       1362      10403        504       10907.89       414.119
11/30/93     10000        68        474     10474       406      13660       2233      15893        715       16608.44       504.356
11/30/94     12000       133        607     12607      1438      13831       3353      17184        765       17949.36      1225.212
11/30/95     14000       248        855     14855       921      18216       5035      23251       1189       24440.26      1439.356
                                         TOTAL   $    3873
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/85         2000.00      19.87       5.75 %         100.654        18.730            1885
                         ANNUAL INVESTMENTS OF $    2000.00 -- SAME DAY AS INITIAL INVESTMENT
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
                    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION DISCOUNT REFLECTED WHERE APPLICABLE IN THIS ILLUSTRATION
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/86      2000        20         20      2020       115       2134        131       2265         22        2287.67       107.909
11/30/87      4000        96        116      4116       220       3522        320       3842        106        3948.73       212.526
11/30/88      6000       122        238      6238       339       6100        774       6874        262        7136.48       340.481
11/30/89      8000       206        444      8444       521      10073       1679      11752        595       12347.56       467.003
11/30/90     10000       318        762     10762      1794       8865       2754      11619        708       12327.36       628.947
11/30/91     12000       383       1145     13145       689      12038       3889      15927       1224       17151.53       781.391
11/30/92     14000       236       1381     15381       338      16708       5074      21782       1743       23525.31       893.140
11/30/93     16000       141       1522     17522       875      23244       7487      30731       2356       33087.31      1004.777
11/30/94     18000       251       1773     19773      2719      22359       9244      31603       2340       33943.39      2316.955
11/30/95     20000       448       2221     22221      1663      28100      12790      40890       3257       44147.98      2599.999
                                         TOTAL   $    9273
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/83        10000.00      14.56       5.75 %         686.813        13.725            9427
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/84     10000         0          0     10000         0       9485          0       9485          0        9484.89       686.813
11/30/85     10000       199        199     10199         0      12864          0      12864        279       13143.87       701.755
11/30/86     10000       140        339     10339       801      14560        913      15473        476       15949.63       752.341
11/30/87     10000       367        706     10706       843      12761       1586      14347        745       15092.63       812.305
11/30/88     10000       315       1021     11021       877      14396       2858      17254       1207       18461.92       880.817
11/30/89     10000       421       1442     11442      1066      18159       5042      23201       2067       25268.84       955.705
11/30/90     10000       566       2008     12008      3184      13462       6417      19879       2006       21885.97      1116.631
11/30/91     10000       589       2597     12597      1061      15076       8427      23503       2909       26412.81      1203.317
11/30/92     10000       328       2925     12925       469      18091      10676      28767       3873       32640.98      1239.217
11/30/93     10000       189       3114     13114      1214      22617      14934      37551       5079       42630.52      1294.580
11/30/94     10000       307       3421     13421      3314      20124      16436      36560       4816       41376.39      2824.327
11/30/95     10000       517       3938     13938      1921      23324      21446      44770       6213       50983.59      3002.567
                                         TOTAL   $   14750
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/84        10000.00      14.65       5.75 %         682.594        13.810            9427
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/85     10000       198        198     10198         0      12785          0      12785        278       13063.13       697.444
11/30/86     10000       139        337     10337       797      14471        908      15379        472       15851.64       747.719
11/30/87     10000       364        701     10701       837      12683       1576      14259        740       14999.91       807.315
11/30/88     10000       313       1014     11014       872      14307       2840      17147       1201       18348.49       875.405
11/30/89     10000       419       1433     11433      1059      18048       5011      23059       2054       25113.58       949.833
11/30/90     10000       562       1995     11995      3165      13379       6378      19757       1994       21751.49      1109.770
11/30/91     10000       585       2580     12580      1054      14983       8375      23358       2892       26250.49      1195.922
11/30/92     10000       325       2905     12905       466      17980      10610      28590       3850       32440.42      1231.603
11/30/93     10000       189       3094     13094      1207      22478      14842      37320       5048       42368.63      1286.627
11/30/94     10000       305       3399     13399      3294      20000      16335      36335       4787       41122.18      2806.975
11/30/95     10000       514       3913     13913      1909      23181      21315      44496       6174       50670.36      2984.120
                                         TOTAL   $   14660
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/85        10000.00      19.87       5.75 %         503.271        18.730            9426
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/86     10000       101        101     10101       575      10669        655      11324        114       11438.46       539.550
11/30/87     10000       263        364     10364       604       9351       1138      10489        334       10823.87       582.555
11/30/88     10000       226        590     10590       629      10549       2049      12598        642       13240.20       631.689
11/30/89     10000       302        892     10892       764      13306       3616      16922       1199       18121.84       685.395
11/30/90     10000       406       1298     11298      2284       9864       4602      14466       1229       15695.78       800.805
11/30/91     10000       422       1720     11720       761      11047       6043      17090       1852       18942.24       862.972
11/30/92     10000       235       1955     11955       337      13256       7656      20912       2496       23408.86       888.719
11/30/93     10000       136       2091     12091       871      16573      10710      27283       3289       30572.97       928.423
11/30/94     10000       220       2311     12311      2377      14746      11787      26533       3140       29673.53      2025.497
11/30/95     10000       370       2681     12681      1377      17091      15380      32471       4092       36563.46      2153.325
                                         TOTAL   $   10579
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/86        10000.00      22.49       5.75 %         444.642        21.200            9426
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/87     10000       217        217     10217       498       8261        464       8725        194        8919.90       480.081
11/30/88     10000       186        403     10403       518       9320       1155      10475        436       10911.19       520.572
