HSBC FUNDS TRUST
N-30D, 1996-09-09
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HSBC MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HSBC FUND GROUP
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HSBC Asset Management (LOGO) [GRAPHIC OMITTED]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term U.S. Government Fund
Fixed Income Fund
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund


SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 1996



Managed by:
HSBC ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS INC.



Sponsored and distributed by:
BISYS FUND SERVICES



<PAGE>


HSBC MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HSBC Asset Management (LOGO) [GRAPHIC OMITTED]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
FIXED INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 22, 1996


Dear Shareholder:

Over the past six months the fixed  income  market has had to come to grips with
an economy  substantially  stronger than predicted and a corresponding change in
expectations  on monetary policy from an easier stance to the likelihood of rate
hikes by the  Federal  Reserve.  Treasury  interest  rates are roughly one point
higher along the 2-30 year yield curve from levels at the beginning of the year.
The spread sectors, Corporates, Mortgages, Agencies and Asset Backed securities,
have performed quite well this year with relative outperformance over Treasuries
in all sectors on a curve adjusted basis.

HSBC SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
- ------------------------------------
The  Fund  returned  -.41%  versus  .78%  for the  Lehman  Mutual  Fund 1-5 year
Government/Corporate  Index.  Our  returns  were  below  the  index  because  of
incorrect duration positioning in the first quarter. We were positioned slightly
long of index duration in a declining  market. We have been underweight in the 2
year area of the curve,  expecting a flatter yield curve in the 1-5 sector; this
has yet to help performance. The combination of these factors caused the Fund to
lag the index so far this year.

HSBC FIXED INCOME FUND
- ----------------------
The Fund  returned  -2.23%  versus -1.22% for the Lehman  Aggregate  Index.  Our
returns were below the index because of incorrect  duration  positioning  in the
first quarter. We were positioned slightly long of index duration in a declining
market.  The Corporate sector produced  impressive returns so far this year. The
best  performing  securities  within  this  sector  have been the lower  quality
securities. Although we have been very close to index weighted in the sector our
holdings  were of  higher  rated  issues  which  did not  perform  as well.  The
combination of these factors caused the Fund to lag the index so far this year.

MARKET OUTLOOK
- --------------
The key to the second half  performance  for the bond market  depends on whether
the widely expected second half economic  slowdown actually comes to pass and at
what level the economy slows.  At this juncture we expect the Federal Reserve to
raise short term interest rates 25-50 basis points  sometime after the election.
Much of this  scenario  is  already  priced  into the  market and absent any new
twists  this  would  result in  modestly  higher  interest  rates and a slightly
flatter yield curve.





<PAGE>





It seems the Fed is getting  behind the curve and economic  strength is starting
to cause price pressure, particularly in wages. It is an election year and there
is  considerable  political  pressure on the Fed to refrain from raising  rates.
This makes it understandable for the Fed to wait for incontrovertible  evidence,
but if growth  remains  at or above  trend  they may have a bigger  job to do in
containing inflation.  The idea of a global  re-synchronization of the developed
economies  argues for foreign  demand to take up any domestic slack and keep the
economy operating at a brisk pace.

Our  outlook  has  been  neutral  to  bearish  in  the  near  term  with  a more
constructive view twelve months out since late April. We remain in that camp but
the risk seems now to be shifting to a more  bearish  stance  based on continued
economic strength and no sure signs of the expected slowdown.


Sincerely,


(/S/ James Lark)

James Lark




2


<PAGE>


             COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN
         SHORT-TERM U.S.GOVERNMENT FUND VS. LEHMAN MUTUAL FUND 1-5 YEAR
                           GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX


- -------------------------------------
    Average Annual Total Return
- -------------------------------------
                   1 Year   Inception
- -------------------------------------
Offering Price(1)   1.19%    3.68%
NAV(2)              3.24%    4.30%
- --------------------------------------

(GRAPHIC OMITTED)

                  Fund 1   Lehman   Fund 2
March 1993        10,000   10,000   10,000
June 1993          9,930   10,140   10,125
September 1993    10,048   10,280   10,250
December 1993     10,121   10,345   10,324
March  1994       10,104   10,294   10,306
June 1994         10,108   10,295   10,310
September 1994    10,194   10,397   10,398
December 1994     10,207   10,291   10,411
March 1995        10,529   10,690   10,739
June 1995         10,928   11,118   11,146
September 1995    11,059   11,288   11,280
December 1995     11,330   11,618   11,556
March 1996        11,234   11,546   11,468
June 1996         11,283   11,645   11,509


PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE

(1) INCLUDES THE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE
(2) EXCLUDES THE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE

THE  ABOVE  ILLUSTRATION   COMPARES  A  $10,000  INVESTMENT  IN  THE  SHORT-TERM
U.S.GOVERNMENT  FUND ON MARCH 1,  1993,  TO A $10,000  INVESTMENT  IN THE LEHMAN
MUTUAL FUND 1-5 YEAR GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE  INDEX ON THAT DATE. ALL DIVIDENDS AND
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS ARE REINVESTED.

THE FUND'S  PERFORMANCE  TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ALL APPLICABLE FEES AND EXPENSES AND
WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN  EXPENSES NOT BEEN REDUCED.  THE LEHMAN MUTUAL
FUND 1-5 YEAR GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX IS A WIDELY ACCEPTED UNMANAGED INDEX OF
OVERALL TREASURY,  GOVERNMENT  AGENCY AND CORPORATE BOND MARKET  PERFORMANCE AND
DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHARGES, FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES.

                                                                               3


<PAGE>



             COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN
                     FIXED INCOME FUND VS. LEHMAN AGGREGATE


- ----------------------------------------
      Average Annual Total Return
- ----------------------------------------
                      1 Year   Inception
- ----------------------------------------
Offering Price(1)     (1.70%)    4.33%
NAV(2)                 3.21%     5.81%
- ----------------------------------------

(GRAPHIC OMITTED)

                  Fund 1   Lehman   Fund 2
January 1993      10,000   10,000   10,000
March 1993         9,788   10,315   10,277
June 1993         10,053   10,589   10,555
September 1993    10,343   10,865   10,860
December 1993     10,340   10,870   10,857
March 1994        10,164   10,558   10,672
June 1994         10,073   10,450   10,576
September 1994    10,112   10,514   10,618
December 1994     10,145   10,554   10,651
March 1995        10,580   11,086   11,108
June 1995         11,218   11,761   11,778
September 1995    11,374   11,993   11,941
December 1995     11,842   12,504   12,433
March 1996        11,548   12,281   12,123
June 1996         11,579   12,351   12,158


PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE

(1) INCLUDES THE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE
(2) EXCLUDES THE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE

THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION COMPARES A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FIXED INCOME FUND ON
JANUARY 15, 1993, TO A $10,000  INVESTMENT IN THE LEHMAN AGGREGATE BOND INDEX ON
THAT DATE. ALL DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE REINVESTED.

