<PAGE> 1
VAN KAMPEN
FLORIDA INSURED TAX FREE INCOME FUND
Van Kampen Florida Insured Tax Free Income
Fund is a mutual fund with an investment
objective to provide investors with a high
level of current income exempt from federal
income tax and Florida intangible personal
property taxes, consistent with preservation
of capital. The Fund is designed for investors
who are residents of Florida for tax purposes.
The Fund's management seeks to achieve the
investment objective by investing primarily in
a portfolio of Florida municipal securities
that are insured at the time of purchase as to
timely payment of both principal and interest
by a top-rated private insurance company.
Shares of the Fund have not been approved or
disapproved by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) or any state regulators, and
neither the SEC nor any state regulator has
ruled on the accuracy or adequacy of this
prospectus. It is a criminal offense to state
otherwise.
This prospectus is dated JANUARY 28, 1999,
AS SUPPLEMENTED ON APRIL 16, 1999.
[VAN KAMPEN FUNDS LOGO]
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No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
prospectus, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus and, if
given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon
as having been authorized by the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser or the
Fund's distributor. This prospectus does not constitute an offer by the Fund or
by the Fund's distributor to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of
the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful for the Fund to make such an offer in such jurisdiction.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Risk/Return Summary................................ 3
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...................... 5
Investment Objective and Policies.................. 6
Investment Advisory Services....................... 13
Purchase of Shares................................. 14
Redemption of Shares............................... 20
Distributions from the Fund........................ 22
Shareholder Services............................... 22
Florida Taxation................................... 24
Federal Income Taxation............................ 25
Financial Highlights............................... 27
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund is a mutual fund with an investment objective to provide investors with
a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and Florida
intangible personal property taxes, consistent with preservation of capital. The
Fund is designed for investors who are residents of Florida for tax purposes.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under normal market conditions, the Fund's management seeks to achieve the
investment objective by investing at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in a
portfolio of Florida municipal securities that are insured at the time of
purchase as to timely payment of both principal and interest by a top-rated
private insurance company. Under normal market conditions, up to 20% of the
Fund's total assets may consist of uninsured Florida municipal securities rated
"investment grade" at the time of purchase by a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization. Under normal market conditions, up to 20% of
the Fund's total assets may be invested in municipal securities that are subject
to federal alternative minimum tax. The Fund may purchase or sell certain
derivative instruments (such as options, futures and options on futures, and
interest rate swaps or other interest rate related transactions) for various
risk management and hedging purposes. The Fund may purchase or sell securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
INVESTMENT RISKS
Because of the following risks, you could lose money on your investment in the
Fund over the short or long term:
MARKET RISK. The prices of income securities tend to fall as interest rates
rise. This "market risk" is usually greater among securities with longer
maturities. Because the Fund does not have a policy limiting the maturities of
its investments and the Fund expects to own securities with longer maturities,
the Fund will be subject to greater market risk than a fund that owns
shorter-term securities.
Generally, the Fund's municipal securities are insured as to timely payment of
both principal and interest by a top-rated private insurance company. This
insurance does not, however, guarantee that the prices of these securities will
remain stable during interest rate changes.
When-issued and delayed delivery transactions are subject to changes in market
conditions from the time of the commitment until settlement. This may adversely
affect the prices or yields of the securities being purchased, as well as any
portfolio securities held for payment of such commitments. The greater the
Fund's outstanding commitments for these securities, the greater the Fund's
exposure to market price fluctuation.
CREDIT RISK. Credit risk refers to an issuer's ability to make timely payments
of interest and principal. Credit risk should be low for the Fund because it
invests primarily in insured municipal securities.
INCOME RISK. The income you receive from the Fund is based primarily on interest
rates, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If interest rates
drop, your income from the Fund may drop as well.
CALL RISK. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of municipal
securities with high interest rates will prepay or "call" their securities
before their maturity dates. In this event, the proceeds from the called
securities would be reinvested by the Fund in securities with the new, lower
interest rates, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund's income and
distributions to shareholders.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES RISK. The Fund invests primarily in insured municipal
securities. The yields of
UNDERSTANDING
MUNICIPAL
SECURITIES
Municipal securities, including municipal bonds, notes or leases, generally
are issued by state and local governments or regional governmental
authorities to raise money for their daily operations or special projects.
The interest received from municipal securities generally is exempt from
federal income tax. In addition, the interest may be exempt from certain
state or local taxes when received from issuers who are located in the
investors' home state, municipality or region. The interest from certain
municipal securities is a preference item subject to federal alternative
minimum tax.
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municipal securities, or of insured municipal securities, may move differently
and adversely compared to the yields of the overall debt securities markets.
While the interest received from municipal securities generally is exempt from
federal income tax, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in
municipal securities subject to federal alternative minimum tax. In addition,
there could be changes in applicable tax laws or tax treatments that reduce or
eliminate the current federal income tax exemption on municipal securities or
otherwise adversely affect the current federal or state tax status of municipal
securities.
NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISKS. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" fund,
which means the Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a more
limited number of issuers than a "diversified" fund. As a result, the Fund may
be subject to greater risk than a diversified fund because changes in the
financial condition or market assessment of a single issuer may cause greater
fluctuations in the value of the Fund's shares.
STATE-SPECIFIC RISKS. Because the Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of
Florida municipal securities, the Fund is more susceptible to political,
economic, regulatory or other factors affecting issuers of Florida municipal
securities than a fund that does not limit its investments to such issuers.
RISKS OF USING DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS. In general terms, a derivative investment
is one whose value depends on (or is derived from) the value of an underlying
asset, interest rate or index. Options, futures and options on futures, interest
rate swaps and other interest rate-related transactions are examples of
derivatives. Such transactions involve risks different from the direct
investment in underlying securities such as imperfect correlation between the
value of the instruments and the underlying assets; risks of default by the
other party to certain transactions; risks that the transactions may incur
losses that partially or completely offset gains in portfolio positions; risks
that the transactions may not be liquid; and manager risk.
MANAGER RISK. As with any fund, the Fund's management may not be successful in
selecting the best-performing securities and the Fund's performance may lag
behind that of similar funds.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank or other insured
depository institution. Your investment is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
INVESTOR PROFILE
In light of its objective and investment strategies, the Fund may be appropriate
for investors who:
- - Seek current income.
- - Are in a high federal income tax bracket.
- - Are subject to Florida intangible personal property tax.
- - Wish to add to their personal investment portfolios a fund that invests
primarily in insured Florida municipal securities.
An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. The Fund is
not intended to be a complete investment program, and investors should consider
their long-term investment goals and financial needs when making an investment
decision about the Fund. An investment in the Fund is intended to be a long-term
investment, and the Fund should not be used as a trading vehicle.
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
One way to measure the risks of investing in the Fund is to look at how its
performance varies from year to year. The following chart shows the annual
returns of the Fund's Class A Shares over the past five calendar years prior to
the date of this prospectus. Sales loads are not reflected in this chart. If
these sales loads had been included, the returns shown below would have been
lower. Remember that the past performance of the Fund is not indicative of its
future performance.
BAR GRAPH
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL RETURN
-------------
<S> <C>
'1994' -1.47
'1995' 16.29
'1996' 4.37
'1997' 8.72
'1998' 6.61
</TABLE>
*The return for 1994 is for the period from July 29, 1994 (commencement of
investment operations) to December 31, 1994.
The annual return variability of the Fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares
would be substantially
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similar to that shown for the Class A Shares because all of the Fund's shares
are invested in the same portfolio of securities; however, the actual annual
returns of the Class B Shares and Class C Shares would be lower than the annual
returns shown for the Fund's Class A Shares because of differences in the
expenses borne by each class of shares.
During the five-year period shown in the bar chart, the highest quarterly return
was 6.75% (for the quarter ended March 31, 1995) and the lowest quarterly return
was -2.37% (for the quarter ended March 31, 1996).
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE
This table shows how the Fund's performance compares with the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index, a broad-based market index that the Fund's management
believes is an applicable benchmark for the Fund. Average annual total returns,
assuming payment of the maximum sales charges, are shown for the one-year period
ended December 31, 1998 and the period from the inception date for each class of
shares to December 31, 1998 (the most recently completed calendar year prior to
the date of this prospectus). Remember that the past performance of the Fund is
not indicative of its future performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS PAST 10
FOR THE YEARS
PERIODS ENDED PAST 1 OR SINCE
DECEMBER 31, 1998 YEAR INCEPTION
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Van Kampen Florida Insured
Tax Free Income Fund
.....................................................
Class A Shares 1.52% 6.49%(1)
.....................................................
Class B Shares 1.84% 6.60%(1)
.....................................................
Class C Shares 4.70% 6.89%(1)
.....................................................
Lehman Brothers Municipal
Bond Index 6.48% 8.22%
.....................................................
</TABLE>
Inception date: (1) 7/29/94.
The current yield for the thirty-day period ended September 30, 1998 is 4.19%
for Class A Shares, 3.63% for Class B Shares and 3.64% for Class C Shares.
Investors can obtain the current yield of the Fund for each class of shares by
calling (800) 341-2911.
FEES AND EXPENSES
OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge
(load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of
offering price) 4.75%(1) None None
..............................................................
Maximum deferred
sales charge (load)
(as a percentage of
the lesser of
original purchase
price or redemption
proceeds) None(2) Year 1-4.00% Year 1-1.00%
Year 2-3.75% After-None
Year 3-3.50%
Year 4-2.50%
Year 5-1.50%
Year 6-1.00%
After-None
..............................................................
Maximum sales charge
(load) imposed on
reinvested dividends
(as a percentage of
offering price) None None None
..............................................................
Redemption fees (as a
percentage of amount None None None
redeemed)
..............................................................
Exchange fee None None None
..............................................................
</TABLE>
(1) Reduced for purchases of $100,000 and over. See "Purchase of Shares--Class A
Shares."
(2) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to any sales charge at the
time of purchase, but a deferred sales charge of 1.00% may be imposed on
certain redemptions made within one year of the purchase. See "Purchase of
Shares--Class A Shares."
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ANNUAL FUND
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHARES SHARES SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees(1) 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
..............................................................
Distribution and/or
Service (12b-1)
Fees(2) 0.25% 1.00%(3) 1.00%(3)
..............................................................
