MAINSTAY FUNDS
485BPOS, 2000-05-01
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<PAGE>   1
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 1, 2000

                                                               FILE NO. 33-2610
                                                              FILE NO. 811-4550

===============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-1A

                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                        PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
                       POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 53 [X]

                                       AND

                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
                    THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
                              AMENDMENT NO. 55 [X]

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

               (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)

                   51 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10010

                     (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)

                  REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER: (212) 576-5773

Copy To:

JOSEPH MCBRIEN, ESQ.                                  RUTH S. EPSTEIN
THE MAINSTAY FUNDS                                    DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS
51 MADISON AVENUE                                     1775 EYE STREET, N.W.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10010                              SUITE 1100
                                                      WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006


                     (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE:

     [ ]   Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
     [X]   On May 1, 2000, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(v) of Rule 485
     [ ]   60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
     [ ]   on [DATE], pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
     [ ]   75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
     [ ]   on [DATE], pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485


<PAGE>   2

      WHAT'S INSIDE?


<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
  3      Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies and
         Principal Risks:
         An Overview

         GROWTH
  6      Small Cap Growth Fund
 10      Small Cap Value Fund
 14      Capital Appreciation Fund
 18      Blue Chip Growth Fund
 22      Equity Index Fund

         GROWTH AND INCOME
 26      Growth Opportunities Fund
 30      Equity Income Fund
 34      MAP Equity Fund
 38      Research Value Fund
 42      Value Fund
 46      Strategic Value Fund
 50      Convertible Fund
 54      Total Return Fund

         INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
 58      International Equity Fund
 62      Global High Yield Fund
 66      International Bond Fund

         INCOME
 70      High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
 74      Strategic Income Fund
 78      Government Fund
 82      California Tax Free Fund
 86      New York Tax Free Fund
 90      Tax Free Bond Fund
 94      Money Market Fund

 98      More About Principal Investment Strategies and Principal
         Risks

106      Shareholder Guide

124      Know With Whom You're Investing

132      Financial Highlights

         Appendix A: Taxable Equivalent Yield Table
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3

                      [This page intentionally left blank]
<PAGE>   4


Investment Objectives,

Principal Investment Strategies and Principal Risks:

An Overview


This Prospectus discusses twenty-three mutual funds that invest for varying
combinations of income and capital appreciation. Each Fund is managed by
MainStay Management LLC and has a Subadvisor that is responsible for the
day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. Each Fund pursues somewhat
different strategies to achieve its objective. Under normal market conditions,
the Equity Funds invest primarily in equity securities, and the Fixed Income
Funds invest primarily in debt securities. In times of unusual or adverse
conditions each Fund may invest for temporary or defensive purposes outside the
scope of its principal investment focus.



EQUITY SECURITIES



Equity securities are issued to investors by corporations to raise capital.
Investors buy equity securities to seek to make money through dividend payments
and/or selling them for more than they paid. When you buy equity securities of a
corporation you become a part owner of the issuing corporation. Equity
securities may be bought on stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange
or the American Stock Exchange, or in the over-the-counter market. There are
many different types of equity securities, including



- - stocks



- - convertible securities and



- - American Depositary Receipts.



DEBT SECURITIES



Both governments and companies may raise capital by issuing or selling debt
securities to investors. Debt securities may be bought directly from governments
and companies or in the secondary trading markets. There are many different
types of debt securities, including:


- - bonds


- - notes and



- - debentures.


                                                                               3
<PAGE>   5



Some debt securities pay fixed rates of return (interest); others pay interest
at variable rates. Interest may be paid at different intervals. Some debt
securities do not make regular interest payments, but instead are initially sold
at a discount to the principal amount to be paid at maturity.


The amount of interest paid is subject to many variables, including:


- - market factors



- - creditworthiness of the issuer



- - length of time to maturity of the security and



- - the nature of the debt instrument.



NOT INSURED -- YOU COULD LOSE MONEY



- - Before considering an investment in a Fund, you should understand that you
  could lose money.



- - An investment in a Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or
  guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
  government agency. Although the Money Market Fund seeks to preserve the value
  of your investment at $1.00 per share, you could lose money by investing in
  the Fund.


NAV WILL FLUCTUATE


The value of Fund shares, also known as the net asset value ("NAV"), fluctuates
based on the value of the Fund's holdings. Investment in common stocks and other
equity securities is particularly subject to the risks of changing economic,
stock market, industry and company conditions, currency exchange rates and the
risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that can
adversely affect the value of a Fund's holdings. In the case of debt securities,
security values usually change when interest rates change. Generally, when
interest rates go up the value of a debt security goes down; and when interest
rates go down, the value of a debt security goes up. Other factors that can
affect debt security values and Fixed Income Fund share prices are changes in
the average maturity of a Fund's investments and how the market views the
creditworthiness of an issuer, as well as the risks described above for equity
securities.


MORE INFORMATION


The next section of this Prospectus gives you more detailed information about
the investment objectives, policies, strategies, risks, performance and expenses
of each of the Funds. Please review it carefully.



4
<PAGE>   6

                                                                               5

                      [This page intentionally left blank]
<PAGE>   7


MainStay Small Cap

Growth Fund

The Small Cap Growth Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in securities of small-cap companies.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks,
preferred stocks, warrants and other equity securities of companies with market
capitalizations generally between $100 million and $2.0 billion. MacKay Shields
LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, selects investments according to the economic
environment and the attractiveness of particular markets and the financial
condition and competitiveness of individual companies.


INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Subadvisor looks for securities of companies with the following
characteristics:

- - above average revenue and earnings per share growth

- - participation in growing markets

- - potential for positive earnings surprises


- - strong management ideally with high insider ownership.



The Fund also invests in the securities of companies that are deemed by the
Subadvisor to be attractive due to special factors, such as:


- - new management

- - new products

- - changes in consumer demand


- - changes in the economy.

6
<PAGE>   8

                                                           SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings.


In comparison to stocks of companies with larger capitalizations, stocks of
small-capitalization companies may have:

- - more price volatility

- - greater spreads between their bid and ask prices

- - significantly lower trading volumes


- - cyclical, static or moderate growth prospects.



Small-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse business or
market developments than large-capitalization companies.



The Fund may invest in securities that are made available in initial public
offerings (IPOs). During 1999, the first full calendar year of the Fund's
operations, significant profits and returns from these investment contributed
substantially to the Fund's performance. IPO securities may be volatile, and the
Fund cannot predict whether future investments in IPOs will be successful. As
the Fund grows in size, the effect of IPO investments on the Fund may decrease.



The principal risk of growth stocks is that investors expect growth companies to
increase their earnings at a certain rate that is generally higher than the rate
expected for nongrowth companies. If these expectations are not met, the market
price of the stock may decline significantly, even if earnings show an absolute
increase. Growth company stocks also typically lack the dividend yield that can
cushion stock prices in market downturns.



                                                                               7
<PAGE>   9


SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
[Capital Appreciation Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
99                                                                              106.02
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(calendar year 1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing its performance and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for
one year and the life of the Fund compare to those of a broad-based securities
market index. Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered to the
public on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (June 1, 1998) through August 31, 1998. Class A shares
were also introduced on June 1, 1998. Average annual total returns reflect
actual sales loads, service and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the
classes vary based on differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales
loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly
returns. If they were, returns would be less than those shown. As with all
mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund
will perform in the future.



Returns in 1999 were primarily achieved during unusually favorable conditions in
the market, particularly for technology companies and through investments in
initial public offerings (see "Principal Risks" above). You should not expect
that such favorable returns can be consistently achieved.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES


(1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/Best quarter                             53.27%               4/99
  Lowest return/Worst quarter                             -2.10%               1/99
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS


(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1 YEAR             LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                     <C>                <C>

  Small Cap Growth Fund
  Class A                                                  96.19%               57.81%
  Class B                                                 101.02%               60.35%
  Class C                                                 105.02%               62.26%

  Russell 2000 Index*                                      21.26%                7.90%
</TABLE>



* The Russell 2000(R) Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance
  of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000(R) Index, which, in turn,
  is an unmanaged index that includes the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on
  total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index represents approximately
  10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. Total
  returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. You cannot
  invest directly in an index.



8
<PAGE>   10

                                                           SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 1.00%     1.00%     1.00%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.66%     0.66%     0.66%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.91%     2.66%     2.66%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  733      $  269               $  769               $  269               $  369

   3 years          $1,117      $  826               $1,126               $  826               $  826

   5 years          $1,525      $1,410               $1,610               $1,410               $1,410

  10 years          $2,660      $2,808               $2,808               $2,993               $2,993
</TABLE>


* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.

** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>   11




MainStay Small Cap

Value Fund

The Small Cap Value Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in securities of small-cap companies.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks and
securities convertible into common stocks of companies with market
capitalizations at the time of purchase within the capitalization spectrum
defined by the Russell 2000 stock index. In addition, the Fund has adopted a
nonfundamental policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets in such
securities.


INVESTMENT PROCESS

Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., the Fund's Subadvisor, uses a proprietary
"value" method in managing the Fund's assets. In its securities selection
process, the Subadvisor focuses on securities that it believes are undervalued
and have positive and/or improving fundamentals. The Subadvisor uses a
proprietary valuation model and fundamental security analysis, including direct
company contact, to select investments for the Fund.

- ---------------------------
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to close the Fund to new investors at
its discretion when the Fund's assets reach $250 million or at such other time
as it deems appropriate.


10
<PAGE>   12

                                                            SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings.


In comparison to stocks of companies with larger capitalizations, stocks of
small-capitalization companies may have:

- - more price volatility

- - greater spreads between their bid and ask prices

- - significantly lower trading volumes


- - cyclical, static or moderate growth prospects.


Small-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse business or
market developments than large-capitalization companies.


The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadvisor believes is their full value or that they may even go down
in value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of
favor depending on market and economic conditions, and therefore the Fund's
performance may be lower or higher than that of funds that invest in other types
of equity securities (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

                                                                              11
<PAGE>   13

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

[Small Cap Value Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(calendar year 1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing its performance and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for
one year and the life of the Fund compare to those of a broad-based securities
market index. Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered to the
public on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (June 1, 1998) through August 31, 1998. Class A shares
were also introduced on June 1, 1998. Average annual total returns reflect
actual sales loads, service and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the
classes vary based on differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales
loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly
returns. If they were, returns would be less than those shown. As with all
mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund
will perform in the future.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES


(1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/Best quarter                             17.55%               2/99
  Lowest return/Worst quarter                             -9.44%               1/99
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS


(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                      <C>               <C>

  Small Cap Value Fund
  Class A                                                   0.27%               -6.07%
  Class B                                                   0.35%               -5.76%
  Class C                                                   4.35%               -3.30%

  Russell 2000 Index*                                      21.26%                7.90%
</TABLE>



* The Russell 2000(R) Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance
  of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000(R) Index, which, in turn,
  is an unmanaged index that includes the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on
  total market capitalization. The Russell 2000 Index represents approximately
  10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. Total
  returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. You cannot
  invest directly in an index.



12
<PAGE>   14

                                                            SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              1.00%     1.00%     1.00%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.96%     0.96%     0.96%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        2.21%     2.96%     2.96%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  762      $  299               $  799               $  299               $  399

   3 years          $1,203      $  915               $1,215               $  915               $  915

   5 years          $1,670      $1,557               $1,757               $1,557               $1,557

  10 years          $2,954      $3,100               $3,100               $3,280               $3,280
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to waive its fees and reimburse
    the Fund's expenses to the extent that annual operating expenses exceed
    1.90% of average daily net assets for Class A shares and 2.65% of average
    daily net assets for Class B and C shares. As a result, for the fiscal year
    ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid was 0.69%, and total annual
    fund operating expenses were 1.90% for Class A shares and 2.65% for Class B
    and C shares. This waiver and reimbursement may be discontinued at any time
    without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.

                                                                              13
<PAGE>   15


MainStay Capital

Appreciation Fund

The Capital Appreciation Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth
of capital. Dividend income, if any, is an incidental consideration.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests in securities of companies with investment
characteristics such as:

- - participation in expanding product or service markets

- - increasing unit sales volume

- - increasing return on investment


- - growth in revenues and earnings per share superior to that of the average of
  common stocks comprising indexes such as Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Price
  Index ("S&P 500 Index").


INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Fund maintains a flexible approach towards investing in various types of
companies as well as types of securities, including common stocks, preferred
stocks, warrants and other equity securities, depending upon the economic
environment and the relative attractiveness of the various securities markets.


As a result, the Fund may invest in any other securities which, in the judgment
of MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, are ready for a rise in price, or
are expected to undergo an acceleration in growth of earnings. The latter could
occur because of special factors, such as:


- - new management

- - new products

- - changes in consumer demand


- - changes in the economy.

14
<PAGE>   16

                                                       CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. Opportunities for greater
gain often come with greater risk of loss. Some of the securities, therefore,
may carry above-average risk, compared to common stock indexes such as the Dow
Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index.


The principal risk of growth stocks is that investors expect growth companies to
increase their earnings at a certain rate that is generally higher than the rate
expected for nongrowth companies. If these expectations are not met, the market
price of the stock may decline significantly, even if earnings showed an
absolute increase. Growth company stocks also typically lack the dividend yield
that can cushion stock prices in market downturns.
                                                                              15
<PAGE>   17


CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND

[Capital Appreciated Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
90        4.12
91        68.36
92        11.00
93        14.01
94        -1.52
95        35.11
96        18.56
97        23.45
98        38.15
99        23.90
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)




PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (May 1, 1986) through December 31, 1994. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998.
Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads,
but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee
and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             26.88%               4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -12.49%               3/90
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                        <C>               <C>                <C>

  Capital Appreciation Fund
  Class A                                    18.03%            26.97%             21.84%
  Class B                                    18.90%            27.47%             22.15%
  Class C                                    22.90%            27.62%             22.15%

  S&P 500 Index*                             21.04%            28.56%             18.21%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500
  Index is an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative
  of the large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of
  all dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.


16
<PAGE>   18

                                                       CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.72%     0.72%     0.72%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.22%     0.22%     0.22%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.19%     1.94%     1.94%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  665      $  197               $  697               $  197               $  297

   3 years          $  907      $  609               $  909               $  609               $  609

   5 years          $1,168      $1,047               $1,247               $1,047               $1,047

  10 years          $1,914      $2,067               $2,067               $2,264               $2,264
</TABLE>



*   Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's
    automated system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not
    available, after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be
    imposed per exchange.


**  An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
    security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
    $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily established fee breakpoints for its
    management fees of 0.65% annually on assets in excess of $200 million and
    0.50% on assets in excess of $500 million. As a result, for the fiscal year
    ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid was 0.53% and total annual
    fund operating expenses were 1.00% for Class A shares and 1.75% for Class B
    and C shares. These fee breakpoints may be discontinued at any time without
    notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.

                                                                              17
<PAGE>   19


MainStay Blue Chip

Growth Fund

The Blue Chip Growth Fund's investment objective is to seek capital appreciation
by investing primarily in securities of large-capitalization companies. Current
income is a secondary investment objective.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks and
other securities having equity characteristics issued by Blue Chip companies,
such as:


- - convertible debt

- - convertible preferred securities

- - preferred stocks

- - warrants


- - rights.



Blue Chip companies are defined as those:


- - possessing leading market characteristics and certain financial
  characteristics


- - having market capitalizations greater than $2 billion and revenues greater
  than $500 million.


Market leaders generally have superior growth prospects and leading sales within
an industry and have the potential to bring about change within an industry.
Blue Chip companies also generally have faster earnings growth, higher profit
margins, or strong cash flow relative to their competitors.

INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Fund invests in companies judged by Gabelli Asset Management Company, the
Fund's Subadvisor, to have superior earnings per share growth prospects and
above-average or expanding market shares, profit margins and returns on equity.

The Subadvisor chooses securities for the Fund using fundamental securities
analysis to develop company earnings forecasts, selecting those securities that
it perceives to be undervalued or to otherwise have growth potential.
18
<PAGE>   20

                                                           BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. The total return for a
convertible security will be partly dependent upon the performance of the
underlying common stock into which it can be converted.


The principal risk of growth stocks is that investors expect growth companies to
increase their earnings at a certain rate that is generally higher than the rate
expected for nongrowth companies. If these expectations are not met, the market
price of the stock may decline significantly, even if earnings show an absolute
increase. Growth company stocks also typically lack the dividend yield that can
cushion stock prices in market downturns.
                                                                              19
<PAGE>   21

BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

[Capital Appreciation Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(calendar year 1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE

The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing its performance and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for
one year and the life of the Fund compare to those of a broad-based securities
market index. Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered to the
public on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (June 1, 1998) through August 31, 1998. Class A shares
were also introduced on June 1, 1998. Average annual total returns reflect
actual sales loads, service and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the
classes vary based on differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales
loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly
returns. If they were, returns would be less than those shown. As with all
mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund
will perform in the future.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES


(1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             24.56%               4/99
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -1.13%               3/99
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS


(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                       <C>               <C>

  Blue Chip Growth Fund
  Class A                                                   33.96%              32.32%
  Class B                                                   35.78%              34.11%
  Class C                                                   39.78%              36.23%

  S&P 500 Index*                                            21.04%              22.22%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500 is
  an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative of the
  large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of all

  dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



20
<PAGE>   22

                                                           BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND


FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND



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



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
  percentage of offering price)                                  5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 1.00%     1.00%     1.00%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.51%     0.51%     0.51%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.76%     2.51%     2.51%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  719      $  254               $  754               $  254               $  354

   3 years          $1,074      $  782               $1,082               $  782               $  782

   5 years          $1,452      $1,335               $1,535               $1,335               $1,335

  10 years          $2,509      $2,659               $2,659               $2,846               $2,846
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              21
<PAGE>   23




MainStay Equity

Index Fund

The Equity Index Fund's investment objective is to seek to provide investment
results that correspond to the total return performance (and reflect
reinvestment of dividends) of publicly traded common stocks represented by the
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index" or the
"Index").

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in stocks in the S&P
500 Index in the same proportion, to the extent feasible, as they are
represented in the S&P 500 Index.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


Unlike other funds, which generally seek to beat market averages, index funds
seek to match their respective indices. No attempt is made to manage the
portfolio in the traditional sense using economic, financial and market
analysis. Monitor Capital Advisors LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, uses statistical
techniques to determine which stocks are to be purchased or sold to replicate
the S&P 500 Index to the extent feasible. From time to time, adjustments may be
made in the Fund's portfolio because of changes in the composition of the S&P
500 Index.



The correlation between the performance of the Fund and the S&P 500 Index is
expected to be at least 0.95 (excluding charges, fees and expenses). A
correlation of 1.00 would indicate perfect correlation, which would be achieved
when the net asset value of the Fund, including the value of its dividend and
capital gains distributions, increases or decreases in exact proportion to
changes in the S&P 500 Index.


The Fund's investments also include S&P 500 Index futures which are used for
cash management purposes.

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

"Standard & Poor's 500" and "S&P 500" are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Monitor Capital Advisors LLC.
Standard & Poor's does not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the Fund or
represent the advisability of investing in the Fund. The S&P 500 Index is an
unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative of the
large-cap U.S. stock market. Typically, companies included in the S&P 500 Index
are the largest and most dominant firms in their respective industries.



22
<PAGE>   24

                                                               EQUITY INDEX FUND

- ---------------------------
INDEX FUNDS seek to match their respective indices, unlike other funds that
generally seek to beat an index or indices. No attempt is made to manage the
portfolio in the traditional sense using economic, financial and market
analysis.

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. If the value of the S&P
500 Index declines, the net asset value of shares of the Fund will also decline.
The Fund's ability to mirror the S&P 500 Index may be affected by, among other
things:


- - transactions costs

- - changes in either the makeup of the S&P 500 Index or the number of shares
  outstanding for the components of the S&P 500 Index


- - the timing and amount of contributions to, and redemptions from, the Fund by
  shareholders.


Consistent with its principal investment strategies, the Fund's investments
include S&P 500 Index futures which are a type of derivative. The Fund may lose
money using derivatives. The use of derivatives may increase the volatility of
the Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of cash relative
to the magnitude of risk assumed.

GUARANTEE


This Fund comes with an unconditional guarantee from NYLIFE LLC ("NYLIFE"). If,
ten years from your date of purchase, the net asset value of a unit (equal to
the NAV of a Fund share, plus the value of all cumulative reinvested dividends
and distributions paid on the share during the ten-year period) is less than the
price you initially paid for the Fund share, NYLIFE will pay you the difference
between the price you paid and the value of a unit.



                                                                              23
<PAGE>   25

EQUITY INDEX FUND

<TABLE>
<S>     <C>     <C>
        91      28.01
        92       6.19
        93       9.01
        94       0.50
        95      35.91
        96      22.04
        97      32.26
        98      27.69
        99      19.99
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS A SHARES

(by calendar year 1991-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one year, five years and the life of the Fund
(December 20, 1990) compare to those of a broad-based securities market index.
Sales loads are reflected in the average annual total returns. Sales loads are
not reflected in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If
they were, returns would be less than those shown. As with all mutual funds,
past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform
in the future.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS A SHARES


(1991-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             21.22%               4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -10.06%               3/98
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1 YEAR            5 YEARS            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                   <C>               <C>                <C>

  Equity Index Fund
  Class A                               16.39%            26.66%                19.13%

  S&P 500 Index*                        21.04%            28.56%                20.79%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500
  Index is an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative
  of the large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of
  all dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.


24
<PAGE>   26

                                                               EQUITY INDEX FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A
  <S>                                                           <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
  percentage of offering price)                                  3.00%

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None

  Exchange Fee                                                       *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.50%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.19%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           0.94%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Expenses after   CLASS A
  <S>              <C>

   1 year           $  393

   3 years          $  591

   5 years          $  804

  10 years          $1,420
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.

(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase.


(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              25
<PAGE>   27


MainStay Growth

Opportunities Fund

The Growth Opportunities Fund's investment objective is to seek long term growth
of capital, with income as a secondary consideration.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks and
other equity-related securities of well-established, well-managed companies that
appear to have better than average potential for capital appreciation and have
large- to mid-cap market capitalizations.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


- - Madison Square Advisors LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, will seek to identify
  companies which are considered to represent good value based on historical
  investment standards, including price/book value ratios and price/earnings
  ratios.


- - The Fund is managed with a growth/value orientation that is determined by
  market conditions.

- - The Subadvisor uses a "top-down" approach that assesses the macroeconomic
  environment to determine sector weightings.

26
<PAGE>   28

                                                       GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings.


The principal risk of growth stocks is that investors expect growth companies to
increase their earnings at a certain rate that is generally higher than the rate
expected for nongrowth companies. If these expectations are not met, the market
price of the stock may decline significantly, even if earnings show an absolute
increase. Growth company stocks also typically lack the dividend yield that can
cushion stock prices in market downturns. The principal risk of investing in
value stocks is that they may never reach what the Subadvisor believes is their
full value or that they may even go down in value.