THE FUND'S  PERFORMANCE  TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ALL APPLICABLE FEES AND EXPENSES AND
WOULD  HAVE  BEEN  LOWER HAD  CERTAIN  EXPENSES  NOT BEEN  REDUCED.  THE  LEHMAN
AGGREGATE BOND INDEX IS A WIDELY ACCEPTED  UNMANAGED INDEX OF OVERALL GOVERNMENT
CORPORATE/MORTGAGE  BOND  MARKET  PERFORMANCE  AND DOES NOT  TAKE  INTO  ACCOUNT
CHARGES, FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES.

4


<PAGE>


NEW YORK TAX-FREE BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 22, 1996

Dear Shareholder:

During the first half of 1996 the fixed income  markets  reacted to the signs of
economic  strength  that  began to  appear in the first  quarter.  Strength  was
consumer  driven and manifested  itself in sectors such as employment,  housing,
and consumer  spending.  The figures  revealed an economy that was much stronger
than the consensus  forecast had anticipated and inflation fears were triggered.
As a result the market  began to factor in a tightening  in the Federal  Reserve
Board's  monetary policy after a lowering in January of the Fed's target for the
Federal  Fund's  rate from  5.50% to 5.25%.  As a  consequence  of the  stronger
economic fundamentals,  yields on thirty year high grade municipal bonds rose 50
basis points while intermediate term maturities saw a rise in yields of 45 basis
points against the closing yields of the previous year. Nevertheless, municipals
continued  their  strong  performance  relative to  treasuries  as yield  ratios
improved quite dramatically.

Returns in the municipal bond markets reflected  outperformance  relative to the
taxable  bond  market.  Year to date the  Lehman  Municipal  Bond  Market  Index
returned  -0.45%.  The Lehman  Aggregate  Index  posted a year to date return of
- -1.22%.

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
- -----------------------------------------
The Fund's total  return for the six months ended June 30, 1996 was -1.05%.  The
fund  outperformed  the average of Lipper's New York  Municipal Debt Funds which
stood at -1.40%.  With the given rise in yields so far this year,  new  issuance
has remained relatively low. As a result quality spreads have narrowed with high
yield and lower quality bonds outperforming high grade bonds.  However, the fund
preferred  to  maintain  its high  quality  profile by staying in the high grade
sector. As of June 30, 1996 the fund's duration which takes into account interim
principal  and income  payments  as well  maturity  levels was 7.51 years  which
approximated  that of the Lehman  Municipal Bond Index.  The average maturity of
the Fund was 11.92 years.

In terms of the portfolio's sector diversification the largest sectors consisted
of general obligations (32%), education (11.9%), and power revenue (8.3%).

In terms of credit quality the focus within the state centered on New York City.
The adopted  budget  closed a projected  $2.7 billion gap. This was dependent on
the  State's  own  adoption  of a budget  which kept city  funding in a state of
uncertainty.  The  budget  adopted  by the city  reduced  but fell far  short of
eliminating the dependence of nonrecurring  and uncertain  budget measures which
will consequently require creative financial measures in future budgets.

OUTLOOK
- -------
Our outlook for the fixed  income  markets is neutral to slightly  bearish.  The
probability  that the Federal  Reserve will move to tighten  monetary policy has
increased with the only question being when.  While we don't  anticipate a sharp
rise in yields we are positioning the portfolio to reflect a slightly  defensive
bias.

Sincerely,


(/S/ Jerry Samet)

Jerry Samet

                                                                               5


<PAGE>


             COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN
                NEW YORK TAX-FREE BOND FUND VS. LEHMAN MUNICIPAL
                                   BOND INDEX


- -------------------------------------------------
          Average Annual Total Return
- -------------------------------------------------
                     1 Year   5 Years   Inception
- -------------------------------------------------
Offering Price(1)     1.03%    6.38%      6.79%
NAV(2)                6.04%    7.42%      7.51%
- -------------------------------------------------

(GRAPHIC OMITTED)

                           Lehman
                  Fund 1    Muni     Fund 2
March 1989        10,000   10,000   10,000
December 1989     10,203   11,005   10,713
December 1990     10,829   11,807   11,370
December 1991     12,192   13,242   12,802
December 1992     13,492   14,409   14,167
December 1993     15,417   16,178   16,188
December 1994     14,161   15,340   14,869
December 1995     16,310   18,018   17,125
June 1996         16,138   17,937   16,945


PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE

(1) INCLUDES THE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE
(2) EXCLUDES THE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE

THE ABOVE  ILLUSTRATION  COMPARES A $10,000  INVESTMENT IN THE NEW YORK TAX-FREE
BOND FUND ON MARCH 21, 1989,  TO A $10,000  INVESTMENT  IN THE LEHMAN  MUNICIPAL
BOND INDEX ON THAT DATE.  ALL  DIVIDENDS  AND  CAPITAL  GAIN  DISTRIBUTIONS  ARE
REINVESTED.

THE FUND'S  PERFORMANCE  TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ALL APPLICABLE FEES AND EXPENSES AND
WOULD  HAVE  BEEN  LOWER HAD  CERTAIN  EXPENSES  NOT BEEN  REDUCED.  THE  LEHMAN
MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX IS A WIDELY ACCEPTED  UNMANAGED INDEX OF OVERALL  MUNICIPAL
BOND MARKET  PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHARGES,  FEES AND OTHER
EXPENSES.

6


<PAGE>



BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JOHN P. PFANN*                CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD; Chairman and President,
                              JPP Equities, Inc.

WOLFE J. FRANKL*              Former Director, North America, Berlin Economic
                              Development Corporation

WILLIAM L. KUFTA              Chief Investment Officer, Beacon Trust Company

HARALD PAUMGARTEN             President, Paumgarten and Company

ROBERT A. ROBINSON*           Trustee, Henrietta and B. Frederick H. Bugher
                              Foundation