Other Expenses(1) 0.55% 0.55% 0.53%
..............................................................
Total Annual Fund
Operating Expenses(1) 1.30% 2.05% 2.03%
..............................................................
</TABLE>
(1) The Fund's investment adviser is currently waiving or reimbursing all or a
portion of the Fund's Management Fees and Other Expenses such that actual
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for the fiscal period ended September
30, 1998 were 0.60%, 1.35% and 1.32% for Class A Shares, Class B Shares and
Class C Shares, respectively.
(2) Class A Shares are subject to an annual service fee of up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets attributable to such class of shares. Class B
Shares and Class C Shares are each subject to a combined annual distribution
and service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable
to such class of shares. See "Purchase of Shares."
(3) Because Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees are paid out of the Fund's
assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of
your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales
charges. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. rules.
Example:
The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return each year and
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year (except for the
ten-year amounts for Class B Shares which reflect the conversion of Class B
Shares to Class A Shares after eight years). Although your actual costs may be
higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares $601 $868 $1,154 $1,968
......................................................................
Class B Shares $608 $993 $1,253 $2,187*
......................................................................
Class C Shares $306 $637 $1,093 $2,358
......................................................................
</TABLE>
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares $601 $868 $1,154 $1,968
......................................................................
Class B Shares $208 $643 $1,103 $2,187*
......................................................................
Class C Shares $206 $637 $1,093 $2,358
......................................................................
</TABLE>
* Based on conversion to Class A Shares after eight years.
To simplify comparison among funds, all funds are required by the SEC to assume
a 5% annual return. Class B Shares of the Fund acquired through the exchange
privilege are subject to the contingent deferred sales charge schedule of the
fund from which the shareholder's purchase of Class B Shares was originally
made. Accordingly, future expenses as projected could be higher than those
determined in the above table if the investor's Class B Shares were exchanged
from a fund with a higher contingent deferred sales charge. The Fund's actual
annual return and actual expenses for future periods may be greater or less than
those shown.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax and Florida intangible personal
property taxes, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund is designed
for investors who are residents of Florida for tax purposes. The Fund's
investment objective is a fundamental policy and may not be changed without
shareholder approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act"). There are risks inherent in all investments in securities;
accordingly there can be no assurance the Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund's management seeks to achieve the
investment objective by investing at least 80% of the Fund's total assets in
Florida municipal securities that are insured at the time of purchase as to
timely payment of both principal and interest by an entity whose claims-paying
ability is rated AAA by Standard and
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Poor's ("S&P"), or Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or an
equivalent rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO"). Under normal market conditions, up to 20% of the Fund's
total assets may consist of uninsured Florida municipal securities rated
investment grade at the time of investment. Investment grade securities are
securities rated BBB or higher by S&P, Baa or higher by Moody's or an equivalent
rating by another NRSRO and comparably rated short term securities. Under normal
market conditions, up to 20% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in
municipal securities that are subject to the alternative minimum tax. From time
to time, the Fund temporarily may invest up to 10% of its total assets in tax
exempt money market funds and such instruments will be treated as investments in
municipal securities.
The Fund's investment adviser will buy and sell securities for the Fund's
portfolio with a view to seeking a high level of current income exempt from
federal income tax and Florida intangible personal property taxes and will
select securities which the Fund's investment adviser believes entail reasonable
credit risk considered in relation to the investment policies of the Fund. As a
result, the Fund will not necessarily invest in the highest yielding Florida
municipal securities permitted by its investment policies if the Fund's
investment adviser determines that market risks or credit risks associated with
such investments would subject the Fund's portfolio to undue risk. The potential
for realization of capital gains resulting from possible changes in interest
rates will not be a major consideration. Other than for tax purposes, frequency
of portfolio turnover generally will not be a limiting factor if the Fund's
investment adviser considers it advantageous to purchase or sell securities.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
Municipal securities are obligations issued by or on behalf of states,
territories or possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia and
their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, the interest on
which, in the opinion of bond counsel or other counsel to the issuers of such
securities, is, at the time of issuance, exempt from federal income tax. Florida
municipal securities are municipal securities the interest on which, in the
opinion of bond counsel or other counsel to the issuers of such securities, is,
at the time of issuance, exempt from Florida intangible personal property taxes.
Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in Florida municipal securities. The policy stated in the foregoing
sentence is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be changed without
shareholder approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act. Under normal market conditions,
up to 20% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in municipal securities
that are subject to federal alternative minimum tax.
The issuers of municipal securities obtain funds for various public purposes,
including the construction of a wide range of public facilities such as
airports, highways, bridges, schools, hospitals, housing, mass transportation,
streets and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for which municipal
securities may be issued include refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining
funds for general operating expenses and obtaining funds to lend to other public
institutions and facilities. Certain types of municipal securities are issued to
obtain funding for privately operated facilities.
The yields of municipal securities depend on, among other things, general money
market conditions, general conditions of the municipal securities market, size
of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and rating of the
issue. The ratings of S&P and Moody's represent their opinions of the quality of
the municipal securities they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized,
however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon and rating may
have different yields while municipal securities of the same maturity and coupon
with different ratings may have the same yield.
The two principal classifications of municipal securities are "general
obligation" and "revenue" or "special delegation" securities. "General
obligation" securities are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit
and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. "Revenue" securities
are usually payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or
class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax
or other specific revenue source. Industrial development bonds are usually
revenue securities, the credit quality of which is normally directly related to
the credit standing of the industrial user involved.
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<PAGE> 8
Within these principal classifications of municipal securities, there are a
variety of types of municipal securities, including fixed and variable rate
securities, municipal notes, variable rate demand notes, municipal leases,
custodial receipts, participation certificates and derivative municipal
securities (which include terms or elements similar in to certain strategic
transactions described below). Variable rate securities bear rates of interest
that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended to reflect market
rates of interest. The Fund also may also invest in derivative variable rate
securities, such as inverse floaters whose rates vary inversely with changes in
market rates of interest. Investment in such securities involve special risks as
compared to a fixed rate municipal security. The extent of increases and
decreases in the value of derivative variable rate securities and the
corresponding change to the net asset value of the Fund generally will be larger
than comparable changes in the value of an equal principal amount of a fixed
rate municipal security having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and
maturity. The markets for such securities may be less developed and have less
liquidity than the markets for conventional municipal securities. The Fund will
not invest more than 20% of its total assets in derivative variable rate
securities, such as inverse floaters whose rates vary inversely with changes in
market rates of interest or range floaters or capped floaters whose rates are
subject to periodic or lifetime caps. Municipal notes include tax, revenue and
bond anticipation notes of short maturity, generally less than three years,
which are issued to obtain temporary funds for various public purposes. Variable
rate demand notes are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest
rate adjustment formula and which are subject to a right of demand for payment
of the principal balance plus accrued interest either at any time or at
specified intervals. The interest rate on a variable rate demand note may be
based on a known lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate, and may be adjusted
when such rate changes, or the interest rate may be a market rate that is
adjusted at specified intervals. The adjustment formula maintains the value of
the variable rate demand note at approximately the par value of such note at the
adjustment date. Municipal leases are obligations issued by state and local
governments or authorities to finance the acquisition of equipment and
facilities. Certain municipal lease obligations may include "non-appropriation"
clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or
installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for
such purpose on a yearly basis. Custodial receipts are underwritten by
securities dealers or banks and evidence ownership of future interest payments,
principal payments or both on certain municipal securities. Participation
certificates are obligations issued by state or local governments or authorities
to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities. They may represent
participations in a lease, an installment purchase contract, or a conditional
sales contract. Municipal securities may not be backed by the faith, credit and
taxing power of the issuer. Other than as set forth above, there is no
limitation with respect to the amount of the Fund's assets that may be invested
in the foregoing types of municipal securities. Certain of the municipal
securities in which the Fund may invest represent relatively recent innovations
in the municipal securities markets and the markets for such securities may be
less developed than the market for conventional fixed rate municipal securities.
A more detailed description of the types of municipal securities in which the
Fund may invest is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Under normal market conditions, longer term municipal securities generally
provide a higher yield than shorter term municipal securities, and therefore the
Fund generally expects to invest primarily in longer term municipal securities.
The Fund will, however, invest in shorter term municipal securities when it
believes market conditions warrant such investments.
The net asset value of the Fund will change with changes in the value of its
portfolio securities. Because the Fund will invest primarily in fixed income
municipal securities, the net asset value of the Fund can be expected to change
as general levels of interest rates fluctuate. When interest rates decline, the
value of a portfolio invested in fixed income securities generally can be
expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio
invested in fixed income securities generally can be expected to decline. The
prices of longer term municipal securities generally are more volatile with
respect to changes in interest rates than the prices of shorter term municipal
securities. Volatility may be greater during periods of general economic
uncertainty.
Although the Fund invests primarily in municipal securities that are insured at
the time of purchase as to timely payment of both principal and interest,
municipal securities, like other debt obligations, are subject to the credit
risk of non-payment. The ability
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<PAGE> 9
of issuers of municipal securities to make timely payments of interest and
principal may be adversely impacted in general economic downturns and as
relative governmental cost burdens are allocated and reallocated among federal,
state and local governmental units. Such non-payment would result in a reduction
of income to the Fund, and could result in a reduction in the value of the
municipal securities experiencing non-payment and a potential decrease in the
net asset value of the Fund. In addition, the Fund may incur expenses to work
out or restructure a distressed or defaulted security.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal securities that
are subject to federal alternative minimum tax. The Fund may not be a suitable
investment for investors who are already subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax or who would become subject to the federal alternative minimum tax
as a result of an investment in the Fund.
From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress that would
have the effect of reducing or eliminating the current federal tax exemption on
municipal securities. If such a proposal were enacted, the ability of the Fund
to pay tax exempt interest dividends might be adversely affected and the Fund
would re-evaluate its investment objective and policies and consider changes in
its structure.