                                                                              27
<PAGE>   29

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
[Growth Opportunities Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
99                                                                               28.80
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(calendar year 1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE

The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing how the Fund's average annual returns for one year and the life of the
Fund compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered to the public on September 1, 1998,
include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception (June 1,
1998) through August 31, 1998. Class A shares were also introduced June 1, 1998.
Average annual total returns reflect actual sales loads, service and/or
distribution fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in
their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart
or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less
than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily
an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             21.88%               4/99
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -5.96%               3/99
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(as of 12/31/99)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                       <C>               <C>

  Growth Opportunities Fund
  Class A                                                   22.54%              26.57%
  Class B                                                   23.80%              28.03%
  Class C                                                   27.80%              30.20%

  S&P 500 Index*                                            21.04%              22.22%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500
  Index is an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative
  of the large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of

  all dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



28
<PAGE>   30

                                                       GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.70%     0.70%     0.70%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.64%     0.64%     0.64%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)                        1.59%     2.34%     2.34%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  703      $  237               $  737               $  237               $  337

   3 years          $1,024      $  730               $1,030               $  730               $  730

   5 years          $1,368      $1,250               $1,450               $1,250               $1,250

  10 years          $2,335      $2,486               $2,486               $2,676               $2,676
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



(3) MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Fund's expenses
    to the extent that annual operating expenses exceed 1.65% of average daily
    net assets for Class A shares and 2.40% of average daily net assets for
    Class B and C shares. This reimbursement may be discontinued at any time
    without notice.


                                                                              29
<PAGE>   31


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

REITS are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in either real estate
or real estate-related loans. The value of a REIT is affected by changes in the
values of the properties owned by the REIT or securing mortgages held by the
REIT. REITs are dependent upon cash flow from their investments to repay
financing costs.


MainStay Equity

Income Fund

The Equity Income Fund's investment objective is to realize maximum long-term
total return from a combination of capital appreciation and income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund takes a flexible approach, emphasizing investments in common stocks and
other equity income-producing securities, including preferred stocks and
securities (including debt securities) that are convertible into common or
preferred stocks. The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in
equity income-producing securities that:



- - MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, believes are undervalued when
  purchased


- - pay cash dividends


- - are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the over-the-
  counter market.


The Fund also may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities that
do not pay regular dividends, debt securities, U.S. government securities and
cash or cash equivalents. The Fund also invests in convertible securities and
REITS (real estate investment trusts).

INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Subadvisor seeks to identify investment opportunities based on the financial
condition and competitiveness of individual companies. The Subadvisor will seek
to invest primarily in equities that pay dividends and are deemed to be
undervalued based on a number of factors, including:

- - relative valuation

- - prospects for future earnings growth

- - ability to grow dividends


- - corporate management.



30
<PAGE>   32

                                                              EQUITY INCOME FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. The total return for a
convertible security will be partly dependent upon the performance of the
underlying common stock into which it can be converted.


The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadvisor believes is their full value or that they may even go down
in value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of
favor depending on market and economic conditions. Therefore, the Fund's
performance may be lower or higher than that of funds that invest in other types
of equity securities (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

                                                                              31
<PAGE>   33

EQUITY INCOME FUND

[Eqity Income Bar Graph]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(calendar year 1999)



PAST PERFORMANCE



The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing how the Fund's average annual returns for one year and the life of the
Fund compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered to the public on September 1, 1998,
include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception (June 1,
1998) through August 31, 1998. Class A shares were also introduced June 1, 1998.
Average annual total returns reflect actual sales loads, service and/or
distribution fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in
their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart
or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less
than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily
an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES


(1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             18.69%               2/99
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -5.63%               3/99
</TABLE>



AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS


(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                      <C>               <C>

  Equity Income Fund
  Class A                                                  18.23%               13.92%
  Class B                                                  19.16%               14.86%
  Class C                                                  23.16%               17.17%

  Russell 1000 Value Index*                                 7.35%                7.44%
</TABLE>



* The Russell 1000(R) Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the
  performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios
  and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000(R) Index is an unmanaged
  index that measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the
  Russell 3000(R) Index, which, in turn, is an unmanaged index that includes the
  3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. Total
  returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. You cannot
  invest directly in an index.



32
<PAGE>   34

                                                              EQUITY INCOME FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.70%     0.70%     0.70%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.87%     0.87%     0.87%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.82%     2.57%     2.57%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  725      $  260               $  760               $  260               $  360

   3 years          $1,091      $  799               $1,099               $  799               $  799

   5 years          $1,481      $1,365               $1,565               $1,365               $1,365

  10 years          $2,570      $2,719               $2,719               $2,905               $2,905
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Fund's expenses
    to the extent that annual operating expenses exceed 1.65% of average daily
    net assets for Class A shares and 2.40% of average daily net assets for
    Class B and C shares. As a result, for the fiscal year ended December 31,
    1999, the management fee paid was 0.53%, and total annual fund operating
    expenses were 1.65% for Class A shares and 2.40% for Class B and C shares.
    This reimbursement may be discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              33
<PAGE>   35


MainStay MAP

Equity Fund

The MAP Equity Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term appreciation of
capital. The Fund also seeks to earn income, but this is a secondary objective.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity-type
securities, including common stocks, as well as securities convertible into, or
exchangeable for, common stocks. The Fund primarily invests in the securities of
domestic issuers.

INVESTMENT PROCESS

In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, Markston International, LLC, the
Fund's Subadvisor, seeks to identify securities that are out of favor but where
a catalyst exists for turning such securities into investments that the
Subadvisor believes will have improved performance (i.e., value opportunities).
Factors examined by the Subadvisor to indicate value include: statistical
indications, such as low multiples of book value or cash flow, and more
fundamental factors, such as industry consolidations. The Subadvisor also places
emphasis on the presence of a catalyst that may unlock a company's potential,
such as management changes, restructurings and sales of underperforming assets.
In selecting securities for investment, the Subadvisor also assesses the
judgment, quality and integrity of company management and the track record of
product development.

Although under normal circumstances the Fund intends to hold its securities for
a relatively long period of time, the Subadvisor may sell investments when it
believes the opportunity for current profits or the risk of market decline
outweighs the prospect of capital gains. Certain securities may be acquired from
time to time in an effort to earn short-term profits.

34
<PAGE>   36

                                                                 MAP EQUITY FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. The total return for a
convertible security will be partly dependent upon the performance of the
underlying common stock into which it can be converted.



The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadvisor believes is their full value or that they may even go down
in value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of
favor depending on market and economic conditions, and therefore the Fund's
performance may be lower or higher than that of funds that invest in other types
of equity securities (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).


                                                                              35
<PAGE>   37

MAP EQUITY FUND

[MAP Equity Fund Bar Chart]

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS I SHARES**


(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. The Fund commenced operations in 1971 as
the Mutual Benefit Fund. It was renamed MAP-Equity Fund on May 1, 1995. Pursuant
to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, the MAP-Equity Fund was reorganized
as the MainStay MAP Equity Fund--Class I shares on June 9, 1999 -- when MainStay
assumed management of the Fund. The performance figures shown reflect the
performance of the MAP-Equity Fund through June 8, 1999 and subsequently the
Class I shares. Annual total returns reflect actual sales loads of the
MAP-Equity Fund (which was subject to a 4.75% front-end sales load). Performance
of the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares will vary based on differences
in their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar
chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be
less than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS -- MAP EQUITY FUND, CLASS I SHARES**


(1990-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             18.71%               4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -14.62%               3/90
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                      <C>               <C>                <C>

  MAP Equity Fund                           6.85%            22.89%              15.41%

  S&P 500 Index*                           21.04%            28.56%              18.21%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500 is
  an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative of the
  large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of all
  dividends and capital gains distributions. You cannot invest directly in an
  index.

** Class I shares are not offered in this prospectus.


36
<PAGE>   38


                                                                 MAP EQUITY FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.75%     0.75%     0.75%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.41%     0.41%     0.41%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.41%     2.16%     2.16%

  Fee Waiver                                                     0.16%     0.16%     0.16%

  Net Expenses(2)                                                1.25%     2.00%     2.00%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  686      $  219               $  719               $  219               $  319

   3 years          $  972      $  676               $  976               $  676               $  676

   5 years          $1,279      $1,159               $1,359               $1,159               $1,159

  10 years          $2,148      $2,300               $2,300               $2,493               $2,493
</TABLE>



   * Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's
     automated system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is
     not available, after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be
     imposed per exchange.


  ** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
     security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
     $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


 (1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
     deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge
     of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
     purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
     purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
     Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
     shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
     imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
     purchase.



 (2) MainStay Management has contractually agreed to limit total annual fund
     operating expenses to 1.25% for Class A shares and 2.00% for Class B and C
     shares through May 30, 2001, after which time the Manager may discontinue
     the limitation. As a result, for the period June 9, 1999 through December
     31, 1999, the management fee paid was 0.59%. For a two-year period
     following expiration of the expense limitation, MainStay Management may be
     entitled to reimbursement for a portion of expenses paid pursuant to the
     expense limitation.



 (3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
     Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
     the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              37
<PAGE>   39


MainStay Research

Value Fund

The Research Value Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in securities of large-capitalization
companies.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks and
other securities having equity characteristics issued by companies with market
capitalizations of greater than $2 billion. Securities with equity
characteristics include:

- - convertible debt

- - convertible preferred securities

- - preferred stocks


- - warrants and rights.


The Fund's Subadvisor, John A. Levin & Co., Inc., generally seeks to select
securities it believes are undervalued in relation to their intrinsic value as
indicated by the earnings and cash flow potential or the asset value of the
respective issuers. The Subadvisor also considers growth and new products on a
selective basis.

INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Subadvisor follows a value-oriented investment philosophy in selecting
stocks for the Fund using a research-intensive approach that considers factors
such as:

- - security prices that reflect a market valuation that is judged to be below the
  estimated present or future value of the company

- - favorable earnings growth prospects

- - expected above-average return on equity and dividend yield

- - the financial condition of the issuer


- - various qualitative factors.


Although payment of current dividends and income are considered by the
Subadvisor, they are not primary factors in the selection of investments.

38
<PAGE>   40

                                                             RESEARCH VALUE FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. The total return of a
convertible security will be partly dependent upon the performance of the
underlying common stock into which it can be converted.


The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadvisor believes is their full value or that they may even go down
in value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of
favor depending on market and economic conditions and therefore the Fund's
performance may be lower or higher than that of funds that invest in other types
of equity securities (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

                                                                              39
<PAGE>   41

RESEARCH VALUE FUND

[Capital Appreciation Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(calendar year 1999)



PAST PERFORMANCE



The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing how the Fund's average annual returns for one year and the life of the
Fund compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered to the public on September 1, 1998,
include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception (June 1,
1998) through August 31, 1998. Class A shares were also introduced on June 1,
1998. Average annual total returns reflect actual sales loads, service and/or
distribution fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in
their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart
or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less
than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily
an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             11.24%               2/99
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -6.62%               3/99
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                      <C>               <C>

  Research Value Fund
  Class A                                                  11.84%                9.33%
  Class B                                                  12.56%               10.11%
  Class C                                                  16.56%               12.47%

  Russell 1000 Value Index*                                 7.35%                7.44%

  S&P 500/BARRA Value Index**                              12.72%                9.92%
</TABLE>



* The MainStay Research Value Fund, going forward, will measure its performance
  against the Russell 1000(R) Value Index. This index reflects the holdings of
  the Fund better than the S&P 500/BARRA Value Index, against which the Fund is
  currently measured, and the subadvisor believes that the Russell 1000 Value
  Index is, therefore, a better performance benchmark. The Russell 1000 Value
  Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell
  1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth
  values. The Russell 1000 is an unmanaged index that measures the performance
  of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000(R) Index, which, in turn,
  is an unmanaged index that includes the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on
  total market capitalization. Total returns reflect reinvestment of all
  dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



** "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P
   500/BARRA Value Index is a capitalization-weighted index of approximately
   half of the companies in the S&P 500 Index and consists of those companies
   with lower price-to-book ratios. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and
   is considered to be generally representative of the large-cap U.S. stock
   market. Total returns for both the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500/BARRA Value
   Index reflect the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. You cannot
   invest directly in an index.



40
<PAGE>   42

                                                             RESEARCH VALUE FUND


FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND


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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.85%     0.85%     0.85%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 1.04%     1.04%     1.04%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        2.14%     2.89%     2.89%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  755      $  292               $  792               $  292               $  392

   3 years          $1,183      $  895               $1,195               $  895               $  895

   5 years          $1,636      $1,523               $1,723               $1,523               $1,523

  10 years          $2,886      $3,033               $3,033               $3,214               $3,214
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Fund's expenses
    to the extent that annual operating expenses exceed 1.80% of average daily
    net assets for Class A shares and 2.55% of average daily net assets for
    Class B and C shares. As a result, for the fiscal year ended December 31,
    1999, the management fee paid was 0.51%, and total annual fund operating
    expenses were 1.80% for Class A shares and 2.55% for Class B and C shares.
    This reimbursement may be discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              41
<PAGE>   43


MainStay Value

Fund

The Value Fund's investment objective is to realize maximum long-term total
return from a combination of capital growth and income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks
that:


- - MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, believes are "undervalued" (selling
  below their value) when purchased


- - typically pay dividends, although there may be non-dividend paying stocks if
  they meet the "undervalued" criteria


- - are listed on a national securities exchange or are traded in the over-
  the-counter market.


INVESTMENT PROCESS


Usually, stocks deemed by the Subadvisor to be at full value will be replaced
with new, "undervalued" stocks. When assessing whether a stock is undervalued,
the Subadvisor considers many factors and will compare the market price:



- - to the company's "book" value,



- - to estimated value of the company's assets (liquidating value),



- - to the company's cash flow generation capability, and



- - to a lesser extent, trends and forecasts such as growth rates and future
  earnings.


The Fund is not designed or managed primarily to produce current income.


42
<PAGE>   44

                                                                      VALUE FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks is particularly subject to the risk of changing
economic, stock market, industry and company conditions and the risks inherent
in management's ability to anticipate such changes that can adversely affect the
value of the Fund's holdings.


The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadvisor believes is their full value or that they may even go down
in value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of
favor depending on market and economic conditions and therefore the Fund's
performance may be lower or higher than that of funds that invest in other types
of equity securities (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

                                                                              43
<PAGE>   45

VALUE FUND

[Value Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (May 1, 1986) up to December 31, 1994. Performance figures
for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the historical
performance of Class B shares from inception up to August 31, 1998. Average
annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads, but have
not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution fees.
Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee and
expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             17.98%               1/91
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -16.56%               3/98
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                       <C>               <C>                <C>

  Value Fund
  Class A                                    2.37%            12.63%              12.53%
  Class B                                    2.51%            12.94%              12.81%
  Class C                                    6.51%            13.19%              12.81%

  Russell 1000 Value Index*                  7.35%            23.07%              15.60%
  S&P 500 Index**                           21.04%            28.56%              18.21%
</TABLE>



* The MainStay Value Fund, going forward, will measure its performance against
  the Russell 1000(R) Value Index. This index reflects the holdings of the Fund
  better than the S&P 500, against which the Fund is currently measured, and the
  Subadvisor believes that the Russell 1000 Value Index is, therefore, a better
  performance benchmark. The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged index that
  measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower
  price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000 is
  an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the 1,000 largest
  companies in the Russell 3000(R) Index, which, in turn, is an unmanaged index
  that includes the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market
  capitalization. Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and
  capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.


** "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500 is
   an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative of the
   large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of all
   dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



44
<PAGE>   46

                                                                      VALUE FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
  percentage of offering price)                                  5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.57%     0.57%     0.57%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.31%     0.31%     0.31%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.13%     1.88%     1.88%
</TABLE>

EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  659      $  191               $  691               $  191               $  291

   3 years          $  889      $  591               $  891               $  591               $  591

   5 years          $1,138      $1,016               $1,216               $1,016               $1,016

  10 years          $1,849      $2,003               $2,003               $2,201               $2,201
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              45
<PAGE>   47


MainStay Strategic

Value Fund

The Strategic Value Fund's investment objective is to seek maximum long-term
total return from a combination of common stocks, convertible securities and
high yield securities.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests in foreign and domestic securities in three asset
classes, limited by the following:

30% TO 80% OF NET ASSETS IN COMMON STOCKS THAT


- - MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, believes are "undervalued" (selling
  below their value) when purchased


- - typically pay dividends, although there may be non-dividend-paying stocks if
  they meet the "undervalued" criteria


- - are listed on a national securities exchange or are traded in the over-
  the-counter market.


10% TO 40% OF NET ASSETS IN CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES THAT


- - are ordinarily in the lower rating categories of ("Moody's") (Baa to B) and
  ("S&P") (BBB to B) or



- - are judged to be of comparable creditworthiness by the Fund's Subadvisor.


10% TO 40% OF NET ASSETS IN CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, IN ANY RATING CATEGORY OR
UNRATED, such as preferred stocks, bonds, debentures, corporate notes and other
securities that can be converted into common stock or the cash value of a single
equity security or a basket or index of equity securities.

Within these limitations, the Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets
in securities that are rated CCC or below by Moody's or S&P or judged by the
Subadvisor to be of comparable quality. Generally, foreign investments are in
the form of American Depositary Receipts.


At times, the actual allocation for each asset class may differ from the
limitations set forth above, due to market fluctuations or cash entering or
leaving the Fund. This could happen, for instance, if the Subadvisor has
positioned the assets close to a minimum or maximum for one or more asset
classes and the Fund's cash position changes because of investors buying or
selling the Fund's shares. To correct the situation, the Subadvisor intends to
reallocate assets within seven days.


46
<PAGE>   48

                                                            STRATEGIC VALUE FUND

INVESTMENT PROCESS


Generally, the Subadvisor seeks out undervalued securities in all asset classes.
Usually, stocks deemed to be at full value will be replaced with new,
"undervalued" stocks. When assessing whether a stock is undervalued, the
Subadvisor considers many factors and will compare the market price to the
company's "book" value, estimated value of the company's assets (liquidating
value) and cash flow. To a lesser extent, the Subadvisor will also look at
trends and forecasts, such as growth rates and future earnings.


PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks is particularly subject to the risk of changing
economic, stock market, industry and company conditions and the risks inherent
in management's ability to anticipate such changes that can adversely affect the
value of the Fund's holdings. The total return for a convertible security will
be partly dependent upon the performance of the underlying common stock into
which it can be converted.


The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadvisor believes is their full value or that they may even go down
in value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of
favor depending on market and economic conditions and therefore the Fund's
performance may be lower or higher than that of funds that invest in other types
of equity securities (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

In the case of debt securities, values change. The values of debt securities
fluctuate depending upon various factors, including:

- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


The Fund invests in high yield debt securities (sometimes called "junk bonds")
which are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk
of loss than higher quality debt securities. These securities pay investors a
premium--a high interest rate or yield--because of the increased risk of loss.
These securities can be also subject to greater price volatility.

Since the Fund invests in foreign securities, it can be subject to various risks
of loss that are different from risks of investing in securities of U.S.
companies. These include losses due to fluctuating currency values, less liquid
trading markets, greater price volatility, political and economic instability,
less publicly available information about issuers, changes in U.S. or foreign
tax or currency laws, and changes in monetary policy.

                                                                              47
<PAGE>   49

STRATEGIC VALUE FUND

[Strategic Value Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1998-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one year and the life of the Fund compare to those of
a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class C shares,
first offered on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance of Class
B shares from inception (October 22, 1997) through August 31, 1998. Class A
shares were also introduced October 22, 1997. Average annual total returns
reflect actual sales loads, service and/or distribution fees. Performance data
for the classes vary based on differences in their fee and expense structures.
Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the best and worst
quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those shown. As with
all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the
Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1998-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             12.66%               4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -16.33%               3/98
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                      <C>               <C>

  Strategic Value Fund
  Class A                                                   7.35%                5.45%
  Class B                                                   7.64%                6.11%
  Class C                                                  11.64%                7.37%

  S&P 500 Index*                                           21.04%               22.68%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500 is
  an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative of the
  large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of all
  dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



48
<PAGE>   50

                                                            STRATEGIC VALUE FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.75%     0.75%     0.75%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.69%     0.69%     0.69%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.69%     2.44%     2.44%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  712      $  247               $  747               $  247               $  347

   3 years          $1,053      $  761               $1,061               $  761               $  761

   5 years          $1,417      $1,301               $1,501               $1,301               $1,301

  10 years          $2,438      $2,588               $2,588               $2,776               $2,776
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one year of the
    date of purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              49
<PAGE>   51


MainStay Convertible Fund

The Convertible Fund's investment objective is to seek capital appreciation
together with current income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of the value of its total assets in
"convertible securities" such as:

- - bonds

- - debentures

- - corporate notes


- - preferred stocks or other securities.


that are convertible into common stock or the cash value of a stock or a basket
or index of equity securities.

The Fund takes a flexible approach by investing in a broad range of securities
of a variety of companies and industries. The Fund invests in high yield debt
securities and may invest without restriction in securities rated BB or B by S&P
or Ba or B by Moody's. The balance of the Fund may be invested or held in:

- - nonconvertible debt

- - equity securities that do not pay regular dividends

- - U.S. Government securities


- - cash or cash equivalents.


INVESTMENT PROCESS


In selecting convertible securities for purchase or sale, MacKay Shields LLC,
the Fund's Subadvisor, takes into account a variety of investment
considerations, including:


- - credit risk

- - projected interest return


- - the premium for the convertible security relative to the underlying common
  stock.


50
<PAGE>   52

                                                                CONVERTIBLE FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. The total return for a
convertible security will be partly dependent upon the performance of the
underlying common stock into which it can be converted.


In the case of debt securities, values change. The values of debt securities
fluctuate depending upon various factors, including:

- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


Principal investments include high yield debt securities (sometimes called "junk
bonds") which are generally considered speculative because they present a
greater risk of loss than higher quality debt securities. These securities pay
investors a premium--a high interest rate or yield--because of the increased
risk of loss. These securities can be also subject to greater price volatility.

                                                                              51
<PAGE>   53

CONVERTIBLE FUND

[Convertible Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (May 1, 1986) through December 31, 1994. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998.
Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads,
but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee
and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             16.81%               4/99
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -10.11%               3/90
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                      <C>               <C>                <C>

  Convertible Fund
  Class A                                  26.54%            14.63%              14.31%
  Class B                                  27.90%            14.94%              14.57%
  Class C                                  31.90%            15.17%              14.57%

  First Boston Convertible
  Securities Index*                        33.51%            19.11%              14.37%
</TABLE>



* The First Boston Convertible Securities Index generally includes 250-300
  issues--convertibles must have a minimum issue size of $50 million; bonds and
  preferreds must be rated B- or better by S&P; and preferreds must have a
  minimum of 500,000 shares outstanding. Eurobonds are also included if they are
  issued by U.S.-domiciled companies, rated B- or higher by S&P, and have an
  issue size of greater than $100 million. Total returns reflect the
  reinvestment of all income and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an
  index.



52
<PAGE>   54

                                                                              53
                                                                CONVERTIBLE FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  (as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1)                     None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.72%     0.72%     0.72%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.32%     0.32%     0.32%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.29%     2.04%     2.04%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  674      $  207               $  707               $  207               $  307

   3 years          $  936      $  640               $  940               $  640               $  640

   5 years          $1,219      $1,098               $1,298               $1,098               $1,098

  10 years          $2,021      $2,174               $2,174               $2,369               $2,369
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.