*Member of the Audit and Nominating Committees


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


OFFICERS

WILLIAM B. BLUNDIN                  Chief Executive Officer

ANN E. BERGIN                       President

WILLIAM J. TOMKO                    Vice President

MARK E. NAGLE                       Treasurer

MARTIN R. DEAN                      Assistant Treasurer

STEVEN R. HOWARD                    Secretary

ROBERT L. TUCH                      Assistant Secretary

ALAINA V. METZ                      Assistant Secretary



7


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND

                                                                                                SHARES OR
                                                                     INTEREST      MATURITY     PRINCIPAL      MARKET
                                                                       RATE          DATE         AMOUNT        VALUE
                                                                      ------       --------     ----------   ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>       
CORPORATE BONDS (17.2%):
   FINANCIAL SERVICES (7.2%):
     Chase Manhattan Grantor Trust, Series 96-A ...................    5.20%        2/15/02    $  432,881    $  427,002
     GMAC Grantor Trust, Series 1992-F ............................    4.50%        9/15/97        11,734        11,697
     International Bank R&D .......................................    8.30%        11/1/96       275,000       277,516
                                                                                                             ----------
                                                                                                                716,215
                                                                                                             ----------
   INDUSTRIAL (10.0%):
     Phillip Morris. ..............................................    8.88          7/1/96       500,000       500,000
     Walt Disney Co ...............................................    6.38         3/31/01       500,000       490,489
                                                                                                             ----------
                                                                                                                990,489
                                                                                                             ----------
        Total Corporate Bonds (Cost - $1,802,558) .......................................................     1,706,704
                                                                                                             ----------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (19.8%):
   Federal Home Loan Bank .........................................    7.94         2/21/00       500,000       510,529
                                                                                                             ----------
   Federal National Mortgage Assoc.
     REMIC, Series G34D ...........................................    7.25        10/25/96        42,277        42,176
     REMIC, Series 92-20C .........................................    7.50         1/25/97        68,335        68,307
     Debenture ....................................................    5.55         2/12/99       500,000       488,515
     Pool #310001 .................................................    6.00          9/1/00       874,398       853,085
                                                                                                             ----------
                                                                                                              1,452,083
                                                                                                             ----------
   Total U.S. Government Agencies (Cost - $2,001,380) ...................................................     1,962,612
                                                                                                             ----------
U.S. TREASURY NOTES (53.0%):
 ..................................................................    5.38        11/30/97       650,000       644,515
 ..................................................................    6.88         7/31/99     1,500,000     1,521,563
 ..................................................................    7.75         1/31/00     1,500,000     1,563,750
 ..................................................................    7.13         2/29/00     1,500,000     1,534,218
                                                                                                             ----------
   Total U.S. Treasury Notes (Cost - $5,278,174) ........................................................     5,264,046
                                                                                                             ----------
MONEY MARKET MUTUAL FUNDS (8.6%):
     Provident Institutional Temporary Investment Fund ....................................       467,000       467,000
     FedFund Money Market .................................................................       387,000       387,000
                                                                                                             ----------
   Total Money Market Mutual Funds (Cost - $854,000) ....................................................       854,000
                                                                                                             ----------
Total (Cost - $9,936,113)(a) ............................................................................    $9,787,362
                                                                                                             ==========
<FN>
- --------------
Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $9,933,791.
(a)  Represents  cost for federal  income tax purposes and differs from value by
     net unrealized depreciation of securities as follows:
        Unrealized appreciation .........................................................................    $   60,389
        Unrealized depreciation .........................................................................      (209,140)
                                                                                                             ----------
        Net unrealized depreciation .....................................................................    $ (148,751)
                                                                                                             ==========
</FN>
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

8


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIXED INCOME FUND

                                                                                               SHARES OR
                                                                     INTEREST      MATURITY    PRINCIPAL      MARKET
                                                                       RATE          DATE        AMOUNT        VALUE
                                                                      ------       --------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        
CORPORATE BONDS (21.8%):
   FINANCIAL SERVICES (9.1%):
     American Express .............................................    6.13%        6/15/00    $3,000,000   $ 2,934,624
     Chase Manhattan Grantor Trust, Series 96-A ...................    5.20         2/15/02     2,164,406     2,135,013
     Provident Bank ...............................................    6.38         1/15/04     2,500,000     2,349,707
     Travelers Aetna Property/Casualty Corp. ......................    7.75         4/15/26     1,000,000       980,814
                                                                                                            -----------
                                                                                                              8,400,158
                                                                                                            -----------
   INDUSTRIAL (7.7%):
     American Home Products .......................................    7.90         2/15/05     2,500,000     2,615,812
     Lockheed Martin ..............................................    6.85         5/15/01     2,000,000     1,990,406
     Lockheed Martin ..............................................    7.75          5/1/26     2,500,000     2,478,045
                                                                                                            -----------
                                                                                                              7,084,263
                                                                                                            -----------
   UTILITIES (1.6%):
     Cental Power & Light .........................................    6.00         10/1/97     1,500,000     1,493,272
                                                                                                            -----------
   YANKEE (3.4%):
     Ontario Province Bond ........................................    6.00         2/21/06     2,500,000     2,293,025
     Ontario Province Debenture ...................................   15.75         3/15/12       775,000       873,316
                                                                                                            -----------
                                                                                                              3,166,341
                                                                                                            -----------
     Total Corporate Bonds (Cost - $20,586,820) .........................................................    20,144,035
                                                                                                            -----------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (41.6%):
   Export Development Corp. .......................................    8.13         8/10/99       380,000       397,096
   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.:
     Pool #220019 .................................................    7.75         1/1/02        269,529       271,744
     Series 1979-C ................................................   10.00         9/15/09       420,393       425,631
     Series 33-C ..................................................    8.00         9/15/18       816,488       822,653
     Series 138-C .................................................    8.85         4/15/20        31,021        30,901
     Pool #C80297 .................................................    8.50          5/1/25     2,958,180     3,037,660
     Pool #D62926 .................................................    6.50          8/1/25     2,931,611     2,746,532
     Pool #D67571 .................................................    6.50          1/1/26     3,036,388     2,844,695
     Pool #380405 .................................................    8.50          5/1/26     1,971,942     2,024,924
   Federal National Mortgage Assoc.:
     Debenture ....................................................    5.55         2/12/99     1,500,000     1,465,545
     REMIC, Series 93-104C ........................................    6.50         3/25/21     2,000,000     1,824,440
     REMIC, Series 1994-56L .......................................    6.50         9/25/22     4,449,717     4,268,613
     Pool #250336 .................................................    7.50          6/1/25     3,536,009     3,490,677
     Pool #319225 .................................................    7.00         10/1/25     1,917,707     1,845,179
     Pool # 250414 ................................................    7.00         12/1/25     4,916,679     4,730,730
     Pool #334231 .................................................    7.00          1/1/26     1,014,795       976,416
     Pool #343195 .................................................    7.50          5/1/26     1,978,287     1,952,925
     Pool #343812 .................................................    7.50          5/1/26       494,542       488,202
</TABLE>