The Fund generally considers investments in municipal securities not to be
subject to industry concentration policies (issuers of municipal securities as a
group are not an industry) and the Fund may invest in municipal securities
issued by entities having similar characteristics. The issuers may be located in
the same geographic area or may pay their interest obligations from revenue of
similar projects, such as hospitals, airports, utility systems and housing
finance agencies. This may make the Fund's investments more susceptible to
similar economic, political or regulatory occurrences. As the similarity in
issuers increases, the potential for fluctuation in the Fund's net asset value
also increases. The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in a
segment of the municipal securities market with similar characteristics if the
Fund's investment adviser determines that the yields available from obligations
in a particular segment justify the additional risks of a larger investment in
such segment. The Fund may not, however, invest more than 25% of its total
assets in industrial development revenue bonds issued for companies in the same
industry. Sizeable investments in such obligations could involve increased risk
to the Fund should any of such issuers or any such related projects or
facilities experience financial difficulties.
From time to time, the Fund's investments may include securities as to which the
Fund, by itself or together with other funds or accounts managed by the Fund's
investment adviser, holds a major portion or all of an issue of municipal
securities. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such
investments and, in some cases, there may be contractual restrictions on
resales, the Fund may find it more difficult to sell such securities at a time
when the Fund's investment adviser believes it is advisable to do so.
INSURED MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of municipal securities that are
insured at the time of investment as to timely payment of both principal and
interest by a top-rated private insurance company. Such insurance could be
provided as: Original Issue Insurance, Secondary Market Insurance or Portfolio
Insurance. Original Issue Insurance is purchased with respect to a particular
issue of municipal securities by the issuer thereof or a third party in
conjunction with the original issue of such municipal securities. Secondary
Market Insurance is purchased by the Fund or a third party subsequent to the
time of original issuance of a municipal security. Both Original Issue Insurance
and Secondary Market Insurance remain in effect as long as the municipal
securities covered thereby remain outstanding and the insurer remains in
business, regardless of whether the Fund ultimately disposes of such municipal
securities. Portfolio Insurance may be purchased by the Fund with respect to
municipal securities which the Fund intends to purchase or already owns and
would generally terminate when the municipal security is sold by the Fund or
redeemed. There is no limitation on the percentage of the Fund's assets that may
be invested in municipal securities insured by any type of insurance or any
given insurer.
Original Issue Insurance, Secondary Market Insurance and Portfolio Insurance
generally do not insure payment on an accelerated basis, the payment of any
redemption premium or the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Such
insurance also does not insure against nonpayment of principal or interest on
municipal securities resulting from the insolvency, negligence or any other act
or omission of the trustee or other paying agent for such obligations.
9
<PAGE> 10
The Fund invests in municipal securities insured by insurers whose claims-paying
ability is rated AAA by S&P, Aaa by Moody's or the equivalent by another NRSRO
at the time of the Fund's investment. A subsequent downgrade by S&P, Moody's or
another NRSRO of an insurer's claims-paying ability may result in increased
credit risk of the municipal securities insured by such insurer and may result
in a downgrade of the rating assigned to the municipal securities insured by
such insurer. The securities could experience a decrease in market price as a
result of such a downgrade. In the event the ratings assigned to such municipal
securities decline to below investment grade, such municipal securities would
probably become less liquid or even illiquid. There can be no assurance that an
insurer will be able to honor its obligations with respect to municipal
securities in the Fund's portfolio. For more information on insurance and a
description of S&P's and Moody's claims-paying ability ratings of insurers, see
the Statement of Additional Information.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING
FLORIDA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of Florida municipal securities, which
are municipal securities the interest on which, in the opinion of bond counsel
or other counsel to the issuers of such securities, is, at the time of issuance,
exempt from Florida intangible personal property taxes. Because the Fund invests
primarily in a portfolio of Florida municipal securities, the Fund is more
susceptible to political, economic, regulatory or other factors affecting
issuers of Florida municipal securities than a fund which does not limit its
investments to such issuers. These risks include possible legislative, state
constitutional or regulatory amendments that may affect the ability of state and
local governments or regional governmental authorities to raise money to pay
principal and interest on their municipal securities. Economic, fiscal and
budgetary conditions throughout the state may also influence the Fund's
performance.
The following information is a summary of a more detailed description of certain
factors affecting Florida municipal securities which is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information. Investors should obtain a copy of the
Statement of Additional Information for the more detailed discussion of such
factors. Such information is derived from certain official statements of the
State of Florida published in connection with the issuance of specific Florida
municipal securities, as well as from other publicly available documents. Such
information has not been independently verified by the Fund and may not apply to
all Florida municipal securities acquired by the Fund. The Fund assumes no
responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of such information.
Florida state and local government obligations may be adversely affected by
political and economic conditions and developments within the State of Florida
and the nation as a whole.
Florida's economic outlook is projected generally to reflect the national
economic outlook and is expected to experience steady if unspectacular growth
over the next couple of years. Historically, Florida's unemployment rate has
generally tracked below that of the nation; however, beginning with the
recession in the early 1990's, the trend reversed. Since 1995, the state's
unemployment rate has again been below or about the same as the nation's. The
unemployment rate for Florida in 1997 was 4.8% while the national rate in 1997
was 4.9%. Florida's unemployment rate is expected to be 4.5% for fiscal year
1998-99 and 4.7% for fiscal year 1999-00. For the State's fiscal year ended June
30, 1997, receipts from the sales and use tax, the greatest single source of tax
revenue to the State of Florida, were $12,089 million, an increase of 5.5% from
fiscal year 1995-96.
Tourism is one of Florida's most important industries. Approximately 47 million
people visited the State in 1997. By the end of fiscal year 1998-99, 49.7
million domestic and international tourists are expected to have visited the
state. In 1999-2000, tourist arrivals should approximate 50.6 million.
County and municipal governments in Florida depend primarily upon ad valorem
property taxes, sales, motor fuel and other local excise taxes and miscellaneous
revenue sources, including revenues from utilities services. Florida school
districts derive substantially all of their revenues from local property taxes.
The overall level of revenue from these sources is in part dependent upon the
local, state and national economies. Local government obligations held by the
Fund may constitute general obligations or may be special obligations payable
solely from one or more specified revenue sources. The ability of the local
governments to repay their obligations on a timely basis will be dependent upon
the continued strength of the revenues pledged and of the overall fiscal status
of the local government.
10
<PAGE> 11
Voters at the general election in November 1994 approved an amendment to the
Constitution of the State of Florida limiting future state revenues. It is
unclear what effect, if any, such amendment would have on state or local
government debt obligations.
The value of Florida municipal instruments may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the credit quality and
rating of the issues and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates.
There can be no assurance that there will not be a decline in economic
conditions or that particular Florida municipal securities in the portfolio of
the Fund will not be adversely affected by any such changes.
More detailed information concerning Florida municipal securities and the State
of Florida is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
The Fund may purchase and sell derivative instruments such as exchange-listed
and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, financial futures,
fixed-income indices and other financial instruments, purchase and sell
financial futures contracts and enter into various interest rate transactions
such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. Collectively, all of the above are
referred to as "Strategic Transactions." Strategic Transactions may be used to
attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities
held in or to be purchased for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities
markets fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio,
or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute
for purchasing or selling particular securities. Any or all of these investment
techniques may be used at any time and there is no particular strategy that
dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as use of any Strategic
Transaction is a function of numerous variables including market conditions. The
ability of the Fund to utilize these Strategic Transactions successfully will
depend on the investment adviser's ability to predict pertinent market
movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will comply with applicable
regulatory requirements when implementing these strategies, techniques and
instruments. Strategic Transactions have risks associated with them including
possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the
extent the investment adviser's view as to certain market movements is
incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result in
losses greater than if they had not been used. Use of put and call options may
result in losses to the Fund, force the sale of portfolio securities at
inopportune times or for prices other than at current market values, limit the
amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its investments or cause the Fund
to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of options and futures
transactions entails certain other risks. In particular, the variable degree of
correlation between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in
the related portfolio position of the Fund creates the possibility that losses
on the risk management or hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the
value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and options markets may not
be liquid in all circumstances and certain over-the-counter options may have no
markets. As a result, in certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close
out a transaction without incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the
contemplated use of these futures contracts and options thereon should tend to
minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position,
at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from
an increase in value of such position. Finally, the daily variation margin
requirements for futures contracts would create a greater ongoing potential
financial risk than would purchases of options, where the exposure is limited to
the cost of the initial premium. Losses resulting from the use of Strategic
Transactions would reduce net asset value, and possibly income, and such losses
can be greater than if the Strategic Transactions had not been utilized. The
Strategic Transactions that the Fund may use and their risks are described more
fully in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. Income earned or deemed
to be earned by the Fund from its Strategic Transactions, if any, generally will
be taxable income of the Fund.
The Fund may purchase and sell municipal securities on a "when-issued" or
"delayed delivery" basis whereby the Fund buys or sells a security with payment
and delivery taking place in the future. The payment obligation and the interest
rate are fixed at the time the Fund enters into the commitment. No income
accrues to the Fund on municipal securities in connection with such transactions
prior to the date
11
<PAGE> 12
the Fund actually takes delivery of such securities. These transactions are
subject to market risk as the value or yield of a municipal security at delivery
may be more or less than the purchase price or the yield generally available on
municipal securities when delivery occurs. In addition, the Fund is subject to
counterparty risk because it relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may be,
to consummate the transaction, and failure by the other party to complete the
transaction may result in the Fund missing the opportunity of obtaining a price
or yield considered to be advantageous. The Fund will only make commitments to
purchase such securities with the intention of actually acquiring these
securities, but the Fund may sell these securities prior to settlement if it is
deemed advisable. No specific limitation exists as to the percentage of the
Fund's assets which may be used to acquire securities on a "when-issued" or
"delayed delivery" basis.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the Fund's net assets in illiquid and certain
restricted securities. Such securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at
the time and the price that the Fund would like. Thus, the Fund may have to sell
such securities at a lower price, sell other securities instead to obtain cash
or forego other investment opportunities.
The Fund may borrow amounts up to 5% of its net assets in order to pay for
redemptions when liquidation of portfolio securities is considered
disadvantageous or inconvenient and may pledge up to 10% of its net assets to
secure such borrowings.
Further information about these types of investments and other investment
practices that may be used by the Fund is contained in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information which can be obtained by investors free of charge as
described on the back cover of this prospectus.