11/30/89     10000       249        652     10652       630      11756       2306      14062        872       14934.16       564.832
11/30/90     10000       334        986     10986      1882       8715       3294      12009        925       12934.84       659.941
11/30/91     10000       348       1334     11334       627       9760       4421      14181       1429       15610.23       711.172
11/30/92     10000       193       1527     11527       277      11712       5639      17351       1940       19291.15       732.390
11/30/93     10000       112       1639     11639       718      14642       7987      22629       2566       25195.07       765.110
11/30/94     10000       182       1821     11821      1959      13028       8968      21996       2457       24453.85      1669.205
11/30/95     10000       305       2126     12126      1135      15100      11810      26910       3221       30131.81      1774.547
                                         TOTAL   $    8244
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/87        10000.00      19.71       5.75 %         507.357        18.580            9427
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/88     10000       197        197     10197       548      10634        667      11301        230       11531.12       550.149
11/30/89     10000       263        460     10460       666      13415       1739      15154        628       15782.67       596.924
11/30/90     10000       354        814     10814      1989       9944       2963      12907        762       13669.77       697.437
11/30/91     10000       368       1182     11182       663      11136       4093      15229       1268       16497.18       751.580
11/30/92     10000       205       1387     11387       293      13364       5264      18628       1759       20387.27       774.004
11/30/93     10000       118       1505     11505       759      16707       7572      24279       2347       26626.64       808.583
11/30/94     10000       191       1696     11696      2070      14866       8704      23570       2273       25843.32      1764.049
11/30/95     10000       322       2018     12018      1200      17230      11584      28814       3029       31843.88      1875.376
                                         TOTAL   $    8188
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/88        10000.00      22.24       5.75 %         449.640        20.960            9424
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/89     10000       215        215     10215       544      11888        734      12622        277       12899.26       487.869
11/30/90     10000       288        503     10503      1626       8813       1912      10725        447       11172.37       570.019
11/30/91     10000       300        803     10803       542       9870       2774      12644        839       13483.23       614.270
11/30/92     10000       167        970     10970       240      11844       3616      15460       1202       16662.60       632.597
11/30/93     10000        97       1067     11067       620      14807       5331      20138       1624       21762.09       660.859
11/30/94     10000       157       1224     11224      1692      13174       6351      19525       1596       21121.84      1441.764
11/30/95     10000       263       1487     11487       980      15270       8584      23854       2172       26026.13      1532.752
                                         TOTAL   $    6244
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/89        10000.00      28.05       5.75 %         356.506        26.440            9426
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/90     10000       211        211     10211      1188       6988       1000       7988        176        8164.09       416.535
11/30/91     10000       220        431     10431       396       7825       1582       9407        445        9852.72       448.871
11/30/92     10000       122        553     10553       175       9390       2109      11499        677       12176.03       462.264
11/30/93     10000        71        624     10624       453      11740       3228      14968        934       15902.42       482.916
11/30/94     10000       114        738     10738      1236      10446       4047      14493        941       15434.58      1053.555
11/30/95     10000       193        931     10931       716      12107       5584      17691       1327       19018.33      1120.043
                                         TOTAL   $    4164
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/90        10000.00      20.80       5.75 %         480.769        19.600            9423
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/91     10000       254        254     10254       457      10553        534      11087        285       11372.10       518.091
11/30/92     10000       141        395     10395       202      12663        883      13546        507       14053.68       533.549
11/30/93     10000        82        477     10477       523      15832       1788      17620        734       18354.72       557.386
11/30/94     10000       133        610     10610      1427      14087       2946      17033        781       17814.74      1216.023
11/30/95     10000       222        832     10832       827      16327       4446      20773       1178       21951.15      1292.765
                                         TOTAL   $    3436
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/91        10000.00      23.29       5.75 %         429.369        21.950            9425
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/92     10000       117        117     10117       167      11310        201      11511        136       11647.02       442.180
11/30/93     10000        67        184     10184       433      14139        818      14957        254       15211.52       461.935
11/30/94     10000       109        293     10293      1183      12581       1851      14432        332       14764.02      1007.783
11/30/95     10000       184        477     10477       685      14581       3000      17581        611       18192.08      1071.383
                                         TOTAL   $    2468
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/92        10000.00      27.95       5.75 %         357.782        26.340            9424
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/93     10000        55         55     10055       351      11782        458      12240         68       12308.15       373.767
11/30/94     10000        89        144     10144       957      10483       1317      11800        146       11946.05       815.430
11/30/95     10000       149        293     10293       554      12150       2218      14368        351       14719.81       866.891
                                         TOTAL   $    1862
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/93        10000.00      34.94       5.75 %         286.205        32.930            9425
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/94     10000        68         68     10068       733       8386        696       9082         65        9147.45       624.399
11/30/95     10000       114        182     10182       425       9720       1337      11057        214       11271.39       663.804
                                         TOTAL   $    1158
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/94        10000.00      15.54       5.75 %         643.501        14.650            9427
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/95     10000       118        118     10118       438      10927        546      11473        143       11616.22       684.112
                                         TOTAL   $     438
</TABLE>
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 THE NEW ECONOMY FUND
 