                                                                               9


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIXED INCOME FUND

                                                                                               SHARES OR
                                                                     INTEREST      MATURITY    PRINCIPAL      MARKET
                                                                       RATE          DATE        AMOUNT        VALUE
                                                                      ------       --------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES-(CONTINUED)
   Government National Mortgage Assoc.:
     Pool #168414 .................................................   10.00%        8/15/22    $  957,700   $ 1,019,347
     Pool #356578 .................................................    7.50         6/15/23     3,826,725     3,794,694
   Resolution Trust Corp. Mortgage:
     Series 1992-MH3, Class A1 ....................................    6.80        12/15/11        10,691        10,666
                                                                                                            -----------
   Total U.S. Government Agencies (Cost - $39,182,999) ..................................................    38,469,270
                                                                                                            -----------
U.S. TREASURY NOTES (27.0%):
                            .......................................    5.75        10/31/97     2,750,000     2,742,264
                            .......................................    5.38        11/30/97     2,500,000     2,478,905
                            .......................................    4.75         8/31/98     3,000,000     2,915,625
                            .......................................    6.75         6/30/99     4,400,000     4,452,250
                            .......................................    6.88         7/31/99     1,000,000     1,014,375
                            .......................................    8.00         8/15/99     1,000,000     1,045,937
                            .......................................    7.75         1/31/00     3,000,000     3,127,500
                            .......................................    7.50         5/15/02     2,500,000     2,614,842
                            .......................................    7.88        11/15/04     4,250,000     4,568,750
                                                                                                            -----------
   Total U.S. Treasury Notes (Cost - $25,040,222) .......................................................    24,960,448
                                                                                                            -----------
U.S TREASURY BONDS (7.8%):
                            .......................................    8.75         8/15/20     2,280,000     2,726,025
                            .......................................    7.88         2/15/21     1,000,000     1,095,625
                            .......................................    6.25         8/15/23     3,750,000     3,397,263
                                                                                                            -----------
   Total U.S. Treasury Bonds (Cost - $7,025,618) ........................................................     7,218,913
                                                                                                            -----------
MONEY MARKET MUTUAL FUNDS (1.0%):
     Provident Institutional Temporary Investment Fund ......................................     904,000       904,000
                                                                                                            -----------
   Total Money Market Mutual Funds (Cost - $904,000) ....................................................       904,000
                                                                                                            -----------
Total (Cost - $92,739,659)(a) ...........................................................................   $91,696,666
                                                                                                            ===========
<FN>
- --------------
Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $92,460,896.
(a)  Represents  cost for federal  income tax purposes and differs from value by
     net unrealized depreciation of securities as follows:
        Unrealized appreciation .........................................................................   $   349,025
        Unrealized depreciation .........................................................................    (1,392,018)
                                                                                                            -----------
        Net unrealized depreciation .....................................................................   $(1,042,993)
                                                                                                            ===========
</FN>
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

10


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NEW YORK TAX-FREE BOND FUND

                                                                                       SHARES OR
                                   SECURITY                                            PRINCIPAL        MARKET
                                  DESCRIPTION                                            VALUE           VALUE
                                  -----------                                          ----------      ----------
<S>                                                                                    <C>             <C>       
MUNICIPAL BONDS (96.6%):
NEW YORK (91.9%):
Bethlehem CSD, GO, 7.10%, 11/1/07, AMBAC ..........................................    $  200,000      $  231,250
Islip Public Improvement, GO, 7.10%, 6/15/98, AMBAC
   Callable 6/15/97 @ 102 * .......................................................       150,000         157,465
Monroe County, GO, Series B, (Collateral in U.S.
   Government Securities) 7.00%, 6/1/04 ...........................................        40,000          42,800
Monroe County, Series B, 7.00%, 6/1/04,
   Callable 6/1/98 @ 102 * ........................................................        10,000          10,638
Municipal Assistance Corp. for NY, 6.00%, 7/1/03 ..................................     2,200,000       2,329,250
New York City, GO, Series A, 7.75%, 8/15/04,
   Callable 8/15/01 @ 101.5 * .....................................................       600,000         662,250
New York City, GO, Series A, 7.75%, 8/15/07,
   Callable 8/15/01 @ 101.5 * .....................................................     3,500,000       3,863,125
New York City, GO, Series B, 6.10%, 8/15/05 .......................................     2,000,000       2,017,500
New York City, GO, Series B, 7.50%, 2/1/07,
   Callable 2/1/02 @ 101.5 * ......................................................     1,000,000       1,077,500
New York City, Series E, 6.50%, 2/15/06 ...........................................     2,000,000       2,062,500
New York City, GO, Series F, (Collateral in U.S. Government
   Securities), 8.40%, 11/15/05, Pre-Refunded 11/15/01 @ 101.5 ....................       105,000         123,900
New York City Unrefunded Balance, Series F, 8.40%,
   11/15/05, Callable 11/15/01 @ 101.5 * ..........................................        45,000          51,581
New York City, Series G, 6.75%, 2/1/09 ............................................     1,000,000       1,042,500
New York City IDA Special Facility Revenue, One Group
   Project, AMT, 6.13%, 1/1/24, Callable 1/1/04 @ 102 * ...........................     2,500,000       2,446,875
New York City Municipal Water, 5.75%, 6/15/26 .....................................     2,000,000       1,962,500
New York City Trust for Cultural Research, Museum of Modern
   Art, 6.40%, 1/1/04, AMBAC, Callable 1/1/02 @ 102 * .............................       350,000         378,438
New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue Bond,
   5.88%, 5/15/11 .................................................................     1,500,000       1,479,375
New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue, City University
   Systems, Series A, 5.75%, 7/1/18 ...............................................     2,370,000       2,248,537
New York State Dormitory Authority, State University
   (Collateral in U.S. Government Securities), 7.25%, 5/15/18,
   Pre-Refunded 5/15/02 @ 102 .....................................................     1,000,000       1,135,230
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., PCR,
   Revolving Fund, 7.00%, 6/15/12, Callable 6/15/01 @ 102 * .......................       300,000         328,875
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., PCR,
   Revolving Fund, Series B, 7.50%, 3/15/11,
   Callable 3/15/99 @ 102 * .......................................................       250,000         271,875
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., PCR,
   Revolving Fund, Series 1990 C, 7.50%, 3/15/11,
   Callable 3/15/00 @ 102 * .......................................................       200,000         219,000
</TABLE>

                                                                              11


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NEW YORK TAX-FREE BOND FUND

                                                                                       SHARES OR
                                   SECURITY                                            PRINCIPAL        MARKET
                                  DESCRIPTION                                            VALUE           VALUE
                                  -----------                                          ----------     -----------
<S>                                                                                    <C>             <C>       
MUNICIPAL BONDS-(CONTINUED)
New York State Environmental Water, 4.95%, 6/15/10,
   Callable 6/15/06 @ 102 * .......................................................    $2,000,000     $ 1,872,500
New York State HFA, Multi-Family, Series A, 7.00%,
   8/15/22, FHA, Callable 8/15/02 @ 102 * .........................................       900,000         940,500
New York State Local Assistance Corp., 7.00%, 4/1/21 ..............................     1,900,000       2,109,000
New York State Medical Care, Adult Day Care Facility,
   Series A, 6.38%, 11/15/20,
   Callable 11/15/05 @ 102 * ......................................................     2,000,000       2,040,000
New York State Medical Care, Mental Health, Series A,
   CAPGTY Certificates, 7.70%, 2/15/18, FSA,
   Callable 2/15/98 @ 102 * .......................................................       115,000         121,756
New York State Medical Care Facility, Mental
   Health Services, Series F, 6.00%, 8/15/03 ......................................     2,000,000       2,072,500
New York State Power Authority, 5.00%, 1/1/14 .....................................     1,550,000       1,412,438
New York State Thruway Authority, Emergency Highway,
   6.00%, 3/1/02, FSA .............................................................       800,000         844,000
New York State Urban Development Corp. Revenue,
   Series A, 5.50%, 4/1/16, Callable 4/1/06 @ 102 * ...............................     2,300,000       2,213,750
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Buffalo
   International Airport, AMT, 6.13%, 4/1/14, AMBAC,
   Callable 4/1/04 @ 102 ..........................................................     2,400,000       2,439,000
Oyster Bay Public Improvement, GO, Series A,
   6.60%, 2/15/98, FGIC ...........................................................       200,000         208,000
Syracuse, GO, (Collateral in U.S. Government Securities),
   6.70%, 2/15/07, Pre-Refunded 2/15/01 @ 102 .....................................       300,000         328,125
                                                                                                      -----------
   Total New York (Cost - $39,876,004) ............................................                    40,744,532
                                                                                                      -----------
OTHER MUNICIPAL SECURITIES (4.7%):
Puerto Rico Electric Power Agency, Series S, 6.13%, 7/1/09 ........................     2,000,000       2,115,000
                                                                                                      -----------
   Total Other Municipal Securities (Cost - $1,968,983) ...........................                     2,115,000
                                                                                                      -----------
   Total Municipal Bonds (Cost - $41,844,987) .....................................                    42,859,533
                                                                                                      -----------
MONEY MARKET MUTUAL FUNDS (4.5%):
New York Money Fund ...............................................................     1,867,000       1,867,000
Goldman New York Tax-Exempt Fund ..................................................       118,000         118,000
                                                                                                      -----------
   Total Money Market Mutual Funds (Cost - $1,985,000) ............................                     1,985,000
                                                                                                      -----------
Total (Cost - $43,829,986)(a) .....................................................                   $44,844,533
                                                                                                      ===========
<FN>
Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $44,350,628.
</FN>
</TABLE>