<PAGE>   55



- ---------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED (including mortgage-backed) SECURITIES are debt securities
whose values are based on underlying pools of mortgages. These securities may be
issued by U.S. governmental entities or private issuers.

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

The values of ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are based on underlying pools of other
receivables.


- ---------------------------
In a MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTION, the Fund sells a mortgage-backed security
from its portfolio to another party and agrees to buy a similar security from
the same party at a set price at a later date.

MainStay Total
Return Fund

The Total Return Fund's investment objective is to realize current income
consistent with reasonable opportunity for future growth of capital and income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests a minimum of 30% of its net assets in equity
securities and a minimum of 30% of its net assets in debt securities.

INVESTMENT PROCESS

Equity investments


A majority of the Fund's equity securities will normally consist of stocks of
companies with growth in revenues and earnings per share superior to that of the
average of common stocks comprising the S&P 500 Index at the time of purchase.
The Fund will also invest in stocks and other equity securities that it believes
to be undervalued.


Debt securities


It is contemplated that the Fund's long-term debt investments will consist
primarily of securities that are rated A or better by S&P or Moody's or, if
unrated, deemed to be of comparable creditworthiness by MacKay Shields LLC, the
Fund's Subadvisor. Principal debt investments include U.S. government
securities, MORTGAGE-RELATED and ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Fund may also
enter into MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTIONS.


The Fund maintains a flexible approach by investing in a broad range of
securities, which may be diversified by company, by industry and by type.

54
<PAGE>   56

                                                               TOTAL RETURN FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Since the Fund may allocate its assets among equity and debt securities it has
some exposure to the risks of both stocks and bonds. Investment in common stocks
and other equity securities is particularly subject to the risks of changing
economic, stock market, industry and company conditions and the risks inherent
in management's ability to anticipate such changes that can adversely affect the
value of the Fund's holdings. In the case of debt securities, values change. The
values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors, including:


- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions

- - maturities.

Consistent with its principal investment strategies, the Fund's investments also
include derivatives, such as mortgaged-related and asset-backed securities. The
Fund may use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of loss
(hedge) of certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may lose
money using derivatives.

The principal risk of mortgage-dollar roll transactions is that the security the
Fund receives at the end of the transaction is worth less than the security the
Fund sold to the same counterparty at the beginning of the transaction.

                                                                              55
<PAGE>   57

TOTAL RETURN FUND

[Total Return Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>     <C>
90         5.06
91        36.84
92         3.62
93        10.50
94        -2.41
95        27.96
96        12.73
97        17.65
98        25.96
99        15.60
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (December 29, 1987) through December 31, 1994. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998.
Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads,
but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee
and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             16.87%               4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -7.43%               3/90
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                      <C>               <C>                <C>

  Total Return Fund
  Class A                                  10.05%            19.20%              14.48%
  Class B                                  10.60%            19.64%              14.78%
  Class C                                  14.60%            19.83%              14.78%

  S&P 500 Index*                           21.04%            28.56%              18.21%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500 is
  an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative of the
  large-cap U.S. stock market. Total returns reflect the reinvestment of all
  dividends and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.

56
<PAGE>   58

                                                               TOTAL RETURN FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
  percentage of offering price)                                  5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.64%     0.64%     0.64%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.27%     0.27%     0.27%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.16%     1.91%     1.91%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  662      $  194               $  694               $  194               $  294

   3 years          $  898      $  600               $  900               $  600               $  600

   5 years          $1,153      $1,032               $1,232               $1,032               $1,032

  10 years          $1,881      $2,035               $2,035               $2,233               $2,233
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.

(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since the shareholder
    purchased the shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one
    year of the date of purchase.


(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily established a breakpoint for its
    management fees of 0.60% annually on assets in excess of $500 million. As a
    result, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid
    was 0.61%, and total annual fund operating expenses were 1.13% for Class A
    shares and 1.88% for Class B paid and C shares. This fee breakpoint may be
    discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              57
<PAGE>   59


MainStay International

Equity Fund

The International Equity Fund's investment objective is to provide long-term
growth of capital commensurate with an acceptable level of risk by investing in
a portfolio consisting primarily of non-U.S. equity securities. Current income
is a secondary objective.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities
of issuers, wherever organized, who do business mainly outside the United
States. Investments will be made in a variety of countries, with a minimum of
five countries other than the United States. This includes countries with
established economies as well as emerging market countries that the Fund's
Subadvisor believes present favorable opportunities.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


In pursuing the Fund's investment strategy, MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's
Subadvisor seeks to identify investment opportunities by beginning with country
selection. Local currencies are then assessed for upside potential and downside
risk. Finally, individual securities are evaluated based on the financial
condition and competitiveness of individual companies. In making investments in
foreign markets, the Subadvisor considers several factors, including:


- - prospects for currency exchange

- - interest rates

- - inflation

- - relative economic growth


- - governmental policies.



As part of its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell currency on a spot
basis and enter into foreign currency forward contracts for hedging purposes or
to increase the Fund's investment return. In addition, the Fund may buy or sell
foreign currency options, securities and securities index options and enter into
swap agreements and futures contracts and related options. These techniques may
be used for any legally permissible purpose, including to increase the Fund's
return.


58
<PAGE>   60

                                                       INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
and the risks inherent in management's ability to anticipate such changes that
can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings.


Since the Fund principally invests in foreign securities, it will be subject to
various risks of loss that are different from risks of investing in securities
of U.S.-based companies. These include losses due to:

- - fluctuating currency values

- - less liquid trading markets

- - greater price volatility

- - political and economic instability

- - less publicly available information about issuers

- - changes in U.S. or foreign tax or currency laws


- - changes in monetary policy.


The risks are likely to be greater in emerging market countries than in
developed market countries.

The Fund's investments include derivatives such as options, futures and
forwards. The Fund may use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the
risk of loss of (hedge) certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the
Fund may lose money using derivatives. The use of derivatives may increase the
volatility of the Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of
cash relative to the magnitude of risk assumed.

                                                                              59
<PAGE>   61

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
[International Equity Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
95                                                                                4.27
96                                                                                9.05
97                                                                                3.78
98                                                                               19.34
99                                                                               26.60
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1995-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one year, five years and the life of the Fund compare
to those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class
A shares, first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance
of Class B shares from inception (September 13, 1994) through December 31, 1994.
Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998,
include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception through
August 31, 1998. Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect
actual sales loads, but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service
and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on
differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected
in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were,
returns would be less than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past
performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1995-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         RETURN            QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                    <C>               <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             19.23%               4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                            -13.82%               3/98
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1 YEAR       5 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                         <C>          <C>               <C>

  International Equity Fund
  Class A                                     20.53%       11.83%.             10.63%
  Class B                                     21.60%       12.01%              10.91%
  Class C                                     25.60%       12.26%              11.03%

  Morgan Stanley Capital International
  EAFE Index*                                 26.96%       12.83%              11.97%
</TABLE>



* The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, Far East
  Index--the EAFE Index--is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index
  containing approximately 1,200 equity securities of companies located outside
  the U.S. Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and capital
  gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



60
<PAGE>   62
                                                       INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
  percentage of offering price)                                  5.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 1.00%     1.00%     1.00%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.69%     0.69%     0.69%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.94%     2.69%     2.69%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  736      $  272               $  772               $  272               $  372

   3 years          $1,126      $  835               $1,135               $  835               $  835

   5 years          $1,539      $1,425               $1,625               $1,425               $1,425

  10 years          $2,690      $2,838               $2,838               $3,022               $3,022
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one year of the
    date of purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              61
<PAGE>   63


- ---------------------------
YANKEE DEBT SECURITIES are dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers that
are traded in the United States.

- ---------------------------
BRADY BONDS are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial
bank loans to foreign sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with
debt restructurings. They are subject to the risks of foreign securities.

MainStay Global

High Yield Fund

The Global High Yield Fund's investment objective is to seek to provide maximum
current income by investing primarily in high yield debt securities of non-U.S.
issuers. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in high yield debt
securities issued by governments, and their agencies and authorities, and
corporations that are located in at least three different countries.

- - The Fund focuses on debt securities that generally are rated in the lower
  rating categories of Moody's (Ba to B) and S&P (BB to B), or if unrated are
  deemed to be comparable by the Fund's Subadvisor.


- - The Fund principally invests in countries that are considered emerging
  markets, and may invest in countries with established economies, that the
  Subadvisor, MacKay Shields LLC, believes present favorable opportunities.



- - The Fund's principal investments include YANKEE (dollar-denominated) DEBT
  SECURITIES, BRADY BONDS and derivative instruments, such as FLOATERS,
  including INVERSE FLOATERS, SWAPS, futures and options.


The Fund may buy and sell currency on a spot basis and enter into foreign
currency forward contracts. The Fund may also buy foreign currency options.
These techniques may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including to
increase the Fund's return.

INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Subadvisor identifies investment opportunities by beginning with country
selection, then assessing local currencies for upside potential and downside
risk and finally, evaluating specific securities based on the financial
condition and competitiveness of the issuer. The Subadvisor considers factors
such as prospects for a country's political stability, currency exchange rates,
interest rates, inflation, relative economic growth and governmental policies.


62
<PAGE>   64

                                                          GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND

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

FLOATERS (or securities with a floating rate of interest) are debt securities
with a variable interest rate that is tied to another interest rate, such as a
money-market index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on an INVERSE
FLOATER resets in the opposite direction from the interest rate to which the
inverse floater is indexed.

- ---------------------------
In a typical SWAP transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or
differentials in rates of returns) earned or realized on particular investments
or instruments.

PRINCIPAL RISKS
The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:

- - interest rates
- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


Since the Fund principally invests in foreign securities, it will be subject to
risks that differ from the risks of investing in securities of U.S. issuers.
These include losses due to:

- - fluctuating currency values

- - less liquid trading markets

- - greater price volatility

- - political and economic instability

- - less publicly available information about issuers

- - changes in U.S. or foreign tax or currency laws


- - changes in monetary policy.


The risks are likely to be greater in emerging market countries than in
developed market countries.

The Fund principally invests in high yield securities (sometimes called "junk
bonds"), which are generally considered speculative because they present a
greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.
These securities pay investors a premium--a high interest rate or yield--because
of the increased risk of loss. These securities can be also subject to greater
price volatility.

The Fund may use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of
loss of (hedge) certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may
lose money using derivatives. The use of derivatives may increase the volatility
of the Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of cash
relative to the magnitude of risk assumed.


The Fund is "non-diversified," which means that it may invest a greater
percentage of its assets than other funds in a particular issuer. This may make
it more susceptible than diversified funds to risks associated with an
individual issuer, and to single economic, political or regulatory occurrences.



                                                                              63
<PAGE>   65

GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND

[Global High Yield Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES
(calendar year 1999)

PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and table indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one year and the life of the Fund compare to those of
a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class C shares,
first offered to the public on September 1, 1998, include the historical
performance of Class B shares for periods from inception (June 1, 1998) through
August 31, 1998. Class A shares were also introduced on June 1, 1998. Average
annual total returns reflect actual sales loads, service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee
and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.



BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES


(1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              9.56%               4/99
  Lowest return/worst quarter                              1.42%               3/99
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                      <C>               <C>
  Global High Yield Fund
  Class A                                                  12.84%              -3.60%
  Class B                                                  12.01%              -4.19%
  Class C                                                  16.01%              -1.69%

  J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index*                 25.97%               3.69%
</TABLE>



* The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) is an unmanaged,
  market-capitalization weighted, total-return index tracking the traded market
  for U.S.-dollar-denominated Brady bonds. As of 12/31/99, the EMBI included
  thirty issues with a total face value of $103.5 billion and a market
  capitalization of $74.6 billion. You cannot invest directly in an index.



64
<PAGE>   66

                                                          GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.70%     0.70%     0.70%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 1.83%     1.83%     1.83%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        2.78%     3.53%     3.53%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  718      $  356               $  856               $  356               $  456

   3 years          $1,273      $1,083               $1,383               $1,083               $1,083

   5 years          $1,853      $1,831               $2,031               $1,831               $1,831

  10 years          $3,419      $3,630               $3,630               $3,801               $3,801
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since the shareholder
    purchased the shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one
    year of the date of purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has agreed to voluntarily reduce its fee payable with
    respect to the Global High Yield Fund to an annual percentage of 0.50% of
    average daily net assets. In addition, MainStay Management has voluntarily
    agreed to reimburse the Fund's expenses to the extent that annual operating
    expenses exceed 1.70% of average daily net assets for Class A shares and
    2.45% of average daily net assets for Class B and C shares. As a result, for
    the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the management fee was waived, the
    Fund was reimbursed 0.38% and total annual fund operating expenses were
    1.70% for Class A shares and 2.45% for Class B and C shares. These
    limitations may be discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              65
<PAGE>   67


- ---------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED (including mortgage-backed) SECURITIES are debt securities
whose values are based on underlying pools of mortgages. These securities may be
issued by U.S. governmental entities or private issuers.

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

The values of ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are based on underlying pools of credit
receivables.


MainStay International

Bond Fund

The International Bond Fund's investment objective is to seek to provide
competitive overall return commensurate with an acceptable level of risk by
investing primarily in a portfolio of non-U.S. (primarily government) debt
securities.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets primarily in debt
securities of foreign governments, agencies and supranational organizations, and
secondarily in debt securities of corporate issuers, located in a variety of
countries with a minimum of five countries other than the United States. This
includes countries with established economies as well as emerging market
countries that the Fund's Subadvisor believes present favorable opportunities.


The Fund's principal investments also include high yield debt securities
(limited to 25% of net assets) rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or, if
unrated, determined by the Subadvisor, MacKay Shields LLC, to be of comparable
quality and MORTGAGE-RELATED and ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Fund's principal
investments may have fixed, variable, floating or inverse floating rates of
interest.


INVESTMENT PROCESS

In pursuing the Fund's investment strategy, the Fund's Subadvisor seeks to
identify investment opportunities by

- - beginning with country selection

- - then assessing local currencies for upside potential and downside risk


- - and finally, evaluating individual securities based on the financial condition
  and competitiveness of specific issuers.


In making investments in foreign markets, the Subadvisor considers several
factors including prospects for currency exchange rates, interest rates,
inflation, relative economic growth and governmental policies.


66
<PAGE>   68

                                                         INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

- ---------------------------
In a typical SWAP transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or
differentials in rates of returns) earned or realized on particular investments
or instruments.
- ---------------------------
FLOATERS are debt securities with a variable interest rate that is tied to
another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate. The
interest rate on an INVERSE FLOATER resets in the opposite direction from the
interest rate to which the inverse floater is indexed.

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell currency on a spot
basis and enter into foreign currency forward contracts for hedging purposes or
to increase the Fund's investment return. Additionally, the Fund may buy and
sell foreign currency options, securities and securities index options, and
enter into SWAPS and futures contracts and related options. These techniques may
be used for any legally permissible purpose, including to increase the Fund's
return.

PRINCIPAL RISKS


The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:


- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.



Since the Fund principally invests in foreign securities, it will be subject to
various risks of loss that are different from risks of investing in securities
of U.S.-based issuers. These include losses due to fluctuating currency values,
less liquid trading markets, greater price volatility, political and economic
instability, less publicly available information about issuers, changes in U.S.
or foreign tax or currency laws, and changes in monetary policy. The risks are
likely to be greater in emerging market countries than in developed market
countries.



The Fund's investments include high yield debt securities (sometimes called
"junk bonds"), which are generally considered speculative because they present a
greater risk of loss, including default than higher quality debt securities.
These securities pay investors a premium--a high interest rate or yield--because
of this increased risk of loss. These securities can also be subject to greater
price volatility.


The Fund's principal investments include derivatives, such as FLOATERS,
including INVERSE FLOATERS, and foreign currency options, foreign currency
forward contracts, securities and securities index options, swaps, futures
contracts and related options, and mortgage-related and asset-backed securities.

The Fund may use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of
loss of (hedge) certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may
lose money using derivatives. The use of derivatives (except for
mortgage-related and asset-backed securities) may increase the volatility of the
Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of cash relative to
the magnitude of risk assumed.


The Fund is "non-diversified," which means that it may invest a greater
percentage of its assets than other funds in a particular issuer. This may make
it more susceptible to risks associated with an individual issuer, and to single
economic, political or regulatory occurrences.



                                                                              67
<PAGE>   69

INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

[International Bond Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>  <C>
95   17.96
96   13.13
97    1.15
98   10.79
99   -8.94
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1995-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in its performance from year-to-year and by showing how the
Fund's average annual returns for one year, five years and the life of the Fund
compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures
for Class A shares, first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical
performance of Class B shares from inception (September 13, 1994) up to December
31, 1994. Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1,
1998, include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception up to
August 31, 1998. Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect
actual sales loads, but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service
and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on
differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected
in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were,
returns would be less than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past
performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1995-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              7.87%               1/95
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -5.35%               2/99
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1 YEAR       5 YEAR       LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>

  International Bond Fund
  Class A                                            -12.35%      6.13%           5.81%
  Class B                                            -13.49%      6.06%           5.89%
  Class C                                            -9.85%       6.37%           6.03%

  Salomon Brothers Non-U.S. Dollar
  World Government Bond Index*                       -5.07%       5.90%           5.73%
</TABLE>



* The Salomon Brothers Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index is an
  unmanaged index generally considered to be representative of the world bond
  market. Total returns reflect reinvestment of all income and capital gains.
  You cannot invest directly in an index.



68
<PAGE>   70

                                                         INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.70%     0.70%     0.70%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.96%     0.96%     0.96%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.91%     2.66%     2.66%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  635      $  269               $  769               $  269               $  369

   3 years          $1,023      $  826               $1,126               $  826               $  826

   5 years          $1,435      $1,410               $1,610               $1,410               $1,410

  10 years          $2,582      $2,808               $2,808               $2,993               $2,993
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and, as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee
    until the Fund reaches $50 million in net assets. As a result, for the
    fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid was 0.40%, and
    total annual fund operating expenses were 1.61% for Class A shares and 2.36%
    for Class B and C shares. This waiver may be discontinued at any time
    without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              69
<PAGE>   71


- ---------------------------
YANKEE DEBT SECURITIES are dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers that
are traded in the United States.

- ---------------------------
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt obligations issued without any requirement for the
periodic payment of interest. They are issued at a significant discount to their
face value and tend to be more volatile than conventional debt securities.

MainStay High Yield

Corporate Bond Fund

The High Yield Corporate Bond Fund's investment objective is to seek maximum
current income through investment in a diversified portfolio of high yield debt
securities. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in all types of
domestic and foreign corporate debt securities that are ordinarily rated in the
lower rating categories of Moody's (Ba and below) and S&P (BB and below) or that
are unrated but that are considered by MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's
Subadvisor, to be of comparable quality.


INVESTMENT PROCESS

In pursuing the Fund's investment strategy, the Subadvisor seeks to identify
investment opportunities based on the financial condition and competitiveness of
individual companies. The Fund's principal investments include

- - domestic corporate debt securities

- - YANKEE (dollar-denominated) DEBT SECURITIES

- - ZERO COUPON BONDS


- - U.S. government securities.



The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in equity securities and may
invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities rated lower than B by Moody's
and S&P.


70
<PAGE>   72

                                                  HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including

- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risks of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
which can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings.

The Fund principally invests in high yield securities (sometimes called "junk
bonds"), which are generally considered speculative because they present a
greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.
These securities pay investors a premium--a high interest rate or yield--because
of the increased risk of loss. These securities can be also subject to greater
price volatility.

Since the Fund invests in foreign securities, it can be subject to various risks
of loss that are different from the risks of investing in securities of U.S.
companies. These include losses due to fluctuating currency values, less liquid
trading markets, greater price volatility, political and economic instability,
less publicly available information about issuers, changes in U.S. or foreign
tax or currency laws, and changes in monetary policy. These risks are likely to
be greater in emerging market countries than in developed market countries.


                                                                              71
<PAGE>   73

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND

[High Yield Corporate Bond Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>
90             -7.85
91             32.27
92             21.65
93             21.65
94              1.50
95             19.71
96             15.58
97             11.55
98              1.31
99              9.51
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (May 1, 1986) through December 31, 1994. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998.
Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads,
but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee
and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                             12.84%               1/91
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -8.41%               3/98
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                        <C>               <C>                <C>

  High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
  Class A                                    5.36%             11.04%              11.95%
  Class B                                    4.51%             11.10%              12.10%
  Class C                                    8.51%             11.36%              12.10%

  First Boston High Yield Index*             3.28%              9.07%              11.06%
</TABLE>



* The First Boston High Yield Index is a market-weighted index that includes
  publicly traded bonds rated below BBB by S&P and Baa by Moody's. Total returns
  reflect reinvestment of all income and capital gains. You cannot invest
  directly in an index.



72
<PAGE>   74

                                                  HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.60%     0.60%     0.60%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.19%     0.19%     0.19%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.04%     1.79%     1.79%
</TABLE>

EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  551      $  182               $  682               $  182               $  282

   3 years          $  766      $  563               $  863               $  563               $  563

   5 years          $  998      $  970               $1,170               $  970               $  970

  10 years          $1,664      $1,906               $1,906               $2,105               $2,105
</TABLE>


* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one year of the
    date of purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily established a fee breakpoint for its
    management fee of 0.55% annually on assets in excess of $500 million. As a
    result, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid
    was 0.56%, and total annual fund operating expenses were 1.00% for Class A
    shares and 1.75% for Class B and C shares. This fee breakpoint may be
    discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              73
<PAGE>   75

- ---------------------------
FLOATERS are debt securities with a variable interest rate that is tied to
another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate. The
interest rate on an INVERSE FLOATER resets in the opposite direction from the
interest rate to which the inverse floater is indexed.

- ---------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED (including mortgage-backed) SECURITIES are debt securities
whose values are based on underlying pools of mortgages. These securities may be
issued by U.S. governmental entities or private issuers.
- ---------------------------

The values of ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are based on underlying pools of credit
receivables.


MainStay Strategic
Income Fund

The Strategic Income Fund's investment objective is to provide current income
and competitive overall return by investing primarily in domestic and foreign
debt securities.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in a diversified
portfolio of domestic and foreign debt or debt-related securities issued by
government and corporate issuers. The securities may be denominated in U.S. or
foreign currencies, and may have fixed, variable, FLOATING or INVERSE FLOATING
rates of interest. Maturities of the securities held by the Fund will vary.


The Fund invests in various bond market sectors (U.S. government--including
MORTGAGE-RELATED and ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES, foreign government, U.S. corporate
and foreign corporate, including high yield securities in each of the sectors).
The Fund's Subadvisor, MacKay Shields LLC, allocates the Fund's investments
among the various bond market sectors based on current and projected economic
and market conditions.


INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Subadvisor seeks to identify investment opportunities based on the financial
condition and competitiveness of individual companies. In addition, among the
principal factors considered in determining whether to increase or decrease the
emphasis placed upon a particular type of security or bond market sector are:

- - fundamental economic cycle analysis

- - credit quality


- - interest rate trends.