Although the Fund does not intend to engage in substantial short-term trading,
it may sell securities without regard to the length of time they have been held
in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or yield
differentials or otherwise. The Fund's portfolio turnover is shown under the
heading "Financial Highlights". The portfolio turnover rate may be expected to
vary from year to year. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases
the Fund's transactions costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer costs,
and may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if the
Fund had a lower portfolio turnover. The turnover rate will not be a limiting
factor, however, if the Fund's investment adviser considers portfolio changes
appropriate.
When market conditions dictate a more "defensive" investment strategy, the Fund
may invest on a temporary basis a portion or all of its assets in high-quality,
short-term Florida municipal obligations. If such municipal obligations are not
available or, in the investment adviser's judgment, do not afford sufficient
protection against adverse market conditions, the Fund may invest in
high-quality, municipal securities of issuers other than issuers of Florida
municipal securities. Furthermore, if such high-quality securities are not
available or, in the investment adviser's judgment, do not afford sufficient
protection against adverse market conditions, the Fund may invest in taxable
obligations. Such taxable obligations may include in securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, other
investment grade quality income securities, prime commercial paper, certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other obligations of domestic banks having
total assets of at least $500 million, and repurchase agreements. The effect of
taking such a defensive position may be that the Fund does not achieve its
investment objective.
YEAR 2000 RISKS. Like other mutual funds, financial and business organizations
and individuals around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the
computer systems used by the Fund's investment adviser and other service
providers do not properly process and calculate date-related information and
data from and after January 1, 2000. This is commonly known as the "Year 2000
Problem." The Fund's investment adviser is taking steps that it believes are
reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect to computer
systems that it uses and to obtain reasonable assurances that comparable steps
are being taken by the Fund's other major service providers. At this time, there
can be no assurances that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse
impact to the Fund. In addition, the Year 2000 Problem may adversely affect the
markets and the issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest which, in
turn, may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund. Improperly
functioning trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity
issues. In addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors may
result in production problems for individual companies or issuers and overall
economic uncertainty. Earnings of individual issuers will be affected by
remediation
12
<PAGE> 13
costs, which may be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S. and
foreign financial statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments may be
adversely affected. The statements above are subject to the Year 2000
Information and Readiness Disclosure Act which Act may limit the legal rights
regarding the use of such statements in the case of a dispute.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
THE ADVISER. Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp. is the Fund's investment
adviser (the "Adviser" or "Advisory Corp."). The Adviser is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments Inc. ("Van Kampen Investments"). Van Kampen
Investments is a diversified asset management company with more than two million
retail investor accounts, extensive capabilities for managing institutional
portfolios, and more than $50 billion under management or supervision. Van
Kampen Investments' more than 50 open-end and 39 closed-end funds and more than
2,500 unit investment trusts are professionally distributed by leading financial
advisers nationwide. Van Kampen Funds Inc., the distributor of the Fund (the
"Distributor") and the sponsor of the funds mentioned above, is also a wholly
owned subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments. Van Kampen Investments is an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The
Adviser's principal office is located at 1 Parkview Plaza, PO Box 5555, Oakbrook
Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555.
ADVISORY AGREEMENT. The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of its
assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio
securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the
Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee
computed based upon an annual rate applied to average daily net assets of the
Fund as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Daily Net Assets % Per Annum
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First $500 million 0.50%
.....................................................
Over $500 million 0.45%
.....................................................
</TABLE>
Applying this fee schedule absent advisory fee waivers, the Fund would have paid
the Adviser an advisory fee at the effective rate of 0.50% of the Fund's average
net assets for the Fund's fiscal period ended September 30, 1998.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund also reimburses the Adviser for the cost
of the Fund's accounting services, which include maintaining its financial books
and records and calculating its daily net asset value. Other operating expenses
paid by the Fund include service fees, distribution fees, custodial fees, legal
and accounting fees, the costs of reports and proxies to shareholders, trustees'
fees (other than those who are affiliated persons of the Adviser, Distributor or
Van Kampen Investments) and all other business expenses not specifically assumed
by the Adviser.
From time to time, the Adviser or the Distributor may voluntarily undertake to
reduce the Fund's expenses by reducing the fees payable to them or reducing
other expenses of the Fund in accordance with such limitations as the Adviser or
Distributor may establish.
The Adviser may utilize, at its own expense, credit analysis, research and
trading support services provided by its affiliate, Van Kampen Asset Management
Inc. ("Asset Management").
PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES. The Fund and the Adviser have adopted Codes of
Ethics designed to recognize the fiduciary relationship between the Fund and the
Adviser and its employees. The Codes of Ethics permit directors, trustees,
officers and employees to buy and sell securities for their personal accounts
subject to certain restrictions. Persons with access to certain sensitive
information are subject to pre-clearance and other procedures designed to
prevent conflicts of interest.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. Thomas M. Byron, a Vice President of the Adviser, has been
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio
since January 1997. Prior to January 1997, Mr. Byron was manager of the Unit
Investment Trust Purchasing Desk and assumed buying responsibilities for all
national tax-free and taxable unit trusts for the Adviser since April 1994.
Prior to April 1994, Mr. Byron was responsible for buying the state unit
investment trusts for the Adviser. Mr. Byron has been employed by the Adviser
since 1981.
-
13
<PAGE> 14
PURCHASE OF SHARES
GENERAL
The Fund offers three classes of shares designated as Class A Shares, Class B
Shares and Class C Shares. By offering three classes of shares, the Fund permits
each investor to choose the class of shares that is most beneficial given the
amount to be invested and the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares. Initial investments must be at least $500 for each class of shares, and
subsequent investments must be at least $25 for each class of shares. Both
minimums may be waived by the Distributor for plans involving periodic
investments.
Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments
of the Fund and has the same rights except that (i) Class A Shares generally
bear the sales charge expenses at the time of purchase while Class B Shares and
Class C Shares bear the sales charge expenses at the time of redemption and any
expenses (including higher distribution fees and transfer agency costs)
resulting from such deferred sales charge arrangement, (ii) generally, each
class of shares has exclusive voting rights with respect to approvals of the
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan (described below) pursuant to which its
distribution fee or service fee is paid, (iii) each class of shares has
different exchange privileges, (iv) certain classes of shares are subject to a
conversion feature and (v) certain classes of shares have different shareholder
service options available.
The price of the Fund's shares is based upon the Fund's net asset value per
share. The net asset values per share of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and
Class C Shares are generally expected to be substantially the same. In certain
circumstances, however, the per share net asset values of the classes of shares
may differ from one another, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the higher
distribution fees and transfer agency costs applicable to the Class B Shares and
Class C Shares and the differential in the dividends that may be paid on each
class of shares.
The net asset value per share for each class of shares of the Fund is determined
once daily as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, except on:
customary business holidays, any day on which no purchase or redemption orders
are received or there is not a sufficient degree of trading in the Fund's
portfolio securities such that the Fund's net asset value per share might be
materially affected. The Fund reserves the right to calculate the net asset
value per share and to adjust the public offering price based thereon more
frequently than once a day if deemed desirable. Net asset value per share for
each class is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest) attributable to
such class, less all liabilities (including accrued expenses) attributable to
such class, by the total number of shares of the class outstanding. Portfolio
securities are valued by using market quotations, prices provided by market
makers or estimates of market values determined in good faith based upon yield
data relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics in
accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
Securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost when amortized cost is determined in good faith by or under the direction
of the Board of Trustees of the Fund to be representative of the fair value at
which it is expected such securities may be resold. Any securities or other
assets for which current market quotations are not readily available are valued
at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by
and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") with respect
to each class of its shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund also has adopted a service
plan (the "Service Plan") with respect to each class of its shares. The
Distribution Plan and the Service Plan provide that the Fund may pay
distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and
service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to
shareholders of each class.
The amount of distribution and service fees varies among the classes offered by
the Fund. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing
basis, these fees will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund. By
purchasing a class of shares subject to higher distribution and service fees,
you may pay more over time than on a class of shares with other types of sales
charge arrangements. The net income attributable to a class of shares and the
dividends payable on such class of shares will be reduced by the amount of the
distribution fees and other expenses associated with such class of shares.
14
<PAGE> 15
To assist investors in comparing classes of shares, the tables under the heading
"Fees and Expenses of the Fund" provide a summary of sales charges and expenses
and an example of the sales charges and expenses applicable to each class of
shares.
The shares are offered to the public on a continuous basis through the
Distributor as principal underwriter, which is located at 1 Parkview Plaza, PO
Box 5555, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555. Shares also are offered through
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") who are
acting as securities dealers ("dealers") and NASD members or eligible non-NASD
members who are acting as brokers or agents or investors ("brokers"). "Dealers"
and "brokers" are sometimes referred to herein as "authorized dealers."
Shares may be purchased on any business day by completing the application
accompanying this prospectus and forwarding the application, directly or through
an authorized dealer, to the Fund's shareholder service agent, Van Kampen
Investor Services Inc. ("Investor Services"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Van
Kampen Investments. When purchasing shares of the Fund, investors must specify
whether the purchase is for Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares.
Sales personnel of authorized dealers distributing the Fund's shares are
entitled to receive compensation for selling such shares and may receive
differing compensation for selling Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C
Shares.
The price paid for shares purchased is based on the next calculation of net
asset value per share (plus sales charges, where applicable) after an order is
received by Investor Services. Orders received by authorized dealers are priced
based on the date of receipt provided such order is transmitted to Investor
Services prior to Investor Services' close of business on such date. Orders
received by authorized dealers or transmitted to Investor Services after its
close of business are priced based on the date of the next computed net asset
value per share provided they are received by Investor Services prior to
Investor Services' close of business on such date. It is the responsibility of
authorized dealers to transmit orders received by them to Investor Services so
they will be received in a timely manner. Orders of less than $500 generally are
mailed by the authorized dealer and processed at the offering price next
calculated after receipt by Investor Services.
Shares of the Fund may be sold in foreign countries where permissible. The Fund
and the Distributor reserve the right to refuse any order for the purchase of
shares. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend the sale of the Fund's
shares in response to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons.
Investor accounts will automatically be credited with additional shares of the
Fund after any Fund distributions, such as dividends and capital gains
distributions, unless the investor instructs the Fund otherwise. Investors
wishing to receive cash instead of additional shares should contact the Fund at
(800) 341-2911 or by writing to the Fund, c/o Van Kampen Investors Services
Inc., PO Box 418256, Kansas City, MO 64141-9256.
CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value plus an initial maximum
sales charge of up to 4.75% of the offering price (or 4.99% of the net amount
invested), reduced on investments of $100,000 or more as follows:
CLASS A SHARES
SALES CHARGE SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS % OF AS % OF
SIZE OF OFFERING NET AMOUNT
INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000 4.75% 4.99%
..........................................................
$100,000 but less than
$250,000 3.75% 3.90%
..........................................................
$250,000 but less than
$500,000 2.75% 2.83%
..........................................................
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000 2.00% 2.04%
..........................................................
$1,000,000 or more * *
..........................................................
</TABLE>
* No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more, although for such investments the Fund imposes a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1.00% on certain redemptions made within one year of
the purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge is assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the shares
being redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed on increases in net
asset value above the initial purchase price.
The Fund may spend an aggregate amount up to 0.25% per year of the average daily
net assets attributable to the Class A Shares of the Fund pursuant to the
Distribution Plan and Service Plan. From such amount, the Fund may spend up to
0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Class
A Shares pursuant to the
15
<PAGE> 16
Service Plan in connection with the ongoing provision of services to holders of
such shares by the Distributor and by brokers, dealers or financial
intermediaries and in connection with the maintenance of such shareholders'
accounts.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
deferred sales charge if redeemed within six years of purchase as shown in the
table as follows:
CLASS B SHARES
SALES CHARGE SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE AS A
PERCENTAGE OF
DOLLAR AMOUNT
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE SUBJECT TO CHARGE
- ------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
First 4.00%
................................................
Second 3.75%
................................................
Third 3.50%
................................................
Fourth 2.50%
................................................
Fifth 1.50%
................................................
Sixth 1.00%
................................................
Seventh and After None
................................................
</TABLE>
The contingent deferred sales charge is assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no sales charge is assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
It is presently the policy of the Distributor not to accept any order for Class
B Shares in an amount of $500,000 or more because it ordinarily will be more
advantageous for an investor making such an investment to purchase Class A
Shares.
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, varies depending on
the number of years from the time of payment for the purchase of Class B Shares
until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining
the number of years from the time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all
payments during a month are aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last
day of the month.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable to a
redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge and then of shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
The Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the average daily net assets
attributable to the Class B Shares of the Fund pursuant to the Distribution
Plan. In addition, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of the Fund's average
daily net assets attributable to the Class B Shares pursuant to the Service Plan
in connection with the ongoing provision of services to holders of such shares
by the Distributor and by brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries and in
connection with the maintenance of such shareholders' accounts.
CLASS C SHARES
Class C Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the dollar amount subject to charge if
redeemed within one year of purchase.
The contingent deferred sales charge is assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no sales charge is assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
It is presently the policy of the Distributor not to accept any order for Class
C Shares in an amount of $1 million or more because it ordinarily will be more
advantageous for an investor making such an investment to purchase Class A
Shares.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable to a
redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of any shares in the
shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge and then of shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
The Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the average daily net assets
attributable to the Class C Shares of the Fund pursuant to the Distribution
Plan. In addition, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per
16
<PAGE> 17
year of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Class C Shares
pursuant to the Service Plan in connection with the ongoing provision of
services to holders of such shares by the Distributor and by brokers, dealers or
financial intermediaries and in connection with the maintenance of such
shareholders' accounts.
CONVERSION FEATURE
Class B Shares purchased on or after June 1, 1996, and any dividend reinvestment
plan shares received thereon, automatically convert to Class A Shares eight
years after the end of the calendar month in which the shares were purchased.
Class B Shares purchased before June 1, 1996, and any dividend reinvestment plan
shares received thereon, automatically convert to Class A Shares seven years
after the end of the calendar month in which the shares were purchased. Class C
Shares purchased before January 1, 1997, and any dividend reinvestment plan
shares received thereon, automatically convert to Class A Shares ten years after
the end of the calendar month in which such shares were purchased. Such
conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values per share,
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The conversion
schedule applicable to a share of the Fund acquired through the exchange
privilege from another Van Kampen fund is determined by reference to the Van
Kampen fund from which such share was originally purchased.
The conversion of such shares to Class A Shares is subject to the continuing
availability of an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the assessment of
the higher distribution fee and transfer agency costs with respect to such
shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or distributions constituting
"preferential dividends" under the federal income tax law and (ii) the
conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income
tax law. The conversion may be suspended if such an opinion is no longer
available and such shares might continue to be subject to the higher aggregate
fees applicable to such shares for an indefinite period.
WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares (i) within one year following the death or disability (as
disability is defined by federal income tax law) of a shareholder, (ii) in
connection with required minimum distributions from an individual retirement
account ("IRA") or certain other retirement plan distributions, (iii) pursuant
to the Fund's systematic withdrawal plan but limited to 12% annually of the
initial value of the account, (iv) in circumstances under which no commission or
transaction fee is paid to authorized dealers at the time of purchase of such
shares and (v) effected pursuant to the right of the Fund to involuntarily
liquidate a shareholder's account as described under the heading "Redemption of
Shares." The contingent deferred sales charge also is waived on redemptions of
Class C Shares as it relates to the reinvestment of redemption proceeds in
shares of the same class of the Fund within 180 days after redemption. For a
more complete description of contingent deferred sales charge waivers, please
refer to the Statement of Additional Information or contact your authorized
dealer.
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Investors purchasing Class A Shares may, under certain circumstances described
below, be entitled to pay reduced sales charges. Investors, or their authorized
dealers, must notify the Fund at the time of the purchase order whenever a
quantity discount is applicable to purchases. Upon such notification, an
investor will receive the lowest applicable sales charge. Quantity discounts may
be modified or terminated at any time. For more information about quantity
discounts, investors should contact their authorized dealer or the Distributor.
A person eligible for a reduced sales charge includes an individual, his or her
spouse and children under 21 years of age and any corporation, partnership or
sole proprietorship which is 100% owned, either alone or in combination, by any
of the foregoing; a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust or
for a single fiduciary account, or a "company" as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of
the 1940 Act.
As used herein, "Participating Funds" refers to certain open-end investment
companies advised by Asset Management or Advisory Corp. and distributed by the
Distributor as determined from time to time by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
VOLUME DISCOUNTS. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares sales
charge table applies to the total dollar amount being invested by any person in
shares of the Fund, or in any combination of shares of the Fund and shares of
other Participating Funds,
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although other Participating Funds may have different sales charges.
CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares
sales charge table may also be determined by combining the amount being invested
in shares of the Participating Funds plus the current offering price of all
shares of the Participating Funds which have been previously purchased and are
still owned.
LETTER OF INTENT. A Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for an investor to
obtain a reduced sales charge by aggregating the investments over a 13-month
period to determine the sales charge as out-lined in the Class A Shares sales
charge table. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares sales charge
table also includes purchases of shares of the Participating Funds over a
13-month period based on the total amount of intended purchases plus the value
of all shares of the Participating Funds previously purchased and still owned.
An investor may elect to compute the 13-month period starting up to 90 days
before the date of execution of a Letter of Intent. Each investment made during
the period receives the reduced sales charge applicable to the total amount of
the investment goal. The initial purchase must be for an amount equal to at
least 5% of the minimum total purchase amount of the level selected. If trades
not initially made under a Letter of Intent subsequently qualify for a lower
sales charge through the 90-day back-dating provisions, an adjustment will be
made at the expiration of the Letter of Intent to give effect to the lower
charge. Such adjustment in sales charge will be used to purchase additional
shares for the shareholder at the applicable discount category. The Fund
initially will escrow shares totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of
Intent to be held by Investor Services in the name of the shareholder. In the
event the Letter of Intent goal is not achieved within the period, the investor
must pay the difference between the sales charge applicable to the purchases
made and the sales charges previously paid. Such payments may be made directly
to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor will liquidate sufficient
escrowed shares to obtain the difference.
OTHER PURCHASE PROGRAMS
Purchasers of Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced initial sales charges in
connection with the unit investment trust reinvestment program and purchases by
registered representatives of selling firms or purchases by persons affiliated
with the Fund or the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to modify or
terminate these arrangements at any time.
UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST REINVESTMENT PROGRAM. The Fund permits unitholders of unit
investment trusts to reinvest distributions from such trusts in Class A Shares
of the Fund at net asset value per share and with no minimum initial or
subsequent investment requirement, if the administrator of an investor's unit
investment trust program meets certain uniform criteria relating to cost savings
by the Fund and the Distributor. The total sales charge for all other
investments made from unit trust distributions will be 1.00% of the offering
price (1.01% of net asset value). Of this amount, the Distributor will pay to
the authorized dealer, if any, through which such participation in the
qualifying program was initiated 0.50% of the offering price as a dealer
concession or agency commission. Persons desiring more information with respect
to this program, including the terms and conditions that apply to the program,
should contact their authorized dealer or the Distributor.
The administrator of such a unit investment trust must have an agreement with
the Distributor pursuant to which the administrator will (1) submit a single
bulk order and make payment with a single remittance for all investments in the
Fund during each distribution period by all investors who choose to invest in
the Fund through the program and (2) provide Investor Services with appropriate
backup data for each investor participating in the program in a computerized
format fully compatible with Investor Services' processing system.
As further requirements for obtaining these special benefits, the Fund also
requires that all dividends and other distributions by the Fund be reinvested in
additional shares without any systematic withdrawal program. There will be no
minimum for reinvestments from unit investment trusts. The Fund will send
account activity statements to such participants on a quarterly basis only, even
if their investments are made more frequently. The Fund reserves the right to
modify or terminate this program at any time.
NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASE OPTIONS. Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at
net asset value, upon written assurance that the purchase is made for
-
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<PAGE> 19
investment purposes and that such shares will not be resold except through
redemption by the Fund, by:
(1) Current or retired trustees or directors of funds advised by Asset
Management or Advisory Corp. and such persons' families and their beneficial
accounts.
(2) Current or retired directors, officers and employees of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. and any of its subsidiaries, employees of an investment
subadviser to any fund described in (1) above or an affiliate of such
subadviser, and such persons' families and their beneficial accounts.