12


<PAGE>



SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (CONTINUED)

                           NEW YORK TAX-FREE BOND FUND

(a)  Represents  cost for federal  income tax purposes and differs from value by
     net unrealized appreciation of securities as follows:
        Unrealized appreciation .................................    $1,214,009
        Unrealized depreciation .................................      (199,462)
                                                                     ----------
        Net unrealized appreciation .............................    $1,014,547
                                                                     ==========
* Additional  put and demand  features  exist  allowing  the Fund to require the
  repurchase of the instrument within variable time periods at variable amounts.

        AMBAC       Insured by American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.
        AMT         Alternative Minimum Tax Paper
        CAPGTY      Insured by Capital Guaranty
        CSD         Central School District
        FGIC        Insured by Financial Guaranty Insurance Corp.
        FHA         Insured by Federal Housing Administration
        FSA         Insured by Financial Security Assurance
        GO          General Obligation
        HFA         Insured by Housing Finance Agency
        IDA         Industrial Development Authority
        PCR         Pollution Control Revenue

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



                                                                              13


<PAGE>



STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SHORT-TERM         FIXED         NEW YORK
                                                                    U.S. GOVERNMENT     INCOME         TAX-FREE
                                                                         FUND            FUND          BOND FUND
                                                                    ---------------   -----------     -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>        
ASSETS:
   Investment in securities, at value (cost $9,936,113; $92,739,659;
     and $43,829,986, respectively) ................................  $ 9,787,362     $91,696,666     $44,844,533
   Cash ............................................................          324             705             122
   Interest and dividends receivable ...............................      202,070       1,279,055         884,751
   Receivable from brokers for investments sold ....................           --           8,809              --
   Deferred organization costs .....................................       16,385          17,766              --
   Prepaid expenses and other assets ...............................        3,093           9,255          20,820
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
     Total Assets ..................................................   10,009,234      93,012,256      45,750,226
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
LIABILITIES:
   Dividends payable ...............................................       45,019         465,040         187,642
   Payable to brokers for investments purchased ....................           --              --       1,135,230
   Accurred expenses and other payable:
     Investment advisory fees ......................................        1,623          41,946           9,063
     Administration fees ...........................................          811           7,626           3,625
     Distribution fees .............................................           --              --           7,114
     Fund accounting and transfer agent fees .......................        1,371             299             758
     Legal and audit fees ..........................................       15,002          20,774          18,934
     Other .........................................................       11,617          15,675          37,232
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
     Total Liabilities .............................................       75,443         551,360       1,399,598
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
Net Assets .........................................................  $ 9,933,791     $92,460,896     $44,350,628
                                                                      ===========     ===========     ===========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price per Share:
   ($.001 par value per share, unlimited number of shares authorized)
SHARES:
   Net assets ......................................................  $ 9,933,791     $92,460,896     $44,350,628
   Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding ............    1,026,400       9,472,926       4,112,616
   Net asset value .................................................  $      9.68     $      9.76     $     10.78
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
   Sales charge-4.75%, 2.00%,
     and 4.75%, respectively, of offering price ....................  $      0.20     $      0.49     $      0.54
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
   Maximum offering price ..........................................  $      9.88     $     10.25     $     11.32
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
   Paid-in capital .................................................  $10,546,326     $96,246,957     $45,623,626
   Distributions in excess of net investment income ................       (1,388)         (1,496)             --
   Accumulated undistributed net realized losses from
     investment transactions .......................................     (462,396)     (2,741,572)     (2,287,545)
   Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments .....     (148,751)     (1,042,993)      1,014,547
                                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
Net Assets .........................................................  $ 9,933,791     $92,460,896     $44,350,628
                                                                      ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

14


<PAGE>



STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SHORT-TERM        FIXED         NEW YORK
                                                                     U.S. GOVERNMENT    INCOME         TAX-FREE
                                                                          FUND           FUND          BOND FUND
                                                                     ---------------  ----------      -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>              <C>       
INVESTMENT INCOME:
   Dividends ......................................................     $  10,240     $   90,191       $   18,863
   Interest .......................................................       328,758      3,168,637        1,382,455
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
     Total Income .................................................       338,998      3,258,828        1,401,318
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
EXPENSES:
   Advisory fees ..................................................        28,328        262,865          105,028
   Administration fees ............................................         7,726         71,690           35,009
   Co-administration fees .........................................         3,605         33,455           16,338
   Distribution expenses ..........................................           207          3,902           50,976
   Shareholder servicing fees .....................................           322          2,899            1,455
   Audit fees .....................................................         7,659         20,151           12,787
   Accounting and transfer agent fees .............................         9,242         27,738           19,465
   Custodian fees and expenses ....................................         4,386          7,922            4,178
   Printing expenses ..............................................         5,366         10,450            9,028
   Registration fees ..............................................         2,028          3,457              704
   Amortization of organization expenses ..........................         5,653          6,509               --
   Legal fees .....................................................         8,412         23,984           16,253
   Trustees' fees and expenses ....................................         2,928          6,083            7,829
   Other expenses .................................................        14,721          7,823            7,890
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
     Total Expenses ...............................................       100,583        488,928          286,940
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
   Less: Fee waivers by advisor,
     administrator, and distributor ...............................       (22,680)       (43,753)         (67,517)
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
     Net Expenses .................................................        77,903        445,175          219,423
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
   Net Investment Income ..........................................       261,095      2,813,653        1,181,895
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSSES FROM INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gains (losses) from investment transactions ..........       (49,699)    (1,631,658)         792,118
Net change in unrealized depreciation from investments ............      (255,716)    (3,473,313)      (2,477,057)
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
Net realized and unrealized losses from investments ...............      (305,415)    (5,104,971)      (1,684,939)
                                                                        ---------    -----------      -----------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations ..............     $ (44,320)   $(2,291,318)     $  (503,044)
                                                                        =========    ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                                                              15