The Fund also invests in a variety of countries, which may include countries
with established economies as well as emerging market countries that the
Subadvisor believes present favorable opportunities. Securities of issuers in
one country may be denominated in the currency of another country.

The Fund's principal investments also may include high yield debt securities
rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or, if unrated, determined by the
Subadvisor to be of comparable quality. The Fund


74
<PAGE>   76


                                                           STRATEGIC INCOME FUND

- ---------------------------
A WHEN-ISSUED SECURITY is a security that, although authorized, has not yet been
issued. The price (or yield) of such security is fixed at the time of purchase
but delivery and payment take place at a later date. Similarly, in a FORWARD
COMMITMENT, the Fund agrees to buy an issued security at a future date at a
price determined at the time of the commitment.
- ---------------------------
In a MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTION, the Fund sells a mortgage-backed security
from its portfolio to another party and agrees to buy a similar security from
the same party at a set price at a later date.

may invest up to 30% of its total assets in equity securities. The Fund's
principal investments also include

- - mortgage-related and asset-backed securities
- - WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES and FORWARD COMMITMENTS
The Fund may enter into MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTIONS, buy and sell currency
on a spot basis and may enter into foreign currency forward contracts for
hedging purposes. The Fund may also buy foreign currency options and may use
portfolio securities lending as a principal investment strategy.

PRINCIPAL RISKS


The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:


- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions
that can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings.

Since the Fund invests in foreign securities, it can be subject to various risks
of loss that are different from risks of investing in securities of U.S.
companies. These include losses due to fluctuating currency values, less liquid
trading markets, greater price volatility, political and economic instability,
less publicly available information about issuers, changes in U.S. or foreign
tax or currency laws and changes in monetary policy. The risks are likely to be
greater in emerging market countries than in developed market countries.

The Fund invests in high yield debt securities (sometimes called "junk bonds"),
which are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk
of loss than higher quality debt securities. These securities pay investors a
premium--a high interest rate or yield--because of the increased risk of loss.
These securities can also be subject to greater price volatility.

The Fund's principal investments include derivatives, such as mortgage-related
and asset-backed securities and floaters, including inverse floaters. The Fund
may use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of loss of
(hedge) certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may lose
money using derivatives. The use of floaters and inverse floaters may increase
the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative
to the magnitude of risk assumed.

                                                                              75
<PAGE>   77

STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
[Strategic Income Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1998-1999)



The principal risk of MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLLS is that the security the Fund
receives at the end of the transaction is worth less than the security the Fund
sold to the same counterparty at the beginning of the transaction. The principal
risk of FORWARD COMMITMENTS and WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES is that the security will
be worth less when it is issued or received than the price the Fund agreed to
pay when it made the commitment. The principal risk of securities lending is
that the financial institution that borrows securities from the Fund could go
bankrupt and the Fund might not be able to recover the securities or their
value.


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in its performance from year-to-year and by showing how the
Fund's average annual returns for one year and the life of the Fund compare to
those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class C
shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance
of Class B shares from inception (February 28, 1997) through August 31, 1998.
Class A shares were also introduced on February 28, 1997. Average annual total
returns reflect actual sales loads, service and/or distribution fees.
Performance data for the classes after these dates vary based on differences in
their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart
or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less
than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily
an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1998-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              2.60%               1/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -1.64%               3/98
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                                      <C>               <C>

  Strategic Income Fund
  Class A                                                  -2.30%               3.27%
  Class B                                                  -3.46%               3.19%
  Class C                                                   0.54%               4.18%

  Three-Index Composite*                                   -0.81%               5.13%
  Lehman Brothers Aggregate
  Bond Index**                                             -0.82%               5.86%
</TABLE>



* The Three-Index Composite assumes equal investments, with all interest and
  capital gains reinvested, in the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, the
  First Boston High Yield Index, and the Salomon Smith Barney Non-U.S. Dollar
  World Government Bond Index. The indices represent the U.S. government and
  domestic investment grade sector, the U.S. high-yield sector, and the
  international bond sector, respectively. Total returns assume reinvestment of
  all income and capital gains. All indices are unmanaged and you cannot invest
  directly in the indices.


** The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index includes fixed-rate debt issues
   rated investment grade or higher by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, in that order. All
   issues must have at least one year left to maturity and have an outstanding
   par value of at least $100 million. The Index is comprised of the Lehman
   Brothers Government/Corporate, the Mortgage-Backed Securities, and the
   Asset-Backed Securities Indices. Total returns assume reinvestment of all
   income and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.



76
<PAGE>   78
                                                           STRATEGIC INCOME FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.60%     0.60%     0.60%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.49%     0.49%     0.49%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.34%     2.09%     2.09%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  580      $  212               $  712               $  212               $  312

   3 years          $  855      $  655               $  955               $  655               $  655

   5 years          $1,151      $1,124               $1,324               $1,124               $1,124

  10 years          $1,990      $2,227               $2,227               $2,421               $2,421
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one year of the
    date of purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.




                                                                              77
<PAGE>   79

- ---------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED (including mortgage-backed) SECURITIES are debt securities
whose values are based on underlying pools of mortgages. These securities may be
issued by U.S. governmental entities or private issuers.

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

The values of ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are based on underlying pools of credit
receivables.


- ---------------------------
FLOATERS are debt securities with a variable interest rate that is tied to
another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate.

MainStay
Government Fund

The Government Fund's investment objective is to seek a high level of current
income, consistent with safety of principal.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in U.S. government
securities. It may invest up to 35% of its total assets in MORTGAGE-RELATED and
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES or other securities that are not U.S. government
securities.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


In pursuing the Fund's investment strategies, the Fund's Subadvisor, MacKay
Shields LLC, uses a combined approach to investing, analyzing economic trends as
well as factors pertinent to particular issuers and securities.


The Fund's principal investments are debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities. These securities
include:

- - U.S. Treasury bills (maturing in one year or less)

- - notes (maturing in 1-10 years)

- - bonds (generally maturing in more than 10 years)

- - Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed certificates and
  other U.S. government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage
  pools such as securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association
  and by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

Principal investments also include FLOATERS as well as money market instruments
and cash equivalents.

As part of the Fund's principal strategies, the Subadvisor may use a variety of
investment practices such as MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLL transactions, transactions on
a WHEN-ISSUED basis and portfolio securities lending.


78
<PAGE>   80

                                                                 GOVERNMENT FUND

- ---------------------------
In a MORTGAGE-DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTION, the Fund sells a mortgage-backed security
from its portfolio to another party and agrees to buy a similar security from
the same party at a set price at a later date.
- ---------------------------
A WHEN-ISSUED SECURITY is a security that, although authorized, has not yet been
issued. The price (or yield) of such security is fixed at the time of purchase
but delivery and payment take place at a later date.

PRINCIPAL RISKS


The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:


- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Investments in the Fund are not
guaranteed, even though some of the Fund's investments are guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.

Principal investments also include derivatives, such as mortgaged-related and
asset-backed securities. The Fund may use derivatives to try to enhance returns
or reduce the risk of loss of (hedge) certain of its holdings. Regardless of the
purpose, the Fund may lose money using derivatives.

The Fund's use of investment practices, such as mortgage-dollar rolls, forward
commitments, transactions on a when-issued basis and securities lending, also
presents certain risks. The principal risk of mortgage-dollar roll transactions
is that the security the Fund receives at the end of the transaction is worth
less than the security the Fund sold to the same counterparty at the beginning
of the transaction. The principal risk of when-issued securities is that the
security will be worth less when it is issued or received than the price the
Fund agreed to pay when it made the commitment. The principal risk of securities
lending is that the financial institution that borrows securities from the Fund
could go bankrupt and the Fund might not be able to recover the securities or
their value.


                                                                              79
<PAGE>   81

GOVERNMENT FUND

[Government Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>          <C>
90            6.92
91           13.40
92            3.81
93            5.88
94           -2.85
95           15.69
96            1.25
97            8.54
98            7.52
99           -3.60
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate the risks of investing in the Fund by showing
changes in its performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (May 1, 1986) through December 31, 1994. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998.
Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads,
but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on differences in their fee
and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected in the bar chart or in the
best and worst quarterly returns. If they were, returns would be less than those
shown. As with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              6.34%               4/90
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -2.72%               1/96
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                       <C>               <C>                <C>

  Government Fund
  Class A                                   -7.18%             5.42%              5.36%
  Class B                                   -8.42%             5.35%              5.49%
  Class C                                   -4.56%             5.68%              5.49%

  Lehman Brothers Government
  Bond Index*                               -2.23%             7.44%              7.48%
</TABLE>



* The Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index includes issues of the U.S.
  government and its agencies, as well as fixed-rate debt issues that are rated
  investment grade by Moody's, S&P, or Fitch, in that order, with at least one
  year to maturity. The Index is unmanaged, and total returns reflect the
  reinvestment of all income and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an
  index.


80
<PAGE>   82

                                                                 GOVERNMENT FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.60%     0.60%     0.60%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     1.00%     1.00%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.28%     0.28%     0.28%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.13%     1.88%     1.88%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  560      $  191               $  691               $  191               $  291

   3 years          $  793      $  591               $  891               $  591               $  591

   5 years          $1,044      $1,016               $1,216               $1,016               $1,016

  10 years          $1,763      $2,003               $2,003               $2,201               $2,201
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) The MainStay Management has voluntarily established a breakpoint for its
    management fee of 0.55% annually on assets in excess of $1 billion. This fee
    breakpoint may be discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              81
<PAGE>   83

- ---------------------------
FLOATERS are debt securities with a variable interest rate that is tied to
another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate.

- ---------------------------
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt obligations issued without any requirement for the
periodic payment of interest. They are issued at a significant discount to their
face value and tend to be more volatile than conventional debt securities.

MainStay California
Tax Free Fund

The California Tax Free Fund's investment objective is
to seek to provide a high level of current income exempt
from regular federal income tax and California personal
income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that
provide tax-exempt income to California residents, which may include securities
issued by the State of California, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Virgin Islands and their political subdivisions, agencies and authorities. These
securities could have fixed, variable or FLOATING RATES of interest or be ZERO
COUPON municipal bonds.



The two main types of municipal bonds are GENERAL OBLIGATION and REVENUE BONDS.
The Fund also may purchase INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT and POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS.


The Fund may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in tax-exempt securities
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual
shareholders.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


The Fund's Subadvisor, MacKay Shields LLC, uses a combined approach to
investing, analyzing economic trends as well as factors pertinent to particular
issuers and securities.


The long-term tax-exempt securities purchased by the Fund must be rated in one
of the top four categories by Moody's (Baa and above) or S&P (BBB and above), or
if unrated, determined by the Subadvisor to be of comparable quality. Short-term
tax-exempt securities must be rated in one of the top three categories by
Moody's (MIG3/VMIG3 and above) or S&P (A-3 and above) and municipal commercial
paper must be rated P-1 by Moody's or A-1 by S&P.

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund also may buy and sell call and put
options, invest in futures contracts on debt securities or securities indexes,
and invest in options on futures contracts.


82
<PAGE>   84

                                                        CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND

- ---------------------------
Issuers of GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS include states, counties, cities, towns and
regional districts. Payments of principal and interest are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing powers.
- ---------------------------
REVENUE BONDS are issued to finance capital projects. They are repaid from
revenues raised by the project that the bonds finance. Many bonds also provide
additional security.
- ---------------------------
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT and POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS are generally revenue bonds
and are issued by, or on behalf of, public authorities or investor-owned
companies to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:

- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness
- - market conditions

- - maturities.


Since the Fund concentrates its investments in California securities, the NAV of
the Fund's shares can be adversely affected by political developments or
economic events in California, including a default of a municipal issuer or a
financial crisis.

Consistent with its principal investment strategies, the Fund's investments
include derivatives, such as call and put options, futures contracts on debt
securities or securities indexes, and options on futures contracts. The Fund may
use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of loss of (hedge)
certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may lose money
using derivatives. The use of derivatives may increase the volatility of the
Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of cash relative to
the magnitude of risk assumed.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, POLLUTION CONTROL and REVENUE BONDS are generally not
secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by revenues paid
by the industrial user. This means that if the industrial user cannot repay
principal and/or interest on the bonds, the Fund may lose money.


The Fund is "non-diversified," which means that it may invest a greater
percentage of its assets than other funds in a particular issuer. This may make
it more susceptible than diversified funds to risks associated with an
individual issuer and to economic, political or regulatory occurrences.


To help you decide whether taxable or non-taxable yields are better for you, see
Appendix A for a comparative yield table.


                                                                              83
<PAGE>   85
CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND
[California Tax Free Bond Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
92                                                                                7.88
93                                                                               12.71
94                                                                               -4.88
95                                                                               15.18
96                                                                                3.44
97                                                                                7.90
98                                                                                5.33
99                                                                               -6.79
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS A SHARES

(by calendar year 1992-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in its performance from year-to-year and by showing how the
Fund's average annual returns for one year, five years and the life of the Fund
compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures
for Class B shares, first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical
performance of Class A shares from inception (October 1, 1991) through December
31, 1994. Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1,
1998, include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception
through August 31, 1998. Average annual total returns have been adjusted to
reflect actual sales loads, but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in
service and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the classes vary based on
differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected
in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were,
returns would be less than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past
performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS A SHARES

(1992-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              5.94%               1/95
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -4.60%               1/94
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1 YEAR             5 YEARS            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                  <C>                <C>                <C>

  California Tax Free Fund
  Class A                              -10.98%             3.80%                4.36%
  Class B                              -11.59%             4.17%                4.79%
  Class C                               -7.87%             4.51%                4.79%

  Lehman Brothers Municipal
  Bond Index*                           -2.06%             6.91%                6.43%
</TABLE>



* The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index includes approximately 15,000
  municipal bonds, rated Baa or better by Moody's, with a maturity of at least
  two years. Bonds subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax or with floating or
  zero coupons are excluded. The Index is unmanaged and results assume the
  reinvestment of all income and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an
  index.




84
<PAGE>   86

                                                        CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.50%     0.50%     0.50%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     0.50%     0.50%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.56%     0.56%     0.56%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.31%     1.56%     1.56%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
then those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  577      $  159               $  659               $  159               $  259

   3 years          $  847      $  493               $  793               $  493               $  493

   5 years          $1,136      $  850               $1,050               $  850               $  850

  10 years          $1,958      $1,789               $1,789               $1,856               $1,856
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares within one year of the date of
    purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Fund's expenses
    to the extent that annual operating expenses exceed 1.24% of average daily
    net assets for Class A shares and 1.49% of average daily net assets for
    Class B and C shares. As a result, for the fiscal year ended December 31,
    1999, the management fee paid was 0.43% and total annual fund operating
    expenses were 1.24% for Class A shares and 1.49% for Class B and C shares.
    This reimbursement may be discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.


                                                                              85
<PAGE>   87

- ---------------------------
FLOATERS are debt securities with a variable interest rate that is tied to
another interest rate, such as a money-market index or Treasury bill rate.

- ---------------------------
ZERO COUPON bonds are debt obligations issued without any requirement for the
periodic payment of interest. They are issued at a significant discount to their
face value and tend to be more volatile than conventional debt securities.

MainStay New York
Tax Free Fund

The New York Tax Free Fund's investment objective is to seek to provide a high
level of current income exempt from regular federal income tax and personal
income tax of New York State and its political subdivisions, including New York
City, consistent with preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that
provide tax-exempt income to New York residents, which may include securities
issued by the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Virgin Islands and their political subdivisions, agencies and authorities. These
could have fixed, variable or FLOATING RATES of interest or be ZERO COUPON
municipal bonds.

The two main types of municipal bonds are GENERAL OBLIGATION and REVENUE bonds.
The Fund also may purchase INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT and POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS.

The Fund may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in tax-exempt securities
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual
shareholders.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


The Fund's Subadvisor, MacKay Shields LLC, uses a combined approach to
investing, analyzing economic trends as well as factors pertinent to particular
issuers and securities.


The long-term tax-exempt securities purchased by the Fund must be rated in one
of the top four categories by Moody's (Baa and above) or S&P (BBB and above), or
if unrated, determined by the Subadvisor to be of comparable quality. Short-term
tax-exempt securities must be rated in one of the top three categories by
Moody's (MIG3/VMIG3 and above) or S&P (A-3 and above) and municipal commercial
paper must be rated P-1 by Moody's or A-1 by S&P.

As part of its investment strategy the Fund also may buy and sell call and put
options, invest in futures contracts on debt securities or securities indexes
and invest in options on futures contracts.


86
<PAGE>   88

                                                          NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND

- ---------------------------
Issuers of GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS include states, counties, cities, towns and
regional districts. Payments of principal and interest are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing powers.
- ---------------------------
REVENUE BONDS are issued to finance capital projects. They are repaid from
revenues raised by the project that the bonds finance. Many bonds also provide
additional security.
- ---------------------------
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT and POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS are generally revenue bonds
and are issued by, or on behalf of, public authorities or investor-owned
companies to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:

- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness
- - market conditions

- - maturities.


Since the Fund concentrates its investments in New York securities, the NAV of
the Fund's shares can be adversely affected by political developments or
economic events in New York, including a default of a municipal issuer or a
financial crisis.

Consistent with its principal investment strategies, the Fund's investments
include derivatives, such as call and put options, futures contracts on debt
securities or securities indexes and options on futures contracts.

The Fund may use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of
loss of (hedge) certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may
lose money using derivatives. The use of derivatives may increase the volatility
of the Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of cash
relative to the magnitude of risk assumed.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, POLLUTION CONTROL and REVENUE BONDS are generally not
secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by revenues paid
by the industrial user. This means that if the industrial user cannot repay
principal and/or interest on the bonds, the Fund may lose money.


The Fund is "non-diversified," which means that it may invest a greater
percentage of its assets than other funds in a particular issuer. This may make
it more susceptible than diversified funds to risks associated with an
individual issuer, and to single economic, political or regulatory occurrences.


To help you decide whether taxable or nontaxable yields are better for you, see
Appendix A for a comparative yield table.


                                                                              87
<PAGE>   89

NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND

[New York Tax Free Fund]

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
92          9.01
93         12.11
94         -4.71
95         15.97
96          3.06
97          8.39
98          5.38
99         -5.22
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS A SHARES

(by calendar year 1992-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate the risks of investing in the Fund by showing
changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's average
annual returns for one year, five years and the life of the Fund compare to
those of a broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class B
shares, first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of
Class A shares from inception (October 1, 1991) through December 31, 1994.
Performance figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998,
include the historical performance of Class B shares from inception through
August 31, 1998. Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect
actual sales loads, but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service
and/or distribution fees. Performance data for the classes after these dates
vary based on differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are
not reflected in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If
they were, returns would be less than those shown. As with all mutual funds,
past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform
in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS A SHARES

(1992-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              5.48%               1/95
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -4.81%               1/94
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1 YEAR             5 YEARS            LIFE OF FUND
  <S>                                   <C>                <C>                <C>

  New York Tax Free Fund
  Class A                                -9.48%             4.32%                4.77%
  Class B                               -10.23%             4.67%                5.18%
  Class C                                -6.45%             5.01%                5.18%

  Lehman Brothers Municipal
  Bond Index*                            -2.06%             6.91%                6.43%
</TABLE>



* The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index includes approximately 15,000
  municipal bonds, rated Baa or better by Moody's, with a maturity of at least
  two years. Bonds subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax or with floating or
  zero coupons are excluded. The Index is unmanaged and results assume the
  reinvestment of all income and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an
  index.



88
<PAGE>   90

                                                          NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(2)                                              0.50%     0.50%     0.50%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(3)                    0.25%     0.50%     0.50%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.72%     0.72%     0.72%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)                        1.47%     1.72%     1.72%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE


The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  593      $  175               $  675               $  175               $  275

   3 years          $  894      $  542               $  842               $  542               $  542

   5 years          $1,217      $  933               $1,133               $  933               $  933

  10 years          $2,128      $1,963               $1,963               $2,030               $2,030
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one year of the
    date of purchase.



(2) MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Fund's expenses
    to the extent that annual operating expenses exceed 1.24% of average daily
    net assets for Class A shares and 1.49% of average daily net assets for
    Class B and C shares. As a result, for the fiscal year ended December 31,
    1999, the management fee paid was 0.27%, and total annual fund operating
    expenses were 1.24% for Class A shares and 1.49% for Class B and C shares.
    This reimbursement may be discontinued at any time without notice.



(3) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              89
<PAGE>   91

- ---------------------------
Issuers of GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS include states, counties, cities, towns and
regional districts. Payments of principal and interest are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing powers.

- ---------------------------
REVENUE BONDS are issued to finance capital projects. They are repaid from
revenues raised by the project that the bonds finance. Many bonds also provide
additional security.

MainStay Tax Free
Bond Fund

The Tax Free Bond Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of
current income free from regular federal income tax, consistent with the
preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund normally invests in tax-exempt securities that are, at the time of
purchase, rated in one of the top four categories (or short-term tax-exempt
securities rated in one of the top three categories) by Moody's or S&P. Not more
than 20% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in unrated tax-exempt
securities that are deemed by the Fund's Subadvisor, MacKay Shields LLC, to be
of comparable quality.


The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in "municipal bonds"
issued by, or on behalf of, the

- - states

- - District of Columbia

- - territories, commonwealths and possessions of the United States and their
  political subdivisions

- - agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of these entities

The two main types of municipal bonds are GENERAL OBLIGATION and REVENUE BONDS.
The Fund may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in tax-exempt securities
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual
shareholders.


90
<PAGE>   92
                                                              TAX FREE BOND FUND

- ---------------------------
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT and POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS are generally revenue bonds
and are issued by, or on behalf of, public authorities or investor-owned
companies to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities.
- ---------------------------
ZERO COUPON BONDS are debt obligations issued without any requirement for the
periodic payment of interest. They are issued at a significant discount to their
face value and tend to be more volatile than conventional debt securities.



INVESTMENT PROCESS

The Subadvisor uses a combined approach to investing, analyzing economic trends
as well as factors pertinent to particular issuers and securities.

Up to 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
BONDS. The Fund also may invest in POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS and ZERO COUPON
BONDS.


The Fund may also invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal bonds
that are related in such a way that an economic, business or political
development or change affecting one such security could also affect the other
securities (for example, securities whose issuers are located in the same
state).


Some of the Fund's earnings may be subject to federal tax and most may be
subject to state and local taxes.

PRINCIPAL RISKS


The values of debt securities fluctuate depending upon various factors,
including:


- - interest rates

- - issuer creditworthiness

- - market conditions


- - maturities.


Consistent with its principal investment strategies, the Fund's investments
include derivatives, such as call and put options, futures contracts on debt
securities or securities indexes and options on futures contracts. The Fund may
use derivatives to try to enhance returns or reduce the risk of loss of (hedge)
certain of its holdings. Regardless of the purpose, the Fund may lose money
using derivatives. The use of derivatives may increase the volatility of the
Fund's net asset value and may involve a small investment of cash relative to
the magnitude of risk assumed.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, POLLUTION CONTROL, and REVENUE BONDS are generally not
secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by revenues paid
by the industrial user. This means that if the industrial user cannot repay
principal and/or interest on the bonds, the Fund may lose money.