(3) Directors, officers, employees and, when permitted, registered
representatives, of financial institutions that have a selling group
agreement with the Distributor and their spouses and children under 21 years
of age when purchasing for any accounts they beneficially own, or, in the
case of any such financial institution, when purchasing for retirement plans
for such institution's employees; provided that such purchases are otherwise
permitted by such institutions.
(4) Registered investment advisers who charge a fee for their services, trust
companies and bank trust departments investing on their own behalf or on
behalf of their clients. The Distributor may pay authorized dealers through
which purchases are made an amount up to 0.50% of the amount invested, over
a 12-month period.
(5) Trustees and other fiduciaries purchasing shares for retirement plans which
invest in multiple fund families through broker-dealer retirement plan
alliance programs that have entered into agreements with the Distributor and
which are subject to certain minimum size and operational requirements.
Trustees and other fiduciaries should refer to the Statement of Additional
Information for further details with respect to such alliance programs.
(6) Beneficial owners of shares of Participating Funds held by a retirement plan
or held in a tax-advantaged retirement account who purchase shares of the
Fund with proceeds from distributions from such a plan or retirement account
other than distributions taken to correct an excess contribution.
(7) Accounts as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account management
fee ("wrap accounts"), provided the bank or broker-dealer has a separate
agreement with the Distributor.
(8) Trusts created under pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, or custodial accounts held by a
bank created pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code and sponsored by
non-profit organizations defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and
assets held by an employer or trustee in connection with an eligible
deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the Code. Such plans will
qualify for purchases at net asset value provided, for plans initially
establishing accounts with the Distributor in the Participating Funds after
February 1, 1997, that (1) the initial amount invested in the Participating
Funds is at least $500,000 or (2) such shares are purchased by an employer
sponsored plan with more than 100 eligible employees. Such plans that have
been established with a Participating Fund or have received proposals from
the Distributor prior to February 1, 1997 based on net asset value purchase
privileges previously in effect will be qualified to purchase shares of the
Participating Funds at net asset value for accounts established on or before
May 1, 1997. Section 403(b) and similar accounts for which Van Kampen Trust
Company serves as custodian will not be eligible for net asset value
purchases based on the aggregate investment made by the plan or the number
of eligible employees, except under certain uniform criteria established by
the Distributor from time to time. Prior to February 1, 1997, a commission
will be paid to authorized dealers who initiate and are responsible for such
purchases within a rolling twelve-month period as follows: 1.00% on sales to
$5 million, plus 0.50% on the next $5 million, plus 0.25% on the excess over
$10 million. For purchases on February 1, 1997 and thereafter, a commission
will be paid as follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the
next $1 million, plus 0.50% on the next $47 million, plus 0.25% on the
excess over $50 million.
(9) Individuals who are members of a "qualified group." For this purpose, a
qualified group is one which (i) has been in existence for more than six
months, (ii) has a purpose other than to acquire shares of the Fund or
similar investments,
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19
<PAGE> 20
(iii) has given and continues to give its endorsement or authorization, on
behalf of the group, for purchase of shares of the Fund and Participating
Funds, (iv) has a membership that the authorized dealer can certify as to
the group's members and (v) satisfies other uniform criteria established by
the Distributor for the purpose of realizing economies of scale in
distributing such shares. A qualified group does not include one whose sole
organizational nexus, for example, is that its participants are credit card
holders of the same institution, policy holders of an insurance company,
customers of a bank or broker-dealer, clients of an investment adviser or
other similar groups. Shares purchased in each group's participants account
in connection with this privilege will be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1.00% in the event of redemption within one year of
purchase, and a commission will be paid to authorized dealers who initiate
and are responsible for such sales to each individual as follows: 1.00% on
sales to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next $1 million and 0.50% on the
excess over $3 million.
The term "families" includes a person's spouse, children under 21 years of age
and grandchildren, parents, and a person's spouse's parents.
Purchase orders made pursuant to clause (4) may be placed either through
authorized dealers as described above or directly with Investor Services by the
investment adviser, trust company or bank trust department, provided that
Investor Services receives federal funds for the purchase by the close of
business on the next business day following acceptance of the order. An
authorized dealer may charge a transaction fee for placing an order to purchase
shares pursuant to this provision or for placing a redemption order with respect
to such shares. Authorized dealers will be paid a service fee as described on
purchases made as described in (3) through (9) above. The Fund may terminate, or
amend the terms of, offering shares of the Fund at net asset value to such
groups at any time.
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
Generally shareholders may redeem for cash some or all of their shares without
charge by the Fund (other than applicable sales charge) at any time. As
described under the heading "Purchase of Shares," redemptions of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In
addition, certain redemptions of Class A Shares for shareholder accounts of $1
million or more may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
Redemptions completed through an authorized dealer or a custodian of a
retirement plan account may involve additional fees charged by the dealer or
custodian.
Except as specified below under "Telephone Redemption Requests," payment for
shares redeemed generally will be made by check mailed within seven days after
acceptance by Investor Services of the request and any other necessary documents
in proper order. Such payment may be postponed or the right of redemption
suspended as provided by the rules of the SEC. Such payment may, under certain
circumstances, be paid wholly or in part by a distribution-in-kind of portfolio
securities. If the shares to be redeemed have been recently purchased by check,
Investor Services may delay the redemption until it confirms the purchase check
has cleared, which may take up to 15 days. A taxable gain or loss will be
recognized by the shareholder upon redemption of shares.
WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUESTS. Shareholders may request a redemption of shares by
written request in proper form sent directly to Van Kampen Investor Services
Inc., PO Box 418256, Kansas City, MO 64141-9256. The request for redemption
should indicate the number of shares to be redeemed, the class designation of
such shares and the shareholder's account number. The redemption request must be
signed by all persons in whose names the shares are registered. Signatures must
conform exactly to the account registration. If the proceeds of the redemption
exceed $50,000, or if the proceeds are not to be paid to the record owner at the
record address, or if the record address has changed within the previous 30
days, signature(s) must be guaranteed by one of the following: a bank or trust
company; a broker-dealer; a credit union; a national securities exchange,
registered securities association or clearing
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<PAGE> 21
agency; a savings and loan association; or a federal savings bank.
Generally, a properly signed written request with any required signature
guarantee is all that is required for a redemption. In some cases, however,
other documents may be necessary. In the case of shareholders holding
certificates, the certificates for the shares being redeemed properly endorsed
for transfer must accompany the redemption request. In the event the redemption
is requested by a corporation, partnership, trust, fiduciary, executor or
administrator, and the name and title of the individual(s) authorizing such
redemption is not shown in the account registration, a copy of the corporate
resolution or other legal documentation appointing the authorized signer and
certified within the prior 120 days must accompany the redemption request. IRA
redemption requests should be sent to the IRA custodian to be forwarded to
Investor Services. Contact the IRA custodian for further information.
In the case of written redemption requests sent directly to Investor Services,
the redemption price is the net asset value per share next determined after the
request in proper form is received by Investor Services.
AUTHORIZED DEALER REDEMPTION REQUESTS. Shareholders may place redemption
requests through an authorized dealer. Orders sent through authorized dealers
must be at least $500 (unless transmitted by your authorized dealer via the
FUNDSERV network). The redemption price for such shares is the net asset value
per share next calculated after an order in proper form is received by an
authorized dealer provided such order is transmitted to the Distributor prior to
the Distributor's close of business on such day. It is the responsibility of
authorized dealers to transmit redemption requests received by them to the
Distributor so they will be received prior to such time. Redemptions completed
through an authorized dealer may involve additional fees charged by the dealer.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION REQUESTS. The Fund permits redemption of shares by
telephone and for redemption proceeds to be sent to the address of record for
the account or to the bank account of record as described below. To establish
such privilege, a shareholder must complete the appropriate section of the
application form accompanying this prospectus or call the Fund at (800) 341-2911
to request that a copy of the Telephone Redemption Authorization form be sent to
them for completion. To redeem shares, contact the telephone transaction line at
(800) 421-5684. Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services and the Fund employ
procedures considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include requiring certain
personal identification information prior to acting upon telephone instructions,
tape recording telephone communications and providing written confirmation of
instructions communicated by telephone. If reasonable procedures are employed,
neither Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services nor the Fund will be liable
for following telephone instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine.
Telephone redemptions may not be available if the shareholder cannot reach
Investor Services by telephone, whether because all telephone lines are busy or
for any other reason; in such case, a shareholder would have to use the Fund's
other redemption procedure previously described. Requests received by Investor
Services prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, will be processed at the next
determined net asset value per share. These privileges are available for all
accounts other than retirement accounts or accounts with shares represented by
certificates. If an account has multiple owners, Investor Services may rely on
the instructions of any one owner.
For redemptions authorized by telephone, amounts of $50,000 or less may be
redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by check and amounts of at least
$1,000 up to $1 million may be redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by
wire. The proceeds must be payable to the shareholder(s) of record and sent to
the address of record for the account or wired directly to their predesignated
bank account. This privilege is not available if the address of record has been
changed within 30 days prior to a telephone redemption request. Proceeds from
redemptions payable by wire transfer are expected to be wired on the next
business day following the date of redemption. The Fund reserves the right at
any time to terminate, limit or otherwise modify this redemption privilege.
OTHER REDEMPTION INFORMATION. The Fund may redeem any shareholder account with a
value on the date of the notice of redemption less than the minimum initial
investment as specified in this prospectus. At least 60 days advance written
notice of any such involuntary redemption will be given and the shareholder will
be given an opportunity to purchase the required value of additional shares at
the
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<PAGE> 22
next determined net asset value without sales charge. Any involuntary redemption
may only occur if the shareholder account is less than the minimum initial
investment due to shareholder redemptions.
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM
THE FUND
In addition to any increase in the value of shares which the Fund may achieve,
shareholders may receive two kinds of return from the Fund: dividends and
capital gains distributions. Investors will be entitled to begin receiving
dividends on their shares on the business day after Investor Services receives
payment for such shares. However, shares become entitled to dividends on the day
Investor Services receives payment for the shares either through a fed wire or
NSCC settlement. Shares remain entitled to dividends through the day such shares
are processed for payment on redemption.
DIVIDENDS. Interest earned from investments is the Fund's main source of income.