<PAGE>



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    SHORT-TERM                                                   NEW YORK
                                               U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND            FIXED INCOME FUND            TAX-FREE BOND FUND
                                           -----------------------------   ---------------------------  ----------------------------
                                            FOR  THE  SIX     FOR THE      FOR THE SIX      FOR THE     FOR  THE SIX    FOR  THE  
                                             MONTHS ENDED    YEAR ENDED    MONTHS ENDED    YEAR ENDED   MONTHS ENDED    YEAR  ENDED
                                               JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,     JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,    JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                 1996           1995           1996           1995          1996           1995
                                            -------------   ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------   -------------
From Investment Activities:                  (UNAUDITED)                    (UNAUDITED)                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                          <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>        
OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income .................   $  261,095     $  703,752      $ 2,813,653   $ 5,089,310    $ 1,181,895   $ 2,614,697
   Net realized gains (losses) from
     investment transactions .............      (49,699)        10,304       (1,631,658)      (89,155)       792,118       842,141
   Net change in unrealized appreciation
     (depreciation) from investments .....     (255,716)       619,944       (3,473,313)    8,168,553     (2,477,057)    3,785,950
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
     Change in net assets resulting
        from operations ..................      (44,320)     1,334,000       (2,291,318)   13,168,708       (503,044)    7,242,788
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
   From net investment income ............     (262,483)      (703,752)      (2,815,149)   (5,089,310)    (1,181,895)   (2,614,697)
   From net realized gains from
     investment transactions .............           --             --               --            --             --            --
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
     Change in net assets from
        shareholder distributions ........     (262,483)      (703,752)      (2,815,149)   (5,089,310)    (1,181,895)   (2,614,697)
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:
   Proceeds from shares issued ...........      216,690      2,948,477       15,721,173    31,114,026        948,547     3,178,116
   Dividends reinvested ..................        8,131         24,680           35,342        92,653        595,199     1,572,970
   Cost of shares redeemed ...............     (892,036)    (7,337,356)     (18,131,197)  (24,118,178)    (6,184,943)   (9,413,776)
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
     Change in net assets from
        share transactions ...............     (667,215)    (4,364,199)      (2,374,682)    7,088,501     (4,641,197)   (4,662,690)
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
        Change in net assets .............     (974,018)    (3,733,951)      (7,481,149)   15,167,899     (6,326,136)      (34,599)
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of period ...................   10,907,809     14,641,760       99,942,045    84,774,146     50,676,764    50,711,363
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
   End of period .........................  $ 9,933,791    $10,907,809      $92,460,896   $99,942,045    $44,350,628   $50,676,764
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
   Issued ................................       22,165        300,917        1,566,185     3,103,767         86,410       298,636
   Reinvested ............................          830          2,522            3,564         9,374         54,533       146,572
   Redeemed ..............................      (91,030)      (751,431)      (1,814,888)   (2,464,690)      (566,825)     (875,996)
                                            -----------    -----------      -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------
Change in shares .........................      (68,035)      (447,992)        (245,139)      648,451       (425,882)     (430,788)
                                            ===========    ===========      ===========   ===========    ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


16


<PAGE>



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.   ORGANIZATION

     HSBC Mutual Funds Trust, formerly known as Mariner Mutual Funds Trust, (the
     "Trust")  was  organized  on November 1, 1989 as a  Massachusetts  business
     trust and is an open-end,  diversified  management  investment company with
     multiple  investment  portfolios,  including the Short-Term U.S. Government
     Fund (formerly known as the Short-Term Fixed Income Fund), the Fixed Income
     Fund and the New York Tax-Free Bond Fund (herein  referred to  individually
     as a "Fund" and collectively as the "Funds").

     The  investment  objective  of  the  Short-Term  U.S.  Government  Fund  is
     preservation  of capital and  generation of current  income by investing in
     fixed-income  securities with a dollar-weighted  average portfolio maturity
     of between one and three years.  The Short-Term  U.S.  Government Fund will
     invest primarily in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
     its agencies and  instrumentalities.  The investment objective of the Fixed
     Income  Fund  is  generation  of  high  current  income   consistent   with
     appreciation   of  capital  by  investing  in  a  variety  of  fixed-income
     securities.  The investment objective of the New York Tax-Free Bond Fund is
     to provide its investors with as high a level of current income exempt from
     Federal,  New York State and New York City  income  taxes as is  consistent
     with relative stability of capital.

2.   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     The following is a summary of significant  accounting  policies followed by
     the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements.  The policies are
     in  conformity  with  generally   accepted   accounting   principles.   The
     preparation of financial  statements  requires management to make estimates
     and assumptions  that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
     at the date of the financial  statements and the reported amounts of income
     and  expenses  for the  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from those
     estimates.

     SECURITIES VALUATION:  Portfolio securities for which market quotations are
     readily available are valued at the quoted bid price.  Securities for which
     market  quotations  are not readily  available  are valued at fair value as
     determined  in good  faith  by or  under  the  supervision  of the  Trust's
     officers in accordance with guidelines which have been adopted by the Board
     of  Trustees.  Such  procedures  include  the  use of  independent  pricing
     services  which use  prices  based on yields  or  prices of  securities  of
     comparable quality,  coupon, maturity and type, indicators as to value from
     dealers  and  general  market  conditions.  Short-term  obligations  having
     maturities  of  60  days  or  less  are  valued  at  amortized  cost  which
     approximates market value.

     TAXES:  It is the  Funds'  policy  to  comply  with the  provisions  of the
     Internal  Revenue  Code,  as amended,  applicable  to regulated  investment
     companies,  and to distribute  substantially  all of its taxable income and
     net realized  capital  gains to its  shareholders  for each  taxable  year.
     Therefore, no provision is required for Federal income tax.

     DIVIDENDS  AND  DISTRIBUTIONS:  The Funds  intend to  declare as a dividend
     substantially  all of  their  net  investment  income  at the  end of  each
     business  day and to pay within  five  business  days after the end of each
     month. Net capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

     The Fund distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial
     reporting basis and requires that only distributions in excess of tax basis
     earnings  and profits are  reported in the  financial  statements  as a tax
     return of capital.  Differences  in the  recognition or  classification  of
     income between the financial  statements and tax earnings and profits which
     result in temporary overdistributions for financial statement purposes, are
     classified  as  distributions  in  excess  of  net  investment   income  or
     accumulated undistributed net realized gains.

                                                                              17


<PAGE>



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

     SECURITY  TRANSACTIONS  AND  RELATED  INCOME:   Security  transactions  are
     recorded on trade date.  Identified  cost of  investments  sold is used for
     both financial  statement and Federal income tax purposes.  Interest income
     is recorded as earned.

     EXPENSE ALLOCATION:  Expenses directly attributed to each Fund in the Trust
     are charged to that Fund's operations; expenses which are applicable to all
     Funds are allocated among them.