To help you decide whether taxable or nontaxable yields are better for you, see
Appendix A for a comparative yield table.



                                                                              91
<PAGE>   93

TAX FREE BOND FUND

[Tax Free Bond Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in performance from year-to-year and by showing how the Fund's
average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Performance figures for Class A shares,
first offered on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B
shares from inception (May 1, 1986) through December 31, 1994. Performance
figures for Class C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998.
Average annual total returns have been adjusted to reflect actual sales loads,
but have not been adjusted to reflect differences in service and/or distribution
fees. Performance data for the classes after these dates vary based on
differences in their fee and expense structures. Sales loads are not reflected
in the bar chart or in the best and worst quarterly returns. If they were,
returns would be less than those shown. As with all mutual funds, past
performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, CLASS B SHARES

(1990-1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                     <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              6.28%               1/95
  Lowest return/worst quarter                             -5.12%               1/94
</TABLE>

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1 YEAR             5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                      <C>                <C>                <C>

  Tax Free Bond Fund
  Class A                                  -10.94%             3.97%              4.72%
  Class B                                  -11.61%             4.39%              5.10%
  Class C                                   -7.89%             4.72%              5.10%

  Lehman Brothers Municipal
  Bond Index*                               -2.06%             6.91%              6.89%
</TABLE>



* The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index includes approximately 15,000
  municipal bonds, rated Baa or better by Moody's, with a maturity of at least
  two years. Bonds subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax or with floating or
  zero coupons are excluded. The Index is unmanaged and results assume the
  reinvestment of all income and capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an
  index.



92
<PAGE>   94

                                                              TAX FREE BOND FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                            4.50%      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)(1)                                         None     5.00%     1.00%

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee                                                 0.60%     0.60%     0.60%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees(2)                    0.25%     0.50%     0.50%

  Other Expenses                                                 0.17%     0.17%     0.17%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                           1.02%     1.27%     1.27%
</TABLE>

EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. There is no sales charge (load) on reinvested dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   CLASS A                    CLASS B                                   CLASS C
                              Assuming no      Assuming redemption      Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after              redemption    at the end of each period   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>        <C>           <C>                         <C>           <C>

   1 year           $  549      $  129               $  629               $  129               $  229

   3 years          $  760      $  403               $  703               $  403               $  403

   5 years          $  988      $  697               $  897               $  697               $  697

  10 years          $1,642      $1,464               $1,464               $1,534               $1,534
</TABLE>


* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
    deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge of
    1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of Class A shares that were
    purchased at net asset value, effected within one year of the date of
    purchase. The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
    Class B shares will depend on the number of years since you purchased the
    shares being redeemed. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be
    imposed on redemptions of Class C shares effected within one year of the
    date of purchase.



(2) Because the 12b-1 fee is an ongoing fee charged against the assets of a
    Fund, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than
    the economic equivalent of paying other types of sales charges.



                                                                              93
<PAGE>   95

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

VARIABLE RATE NOTES are debt securities that provide for periodic adjustments in
their interest rate.
- ---------------------------

FLOATERS (or securities with a floating rate of interest) are debt securities
with a variable rate that is tied to another interest rate, such as a
money-market index or Treasury bill rate.

- ---------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED (including mortgage-backed) SECURITIES are debt securities
whose values are based on underlying pools of mortgages. These securities may be
issued by U.S. governmental entities or private issuers.
- ---------------------------

The values of ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES are based on underlying pools of credit
receivables.


MainStay Money
Market Fund

The Money Market Fund's investment objective is to seek as high a level of
current income as is considered consistent with the preservation of capital and
liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES


The Fund invests in short-term dollar-denominated securities maturing in 397
days (13 months) or less. The weighted average portfolio maturity will not
exceed 90 days. Securities in which the Fund invests may include:


- - U.S. government securities

- - bank and bank holding company obligations, such as CDs and bankers'
  acceptances

- - commercial paper, which is short-term, unsecured loans to corporations

- - other corporate loans of one year or less


- - dollar-denominated loans to U.S. and foreign issuers and securities of foreign
  branches of U.S. banks, such as negotiable CDs, also known as Eurodollars.



The Fund may also invest in VARIABLE RATE NOTES, FLOATERS and ASSET-BACKED
SECURITIES.



All securities purchased by the Fund must meet the requirements of Rule 2a-7 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, which is designed to mitigate the risk of
loss. There must be a reasonable expectation that at any time until the final
maturity of a floating or variable rate instrument or the period remaining until
the principal amount can be recovered through demand, the market value of the
floating or variable rate instrument will approximate its amortized cost.


94
<PAGE>   96

                                                               MONEY MARKET FUND

PRINCIPAL RISKS

Not Guaranteed

An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to
preserve the value of your investment of $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose
money by investing in the Fund. This could occur because of highly unusual
market conditions or a sudden collapse in the creditworthiness of a company once
believed to be an issuer of high-quality, short-term securities.


Since the Fund invests in dollar-denominated foreign securities, it can be
subject to various risks of loss that are different from risks of investing in
securities of U.S. based issuers. These include:


- - political and economic instability

- - less publicly available information about issuers


- - changes in U.S. or foreign tax or currency laws.



The Fund's principal investments include derivatives such as variable rate
instruments, floaters and mortgage-related and asset-backed securities. If
MacKay Shields LLC, the Fund's Subadvisor, is wrong about its expectations about
changes in interest rates, its assessment of an issuer's creditworthiness or
market conditions, the use of derivatives or other investments could result in a
loss.



                                                                              95


<PAGE>   97

MONEY MARKET FUND

[Capital Appreciation Fund Bar Chart]
ANNUAL RETURNS, ALL CLASSES

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and tables indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in its performance from year-to-year and by showing how the
Fund's average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of an
appropriate index. Performance figures for Class A shares, first offered on
January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of Class B shares from
inception (May 1, 1986) through December 31, 1994. Performance figures for Class
C shares, first offered on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance
of Class B shares from inception through August 31, 1998. TO OBTAIN CURRENT
YIELD INFORMATION, CALL 1-800-MAINSTAY. As with all mutual funds, past
performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS, ALL CLASSES

(1990-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           RETURN           QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                                      <C>              <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                              1.93%                2/90
  Lowest return/worst quarter                              0.64%                2/93
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                                        <C>               <C>                <C>

  Money Market Fund
  All Classes                                4.65%              5.03%              4.85%
  7-day Yield: 5.38%

  Average Lipper Money Market Fund*          4.49%              4.95%              4.80%
</TABLE>



* The Average Lipper Money Market Fund is an equally weighted performance index
  adjusted for capital gains distributions and income dividends of all of the
  money market funds in the Lipper universe. Lipper Inc. is an independent
  monitor of mutual fund performance. Results do not reflect any deduction of
  sales charges. Lipper averages are not class specific. Lipper returns are
  unaudited.



96
<PAGE>   98
                                                               MONEY MARKET FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (fees paid directly from your investment)
                                                                CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>

  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                             None      None      None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)                                            None      None      None

  Exchange Fee                                                       *         *         *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **        **        **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted
  from Fund assets)

  Management Fee(1)                                              0.47%     0.47%     0.47%

  Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees                        None      None      None

  Other Expenses                                                 0.38%     0.38%     0.38%

  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(1)                        0.85%     0.85%     0.85%
</TABLE>


EXAMPLE

The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeemed all your shares or if you hold them. The Example also
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower
than those shown below. Expenses are the same for each class.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ALL CLASSES
                   Assuming no      Assuming redemption
  Expenses after   redemption    at the end of each period
  <S>              <C>           <C>

   1 year            $   87               $   87

   3 years           $  271               $  271

   5 years           $  471               $  471

  10 years           $1,049               $1,049
</TABLE>



* Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via MainStay's automated
  system, and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not available,
  after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed per
  exchange.


** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on accounts with balances below
   $500. There are exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.


(1) The management fee for the Fund is an annual percentage of the Fund's
    average daily net assets as follows: 0.50% up to $300 million; 0.45% from
    $300 to $700 million; 0.40% from $700 million to $1 billion; and 0.35% in
    excess of $1 billion. MainStay Management has voluntarily agreed to
    reimburse the Fund's expenses to the extent that annual operating expenses
    exceed 0.70% of average daily net assets. As a result, for the fiscal year
    ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid was 0.32%, and total annual
    fund operating expenses were 0.70% for each class. This reimbursement may be
    discontinued at any time without notice.




                                                                              97
<PAGE>   99


More About Principal Investment Strategies and Principal Risks


Information about each Fund's principal investments, investment practices and
principal risks appears at the beginning of the prospectus. The information
below describes in greater detail the Fund's principal investments, investment
practices and risks.


DERIVATIVE SECURITIES


The value of derivatives is based on certain underlying equity or fixed-income
securities, interest rates, currency or indices. Derivative securities may be
hard to sell and are very sensitive to changes in the underlying security,
interest rate, currency or index, and as a result can be highly volatile. If a
Subadvisor is wrong about its expectations of changes in interest rates or
market conditions, the use of derivatives could result in a loss. The Fund could
also lose money if the counterparty to the transaction does not meet its
obligations. In addition, the leverage associated with inverse floaters, a type
of derivative, may result in greater volatility in their market value than other
income-producing securities.


MORTGAGE-RELATED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES


Mortgage-related (including mortgage-backed) and asset-backed securities are
securities whose value is based on underlying pools of loans that may include
interests in pools of lower-rated debt securities, consumer loans or mortgages,
or complex instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped
mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may be significantly
affected by changes in interest rates, the market's perception of issuers and
the creditworthiness of the parties involved. The Subadvisor's ability to
correctly forecast interest rates and other economic factors will impact the
success of investments in mortgage-related and asset-backed securities. Some
securities may have a structure that makes their reaction to interest rate
changes and other factors difficult to predict, making their value highly
volatile. These securities may also be subject to prepayment risk if interest
rates fall, and if the security has been



98
<PAGE>   100

purchased at a premium the amount of some or all of the premium may be lost in
the event of prepayment.


SWAP AGREEMENTS



Certain Funds may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate
swap agreements to attempt to obtain a desired return at a lower cost than a
direct investment in an instrument yielding that desired return.



Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful will depend on
whether the Subadvisor correctly predicts movements in interest rates, indices
and currency exchange rates. Because they are two-party contracts and because
they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be
considered to be illiquid. There is a risk that the other party could go
bankrupt and the Fund would lose the value of the security it should have
received in the swap. See Tax Status in the Statement of Additional Information
for information regarding the tax considerations relating to swap agreements.


RISK MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES


Various techniques can be used to increase or decrease a Fund's exposure to
changing security prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity
prices or other factors that affect security values. These techniques may
involve derivative transactions such as buying and selling futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, entering into foreign currency transactions (such
as foreign currency forward contracts and options on foreign currencies) and
purchasing put or call options on securities and securities indexes.


These practices can be used in an attempt to adjust the risk and return
characteristics of a Fund's portfolio of investments. For example, to gain
exposure to a particular market, a Fund may be able to purchase a futures
contract with respect to that market. When a Fund uses such techniques in an
attempt to reduce risk it is known as "hedging". If a Fund's Subadvisor judges
market conditions incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well
with the Fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless
of whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of a Fund and may involve a small investment of cash
relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these techniques
could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction does not perform
as promised.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS

Debt securities are often issued on a when-issued basis. The price (or yield) of
such securities is fixed at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but
delivery and payment for the when-issued securities take place at a later date.
During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the
Fund and no interest accrues to



                                                                              99
<PAGE>   101


the Fund. The security could be worth less when it is issued than the price the
Fund agreed to pay when it made the commitment. Similarly, a Fund may commit to
purchase a security at a future date at a price determined at the time of the
commitment. The same procedures for when-issued securities will be followed.

FOREIGN SECURITIES


Foreign investments could be more difficult to sell than U.S. investments. They
also may subject the Fund to risks different from investing in U.S. securities.
Investments in foreign securities involve difficulties in receiving or
interpreting financial and economic information, possible imposition of taxes,
higher brokerage and custodian fees, possible currency exchange controls or
other government restrictions, including possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits or assets. Foreign securities may also be less liquid and more
volatile than U.S. securities. There may also be difficulty in invoking legal
protections across borders. In addition, investment in emerging market countries
presents risks in greater degree than those presented by investment in foreign
issuers in countries with developed securities markets and more advanced
regulatory systems.



Some foreign securities are issued by companies organized outside the U.S. and
are traded only or primarily in trading markets outside the U.S. These foreign
securities can be subject to most, if not all, of the risks of foreign
investing. Some foreign securities are issued by companies organized outside the
United States but are traded in U.S. securities markets and are denominated in
U.S. dollars. For example, American Depositary Receipts and shares of some large
foreign-based companies are traded on principal U.S. exchanges. Other securities
are not traded in the United States but are denominated in U.S. dollars. These
securities are not subject to all the risks of foreign investing. For example,
foreign trading market or currency risks will not apply to dollar denominated
securities traded in U.S. securities markets.



Many of the foreign securities in which the Funds invest will be denominated in
foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the
value of securities denominated or quoted in foreign currencies. Exchange rate
movements can be large and can endure for extended periods of time, affecting
either favorably or unfavorably the value of the Funds' assets. A Fund may,
however, engage in foreign currency transactions to attempt to protect itself
against fluctuations in currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar.
See "Risk Management Techniques."


LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

Portfolio securities may be lent to brokers, dealers and financial institutions
to realize additional income under guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees.
The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other


100
<PAGE>   102

extensions of credit, consist of possible loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend securities,
a Fund's Subadvisor will consider all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower.

RISKS OF INVESTING IN HIGH YIELD SECURITIES ("JUNK BONDS")


High yield debt securities (sometimes called junk bonds) are rated lower than
Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P or, if not rated, determined to be of equivalent
quality by the Subadvisor, are sometimes, considered speculative.


Investment in high yield bonds involves special risks in addition to the risks
associated with investments in higher rated debt securities. High yield bonds
may be regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's
continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Moreover, such
securities may, under certain circumstances, be less liquid than higher rated
debt securities.


MUNICIPAL SECURITIES AND MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS



The two main types of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue"
bonds. "General obligation" bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full
faith, credit and taxing power to repay the principal and interest. "Revenue"
bonds are repaid from the revenue of a particular facility (or group of
facilities) or from proceeds of a specific revenue source. (Examples: bonds used
to raise funds for highways, airports and hospitals.)



Municipal lease obligations are tax-exempt securities that may be supported by a
lease or an installment purchase contract issued by state and local government
authorities to acquire funds to obtain the use of a wide variety of equipment
and facilities such as fire and sanitation vehicles, computer equipment and
other capital assets. These obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, are
not general obligations and may be less likely to repay principal and interest.


PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Portfolio turnover measures the amount of trading a Fund does during the year.
The portfolio turnover for each Fund is found in its Financial Highlights. The
use of certain investment strategies may generate increased portfolio turnover.
Funds with high turnover rates (over 100%) often have higher transaction costs
(which are paid by the Fund) and may generate short-term capital gains (on which
you'll pay taxes, even if you don't sell any shares by year-end).

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS


In times of unusual or adverse conditions, for temporary defensive purposes,
each Fund may invest outside the scope of its principal investment focus. Under
such conditions, each Fund may invest without limit in money market and other
investments. During such times, a Fund


                                                                             101
<PAGE>   103


may not invest in accordance with its investment objective or investment
strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its investment objectives.

In times of unusual or adverse market, economic or political conditions, for
temporary defensive purposes, the High Yield Corporate Bond Fund may invest
without limit in cash and cash equivalents. During this time, the Fund may
invest without limit in securities rated A or higher by Moody's or S&P and may
invest more than 35% of its total assets in U.S. government securities.


In times of unusual or adverse market, economic or political conditions, for
temporary defensive purposes the California and New York Tax Free Funds may each
invest without limit in cash and cash equivalents.



Each of the California Tax Free and New York Tax Free Funds may also, for
temporary defensive purposes, invest more than 25% of its total assets in
industrial development and pollution control bonds where the users of facilities
financed by such bonds are located in the same geographic region or where the
proceeds are used to finance similar types of projects.



In cases where users are in the same locale, or where proceeds are used for
similar projects, there may be additional risk. In an economic downturn in the
area, or if a business or political development affects the area or type of
project, there could generally be less need for the facilities. This means that
if the industrial user cannot repay principal and/or interest on the bonds, the
Fund may lose money.



In addition, in adverse market conditions such as an uncertain interest rate
environment or when, in the opinion of the Funds' Subadvisor, no suitable
tax-exempt securities are available, each Fund may temporarily invest more than
20% of its total assets in:



- - taxable money market instruments



- - tax-exempt securities of another state which are not exempt from taxes in
  California or New York, as applicable



- - tax-exempt securities subject to the AMT.



Only those tax-exempt securities of another state which satisfy the applicable
credit and quality standards for California tax-exempt securities may be
purchased by the California Tax Free Fund and only those tax-exempt securities
of another state that satisfy the applicable credit and quality standards for
New York tax-exempt securities may be purchased by the New York Tax Free Fund.



102

<PAGE>   104



In unusual market conditions, the International Equity Fund may invest all or a
portion of its assets in equity securities of U.S. issuers, investment grade
notes and bonds, and cash and cash equivalents.



SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE



CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND AND



NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND


California municipal securities



Investors should be aware that certain California Constitutional amendments,
legislative measures, executive orders, administrative regulations and voter
initiatives could result in certain adverse consequences affecting California
municipal securities. For instance, certain provisions of the California
Constitution and statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of
California governmental entities may impair the ability of the issuers of some
California municipal securities to maintain debt service on their obligations.
Other measures affecting the taxing or spending authority of California or its
political subdivisions may be approved or enacted in the future.



New York municipal securities



Investors should be aware that New York State and New York City face long-term
economic problems which could seriously affect their ability and that of other
issuers of New York municipal securities to meet their financial obligations.
The credit standings of New York State and of certain local governments
(including New York City) have been, and could be further, reduced.



For a discussion of certain matters relating to the fiscal policies and
financial condition of the states of California and New York and their political
subdivisions, see the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").


THE EQUITY INDEX FUND GUARANTEE


NYLIFE LLC ("NYLIFE"), a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance
Company ("New York Life"), will guarantee unconditionally and irrevocably
pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement between NYLIFE and the Equity Index Fund (the
"Guarantee") that if, exactly 10 years from the date of purchase (the "Guarantee
Date"), the NAV of a Fund share plus the value of all dividends and
distributions paid, including cumulative reinvested dividends and distributions
attributable to such share paid during that 10-year period ("Guaranteed Share"),
is less than the public offering price initially paid for the share ("Guaranteed
Amount"), NYLIFE will pay shareholders an amount equal to the difference between
the Guaranteed Amount for each such share and the net asset value of each such
Guaranteed Share outstanding and held by shareholders as of the close of
business on the Guarantee Date. There is no charge to the Fund or its
shareholders for the Guarantee.



If the Fund pays a dividend or distribution in cash to all Fund shareholders,
the amount of the distribution will reduce the Guaranteed



                                                                             103
<PAGE>   105



Amount with respect to each Guaranteed Share by the amount of the cash
distribution. Fund shares may be redeemed or exchanged by shareholders prior to
their Guarantee Date. However, any such redeemed or exchanged shares will lose
the benefit of the Guarantee. When Equity Index Fund shares are sold, MainStay
first redeems the shares you've held longest.


Following the Guarantee Date, the shares of the Equity Index Fund will be
subject to those risks normally associated with an investment in shares of a
mutual fund that invests in securities represented in the Index.


NYLIFE became a limited liability company on September 30, 1999. Prior to this
time, NYLIFE had been a New York corporation incorporated on January 26, 1984.
Audited financial statements for NYLIFE for its most recent fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999, appear in the SAI.



New York Life is a mutual life insurance company. Payment obligations under the
Guarantee will be solely the obligations of NYLIFE. None of the Fund, New York
Life, MainStay Management, Monitor, NYLIFE Distributors Inc., any of their
affiliates nor any other party is undertaking any obligation to the Fund or its
shareholders with respect to the Guarantee. New York Life is not obligated to
pay any claim under the Guarantee or to make additional capital contributions to
NYLIFE.



For more information on the Guarantee, see the SAI.



104
<PAGE>   106

                      [This page intentionally left blank]


                                                                             105
<PAGE>   107



Shareholder


Guide

The following pages are intended to help you understand the costs associated
with buying, holding and selling your MainStay investments.

BEFORE YOU INVEST:

DECIDING WHICH MAINSTAY CLASS OF SHARES TO BUY


MainStay Funds offers three share classes: A, B and C (except for the Equity
Index Fund, which only offers Class A shares). These classes differ only in
their sales, service and/or distribution expenses and any other specific
expenses the Board of Trustees may approve. When you invest in Class A shares
you generally pay an initial sales charge, but Class A shares have lower ongoing
service and/or distribution expenses than either Class B or Class C shares.
(These service and/or distribution expenses are also known as Rule 12b-1 fees;
none of the Money Market Fund share classes have sales charges or Rule 12b-1
fees.) A more complete description of each class follows. You may want to review
these arrangements with your investment professional before selecting which
class to invest in.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CLASS A SHARES     CLASS B SHARES           CLASS C SHARES
  <S>                    <C>              <C>                   <C>

  Initial sales charge    Yes             No                    No

  Ongoing service         0.25%           0.75%                 0.75% distribution(1)
  and/or distribution                     distribution(1)       0.25% service
  fee                                     0.25% service         1.00% total(2)
                                          1.00% total(2)

  Contingent deferred     None in         Sliding scale over    1% on sale of shares
  sales charge            most cases      six years             held for one year or less

  Conversion feature      No              Yes                   No
</TABLE>



(1) 0.25% for the California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Tax Free Bond
    Funds.


(2) 0.50% of the California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Tax Free Bond Funds.


Class A share considerations



- - When you invest in Class A shares, you pay the public offering price, which is
  the share price, or net asset value ("NAV"), plus the initial sales charge
  that may apply to your purchase. The amount of the initial sales charge is
  based on the size of your investment, as the tables below show. We also
  describe below how you may reduce or eliminate the initial sales charge. (See
  "Reducing the Initial Sales Charge.")


- - Since some of your investment goes to pay an up-front sales charge when you
  purchase Class A shares, you purchase fewer shares than


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<PAGE>   108

                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

  you would with the same investment in Class B or Class C shares. Nevertheless,
  you're usually better off purchasing Class A shares and paying an up-front
  sales charge if you:


  - plan to own the shares for an extended period of time, since the higher
    ongoing service and/or distribution (12b-1) fees on Class B and Class C
    shares may eventually exceed the cost of the up-front sales charge, or


  - qualify for a reduced or eliminated sales charge.

As compared to Class B and Class C shares, with A shares:


- - your per share dividends, if any, will be higher



- - your NAV per share will generally be higher


- - total performance per share will be higher.