Under the Fund's present policy, which may be changed at any time by the Board
of Trustees, distributions of all or substantially all of this income, less
expenses, are declared daily and paid monthly as dividends to shareholders.
Dividends are automatically applied to purchase additional shares of the Fund at
the next determined net asset value unless the shareholder instructs otherwise.
The per share dividends on Class B Shares and Class C Shares may be lower than
the per share dividends on Class A Shares as a result of the higher distribution
fees and transfer agency costs applicable to such classes of shares.
CAPITAL GAINS. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses when it sells
securities, depending on whether the sales prices for the securities are higher
or lower than purchase prices. Net realized capital gains represent the total
profit from sales of securities minus total losses from sales of securities
including losses carried forward from prior years. The Fund distributes any
taxable net realized capital gains to shareholders at least annually. As in the
case of dividends, capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund at net asset value unless the shareholder
instructs otherwise.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Listed below are some of the shareholder services the Fund offers to investors.
For a more complete description of the Fund's shareholder services, such as
investment accounts, share certificates, retirement plans, automated clearing
house deposits, dividend diversification and the systematic withdrawal plan,
please refer to the Statement of Additional Information or contact your
authorized dealer.
REINVESTMENT PLAN. A convenient way for investors to accumulate additional
shares is by accepting dividends and capital gains distributions in shares of
the Fund. Such shares are acquired at net asset value per share (without sales
charge) on the applicable payable date of the dividend or capital gains
distribution. Unless the shareholder instructs otherwise, the reinvestment plan
is automatic. This instruction may be made by telephone by calling (800)
341-2911 ((800) 421-2833 for the hearing impaired) or by writing to Investor
Services. The investor may, on the initial application or prior to any
declaration, instruct that dividends be paid in cash and capital gains
distributions be reinvested at net asset value, or that both dividends and
capital gains distributions be paid in cash.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. An automatic investment plan is available under which
a shareholder can authorize Investor Services to charge a bank account on a
regular basis to invest pre-determined amounts in the Fund. Additional
information is available from the Distributor or your authorized dealer.
CHECK WRITING PRIVILEGE. A Class A shareholder holding shares of the Fund for
which certificates have not been issued and which are in a non-escrow status may
appoint Investor Services as agent by completing the Authorization for
Redemption by Check form and the appropriate section of the application and
returning the form and the application to Investor Services. Once the form is
properly completed, signed and returned to the agent, a supply of checks drawn
on State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") will be sent to the Class A
shareholder. These checks may be made payable by the Class A shareholder to the
order of any person in any amount of $100 or more.
When a check is presented to the Bank for payment, full and fractional Class A
Shares required to cover
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<PAGE> 23
the amount of the check are redeemed from the shareholder's Class A account by
Investor Services at the next determined net asset value per share. Check
writing redemptions represent the sale of Class A Shares. Any gain or loss
realized on the sale of shares is a taxable event.
Checks will not be honored for redemption of Class A Shares held less than 15
calendar days, unless such Class A Shares have been paid for by bank wire. Any
Class A Shares for which there are outstanding certificates may not be redeemed
by check. If the amount of the check is greater than the proceeds of all
uncertificated shares held in the shareholder's Class A account, the check will
be returned and the shareholder may be subject to additional charges. A Class A
shareholder may not liquidate the entire account by means of a check. The check
writing privilege may be terminated or suspended at any time by the Fund or the
Bank. Retirement plans and accounts that are subject to backup withholding are
not eligible for the privilege.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same
class of any Participating Fund based on the next computed net asset value per
share of each fund after requesting the exchange without any sales charge,
subject to certain limitations. Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares
of any Participating Fund only if shares of that Participating Fund are
available for sale; however, during periods of suspension of sales, shares of a
Participating Fund may be available for sale only to existing shareholders of a
Participating Fund. Shareholders seeking an exchange into a Participating Fund
should obtain and read the current prospectus for such fund.
To be eligible for exchange, shares of the Fund must have been registered in the
shareholder's name at least 30 days prior to an exchange. Shares of the Fund
registered in a shareholder's name for less than 30 days may only be exchanged
upon receipt of prior approval of the Adviser. Under normal circumstances, it is
the policy of the Adviser not to approve such requests.
When Class B Shares and Class C Shares are exchanged among Participating Funds,
the holding period for purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales
charge is based upon the date of the initial purchase of such shares from a
Participating Fund. If such Class B Shares or Class C Shares are redeemed and
not exchanged for shares of another Participating Fund, Class B Shares and Class
C Shares are subject to the contingent deferred sales charge schedule imposed by
the Participating Fund from which such shares were originally purchased.
Exchanges of shares are sales and may result in a gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes. If the shares exchanged have been held for less than 91
days, the sales charge paid on such shares is carried over and included in the
tax basis of the shares acquired.
A shareholder wishing to make an exchange may do so by sending a written request
to Investor Services or by contacting the telephone transaction line at (800)
421-5684. A shareholder automatically has telephone exchange privileges unless
otherwise designated in the application form accompanying the prospectus. Van
Kampen Investments and its subsidiaries, including Investor Services, and the
Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include
requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting upon
telephone instructions, tape recording telephone communications, and providing
written confirmation of instructions communicated by telephone. If reasonable
procedures are employed, neither Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services nor
the Fund will be liable for following telephone instructions which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. If the exchanging shareholder does not have an account
in the fund whose shares are being acquired, a new account will be established
with the same registration, dividend and capital gains options (except dividend
diversification) and authorized dealer of record as the account from which
shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified by the shareholder. In order to
establish a systematic withdrawal plan for the new account or reinvest dividends
from the new account into another fund, however, an exchanging shareholder must
submit a specific request. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order to
acquire its shares through exchange. In addition, the Fund may modify, restrict
or terminate the exchange privilege at any time on 60 days' notice to its
shareholders of any termination or material amendment.
For purposes of determining the sales charge rate previously paid on Class A
Shares, all sales charges paid on the exchanged security and on any security
previously exchanged for such security or for any of its predecessors shall be
included. If the exchanged security was acquired through reinvestment, that
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<PAGE> 24
security is deemed to have been sold with a sales charge rate equal to the rate
previously paid on the security on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
If a shareholder exchanges less than all of his securities, the security upon
which the highest sales charge rate was previously paid is deemed exchanged
first.
Exchange requests received on a business day prior to the time shares of the
funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the date of
receipt. "Processing" a request means that shares in the fund from which the
shareholder is withdrawing an investment will be redeemed at the net asset value
per share next determined on the date of receipt. Shares of the new fund into
which the shareholder is investing will also normally be purchased at the net
asset value per share, plus any applicable sales charge, next determined on the
date of receipt. Exchange requests received on a business day after the time
shares of the funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the
next business day in the manner described herein.
A prospectus of any of these Participating Funds may be obtained from any
authorized dealer or the Distributor. An investor considering an exchange to one
of such funds should refer to the prospectus for additional information
regarding such fund prior to investing.
INTERNET TRANSACTIONS. In addition to performing transactions on your account
through written instruction or by telephone, you may also perform certain
transactions through the internet. Please refer to our web site at
www.vankampen.com for further instruction. Van Kampen Investments, Investor
Services and the Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to
confirm that instructions communicated through the internet are genuine. Such
procedures include requiring use of a personal identification number prior to
acting upon internet instructions and providing written confirmation of
instructions communicated through the internet. If reasonable procedures are
employed, neither Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services nor the Fund will be
liable for following instructions through the internet which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. If an account has multiple owners, Investor Services may
rely on the instructions of any one owner.
FLORIDA TAXATION
The following Florida tax discussion is based on the advice of Squire, Sanders &
Dempsey L.L.P., special counsel to the Fund for Florida tax matters.
Under existing Florida law, shares of the Fund will not be subject to the
Florida intangible personal property tax for any year if, on the last business
day of the previous calendar year, the Fund's portfolio consisted solely of (1)
notes, bonds and other obligations issued by the State of Florida or its
municipalities, counties, and other taxing districts, or by the United States
Government and its agencies, or by the governments of Puerto Rico, Guam or the
U.S. Virgin Islands, or (2) other intangible personal property exempt from the
Florida intangible personal property tax. (FOR THIS PURPOSE, OBLIGATIONS ISSUED
BY A NONPROFIT CORPORATION FORMED UNDER THE GENERAL NONPROFIT CORPORATION LAW OF
A STATE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THE FLORIDA INTANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX EVEN IF
THEY ARE CONSIDERED FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES TO BE OBLIGATIONS ISSUED "ON
BEHALF OF" A GOVERNMENTAL UNIT THE INTEREST ON WHICH IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL
INCOME TAX.) Shares of the Fund will generally be subject to the Florida
intangible personal property tax for any year if, on the last business day of
the previous calendar year, the Fund's portfolio consists of any asset that is
not exempt from the Florida intangible property tax.
The State of Florida and its political subdivisions do not impose income taxes
on individuals, and therefore individual shareholders of the Fund will not be
subject to a Florida income tax on distributions from the Fund or on gain from
the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.
Corporations (and certain other entities treated as corporations under the
Florida Income Tax Code) that are subject to the Florida income tax will be
taxable on distributions from the Fund and on gain from the sale or other
disposition of shares of the Fund to the extent such income or gain is allocated
or apportioned to Florida. Accordingly, investment in shares of the Fund may not
be appropriate for such corporations.
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<PAGE> 25
The transfer of shares of the Fund will not be subject to the Florida
documentary stamp tax. Shares of the Fund will be included in assets subject to
Florida estate tax.
Under current Florida tax law, the Florida intangible personal property tax rate
is $2.00 per $1,000 of taxable intangible property. Shareholders subject to
taxation in a state other than Florida may realize a lower after-tax rate of
return than Florida shareholders if the dividends distributed by the Fund are
not exempt from taxation in such other state.
The state tax discussion set forth above is for general information only.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the
specific state tax consequences of holding and disposing of shares, as well as
the effects of federal, local and foreign tax law and any proposed tax law
changes.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
The following federal income tax discussion is based on the advice of Skadden,
Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois).
The Fund intends to invest in sufficient tax-exempt municipal securities to
permit payment of "exempt-interest dividends" (as defined under applicable
federal income tax law). Exempt-interest dividends paid to shareholders
generally are not includable in the shareholders' gross income for federal
income tax purposes. Exempt-interest dividends are included in determining what
portion, if any, of a person's social security and railroad retirement benefits
will be includable in gross income subject to federal income tax.