     ORGANIZATIONAL COSTS: Costs incurred in connection with the organization of
     the Fund are being  amortized  on a  straight-line  basis over a  five-year
     period from the date operations commenced.

3.   PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

     Purchases and sales of securities  (excluding  short-term  securities)  for
     the six months ended June 30, 1996 were as follows:

                                                     PURCHASES        SALES
                                                    -----------    -----------
           Short-Term U.S. Government Fund ......   $ 3,730,313    $ 4,856,146
           Fixed Income Fund ....................   $92,308,583    $89,323,087
           New York Tax Free Bond Fund ..........   $23,792,075    $26,331,465

4.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Trust retains HSBC Asset Management  Americas Inc. ("HSBC Americas") to
     act as Investment Adviser for the Fund. HSBC Americas is the North American
     investment  affiliate of HSBC Holdings plc (Hong Kong and Shanghai  Banking
     Corporation).  As Investment  Adviser,  HSBC Americas furnishes  investment
     guidance and policy  direction in  connection  with the  management  of the
     portfolio  of the Funds,  subject to policies  established  by the Board of
     Trustees.

     As compensation  for its services,  HSBC Americas is paid monthly  advisory
     fees at the following annual rates:

                                                       ADVISORY FEE RATE
                                                   -------------------------
                                                     SHORT-TERM       FIXED
            PORTIONS OF THE FUNDS' AVERAGE         U.S. GOVERNMENT    INCOME
                   DAILY NET ASSETS                      FUND          FUND
     ------------------------------------------    ---------------    ------
     Not exceeding $400 million ...............         0.550%        0.550%
     In excess of $400 million but not 
       exceeding $800 million .................         0.505%        0.505%
     In excess of $800 million but not
       exceeding $1.2 billion .................         0.460%        0.460%
     In excess of $1.2 billion but not
       exceeding $1.6 billion .................         0.415%        0.415%
     In excess of $1.6 billion but not
       exceeding $2.0 billion .................         0.370%        0.370%
     In excess of $2.0 billion ................         0.315%        0.315%


18


<PAGE>



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
                                                      ADVISORY FEE RATE
                                                      -----------------
                                                           NEW YORK
            PORTIONS OF THE FUNDS' AVERAGE              TAX-FREE BOND
                   DAILY NET ASSETS                         FUND
     ------------------------------------------       ----------------
     Not exceeding $300 million ...............            0.450%
     In excess of $300 million but not 
       exceeding $600 million .................            0.420%
     In excess of $600 million but not
       exceeding $1.0 billion .................            0.385%
     In excess of $1.0 billion but not 
       exceeding $1.5 billion .................            0.350%
     In excess of $1.5 billion but not
       exceeding $2.0 billion .................            0.315%
     In excess of $2.0 billion ................            0.280%

     At June 30,  1996,  HSBC  Americas  earned  approximately  $10,311 from the
     Short-Term U.S.  Government Fund,  $262,865 from the Fixed Income Fund, and
     $58,763 from the New York Tax Free Bond Fund in advisory  fees,  net of fee
     waivers of approximately $18,017, $0, and $46,265, respectively.

     BISYS  Fund  Services  Limited   Partnership   d/b/a  BISYS  Fund  Services
     ("BISYS"),  an Ohio limited partnership is a subsidiary of the BISYS Group,
     Inc. BISYS, with whom certain officers of the Trust are affiliated,  serves
     the  Trust  as   distributor,   administrator,   transfer  agent  and  fund
     accountant. Such officers and trustee are not paid any fees directly by the
     Funds for serving as officers and trustee of the Trust.

     In accordance with the terms of the Administration and Accounting Servicing
     agreements  BISYS is paid a monthly  asset based fee of 0.15% of the Fund's
     first $200  million of average net  assets;  0.125% of the Fund's next $200
     million of average  net assets;  0.10% of the Fund's  next $200  million of
     average net assets; and 0.08% of the Fund's average net assets in excess of
     $600 million;  exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses. At June 30, 1996, BISYS
     earned  approximately  $5,062 from the  Short-Term  U.S.  Government  Fund,
     $46,753 from the Fixed Income Fund,  and $22,792 from the New York Tax-Free
     Bond  Fund , net of fee  waivers  of  approximately  $2,664,  $24,937,  and
     $12,217, respectively, in administrative services fees.

     HSBC Americas earned  co-administration fees of 0.07% of the Fund's average
     net  assets  totaling   approximately   $1,606  from  the  Short-Term  U.S.
     Government  Fund,  $14,639 from the Fixed Income Fund,  and $7,303 from the
     New  York  Tax  Free  Bond  Fund.  Of  that  total,  HSBC  Americas  waived
     approximately $1,999, $18,816, and $9,035, respectively, of these fees.

     The  Fund has  adopted  a  Distribution  Plan and  Agreement  (the  "Plan")
     pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the  Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended.
     The Plan provides for a monthly  payment by the Fund to BISYS Fund Services
     for expenses incurred in connection with distribution  services provided to
     the Fund not to exceed an annual  rate of 0.35% of the Funds'  average  net
     assets during the preceding month.

     HSBC Americas may enter into  agreements  (the "Service  Agreements")  with
     certain  banks,   financial   institutions   and   corporations   ("Service
     Organizations")  whereby each Service  Organization  handles record keeping
     and provides certain  administrative  services for its customers who invest
     in the Funds through accounts maintained at that Service Organization. Each
     Service  Organization will receive monthly  payments,  which are based upon
     expenses that the Service  Organization  has incurred in the performance of
     its service under the Service Agreement.  The payments from the Funds on an
     annual  basis  will not  exceed  0.25% of the  average  value of the Funds'
     shares held in the subaccounts of the Service Organizations.


                                                                              19


<PAGE>



NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

     A partner  of Baker &  McKenzie,  legal  counsel  to the  Trust,  serves as
     Secretary of the Trust.  At June 30, 1996 the Funds  incurred legal fees of
     approximately  $3,299 for the Short-Term U.S.  Government Fund, $29,443 for
     the Fixed Income Fund,  and $14,784 for the New York  Tax-Free Bond Fund to
     Fund counsel.