CLASS A SHARES SALES CHARGE TABLES



Equity Index Fund


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        PURCHASE                      SALES CHARGE AS A                SALES CHARGE
         AMOUNT                      % OF OFFERING PRICE              AS A % OF NAV
  <S>                                <C>                              <C>
  Less than $100,000                        3.00%                         3.09%
  $100,000 to $249,999                      2.50%                         2.56%
  $250,000 to $499,999                      2.00%                         2.04%
  $500,000 to $999,999                      1.50%                         1.52%
  $1,000,000 or more*                        None                          None
</TABLE>

Global High Yield Fund, International Bond Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund,
Strategic Income Fund, Government Fund, California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax

Free Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        PURCHASE                      SALES CHARGE AS A                SALES CHARGE
         AMOUNT                      % OF OFFERING PRICE              AS A % OF NAV
  <S>                                <C>                              <C>
  Less than $100,000                        4.50%                         4.71%
  $100,000 to $249,000                      3.50%                         3.63%
  $250,000 to $499,000                      2.50%                         2.56%
  $500,000 to $999,000                      2.00%                         2.04%
  $1,000,000 or more*                        None                          None
</TABLE>


                                                                             107
<PAGE>   109

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE


Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Capital Appreciation Fund, Blue
Chip Growth Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, Equity Income Fund, MAP Equity
Fund, Research Value Fund, Value Fund, Strategic Value Fund, Convertible Fund,
Total Return Fund, International Equity Fund


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        PURCHASE                      SALES CHARGE AS A                SALES CHARGE
         AMOUNT                      % OF OFFERING PRICE              AS A % OF NAV
  <S>                                <C>                              <C>
  Less than $50,000                         5.50%                         5.82%
  $50,000 to $99,999                        4.50%                         4.71%
  $100,000 to $249,999                      3.50%                         3.63%
  $250,000 to $499,999                      2.50%                         2.56%
  $500,000 to $999,999                      2.00%                         2.04%
  $1,000,000 or more*                        None                          None
</TABLE>

* No sales charge applies on investments of $1 million or more, but a contingent
  deferred sales charge of 1% is imposed on certain redemptions of such shares
  within one year of the date of purchase.


- - REDUCING THE INITIAL SALES CHARGE



 As the Sales Charge Tables show, the larger your investment, the lower your
 initial sales charge, and there is no initial sales charge for investments of
 $1 million or more. You can increase the amount of your investment to reduce
 your initial sales charge, in the following ways:



    RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION



    You can count towards the amount of your investment your total account value
    in all share classes of the MainStay Funds (except shares in the Money
    Market Fund). (We may terminate or change this privilege at any time on
    written notice.) For example, if you have $1 million invested in Class B
    shares, you can invest in Class A shares of any MainStay Fund without an
    initial sales charge.



    LETTER OF INTENT



    You can sign a Letter of Intent, in which you agree to invest a certain
    amount (your goal) in any of the MainStay Funds over a 24-month period, and
    your initial sales charge will be based on your goal. A 90-day back-dated
    period can also be used to count previous purchases toward your goal. Your
    goal must be at least $100,000, and the sales charge will be adjusted if you
    do not meet your goal.



    COMBINE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS



    You can also count towards the amount of your investment all investments in
    any of the MainStay Funds, in any class of shares, by your spouse and your
    children under age 21 ("Family Members"), including their Rights of
    Accumulation and goals under a Letter of Intent. Certain other groups may
    also be permitted to combine purchases for purposes of reducing or
    eliminating sales charges. See "Purchase, Redemption, Exchanges and
    Repurchase -- Reduced Sales Charges" in the SAI.



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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE


    TELL US YOUR INVESTMENT AMOUNT



    To receive the reduced sales charge, you must tell us about any eligible
    amounts under Rights of Accumulation or a Letter of Intent that you and your
    Family Members have at the time of your initial or subsequent purchase. For
    example, if an initial investment that was less than $1 million grows to
    over $1 million, you must tell us that you qualify to purchase Class A
    shares without an initial sales charge when you make a subsequent
    investment.



- - GROUP RETIREMENT PLAN PURCHASES



 You will not pay an initial sales charge if you purchase shares through a group
 retirement plan (other than non-ERISA 403(b) plans and IRA plans) that reaches
 either



 - 50 or more participants or



 - an aggregate investment in shares of any class of the Funds of $1,000,000 or
   more.



 Rights of Accumulation and goals under a Letter of Intent will count towards
 the investment amount for purposes of eliminating or reducing the sales charge.



 You must tell us about any initial or subsequent purchases that qualify for a
 reduced or eliminated sales charge. For example, if the number of participants
 in your plan increases to 50 or more subsequent to your initial investment, you
 must tell us in order to purchase Class A shares without an initial sales
 charge.



 If your plan currently holds Class B shares, please consult your recordkeeper
 or other plan administrative service providers concerning their ability to
 maintain shares in two different classes. Class B and Class C shares may not be
 available to new retirement plan accounts, which would be directed to invest in
 Class A shares.



- - PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS



 You may be eligible for elimination of the initial sales charge if you purchase
 shares through a financial services firm (such as a broker-dealer, investment
 advisor or financial institution) that has a special arrangement with us. The
 Funds have authorized these firms (and other intermediaries that the firms may
 designate) to accept orders. When an authorized firm or its designee has
 received your order, it is considered received by the Fund and will be priced
 at the next computed NAV. Financial services firms may charge transaction fees
 or other fees and may modify other features such as minimum investment amounts
 and exchange privileges. Please read their program materials for any special
 provisions or additional service features that may apply to investing in the
 Funds through these firms.



                                                                             109
<PAGE>   111

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE


- - CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE



 If you receive a reduced sales charge or your sales charge is eliminated, we
 may impose a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% if you redeem your shares
 within one year. The Fund's Distributor may pay a commission to dealers on
 these purchases from its own resources.



- - There are other categories of purchasers who do not pay initial sales charges
  on Class A shares, such as personnel of the Funds and of New York Life and its
  affiliates. These categories are described in the SAI.



- - For more information about these considerations, call your investment
  professional or MainStay Shareholder Services LLC ("MSS," the Funds' Transfer
  Agent) at 1-800 MainStay, and read the information under "Purchase,
  Redemption, Exchanges and Repurchase -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge,
  Class A" in the SAI.



CLASS B SHARE CONSIDERATIONS



- - Since you pay no initial sales charge, an investment of less than $1 million
  in Class B shares buys more shares than the same investment would in Class A
  shares. But you pay higher ongoing service and/or distribution fees. Compared
  to Class A shares:



  - your per share dividends, if any, will be lower


  - your NAV will generally be lower

  - total performance per share will be lower

- - In most circumstances, you pay a contingent deferred sales charge if you sell
  Class B shares within six years of buying them, as shown in the following
  table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   FOR SHARES      CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE AS A
  SOLD IN THE:   % OF AMOUNT REDEEMED SUBJECT TO THE CHARGE
  <S>            <C>
  First year                             5.0%
  Second year                            4.0%
  Third year                             3.0%
  Fourth year                            2.0%
  Fifth year                             2.0%
  Sixth year                             1.0%
  Thereafter                             None
</TABLE>

There are exceptions. See the SAI.

- - When you sell Class B shares, MainStay first redeems the shares you've held
  longest to minimize your sales charges.


- - Class B shares convert to Class A shares at the end of the calendar quarter
  eight years after the date they were purchased. This reduces service and/or
  distribution fees.



110
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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

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

Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares will never convert to Class A shares. As a
result, long-term Class C shareholders pay higher ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees for
the life of their investment.


- - If you owned your Class B shares on October 24, 1997, when the conversion
  feature was implemented, they will be converted on or about December 31, 2005.

- - MainStay expects all share conversions to be made on a tax-free basis. If this
  cannot be reasonably assured, the Trustees reserve the right to modify or
  eliminate this share class conversion feature.

CLASS C SHARE CONSIDERATIONS


- - Since you pay no initial sales charge, an investment of less than $1 million
  in Class C shares buys more shares than the same investment would in Class A
  shares. But you pay higher ongoing service and/or distribution fees.



- - Compared to Class A shares:



  - your per share dividends, if any, will be lower



  - your NAV will generally be lower



  - total performance per share will be lower



- - You pay a 1% contingent deferred sales charge only if you redeem shares held
  for one year or less.



- - As is the case with Class B shares, MainStay first redeems the shares you've
  held longest to minimize your sales charges.



The Funds' Distributor, NYLIFE Distributors Inc., or its affiliates, at their
expense, also may from time to time provide additional promotional incentives
and/or compensation, including commission payments for sales of Class B shares,
to dealers who sell Fund shares or provide services to shareholders.


INFORMATION ON FEES AND SALES CHARGES
Rule 12b-1 plans


Each Fund, other than the Money Market Fund, has adopted a distribution plan
under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for each class of shares.
Rule 12b-1 service and/or distribution fees are paid to the Distributor. The
Class A Rule 12b-1 fee may be paid for distribution or service activities. The
Class B and Class C Rule 12b-1 distribution fees are paid for distribution
activities. The Class B and Class C Rule 12b-1 service fees are paid to the
Distributor for providing shareholders with personal services and maintaining
shareholder accounts. Because Rule 12b-1 fees are ongoing, over time they will
increase the cost of an investment in the Funds and may cost more than other
types of sales charges.


Contingent deferred sales charge, Class B and Class C

A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on redemptions of Class B and
Class C shares of the Funds, at the rates described above, at the time of any
redemption by a shareholder that reduces the current value of the shareholder's
Class B or Class C account in any Fund to an amount that is lower than the
amount of all payments by the shareholder


                                                                             111
<PAGE>   113

- ---------------------------
"Good order" means all the necessary information, signatures and documentation
have been received.

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

The minimum initial investment amount (except for Equity Index Fund) is waived
for purchases by the Trustees and New York Life and its subsidiaries and their
employees, officers, directors or agents.


SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

for the purchase of Class B shares in that Fund during the preceding six years
or Class C shares in that Fund for the preceding year.

However, no such charge will be imposed to the extent that the net asset value
of the Class B or Class C shares redeemed does not exceed:
- - the current aggregate net asset value of Class B or Class C shares of that
  Fund purchased more than six years prior to the redemption for Class B shares
  or more than one year prior to the redemption for Class C shares, plus
- - the current aggregate net asset value of Class B or Class C shares of that
  Fund purchased through reinvestment of dividends or distributions, plus
- - increases in the net asset value of the investor's Class B shares of that Fund
  above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class B shares of that
  Fund made during the preceding six years for Class B shares or one year for
  Class C shares.


The contingent deferred sales charge will be paid to and retained by the
Distributor. For information about waivers, see the SAI.

BUYING AND SELLING MAINSTAY SHARES

How to Open Your MainStay Account


Return your completed MainStay application with a check for the amount of your
investment to your investment professional. If your initial investment is at
least $5,000 in any Fund but the Money Market Fund, have your investment
professional place your order by phone. If you place your order by phone,
MainStay must receive your completed application and check in good order within
three business days.



(MainStay cannot process Money Market Fund purchases by phone.)



When you open your account, you may also want to choose certain buying and
selling options, including transactions by wire. In most cases, these choices
can be made later in writing, but it may be quicker and more convenient to
decide on them when you open your account.



You buy shares at net asset value (plus, for Class A shares, any applicable
sales charge). NAV is generally calculated as of the close of regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4 pm Eastern time; except for the Money
Market Fund, which is calculated at noon) every day the Exchange is open. When
you buy shares, you must pay the NAV next calculated after MainStay Shareholder
Services receives your order in good order.


Investment minimums


- - $500 for any single MainStay Fund except the Money Market and the Equity Index
  Funds



- - $1,000 for the Money Market and the Equity Index Funds




112

<PAGE>   114

                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE


- - $50 for each subsequent investment except for the Equity Index Fund, which is
  $1,000
  or



- - $100 for initial and $50 for subsequent purchases through a systematic
  investment plan (except for the Money Market and the Equity Index Funds).



                                                                             113
<PAGE>   115

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

BUYING AND SELLING MAINSTAY SHARES

OPENING YOUR ACCOUNT


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               HOW                                     DETAILS
  <S>              <C>                          <C>

  BY PHONE:        Through your investment      * You cannot buy Money Market Fund shares by phone.
                   professional: Between 8 am   * MainStay must receive your application and check in
                   and 6 pm Eastern time any      good order within three business days. If not,
                   day the New York Stock         MainStay can cancel your order and hold you liable
                   Exchange is open; call         for costs incurred in placing it.
                   before 4 pm to buy shares    * $5,000 minimum.
                   at the current day's price.
</TABLE>


BUYING ADDITIONAL SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               HOW                                     DETAILS
  <S>              <C>                          <C>

  BY WIRE:         To buy shares the same day,  Have your investment professional phone in your order
                   MainStay must receive your   and wire the purchase amount to:
                   wired money by 4 pm.         State Street Bank and Trust Company.
                                                * ABA #011 0000 28
                                                * The MainStay Funds (DDA #99029415)
                                                * Attn: Custody and Shareholder Services
                                                * Fund name and class
                                                * your account number
                                                * name(s) of investor(s)

  ELECTRONICALLY:  ACH                          Call 1-800-MainStay
                   Eligible investors can
                   purchase shares by using
                   electronic debits from a
                   designated bank account.

  BY MAIL:         Address your order to:       Make your check payable to The MainStay Funds. Be
                   The MainStay Funds           sure to write on your check the Fund name, account
                   P.O. Box 8401                number and class of shares.
                   Boston, MA 02266-8401        * $50 minimum (except Equity Index Fund, which is
                                                  $1,000).
                   Send overnight orders to:
                   The MainStay Funds
                   c/o Boston Financial
                   Data Services
                   66 Brooks Drive
                   Braintree, MA 02184
</TABLE>



114
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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

SELLING SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               HOW                                     DETAILS
  <S>              <C>                          <C>

  BY PHONE:        TO RECEIVE PROCEEDS BY       - The maximum order MainStay can process is $100,000.
                   CHECK:                       - MainStay will only send checks to the account's
                   Through your investment        owner at the owner's address of record and will not
                   professional, or call          send checks to addresses on record for 30 days or
                   1-800-MAINSTAY between 8 am    less.
                   and 6 pm Eastern time any
                   day the New York Stock
                   Exchange is open; call
                   before 4 pm to sell shares
                   at the current day's prices
                   (NAV).

                   TO RECEIVE PROCEEDS BY       - MainStay must have your bank account information on
                   WIRE:                          file.
                   Call 1-800-MAINSTAY.         - Generally, after receiving your sell order by
                   Eligible investors may sell  phone, MainStay will send the proceeds by bank wire
                   shares and have proceeds       to your designated bank account the next business
                   electronically credited to     day, although it may take up to seven days to do
                   a designated bank account.     so. Your bank may charge you a fee to receive the
                   You can have redemption        wire transfer.
                   proceeds wired any day       - MainStay charges a $10 fee per transaction.
                   banks and the New York       - $5,000 minimum.
                   Stock Exchange are open.

  BY MAIL:         Address your order to:       Write a letter of instruction that includes:
                   The MainStay Funds           - your name(s) and signature(s)
                   P.O. Box 8401                - your account number
                   Boston, MA 02266-8401        - Fund name and class of shares
                                                - dollar or share amount you want to sell.
                   Send overnight orders to:    - Obtain a signature guarantee or other
                   The MainStay Funds           documentation, if required.
                   c/o Boston Financial         There is a $15 fee for checks mailed to you
                   Data Services                overnight. There is a $10 fee for wire redemptions.
                   66 Brooks Drive
                   Braintree, MA 02184
</TABLE>



                                                                             115
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
- ---------------------------
Reinvestment won't relieve you of any tax consequences on gains realized from
the sale. The deductions for losses may, however, be denied and, in some cases,
sales charges may not be taken into account in computing gains or losses if the
reinvestment privilege is exercised.
- ---------------------------

CONVENIENT, YES . . .
BUT NOT RISK-FREE. Telephone redemption privileges are convenient, but you give
up some security. When you sign the application to buy shares, you agree that
The MainStay Funds will not be liable for following phone instructions that they
reasonably believe are genuine. When using the MainStay Audio Response System,
you bear the risk of any loss from your errors unless the Funds or MainStay
Shareholder Services fails to use established safeguards for your protection.
These safeguards are among those currently in place at MainStay Funds:


- - all phone calls with service representatives are tape recorded and

- - written confirmation of every transaction is sent to your address of record.

REDEMPTIONS-IN-KIND


The Trust reserves the right to pay certain large redemptions, either totally or
partially, by a distribution-in-kind of securities (instead of cash) from the
applicable Fund's portfolio.

THE REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE MAY HELP YOU AVOID SALES CHARGES
When you sell shares, you have the right--for 90 days--to reinvest any or all of
the money in the same class of any MainStay Fund without paying another sales
charge (as long as those shares haven't been reinvested once already). If you
paid a sales charge when you redeemed you'll receive a pro rata credit for
reinvesting.

MONEY MARKET FUND CHECK WRITING

You can sell shares of the Money Market Fund by writing checks for $100 or more.
You need to complete special forms to set up checkwriting privileges. You cannot
close your account by writing a check. This option is not available for IRAs or
qualified retirement plans.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES


Automatic services


Buying or selling shares automatically is easy with the services described
below. You select your schedule and amount, subject to certain restrictions. You
can set up most of these services with your application, or by calling
1-800-MAINSTAY for a form.

Systematic investing

MainStay offers three automatic investment plans.

AutoInvest

If you are authorized, you can automatically debit your designated bank account
by:

- - making regularly scheduled investments


- - purchasing shares whenever you choose.


Dividend reinvestment
Automatically reinvest dividends and distributions from one MainStay Fund into
the same fund or the same class of any other MainStay Fund.

Payroll deductions
If your employer offers this option, you can make automatic investments through
payroll deduction.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN

Withdrawals must be at least $100. You must have at least $10,000 in your
account at the time of request and shares must not be in certificate form.

The Funds will not knowingly permit systematic withdrawals if, at the same time,
you are making systematic investments.


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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
- ---------------------------
MainStay tries to make investing easy by offering a variety of programs to buy,
sell and exchange Fund shares. These programs make it convenient to add to your
investment and easy to access your money when you need it.
- ---------------------------

Selling and exchanging shares may result in a gain or loss and therefore may be
subject to taxes. Consult your tax adviser on the consequences. When you sell
exchanged shares, you will have to pay any applicable sales charges.


EXCHANGING SHARES AMONG MAINSTAY FUNDS


You exchange shares when you sell all or a portion of shares in one Fund and use
the proceeds to purchase shares of the same class of another Fund without paying
a sales charge. You may make exchanges from one MainStay Fund to another by
phone. There is also a systematic exchange program that allows you to make
regularly scheduled, systematic exchanges from one MainStay Fund to the same
class of another. When you redeem exchanged shares without a corresponding
purchase of another MainStay Fund, you will have to pay any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge.



The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short term trading, nor
are the Funds designed for professional market timing organizations or other
entities or individuals that use programmed or frequent exchanges in response to
market fluctuations. Excessive exchange activity may interfere with portfolio
management and have an adverse effect on all shareholders. Accordingly, in order
to maintain a stable asset base in each Fund and to reduce Fund administrative
expenses borne by each Fund, five exchanges per account are permitted in each
calendar year without the imposition of any transaction fee; subsequently, a $10
processing fee will be assessed per exchange and additional exchange requests
may be denied. The processing fee will not be charged on systematic exchanges,
on exchanges processed via MainStay's automated system and on certain accounts,
such as retirement plans and broker omnibus accounts where no participant is
listed, for which tracking data is not available. In addition, MainStay reserves
the right to refuse any purchase or exchange requests that could adversely
affect a Fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group
who, in the Fund's judgment, is likely to, or actually engages in, excessive
trading.


The Funds reserve the right to revise or terminate the exchange privilege, limit
the amount or number of exchanges or reject any exchange.


In certain circumstances you may have to pay a sales charge. Sales charges apply
when you:


- - exchange Class A shares of the Money Market Fund for Class A shares of another
  Fund, unless you've already paid the sales charge on those shares, or

- - exchange Class B shares of the Money Market Fund for Class B shares of another
  Fund and redeem within six years of the original purchase, or

- - exchange Class C shares of the Money Market Fund for Class C shares of another
  Fund and redeem within one year of the original purchase.

In addition, if you exchange Class B or Class C shares of a Fund into Class B or
Class C shares of the Money Market Fund, the holding period for purposes of
determining the CDSC stops until you exchange back into Class B or Class C
shares, as applicable, of another MainStay Fund. The holding period for purposes
of determining conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares also stops until
you exchange back into Class B shares of another MainStay Fund.


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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

You may not exchange shares between classes. If you sell Class B or Class C
shares and then buy Class A shares, you may have to pay a deferred sales charge
on the Class B or Class C shares, as well as pay an initial sales charge on the
purchase of Class A shares.


INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT



Except for the "tax free funds," you can purchase shares of any of the MainStay
Funds for retirement plans providing tax-deferred investments for individuals
and institutions. You can use MainStay Funds in established plans or the
Distributor may provide the required plan documents for selected plans. A plan
document must be adopted for a plan to be in existence.



MainStay also provides custodial services for IRA, ROTH IRA, SEP, SARSEP, SIMPLE
IRA and Education IRA plans and for 403(b)(7) TSA Custodial Accounts. Plan
administration is also available for select qualified retirement plans.



An investor should consult with his or her tax adviser before establishing any
tax-deferred retirement plan.


GENERAL POLICIES

Buying Shares

- - All investments must be in U.S. dollars with funds drawn on a U.S. bank. As a
  rule, MainStay does not accept third-party checks, and it reserves the right
  to limit the number of checks processed at one time. If your check or ACH
  purchase is returned unpaid, your order will be canceled and your account will
  be charged a $20 fee for each returned check or ACH purchase. In addition, the
  Fund may also redeem shares to cover any losses it incurs as a result. If an
  AutoInvest payment is returned unpaid for two consecutive periods, the
  privilege will be suspended until you notify us to reinstate it.

Selling Shares


- - If you have share certificates, you must return them with a written redemption
  request.


- - Your shares will be sold at the next NAV calculated after MSS receives your
  order in good order. MainStay will make the payment, minus any deferred sales
  charge, within seven days after receiving your request in good order.


- - If you buy shares by check or by ACH purchase and quickly decide to sell them
  the Fund may withhold payment for 10 days from the date the check or ACH
  purchase order is received.


- - When you sell Class B or Class C shares, the Fund will recover any applicable
  sales charges either by selling additional shares, if available, or by
  reducing your proceeds by the amount of those charges.

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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

- ---------------------------
A signature guarantee helps protect against fraud. You can obtain one from most
banks, credit unions and securities dealers, but not from a notary public. For
joint accounts, each signature must be guaranteed. Please call MSS at 1-800-
MAINSTAY to ensure that your signature will be guaranteed by an appropriate
institution.
- ---------------------------
The policies and fees described in this prospectus govern transactions with the
MainStay Funds. If you invest through a third party--bank, broker, 401(k) plan,
financial adviser or financial supermarket--there may be transaction fees for
and you may be subject to different investment minimums or limitations on buying
or selling shares. Consult a representative of your plan or financial
institution if in doubt.