Under applicable federal income tax law, the interest on certain municipal
securities may be an item of tax preference subject to the alternative minimum
tax. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in municipal securities subject
to this provision so that a portion of its exempt-interest dividends may be an
item of tax preference to the extent such dividends represent interest received
from such municipal securities. Accordingly, investment in the Fund could cause
shareholders to be subject to (or result in an increased liability under) the
alternative minimum tax.
Although exempt-interest dividends from the Fund generally may be treated by
shareholders as interest excluded from their gross income, each shareholder is
advised to consult his or her tax adviser with respect to whether
exempt-interest dividends retain this exclusion given the investor's tax
circumstances. For example, exempt-interest dividends may not be excluded if the
shareholder would be treated as a "substantial user" (or a "related person" of a
substantial user, as each term is defined by applicable federal income tax law)
of the facilities financed with respect to any of the tax-exempt obligations
held by the Fund.
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or
carry shares of the Fund is not deductible for federal income tax purposes if
the Fund distributes exempt-interest dividends during the shareholder's taxable
year. If a shareholder receives an exempt-interest dividend with respect to any
shares and such shares are held for six months or less, any loss on the sale or
exchange of the shares will be disallowed to the extent of the amount of such
exempt-interest dividend.
While the Fund expects that a major portion of its net investment income
(consisting generally of tax-exempt interest, taxable income and net short-term
capital gains) will constitute tax-exempt interest, a significant portion of the
Fund's net investment income may consist of taxable income. Distributions of
such taxable income are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent
of the Fund's earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares. Distributions of the Fund's net capital gains (which are the
excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) as
capital gain dividends, if any, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital
gains, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares, and regardless
of how long the shares of the Fund have been held by such shareholders. Such
capital gain dividends may be taxed at different rates depending on how long the
Fund held the securities. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and
profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and, after
such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to
such holder (assuming such shares are held as a capital asset). Although
distributions generally are treated as taxable in the year they are paid,
distributions
25
<PAGE> 26
declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record on
a specified date in such month and paid during January of the following year
will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund and received by the
shareholders on the December 31st prior to the date of payment. The Fund will
inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly
after the close of each calendar year. The aggregate amount of dividends
designated as exempt interest dividends cannot exceed, however, the excess of
the amount of interest exempt from tax under Section 103 of the Code received by
the Fund during the year over any amounts disallowed as deductions under
Sections 265 and 171(a)(2) of the Code. Since the percentage of dividends which
are exempt-interest dividends is determined on an average annual method for the
taxable year, the percentage of income designated as tax-exempt for any
particular dividend may be substantially different from the percentage of the
Fund's income that was tax exempt during the period covered by the dividend.
Fund distributions generally will not qualify for the dividends received
deduction for corporations.
The sale or exchange of shares is a taxable transaction for federal income tax
purposes. Shareholders who sell their shares will generally recognize gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between their adjusted tax basis in
the shares and the amount received. If such shares are held as a capital asset,
the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. Any capital gains may be taxed
at different rates depending on how long the shareholder held its shares.
The Fund is required, in certain circumstances, to withhold 31% of dividends and
certain other payments, including redemptions, paid to shareholders who do not
furnish to the Fund their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of
individuals, their social security number) and certain required certifications
or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding.
The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under the federal
income tax law. If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to its
shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income, the Fund will not be
required to pay federal income taxes on any income it distributed to
shareholders. If the Fund distributes less than the sum of 98% of its ordinary
income or less than and 98% of its capital gain net income, then the Fund will
be subject to a 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts.
The federal income tax discussion above is for general information only.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the
specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding, exchanging or selling
shares, as well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax law and any
proposed tax law changes.
26
<PAGE> 27
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past five years. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information has been audited by KPMG LLP, independent accountants, whose report,
along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Statement of
Additional Information and may be obtained by shareholders without charge by
calling the telephone number on the back cover of this prospectus. This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto included in the Statement of Additional Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
JULY 29, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT
OF INVESTMENT
NINE MONTHS OPERATIONS) NINE MONTHS
ENDED TO ENDED YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period.......................... $15.550 $15.060 $15.203 $13.796 $14.300 $15.554 $15.064
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income........... .564 .766 .784 .789 .291 .478 .650
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss..................... .388 .508 (.153) 1.416 (.507) .388 .510
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment
Operations...................... .952 1.274 .631 2.205 (.216) .866 1.160
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income...... .581 .774 .774 .798 .288 .495 .660
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain.......................... -0- .010 -0- -0- -0- -0- .010
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions.............. .581 .784 .774 .798 .288 .495 .670
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period.......................... $15.921 $15.550 $15.060 $15.203 $13.796 $15.925 $15.554
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return*(a)................. 6.26%** 8.72% 4.37% 16.29% (1.47%)** 5.74%** 7.91%
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................... $27.1 $29.3 $22.2 $16.2 $9.0 $23.6 $22.5
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets*......................... .60% .59% .28% .44% .49% 1.35% 1.33%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets*............. 4.85% 5.05% 5.31% 5.33% 5.13% 4.09% 4.30%
Portfolio Turnover............... 50%** 48% 73% 41% 19%** 50%** 48%
* If certain expenses had not
been assumed by the Adviser,
total return would have been
lower and the ratios would have
been as follows:
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets.......................... 1.30% 1.29% 1.47% 1.70% 1.99% 2.05% 2.03%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets.............. 4.15% 4.35% 4.13% 4.07% 3.64% 3.39% 3.60%
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
JULY 29, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT
OF INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS)
YEAR ENDED TO
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period.......................... $15.201 $13.792 $14.300
------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income........... .677 .685 .251
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss..................... (.154) 1.415 (.509)
------- ------- -------
Total from Investment
Operations...................... .523 2.100 (.258)
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income...... .660 .691 .250
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain.......................... -0- -0- -0-
------- ------- -------
Total Distributions.............. .660 .691 .250
------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period.......................... $15.064 $15.201 $13.792
======= ======= =======
Total Return*(a)................. 3.58% 15.53% (1.81%)**
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................... $18.9 $16.9 $10.9
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets*......................... 1.03% 1.12% 1.26%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets*............. 4.56% 4.66% 4.31%
Portfolio Turnover............... 73% 41% 19%**
* If certain expenses had not
been assumed by the Adviser,
total return would have been
lower and the ratios would have
been as follows:
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets.......................... 2.22% 2.38% 2.75%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets.............. 3.38% 3.40% 2.81%
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES
JULY 29, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT
OF INVESTMENT
NINE MONTHS OPERATIONS)
ENDED TO
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of the
Period.......................... $15.581 $15.081 $15.213 $13.786 $14.300
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income........... .483 .666 .668 .690 .249
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain/Loss..................... .372 .504 (.140) 1.428 (.513)
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment
Operations...................... .855 1.170 .528 2.118 (.264)
Less:
Distributions from and in Excess
of Net Investment Income...... .495 .660 .660 .691 .250
Distributions from Net Realized
Gain.......................... -0- .010 -0- -0- -0-
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions.............. .495 .670 .660 .691 .250
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of the
Period.......................... $15.941 $15.581 $15.081 $15.213 $13.786
======== ======== ======= ======= =======
Total Return*(a)................. 5.60%** 7.97% 3.65% 15.61% (1.81%)**
Net Assets at End of the Period
(In millions)................... $1,622.4 $1,195.1 $849.2 $461.8 $11.4
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets*......................... 1.32% 1.37% 1.03% 1.13% 1.26%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets*............. 4.08% 4.38% 4.56% 4.51% 4.28%
Portfolio Turnover............... 50%** 48% 73% 41% 19%**
* If certain expenses had not
been assumed by the Adviser,
total return would have been
lower and the ratios would have
been as follows:
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets.......................... 2.03% 2.06% 2.22% 2.39% 2.74%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets.............. 3.38% 3.68% 3.38% 3.25% 2.87%
</TABLE>
** Non-Annualized
(a) Total Return is based upon net asset value which does not include payment of
the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
27
<PAGE> 28
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OR PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
Call your broker or (800) 341-2911
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday
DEALERS
For dealer information, selling agreements, wire orders, or redemptions, call
the Distributor at (800) 421-5666
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF
For shareholder and dealer inquiries through Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (TDD), call (800) 421-2833
FUND INFO(R)
For automated telephone services, call (800) 847-2424
WEB SITE
www.vankampen.com
VAN KAMPEN FLORIDA INSURED TAX FREE INCOME FUND
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555
Investment Adviser
VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555
Distributor
VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555
Transfer Agent
VAN KAMPEN INVESTOR SERVICES INC.
PO Box 418256
Kansas City, MO 64141-9256
Attn: Van Kampen Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund
Custodian
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
225 West Franklin Street, PO Box 1713
Boston, MA 02105-1713
Attn: Van Kampen Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund
Legal Counsel
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Independent Accountants
KPMG LLP
303 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
<PAGE> 29
VAN KAMPEN
FLORIDA INSURED TAX FREE
INCOME FUND
PROSPECTUS
JANUARY 28, 1999,
AS SUPPLEMENTED ON APRIL 16, 1999.
A Statement of Additional Information, which
contains more details about the Fund, is
incorporated by reference in its entirety into
this prospectus.
You will find additional information about the
Fund in its annual and semiannual reports,
which explain the market conditions and
investment strategies affecting the Fund's
recent performance.
You can ask questions or obtain a free copy of
the Fund's reports or its Statement of
Additional Information by calling (800)
341-2911 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central
time, Monday through Friday.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf users
may call (800) 421-2833. A free copy of the
Fund's reports can also be ordered from our
web site at www.vankampen.com.
Information about the Fund, including its
reports and Statement of Additional
Information, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It
can be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC or online at
the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). For
more information, please call the SEC at (800)
SEC-0330. You can also request these materials
by writing the Public Reference Section of the
SEC, Washington DC, 20549-6009, and paying a
duplication fee.
[VAN KAMPEN FUNDS LOGO]
Investment Company Act File No. 811-4386. FLI PRO 4/99