20


<PAGE>



FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT
EACH PERIOD

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND

                                                       FOR THE           FOR THE             FOR THE
                                                     SIX MONTHS           YEAR                YEAR             FOR THE PERIOD
                                                        ENDED             ENDED               ENDED           MARCH 1, 1993 TO
                                                    JUNE 30, 1996   DECEMBER 31, 1995   DECEMBER 31, 1994   DECEMBER 31, 1993(a)
                                                    -------------   -----------------   -----------------   --------------------
                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>                 <C>                   <C>    
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ...........       $  9.97           $  9.49             $  9.91               $ 10.00
                                                       -------           -------             -------               -------
Investment Activities
     Net investment income .....................          0.25              0.54                0.50                  0.41
     Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)
       from investments ........................         (0.29)             0.48               (0.42)                (0.09)
                                                       -------           -------             -------               -------
     Total from Investment Activities ..........         (0.04)             1.02                0.08                  0.32
                                                       -------           -------             -------               -------
Distributions
     From net investment income ................         (0.25)            (0.54)              (0.50)                (0.41)
     From net realized gains ...................            --                --                  --                    --
                                                       -------           -------             -------               -------
     Total distributions .......................         (0.25)            (0.54)              (0.50)                (0.41)
                                                       -------           -------             -------               -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period .................       $  9.68           $  9.97             $  9.49               $  9.91
                                                       =======           =======             =======               =======
Total Return(b) ................................         (0.41)%(d)        10.99%               0.86%                 3.24%(d)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
     Net Assets at end of period (000) .........       $ 9,934           $10,908             $14,642               $17,511
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets ...          1.51%(c)          1.04%               0.78%                 0.60%(c)
     Ratio of net investment income
       to average net assets ...................          5.08%(c)          5.53%               5.18%                 4.91%(c)
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets* ..          1.95%(c)          1.44%               1.21%                 1.29%(c)
     Ratio of net investment income
       to average net assets* ..................          4.64%(c)          5.13%               4.75%                 4.22%(c)
     Portfolio turnover rate ...................         39.98%            53.28%              68.13%                32.02%
<FN>
- ------------
*   During the period certain fees were voluntarily  reduced and/or  reimbursed.
    If  such  voluntary  fee  reductions  and  expense  reimbursements  had  not
    occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.
(a) Period from commencement of operations.
(b) Excludes sales charge.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
</FN>
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                                                              21


<PAGE>



FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT 
EACH PERIOD

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FIXED INCOME FUND

                                                     FOR THE            FOR THE             FOR THE
                                                   SIX MONTHS            YEAR                YEAR             FOR THE PERIOD
                                                      ENDED              ENDED               ENDED          JANUARY 15, 1993 TO
                                                  JUNE 30, 1996     DECEMBER 31, 1995   DECEMBER 31, 1994   DECEMBER 31, 1993(a)
                                                  -------------     -----------------   -----------------   -------------------
                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>                 <C>                   <C>    
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ...........       $ 10.28          $  9.35             $ 10.13               $ 10.00
                                                       -------          -------             -------               -------
Investment Activities
     Net investment income .....................          0.29             0.59                0.59                  0.63
     Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)
       from investments ........................         (0.52)            0.93               (0.78)                 0.21
                                                       -------          -------             -------               -------
     Total from Investment Activities ..........         (0.23)            1.52               (0.19)                 0.84
                                                       -------          -------             -------               -------
Distributions
     From net investment income ................         (0.29)           (0.59)              (0.59)                (0.63)
     From net realized gains ...................            --               --                  --                 (0.08)
                                                       -------          -------             -------               -------
     Total distributions .......................         (0.29)           (0.59)              (0.59)                (0.71)
                                                       -------          -------             -------               -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period .................       $  9.76          $ 10.28             $  9.35               $ 10.13
                                                       =======          =======             =======               =======
Total Return(b) ................................         (2.23)%(d)       16.73%              (1.89)%                8.57%(d)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
     Net Assets at end of period (000) .........       $92,461          $99,942             $84,774               $90,907
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets ...          0.93%(c)         0.93%               0.77%                 0.22%(c)
     Ratio of net investment income
       to average net assets ...................          5.93%(c)         6.03%               6.10%                 6.40%(c)
     Ratio of expenses to average net assets* ..          1.02%(c)         0.96%               0.86%                 0.87%(c)
     Ratio of net investment income to
       average net assets* .....................          5.84%(c)         6.00%               6.01%                 5.75%(c)
     Portfolio turnover rate ...................         99.32%           41.58%              63.96%               107.34%
<FN>
- ------------
*   During the period certain fees were voluntarily  reduced and/or  reimbursed.
    If  such  voluntary  fee  reductions  and  expense  reimbursements  had  not
    occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.
(a) Period from commencement of operations.
(b) Excludes sales charge.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
</FN>
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


22


<PAGE>



FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT 
EACH PERIOD

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  NEW YORK TAX-FREE BOND FUND

                                                     FOR THE
                                                   SIX MONTHS                 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      ENDED        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                  JUNE 30, 1996      1995         1994       1993        1992       1991
                                                  -------------    -------      -------    -------     -------    -------
                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>    
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ...........    $ 11.17        $ 10.20      $ 11.70    $ 11.01     $ 10.66    $ 10.14
                                                    -------        -------      -------    -------     -------    -------
Investment Activities
   Net investment income .......................       0.27           0.54         0.53       0.59        0.66       0.66
   Net realized and unrealized
     gains (losses) from investments ...........      (0.39)          0.97        (1.47)      0.95        0.44       0.57
                                                    -------        -------      -------    -------     -------    -------
   Total from Investment Activities ............      (0.12)          1.51        (0.94)      1.54        1.10       1.23
                                                    -------        -------      -------    -------     -------    -------
Distributions
   From net investment income ..................      (0.27)         (0.54)       (0.53)     (0.59)      (0.66)     (0.66)
   From net realized gains .....................         --             --        (0.03)     (0.26)      (0.09)     (0.05)
                                                    -------        -------      -------    -------     -------    -------
   Total distributions .........................      (0.27)         (0.54)       (0.56)     (0.85)      (0.75)     (0.71)
                                                    -------        -------      -------    -------     -------    -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period .................    $ 10.78        $ 11.17      $ 10.20    $ 11.70     $ 11.01    $ 10.66
                                                    =======        =======      =======    =======     =======    =======
Total Return(a) ................................      (1.05)%(c)     15.17%       (8.13)%    14.27%      10.66%     12.59%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
   Net Assets at end of period (000) ...........    $44,351        $50,677      $50,711    $61,740     $32,407    $14,929
   Ratio of expenses to average net assets .....       0.94%(b)       0.99%        0.84%      0.63%       0.38%      0.34%
   Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets ................................       5.03%(b)       5.07%        4.93%      4.98%       6.04%      6.36%
   Ratio of expenses to average net assets* ....       1.23%(b)       1.20%        1.10%      1.06%       1.17%      1.32%
   Ratio of net investment income to average
     net assets* ...............................       4.74%(b)       4.86%        4.67%      4.55%       5.25%      5.38%
   Portfolio turnover rate .....................      52.40%         24.43%      122.43%     70.36%      66.44%    110.27%
<FN>
- ------------
*   During the period certain fees were voluntarily  reduced and/or  reimbursed.
    If  such  voluntary  fee  reductions  and  expense  reimbursements  had  not
    occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.
(a) Excludes sales charge.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Not annualized.
</FN>
</TABLE>

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                                                              23


<PAGE>




HSBC SM MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219

INFORMATION:
(800) 634-2536

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND CO-ADMINISTRATOR
HSBC Asset Management Americas Inc.
250 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10177

DISTRIBUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT
AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
BISYS Fund Services
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219

CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, New York 10286

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019

LEGAL COUNSEL
Baker & McKenzie
805 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022



This report is for the information of the shareholders of HSBC Mutual Funds
Trust. Its use in connection with any offering of the Trust's shares is
authorized only in the case of a concurrent or prior delivery of the Trust's
current prospectus.





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