- - There will be no redemption during any period in which the right of redemption
  is suspended or date of payment is postponed because the New York Stock
  Exchange is closed or trading on the Exchange is restricted or the SEC deems
  an emergency to exist.
- - Unless you decline telephone privileges on your application, you may be
  responsible for any fraudulent telephone order as long as MSS takes reasonable
  measures to verify the order.

- - MainStay requires a written order to sell shares if:


  - an account has submitted a change of address in the previous 30 days.



- - MainStay requires a written order to sell shares and a signature guarantee if;



  - MainStay does not have required bank information



  - the proceeds from the sale will exceed $100,000



  - the proceeds of the sale are to be sent to an address other than the address
    of record or,



  - the proceeds are to be payable to someone other than the account holder.



In the interests of all shareholders, MainStay reserves the right to:



- - change or discontinue its exchange privilege upon notice to shareholders, or
  temporarily suspend this privilege without notice under extraordinary
  circumstances



- - change or discontinue the systematic withdrawal plan on notice to
  shareholders.


- - charge a $12 annual account fee (maximum of $36 per social security or tax
  I.D. number) on accounts with balances less than $500. The fee is not charged
  on retirement plan accounts, accounts with automatic investment plans and
  accounts for which tracking data is not available.


- - change its minimum investment amounts.



Correction



When you buy and sell shares directly from the Fund, you will receive
confirmation statements that describe your transaction. You should review the
information in the confirmation statements carefully. If you notice an error,
you should call MainStay immediately. If you fail to notify MainStay within one
year of the transaction, you may be required to bear the costs of correction.


DETERMINING THE FUNDS' SHARE PRICES (NAV) AND THE VALUATION OF SECURITIES


MainStay generally calculates the share price of each Fund (also known as its
net asset value, or NAV) at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (usually 4 pm Eastern time), except for the Money Market Fund, which is
calculated at noon, every day the Exchange is open. The value of the Funds'
investments is based on current market prices, except for the value of the Money
Market Fund, which is based



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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

- ---------------------------
If you prefer to reinvest dividends and/or capital gains in another Fund, you
must first establish an account in that class of shares of the Fund. There is no
sales charge on shares purchased through the automatic reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains.


on amortized cost. If current market values are not available, investments will
be valued by another method that the Board of Trustees believes accurately
reflects fair value. Events affecting the value of the Funds' securities that
occur between the time their prices are determined and the close of the Exchange
will not be reflected in the calculation of NAV unless the Subadvisor deems a
particular event would materially affect NAV. In this case, an adjustment in the
valuing of the securities may be made. Certain Funds invest in portfolio
securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends
or other days when the Funds do not price their shares. The NAV of those Funds'
shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
redeem shares.


FUND EARNINGS
Dividends and Interest

Most Funds earn either dividends from stocks, interest from bonds and other
securities, or both. A mutual fund, however, always pays this income to you as
"dividends." The dividends paid by each Fund will vary based on the income from
its investments and the expenses incurred by the Fund.

Capital Gains

The Funds earn capital gains when they sell securities at a profit.

When the Funds pay dividends


The Money Market Fund declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. You begin
earning dividends the next business day after MSS receives your order in good
order.



The High Yield Corporate Bond Fund declares and distributes any dividends
monthly. The other Funds, except Equity Index Fund, declare and distribute any
dividends quarterly. The Equity Index Fund declares and distributes any
dividends at least annually.


Dividends are paid on the first business day of each month after a dividend is
declared.

When the Funds pay capital gains


The Fund will distribute any capital gains to shareholders in December.


HOW TO TAKE YOUR EARNINGS

You may receive your share of MainStay Fund earnings in one of five ways. You
can make your choice at the time of application, and change it as often as you
like by notifying your investment professional (if permitted by the
broker-dealer) or MainStay directly. The five choices are:


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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

- ---------------------------
SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.
Your investment professional can help you keep your investment goals coordinated
with your tax considerations. But for tax counsel, always rely on your tax
adviser. For additional information on federal, state and local taxation, see
the SAI.
- ---------------------------
DO NOT OVERLOOK SALES CHARGES. The amount you pay in sales charges reduces gains
and increases losses for tax purposes.
- ---------------------------

BUY AFTER THE DIVIDEND PAYMENT. Avoid buying shares shortly before a dividend
payment. Part of your investment may be returned in the form of a dividend,
which may be taxable.


1. Reinvest everything in:

- - the same Fund or
- - another Fund of your choice

2. Take the dividends in cash and reinvest the capital gains in:

- - the same Fund or


- - another Fund of your choice.


3. Take the capital gains in cash and reinvest the dividends in:


- - the same Fund or



- - another Fund of your choice.


4. Take a percentage of dividends or capital gains in cash and reinvest the
remainder in the same Fund.

5. Take everything in cash.

If you do not make one of these choices on your application, your earnings will
be automatically reinvested in the same class of shares of the same Fund.

UNDERSTAND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES

Most of your earnings are taxable



Virtually all of the dividends and capital gains distributions you receive from
the MainStay Funds are taxable, whether you take them as cash or automatically
reinvest them. A Fund's realized earnings are taxed based on the length of time
a Fund holds its investments, regardless of how long you hold Fund shares. If a
Fund realizes long-term capital gains, the earnings are taxed as capital gains;
earnings from short-term capital gains and income generated on debt investments
and other sources are generally taxed as ordinary income. Earnings of an Equity
Fund, if any, will generally be a result of capital gains. Earnings of an Income
Fund, if any, will generally be a result of income generated on debt investments
and will be taxable as ordinary income.



The California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Tax Free Bond Funds (or any tax
free fund) may earn taxable income. In addition, dividends earned from
tax-exempt securities may be subject to state and local taxes. Any gains from
sales of shares of these Funds will generally be taxable.



MainStay will mail your tax report each year by January 31. This report will
tell you which dividends and redemptions should be treated as taxable ordinary
income, which, if any, as tax-exempt income, and which, if any, as long-term
capital gains.



EXCHANGES



An exchange of shares of one Fund for shares of another will be treated as a
sale of shares of the first Fund and a purchase of shares of the second Fund.
Any gain on the transaction may be subject to taxes.



                                                                             121
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SHAREHOLDER GUIDE


"TAX-FREE" RARELY MEANS "TOTALLY TAX-FREE"



- - The California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Tax Free Bond Funds (or any
  tax-free fund) may earn taxable income--in other words, you may have taxable
  income even from a generally tax-free fund.



- - Tax-exempt dividends may still be subject to state and local taxes.



- - Any time you sell shares--even shares of a tax-free fund--you will be subject
  to tax on any gain (the rise in the share price).



- - If you sell shares of a tax-free fund after receiving a tax-exempt dividend,
  and you have held the shares for six months or less, then you may not be
  allowed to claim a loss on the sale.



- - If you sell shares in a tax-free fund before you become entitled to receive
  tax-exempt interest as a dividend, the amount that would have been treated as
  a tax-free dividend will instead be treated as a taxable part of the sales
  proceeds.



- - Some tax-exempt income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.



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                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

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                                                                             123
<PAGE>   125


Know With Whom

You're Investing

WHO RUNS THE FUNDS' DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS?


MainStay Management LLC (formerly MainStay Management, Inc.), 300 Interpace
Parkway, Building A, Parsippany, NJ 07054, serves as the Funds' manager,
handling business affairs for the Funds. The Manager provides offices, conducts
clerical, recordkeeping and bookkeeping services, and keeps most of the
financial and accounting records required for the Funds. The Manager has
delegated its portfolio management responsibilities to the Subadvisors. The
Manager also pays the salaries and expenses of all personnel affiliated with the
Funds and all the operational expenses that aren't the responsibility of the
Funds, including the fees paid to the Subadvisors.



For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund,
paid the Manager an aggregate fee for services performed as a percentage of the
average daily net assets of that Fund as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        RATE PAID FOR THE
                                                                            YEAR ENDED
                                                                        DECEMBER 31, 1999
  <S>                                                                   <C>
  Small Cap Growth Fund                                                       1.00%
  Small Cap Value Fund                                                        0.69%
  Capital Appreciation Fund                                                   0.53%
  Blue Chip Growth Fund                                                       1.00%
  Equity Index Fund                                                           0.50%
  Growth Opportunities Fund                                                   0.70%
  Equity Income Fund                                                          0.53%
  MAP Equity Fund                                                             0.59%*
  Research Value Fund                                                         0.51%
  Value Fund                                                                  0.57%
  Strategic Value Fund                                                        0.75%
  Convertible Fund                                                            0.72%
  Total Return Fund                                                           0.61%
  High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                                              0.56%
  Money Market Fund                                                           0.32%
  Global High Yield Fund                                                      0.50%**
  International Bond Fund                                                     0.40%
  International Equity Fund                                                   1.00%
  California Tax Free Fund                                                    0.34%
  Government Fund                                                             0.60%
  New York Tax Free Fund                                                      0.17%
  Strategic Income Fund                                                       0.56%
  Tax Free Bond Fund                                                          0.60%
</TABLE>



* Represents advisory fees paid to Markston Investment Management, the Fund's
  prior adviser, for the period January 1, 1999 through June 8, 1999 and
  advisory fees paid to Markston International, LLC, the Fund's current adviser,
  for the period June 9, 1999 through December 31, 1999.



** The Global High Yield Fund's management fee is an annual percentage of 0.70%
   of average daily net assets. The Manager has agreed to voluntarily reduce its
   fee payable to an annual percentage of 0.50% of average daily net assets and
   also voluntarily agreed to limit total annual fund operating expenses. As a
   result, the management fee was waived.



124
<PAGE>   126



The Manager is not responsible for records maintained by the Funds' Custodians,
Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing and Shareholder Servicing Agent, or
Subadvisors.


WHO MANAGES YOUR MONEY?


Under the supervision of the Manager, the Subadvisors are responsible for making
the specific decisions about buying, selling and holding securities; selecting
and negotiating with brokers and brokerage firms; and maintaining accurate
records. For these services, each Subadvisor is paid a monthly fee by the
Manager, not the Funds. The Funds' Trustees oversee the management and
operations of the Funds.



MACKAY SHIELDS LLC (formerly MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation), 9 West 57th
St., New York, NY 10019, is the Subadvisor to each Fund in this Prospectus
except the Small Cap Value, Blue Chip Growth, Equity Index, Growth
Opportunities, MAP Equity, and Research Value Funds. The firm was incorporated
in 1969 as an independent investment advisory firm and was privately held until
1984 when it became a wholly owned but autonomously managed subsidiary of New
York Life Insurance Company. As of December 31, 1999, MacKay Shields managed
over $34 billion in assets.



MONITOR CAPITAL ADVISORS LLC (formerly Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.)
("Monitor"), 504 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540, is the Subadvisor to the
Equity Index Fund. Monitor is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York
Life Insurance Company. Monitor, a registered investment advisor incorporated in
1988, specializes in quantitative investment techniques such as enhanced
indexing and asset allocation. As of December 31, 1999, Monitor managed assets
totaling approximately $5.82 billion, mainly of index funds.



MADISON SQUARE ADVISORS LLC (formerly Madison Square Advisors, Inc.) ("MSA"), 51
Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010, is the Subadvisor to the Growth
Opportunities Fund. MSA, which was formed in 1997, is an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. As of December 31, 1999, MSA
managed approximately $2.2 billion in assets.



GABELLI ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY ("GAMCO"), One Corporate Center, Rye, New York
10580, serves as Subadvisor to the Blue Chip Growth Fund. GAMCO was formed in
1978, and as of December 31, 1999, acts as investment adviser to institutional
and individual investors with aggregate assets of approximately $9.3 billion.



JOHN A. LEVIN & CO., INC. ("John A. Levin & Co."), One Rockefeller Plaza, 25th
Floor, New York, New York 10020, serves as Subadvisor to the Research Value
Fund. Together with its predecessor, John A. Levin & Co. has provided investment
advisory services to clients since 1982. As of December 31, 1999, John A. Levin
& Co. manages approximately $8.4 billion in assets for its clients.



                                                                             125
<PAGE>   127



DALTON, GREINER, HARTMAN, MAHER & CO. ("DGHM"), 1100 Fifth Avenue South, Suite
301, Naples, FL 34102, serves as Subadvisor to the Small Cap Value Fund. DGHM is
a value-driven investment manager specializing in smaller capitalization
equities. The firm, founded in 1982, manages more than $31.6 million in assets.



MARKSTON INTERNATIONAL, LLC ("Markston"), 50 Main Street, White Plains, NY
10606, is the Subadvisor to the MAP Equity Fund. As of December 31, 1999,
Markston managed approximately $160 million in assets.



PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: BIOGRAPHIES



JAMES AGOSTISI  Mr. Agostisi has managed the Growth Opportunities Fund since
inception. Mr. Agostisi is a Director--Portfolio Management of Madison Square
Advisors and of New York Life Insurance Company. He has 15 years of investment
experience at New York Life and has been a Director--Portfolio Management of
Madison Square Advisors since its establishment.


JEFFERSON C. BOYCE  Mr. Boyce has managed the Equity Index Fund since 1999. He
has been Chairman and CEO of Monitor Capital since 1997. Prior to that he was
Senior Vice President of the firm. Mr. Boyce is also a Senior Vice President of
New York Life Insurance Company and serves as an officer and/or director to
various other subsidiaries and affiliated entities of New York Life Insurance
Company.


RUDOLPH C. CARRYL  Mr. Carryl has managed the Capital Appreciation and Total
Return Funds since 1992, and the Small Cap Growth Fund since inception. Mr.
Carryl is a Senior Managing Director of MacKay Shields. He joined MacKay Shields
as a Director in 1992 and has 22 years of investment management and research
experience. Mr. Carryl was Research Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at
Value Line, Inc. from 1978 to 1992.


TIMOTHY DALTON, JR.  Mr. Dalton has managed the Small Cap Value Fund since
inception. Mr. Dalton is Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of
Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. He has served as CEO and CIO since he
founded the firm's investment management business in 1982.


KENNETH GREINER  Mr. Greiner has managed the Small Cap Value Fund since
inception. Mr. Greiner is President of Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.,
where he has been a portfolio manager and research analyst since joining the
firm in 1983.



CHRISTOPHER HARMS  Mr. Harms has managed the Government Fund since 1999. Mr.
Harms, who is a Managing Director, joined MacKay Shields in 1991 with more than
10 years of prior investment management and research experience. Prior to
joining the firm, Mr. Harms was employed at Bear Stearns in the Asset Management
Division as a fixed income portfolio manager.



126
<PAGE>   128

JEFFREY A. KIGNER  Mr. Kigner has managed the Research Value Fund since
inception. Mr. Kigner is Co-Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of John A.
Levin & Co. Mr. Kigner has been a securities analyst and portfolio manager of
John A. Levin & Co. (and its predecessor) since 1984. He has been a Director of
Baker, Fentress & Company since June 1996.

STEPHEN B. KILLIAN  Mr. Killian has managed the Equity Index Fund since 1999.
Mr. Killian, who joined Monitor Capital in 1997, is a Vice President with
portfolio management responsibility for international equity funds, active
quantitative equity portfolios and development of quantitative strategies. Prior
to joining Monitor, Mr. Killian was a Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager at
Rhumbline Advisers from 1992 to 1997.


ROGER LOB  Mr. Lob has been portfolio manager for the MAP Equity Fund since
1987.



MAUREEN MCFARLAND  Ms. McFarland has managed the Global High Yield Fund since
inception. She has managed the International Bond and International Equity Funds
since 1998. Ms. McFarland is a Director at MacKay Shields. She joined MacKay
Shields in 1997 as Currency Overlay Manager in the Global Division. Prior to
joining the company, Ms. McFarland was employed at Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co., where she was team leader of the Global Fixed Income Area.



DONALD MORGAN  Mr. Morgan has managed the High Yield Corporate Bond Fund since
1999. Mr. Morgan, who joined MacKay Shields in 1997 as a high yield research
analyst, is a Director at the firm. Prior to joining MacKay Shields, he was
employed at Fidelity Management and Research Company as a high yield analyst.



MICHAEL MULLARKEY  Mr. Mullarkey has been portfolio manager of the MAP Equity
Fund since 1981.



EDWARD MUNSHOWER  Mr. Munshower has managed the Total Return Fund since 1999.
Mr. Munshower is a Managing Director of MacKay Shields. He joined MacKay Shields
as a fixed income investment specialist in 1985 after having been an investment
analyst for New York Life Insurance Company.



JOSEPH PORTERA  Mr. Portera has managed the Strategic Income and Global High
Yield Funds since inception and the International Equity Fund since 1998. Mr.
Portera is a Managing Director of MacKay Shields specializing in international
securities and head of Global Fixed Income. He returned to MacKay Shields in
December 1996 after working at Fiduciary Trust Company International as a
portfolio manager in international bonds. Mr. Portera joined MacKay Shields in
1991 and was portfolio manager of the International Bond Fund from its inception
to August 1995 and has managed the Fund since 1996.



RICHARD A. ROSEN  Mr. Rosen has managed the Value, Equity Income and Strategic
Value Funds since 1999. Mr. Rosen is a Director in the Equity Division of MacKay
Shields. Prior to joining MacKay Shields in




                                                                             127
<PAGE>   129



January, 1999, he was a Managing Director and equity portfolio manager at
Prudential Investments from August 1991 to January 1999.


PATRICIA S. ROSSI  Ms. Rossi has managed the Growth Opportunities Fund since
inception. Ms. Rossi is Managing Director--Portfolio Management of Madison
Square Advisors and of New York Life Insurance Company. She joined New York Life
in 1995 as Head of Public Equities and has been a Managing Director--Portfolio
Management of Madison Square Advisors since its establishment. Ms. Rossi has
over 20 years of investment management and research experience. Prior to joining
New York Life, Ms. Rossi was a portfolio manager for the United Church of
Christ--Pension Boards.


MICHAEL C. SHERIDAN  Mr. Sheridan has managed the Equity Income Fund since
inception. Mr. Sheridan joined MacKay Shields in 1996 and is a Director.
Previously, he was an equity analyst at Arnhold & S. Bleichroder Capital.


G. TODD SILVA  Mr. Silva has managed the Research Value Fund since inception.
Mr. Silva has been Senior Portfolio Manager at John A. Levin & Co. since
February 1998. Prior to joining John A. Levin & Co., Mr. Silva was a portfolio
manager at Jennison Associates LLC and at Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. and a
securities analyst at Putnam Investments.


EDMUND C. SPELMAN  Mr. Spelman has managed the Capital Appreciation and Total
Return Funds since 1991, the Convertible Fund since 1999 and the Small Cap
Growth Fund since inception. Mr. Spelman is a Senior Managing Director at MacKay
Shields and specializes in equity securities. He joined MacKay Shields in 1991
after working as a securities analyst at Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. from 1983 to
1990.



HOWARD F. WARD  Mr. Ward has managed the Blue Chip Growth Fund since inception.
Mr. Ward is a portfolio manager with Gabelli Asset Management Company. Prior to
joining GAMCO in 1995, Mr. Ward was Managing Director and Director of the
Quality Growth Equity Management Group of Scudder, Stevens and Clark, Inc., with
which he had been associated since 1982 and where he served as lead portfolio
manager for several of its registered investment companies.



THOMAS WYNN  Mr. Wynn has managed the Convertible Fund since 1997 and the
Strategic Value Fund since 1999. Mr. Wynn joined MacKay Shields in 1995 as a
research analyst. He was previously a portfolio manager at Fiduciary Trust for
nine years and has over twelve years experience in investment management and
research.



128
<PAGE>   130



RELATED PERFORMANCE


Set forth below is prior performance information about certain of the
Subadvisors. Prior performance does not represent historical performance of a
Fund, nor is it an indication or guarantee of future performance of a Fund,
which may be higher or lower than the performance shown below. Performance data
for the Gabelli Growth Fund and the MainStay VP Growth Equity Portfolio was
calculated in compliance with the method of performance calculation prescribed
by the SEC for mutual funds. Except as described below, performance data for
each composite has been prepared in compliance with the Performance Presentation
Standards of the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR-
PPS(TM)).(1,2) AIMR did not prepare or review this data. All performance
information has been provided by the Subadvisors and has not been verified or
audited by the Manager or the Funds. For the periods prior to January 1, 1993,
performance data for the John A. Levin & Co. Large Cap Value Composite was not
calculated in compliance with AIMR standards because size-weighted composite
returns were calculated using end-of-period market values. In addition,
information with regard to dispersion of account performance is not provided for
such periods. Accounts in the composites were not subject to the same types of
expenses as the Funds or (except for one account in the John A. Levin & Co.
Large Cap Value Composite and one account in the Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher
& Co. Small Cap Value Composite) the requirements of the Investment Company Act
of 1940 or the Internal Revenue Code, the limitations of which might have
adversely affected performance results. Prior performance reflects actual
expenses incurred by the comparison fund and/or accounts in the composite.(1)
Fund expenses are higher, and therefore, if Fund expenses had been applied,
performance of the comparison fund and/or accounts in the composite would have
been lower.


(1) With respect to the John A. Levin & Co. Large Cap Value Composite, for the
    period through June 30, 1996, performance is that of the company's
    predecessor. For the period from inception through 1989, the results shown
    reflect the deduction of a 1% investment management fee payable quarterly at
    the rate of .25% of ending market value. This is the maximum investment
    management fee charged by John A. Levin & Co. Individual account fees may
    have varied. For the periods from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1999,
    returns reflect the deduction of the actual dollar-weighted fee rate paid by
    all accounts in the composite. The dollar-weighted fee rate has been
    calculated by dividing the quarterly investment management fees paid by the
    accounts in the composite by the total composite asset value. This
    dollar-weighted fee rate includes the performance fees paid by certain
    accounts; inclusion of the performance-based fees does not materially affect
    the dollar-weighted fee rate. Annual net returns, the number of portfolios
    included in the composite, composite assets (in millions), and percentage of
    firm assets included in the composite were as follows at year-ends
    1982-1999: 1982: 4.2%; 6; $3; 13%; 1983: 32.7%; 10; $16; 15%; 1984: 15.0%;
    13; $10; 20%; 1985: 35.6%; 18; $43; 44%; 1986: 14.8%; 27; $182; 47.1%; 1987:
    12.8%; 27; $245; 56.7%; 1988: 22.5%; 38; $397; 44.2%; 1989: 29.7%; 60; $823;
    52.4%; 1990: (3.08)%; 81; $960; 57.5%; 1991: 24.9%; 97; $1,289; 55.5%; 1992:
    14.1%; 121; $1,531; 55.1%; 1993: 13.6%; 149; $2,373; 74.2%; 1994: 0.9%; 201;
    $2,889; 72.1%; 1995: 32.6%; 238; $3,714; 68.9%; 1996: 21.0%; 333; $5,110;
    78.8%; 1997: 23.0%; 369; $5,723; 72%; 1998: 16.35%; 351; $5,459; 65.3%;
    1999: 16.79%; 275; $3,966; 47.0%. For the years 1990-1999, the actual
    dollar-weighted fee rates used to calculate the composite were as follows:
    1990: 0.66%; 1991: 0.65%; 1992: 0.68%; 1993: 0.68%; 1994: 0.68%; 1995:
    0.60%; 1996: 0.48%; 1997: 0.48%; 1998: 0.54%; 1999: 0.54%. For the years
    1993-1999, the standard deviation of composite accounts were as follows:
    1993: 2.64; 1994: 1.98; 1995: 2.70; 1996: 2.62; 1997: 3.39; 1998: 3.37;
    1999: 3.18. A complete list of composites is available upon request.