                                                      SALES                      NET ASSET      INITIAL
                             INITIAL    OFFERING     CHARGE         SHARES         VALUE       NET ASSET
                 DATE      INVESTMENT     PRICE     INCLUDED      PURCHASED      PER SHARE       VALUE
              12/01/95        10000.00      18.02       5.75 %         554.939        16.980            9423
                                          DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS REINVESTED
           ============COST OF SHARES=============               ================VALUE OF SHARES=====================
                        CURRENT    CUM.    TOTAL    CURRENT                 FROM                  FROM
             CUM        INCOME    INCOME  INVM'T   CAP GAIN      FROM     CAP GAINS   SUB-        DIVS        TOTAL      SHARES
 DATE      INV'M'T       DIVS      DIVS    COST    DISTRIB'N   INV'M'T     REINV'D    TOTAL      REINV'D      VALUE       HELD
 <S>       <C>           <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
11/30/95     10000         0          0     10000         0       9423          0       9423          0        9422.86       554.939
                                         TOTAL   $       0
</TABLE>
 

<TABLE> <S> <C>
 
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,725,429
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       3,541,041
<RECEIVABLES>                                   23,819
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      12
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,564,872
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        16,425
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       25,871
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             42,296
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     2,535,508
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      207,474,477
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      176,952,337
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       27,814
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        143,655
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       815,599
<NET-ASSETS>                                 3,522,576
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               32,308
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               34,095
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  26,498
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         39,905
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       146,663
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      460,558
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          647,126
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                       33,138
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                       120,976
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     50,144,726
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                 30,229,239
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                         10,606,653
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         930,729
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         21,210
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      117,805
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           13,517
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 26,498
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                         3,004,658
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.65
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .20
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           2.99
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                               .18
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                          .68
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              16.98
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   .009
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        
 

</TABLE>


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