(2) With respect to DGHM's Small Cap Value Composite, performance is net of
    actual management fees paid, which were 1% per annum. The composite consists
    of fewer than five accounts since its inception in July 1994. A complete
    list of composites is available upon request. Annual net returns, composite
    assets (in millions), percentage of firm assets and the standard deviation
    of composite accounts were as follows: 1994 -- .3%, $25, <1%, 0; 1995 --
    13.4%, $20, <1%, .30; 1996 -- 30.2%, $21, 1%, .17; 1997 -- 40%, $27, 2%,
    .33; 1998: -- 2.7%, $46, 5%, 0.05; 1999 -- 7.8%, $57, 8%, .56.



                                                                             129
<PAGE>   131



GABELLI FUNDS, LLC AND GAMCO: RELATED PERFORMANCE


Set forth below is the performance record for another mutual fund which is
managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, an affiliate of GAMCO, which has investment
objectives and policies that are substantially similar though not identical to
those of the Blue Chip Growth Fund. The Blue Chip Growth Fund and Gabelli Growth
Fund are managed by the same personnel and have substantially similar investment
strategies, techniques, and characteristics. The investment performance of
Gabelli Growth Fund is provided merely to indicate the experience of Gabelli
personnel in managing a similar portfolio.

These figures reflect reinvestment of dividends and distributions and are after
deduction of all fund fees and expenses of the Gabelli Growth Fund. Included for
comparison purposes are performance figures of the S&P 500 Index. It has been
adjusted to reflect reinvestment of dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            AS OF 12/31/99
                                                   ONE YEAR   THREE YEAR   FIVE YEAR   TEN YEAR
                                       INCEPTION    TOTAL       TOTAL        TOTAL      TOTAL
                                         DATE       RETURN      RETURN      RETURN      RETURN
  <S>                                  <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
  Gabelli Growth Fund                   4/10/87     46.25%      39.37%      33.82%      20.29%
  S&P 500 Index                                     21.04%      27.56%      28.56%      18.21%
</TABLE>



JOHN A. LEVIN & CO.: RELATED PERFORMANCE


The figures below show the past performance of John A. Levin & Co. in managing
accounts with investment objectives, policies, techniques and restrictions
substantially similar though not identical to those of the Research Value Fund.
The chart below shows average annual returns for a composite of the actual
performance of all large cap value accounts managed by John A. Levin & Co. since
October 31, 1982, except for accounts with assets under $1 million and accounts
managed under a broker-sponsored wrap-fee program. (See footnote 1 on prior
page.)

The figures reflect reinvestment of dividends and are net of expenses. Included
for comparison purposes are performance figures of the S&P 500 Index and the
Russell 1000 Value Index. They have been adjusted to reflect reinvestment of
dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          AS OF 12/31/99
                                  ONE YEAR   THREE YEAR   FIVE YEAR   TEN YEAR   SINCE INCEPTION
                                   TOTAL       TOTAL        TOTAL      TOTAL          TOTAL
                                   RETURN      RETURN      RETURN      RETURN        RETURN
  <S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
  John A. Levin & Co.              16.79%      18.51%      21.78%      15.50%        18.57%*
  Large Cap Value Composite
  S&P 500 Index                    21.04%      27.56%      28.56%      18.21%        18.56%*
  Russell 1000 Value Index          7.35%      18.83%      23.07%      15.60%        17.89%**
</TABLE>



* From October 31, 1982


** From September 30, 1982


130
<PAGE>   132


DGHM: RELATED PERFORMANCE


The figures below show the past performance of DGHM in managing accounts with
investment objectives, policies, techniques and restrictions substantially
similar though not identical to those of the Small Cap Value Fund. The chart
below shows average annual returns for a composite of the actual performance of
all small cap value accounts (including the Small Cap Value Fund, which
commenced operations on June 1, 1998) managed by DGHM since July 1, 1994.

The figures reflect reinvestment of dividends and are net of fees. Included for
comparison purposes are performance figures of the Russell 2000 Index. It has
been adjusted to reflect reinvestment of dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     AS OF 12/31/99
                                            ONE YEAR   THREE YEAR   FIVE YEAR   SINCE INCEPTION
                                             TOTAL       TOTAL        TOTAL          TOTAL
                                             RETURN      RETURN      RETURN         RETURN
  <S>                                       <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
  Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.
  Small Cap Value Composite                  -2.7%       21.0%        17.6%          16.9%
  Russell 2000 Index                         21.3%       13.1%        16.7%          16.1%
</TABLE>



NEW YORK LIFE AND MSA: RELATED PERFORMANCE


Set forth below is the performance of a mutual fund which is managed by MSA
which has investment objectives and policies that are substantially similar
though not identical to those of the Growth Opportunities Fund. The Growth
Opportunities Fund and MainStay VP Growth Equity Portfolio are managed by the
same personnel and have substantially similar investment strategies, techniques,
and characteristics. The investment performance of MainStay VP Growth Equity
Portfolio is provided merely to indicate the experience of MSA personnel in
managing a similar portfolio.

These figures reflect reinvestment of dividends and distributions and are after
deduction of all fund fees and expenses of the MainStay VP Growth Equity
Portfolio. Included for comparison purposes are performance figures of the S&P
500 Index. It has been adjusted to reflect reinvestment of dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  AS OF 12/31/99
                                                   ONE YEAR   THREE YEAR   FIVE YEAR   TEN YEAR
                                                    TOTAL       TOTAL        TOTAL      TOTAL
                                                    RETURN      RETURN      RETURN      RETURN
  <S>                                              <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
  MainStay VP Growth Equity Portfolio               29.96%      27.76%      27.38%      18.53%
  S&P 500 Index                                     21.04%      27.56%      28.56%      18.21%
</TABLE>




                                                                             131
<PAGE>   133


Financial Highlights


The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Funds'
financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the
classes' operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single
Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor
would have earned or lost on an investment in the Funds (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and capital gain distributions and excluding all sales
charges). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose
report, along with the Funds' financial statements, are included in the annual
reports, which are available upon request.




132
<PAGE>   134

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  CLASS A                CLASS B                CLASS C
                                                              Year      June 1*      Year     June 1*      Year     Sept. 1**
                                                             ended      through     ended     through     ended      through
                                                            Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                                              1999       1998        1999       1998       1999        1998
  <S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                     $10.51      $10.00      $10.46    $10.00     $10.46       $8.43
                                                            -------     -------    --------   -------     ------      ------
  Net investment loss(a)                                      (0.20)      (0.10)      (0.29)    (0.12)     (0.29)      (0.09)
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments             11.51        0.61       11.38      0.58      11.38        2.12
                                                            -------     -------    --------   -------     ------      ------
  Total from investment operations                            11.31        0.51       11.09      0.46      11.09        2.03
                                                            -------     -------    --------   -------     ------      ------
  Net asset value at end of period                           $21.82      $10.51      $21.55    $10.46     $21.55      $10.46
                                                            =======     =======    ========   =======     ======      ======
  Total investment return(b)                                 107.61%       5.10%     106.02%     4.60%    106.02%      24.08%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment loss                                        (1.48%)  (2.12%)(++)   (2.23%)  (2.87%)(++) (2.23%)(++)  (2.87%)(++)
  Expenses                                                     1.91%   2.63%(++)      2.66%   3.38%(++)    2.66%        3.38%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                        86%         32%        86%      32%         86%          32%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                    $64,470     $15,319    $130,487   $20,748     $2,032           $1
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.


(a) Per share data based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.

    SMALL CAP VALUE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   CLASS A                CLASS B                CLASS C
                                                               Year      June 1*      Year     June 1*      Year     Sept. 1**
                                                              ended      through     ended     through     ended      through
                                                             Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                                               1999       1998        1999       1998       1999        1998
  <S>                                                      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                       $9.03      $10.00      $9.00     $10.00      $9.00       $7.49
                                                             -------     -------    -------    -------     ------      ------
  Net investment loss(a)                                       (0.03)      (0.06)     (0.10)     (0.09)     (0.10)      (0.06)
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments        0.58       (0.91)      0.58      (0.91)      0.58        1.57
                                                             -------     -------    -------    -------     ------      ------
  Total from investment operations                              0.55       (0.97)      0.48      (1.00)      0.48        1.51
                                                             -------     -------    -------    -------     ------      ------

  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net realized gain on investments                        (0.02)         --      (0.02)        --      (0.02)         --
                                                             -------     -------    -------    -------     ------      ------
  Net asset value at end of period                             $9.56       $9.03      $9.46      $9.00      $9.46       $9.00
                                                             =======     =======    =======    =======     ======      ======
  Total investment return(b)                                    6.11%      (9.70%)     5.35%    (10.00%)     5.35%      20.16%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment loss                                          (0.34%)   (1.53%)(++)  (1.09%)   (2.28%)(++)  (1.09%)  (2.28%)(++)
  Net expenses                                                  1.90%     3.14%(++)    2.65%    3.89%(++)    2.65%     3.89%(++)
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                               2.21%     3.14%(++)    2.96%    3.89%(++)    2.96%     3.89%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                         42%       24%        42%        24%        42%         24%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                     $15,205     $12,339    $15,722    $10,145       $634        $196
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.


(a) Per share data based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


                                                                             133
<PAGE>   135

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        CLASS A
                                                                                Year ended December 31,
                                                                   1999        1998          1997       1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                           $48.74      $36.60        $30.56     $25.90    $19.11
                                                                 --------    --------      --------   --------   -------
  Net investment income (loss)(a)                                   (0.24)      (0.14)        (0.16)     (0.08)     0.03
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                   12.22       14.42          7.48       5.05      6.81
                                                                 --------    --------      --------   --------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                  11.98       14.28          7.32       4.97      6.84
                                                                 --------    --------      --------   --------   -------

  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:

  From net realized gain on investments                             (3.60)      (2.14)        (1.28)     (0.31)    (0.05)
                                                                 --------    --------      --------   --------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                 $57.12      $48.74        $36.60     $30.56    $25.90
                                                                 ========    ========      ========   ========   =======
  Total investment return(b)                                        24.90%      39.24%        24.10%     19.16%    35.79%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment income (loss)                                      (0.47%)     (0.34%)       (0.48%)     (0.3%)     0.2%
  Expenses                                                           1.19%       1.23%         1.09%       1.1%      1.1%
  Net expenses (after waiver)                                        1.00%       1.04%         1.09%       1.1%      1.1%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                              41%         29%           35%        16%       29%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                         $587,633    $394,848      $216,292   $126,958   $44,434
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.



(++) Annualized.


(a) Per share data based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.

    BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         CLASS A                     CLASS B                     CLASS C
                                                    Year        June 1*         Year        June 1*         Year      Sept. 1**
                                                   ended        through        ended        through        ended       through
                                                  Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                                    1999          1998          1999          1998          1999        1998
  <S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period           $11.64        $10.00         $11.60       $10.00        $11.60        $8.60
                                                  -------       -------       --------      -------       -------      -------
  Net investment loss(a)                            (0.13)        (0.07)         (0.23)       (0.10)        (0.23)       (0.06)
  Net realized and unrealized gain on
   investments                                       4.99          1.71           4.96         1.70          4.96         3.06
                                                  -------       -------       --------      -------       -------      -------
  Total from investment operations                   4.86          1.64           4.73         1.60          4.73         3.00
                                                  -------       -------       --------      -------       -------      -------
  Net asset value at end of period                 $16.50        $11.64         $16.33       $11.60        $16.33       $11.60
                                                  =======       =======       ========      =======       =======      =======
  Total investment return(b)                        41.75%        16.40%         40.78%       16.00%        40.78%       34.88%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment loss                               (1.02%)       (1.66%)(++)    (1.77%)      (2.41%)(++)   (1.77%)      (2.41%)(++)
  Expenses                                           1.76%         2.34%(++)      2.51%        3.09%(++)     2.51%        3.09%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                              43%           21%            43%          21%           43%          21%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)          $66,326       $19,361       $222,904      $38,478        $7,133          $120
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.


(a) Per share data based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


134
<PAGE>   136

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                       CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CLASS B                                    CLASS C
                                                                   Year     Sept. 1*
                                                                  ended      through
                    Year ended December 31,                      Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
     1999         1998         1997         1996        1995       1999       1998
  <S>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
      $47.54       $36.02       $30.25       $25.77     $19.11    $47.54     $36.15
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   -------     ------
       (0.61)       (0.45)       (0.34)       (0.22)     (0.08)    (0.61)     (0.10)
       11.82        14.11         7.39         5.01       6.79     11.82      13.63
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   -------     ------
       11.21        13.66         7.05         4.79       6.71     11.21      13.53
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   -------     ------

       (3.60)       (2.14)       (1.28)       (0.31)     (0.05)    (3.60)     (2.14)
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   -------     ------
      $55.15       $47.54       $36.02       $30.25     $25.77    $55.15     $47.54
  ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ========   =======     ======
       23.90%       38.15%       23.45%       18.56%     35.11%    23.90%     37.66%

       (1.22%)      (1.09%)      (1.00%)       (0.8%)     (0.4%)   (1.22%)    (1.09%)(++)
        1.94%        1.98%        1.61%         1.6%       1.7%     1.94%      1.98%(++)
        1.75%        1.79%        1.61%         1.6%       1.7%     1.75%      1.79%(++)
          41%          29%          35%          16%        29%       41%        29%
  $3,486,486   $2,753,012   $1,869,664   $1,342,578   $856,221   $23,238     $1,600
</TABLE>



                                                                             135
<PAGE>   137


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

EQUITY INDEX FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Year ended December 31,
                                                                   1999        1998       1997       1996       1995
  <S>                                                           <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of year                              $39.47     $30.91     $23.37     $19.15     $14.09
                                                                ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Net investment income                                               0.20       0.21       0.30       0.30       0.24
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                     7.69       8.35       7.24       3.92       4.82
                                                                ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Total from investment operations                                    7.89       8.56       7.54       4.22       5.06
                                                                ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Less dividends and distributions:
  From net investment income                                         (0.20)     (0.21)     (0.30)     (0.54)     (0.27)
  From net realized gain on investments                              (0.99)     (0.43)     (0.41)     (0.82)     (0.27)
                                                                ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Total dividends and distributions                                  (1.19)     (0.64)     (0.71)     (1.36)     (0.54)
                                                                ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Reverse share split                                                 1.19       0.64       0.71       1.36       0.54
                                                                ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
  Net asset value at end of year                                    $47.36     $39.47     $30.91     $23.37     $19.15
                                                                ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
  Total investment return(a)                                         19.99%     27.69%     32.26%     22.04%     35.91%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)(++)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                               0.50%      0.68%      1.25%       1.8%       1.7%
  Net expenses                                                        0.94%      0.96%      0.80%       0.8%       1.1%
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                     0.94%      0.99%      0.99%       1.0%       1.1%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                                3%         4%         3%         3%         4%
  Net assets at end of year (in 000's)                          $1,254,018   $797,120   $435,689   $225,750   $109,308
</TABLE>



(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges.


GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                CLASS A                        CLASS B
                                                            Year     June 1,*            Year          June 1*
                                                           ended     through            ended          through
                                                          Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,          Dec. 31,        Dec. 31,
                                                            1999       1998              1999            1998
  <S>                                                     <C>        <C>               <C>           <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                   $11.86     $10.00            $11.80          $10.00
                                                          -------    -------           -------         -------
  Net investment loss(a)                                    (0.02)     (0.05)            (0.11)          (0.08)
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments            3.54       1.91              3.51            1.88
                                                          -------    -------           -------         -------
  Total from investment operations                           3.52       1.86              3.40            1.80
                                                          -------    -------           -------         -------
  Less distributions:
  From net realized gain on investments                     (0.01)        --             (0.01)             --
                                                          -------    -------           -------         -------
  Net asset value at end of period                         $15.37     $11.86            $15.19          $11.80
                                                          =======    =======           =======         =======
  Total investment return(b)                                29.67%     18.60%            28.80%          18.00%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment loss                                       (0.16%)    (1.09%)(++)       (0.91%)         (1.84%)(++)
  Expenses                                                   1.59%      2.53%(++)         2.34%           3.28%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                      72%        32%               72%             32%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                  $26,214    $13,293           $58,937         $12,351
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 CLASS C
                                                            Year         Sept. 1**
                                                           ended          through
                                                          Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
                                                            1999           1998
  <S>                                                     <C>            <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                   $11.80          $9.22
                                                           ------         ------
  Net investment loss(a)                                    (0.11)         (0.06)
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments            3.51           2.64
                                                           ------         ------
  Total from investment operations                           3.40           2.58
                                                           ------         ------
  Less distributions:
  From net realized gain on investments                     (0.01)            --
                                                           ------         ------
  Net asset value at end of period                         $15.19         $11.80
                                                           ======         ======
  Total investment return(b)                                28.80%         27.98%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment loss                                       (0.91%)        (1.84%)(++)
  Expenses                                                   2.34%          3.28%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                      72%            32%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                     $806           $ --(c)
</TABLE>



* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.



(a) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding during the period.


(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.

(c) Less than one thousand.


136
<PAGE>   138

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

EQUITY INCOME FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CLASS A                CLASS B                CLASS C
                                                                Year      June 1*      Year     June 1*      Year     Sept. 1**
                                                               ended      through     ended     through     ended      through
                                                              Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                                                1999       1998        1999       1998       1999        1998
  <S>                                                         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                       $10.25      $10.00     $10.24     $10.00     $10.24       $9.06
                                                              -------     -------    -------     ------     ------      ------
  Net investment income                                          0.22        0.07       0.15       0.04       0.15        0.04
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                2.30        0.32       2.28       0.31       2.28        1.25
                                                              -------     -------    -------     ------     ------      ------
  Total from investment operations                               2.52        0.39       2.43       0.35       2.43        1.29
                                                              -------     -------    -------     ------     ------      ------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:

  From net investment income                                    (0.22)      (0.07)     (0.15)     (0.04)     (0.15)      (0.04)
  From net realized gain on investments                         (0.74)      (0.07)     (0.74)     (0.07)     (0.74)      (0.07)
                                                              -------     -------    -------     ------     ------      ------
  Total dividends and distributions                             (0.96)      (0.14)     (0.89)     (0.11)     (0.89)      (0.11)
                                                              -------     -------    -------     ------     ------      ------
  Net asset value at end of period                             $11.81      $10.25     $11.78     $10.24     $11.78      $10.24
                                                              =======     =======    =======     ======     ======      ======
  Total investment return(a)                                    25.11%       4.01%     24.16%      3.56%     24.16%      14.30%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment income                                          1.94%       1.20%(++)    1.19%    0.45%(++)    1.19%     0.45%(++)
  Net expenses                                                   1.65%       3.11%(++)    2.40%    3.86%(++)    2.40%     3.86%(++)
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                1.82%       3.11%(++)    2.57%    3.86%(++)    2.57%     3.86%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                         193%        270%       193%       270%       193%        270%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                      $18,764     $10,290    $23,803     $4,166       $824         $--(b)
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.

(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.



(b) Less than one thousand.



MAP EQUITY FUND



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                CLASS A       CLASS B       CLASS C
                                                                June 9*       June 9*       June 9*
                                                                through       through       through
                                                                Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                                                  1999          1999          1999
  <S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                         $25.38        $25.38        $25.38
                                                                -------       -------       -------
  Net investment income                                            0.05          0.02          0.02
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                  1.81          1.76          1.76
                                                                -------       -------       -------
  Total from investment operations                                 1.86          1.78          1.78
                                                                -------       -------       -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:

  From net investment income                                      (0.08)        (0.07)        (0.07)
  From net realized gain on investments                           (0.94)        (0.94)        (0.94)
                                                                -------       -------       -------
  Total dividends and distributions                               (1.02)        (1.01)        (1.01)
                                                                -------       -------       -------
  Net asset value at end of period                               $26.22        $26.15        $26.15
                                                                =======       =======       =======
  Total investment return(a)                                       7.53%         7.23%         7.23%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment income (loss)                                     0.46%(+)     (0.29%)(+)    (0.29%)(+)
  Net expenses                                                     1.25%(+)      2.00%(+)      2.00%(+)
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                  1.41%(+)      2.16%(+)      2.16%(+)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                            32%           32%           32%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                         $8,651       $11,511        $2,478
</TABLE>



* Class A, B and C shares first offered on June 9, 1999.



(+) Annualized.



(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


                                                                             137

<PAGE>   139

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

RESEARCH VALUE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CLASS A                  CLASS B                  CLASS C
                                                          Year       June 1*       Year      June 1*       Year      Sept. 1**
                                                         ended       through      ended      through      ended       through
                                                        Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
                                                          1999        1998         1999        1998        1999         1998
  <S>                                                  <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                 $10.30       $10.00      $10.25      $10.00      $10.25        $8.30
                                                        -------      -------      ------      ------      ------       ------
  Net investment loss(a)                                  (0.03)       (0.07)      (0.09)      (0.10)      (0.09)       (0.06)
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments          1.90         0.37        1.87        0.35        1.87         2.01
                                                        -------      -------      ------      ------      ------       ------
  Total from investment operations                         1.87         0.30        1.78        0.25        1.78         1.95
                                                        -------      -------      ------      ------      ------       ------

  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:

  From net realized gain on investments                   (0.37)          --       (0.37)         --       (0.37)          --
  In excess of net realized gain on investments           (0.18)          --       (0.18)         --       (0.18)          --
                                                        -------      -------      ------      ------      ------       ------
  Total Distributions                                     (0.55)          --       (0.55)         --       (0.55)          --
                                                        -------      -------      ------      ------      ------       ------
  Net asset value at end of period                       $11.62       $10.30      $11.48      $10.25      $11.48       $10.25
                                                        =======      =======      ======      ======      ======       ======
  Total investment return(b)                              18.35%        3.00%      17.56%       2.50%      17.56%       23.49%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/ SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

  Net investment loss                                     (0.33%)      (1.48%)(++) (1.08%)     (2.23%)(++) (1.08%)      (2.23%)(++)
  Net expenses                                             1.80%        3.15%(++)   2.55%       3.90%(++)   2.55%        3.90%(++)
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                          2.14%        3.15%(++)   2.89%       3.90%(++)   2.89%        3.90%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                    63%          53%         63%         53%         63%          53%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                $13,987      $10,378     $10,176      $4,589      $1,146         $138
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.


(a) Per share data based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


138
<PAGE>   140

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                      [This page intentionally left blank]


                                                                             139
<PAGE>   141
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

VALUE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS A
                                                                             Year ended December 31,
                                                                  1999       1998       1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                          $17.16     $21.76     $20.34    $18.25    $14.66
                                                                --------   --------   --------   -------   -------
  Net investment income (loss)                                      0.12       0.23       0.27      0.30      0.29
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments            1.29      (1.92)      4.10      3.66      3.91
                                                                --------   --------   --------   -------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                  1.41      (1.69)      4.37      3.96      4.20
                                                                --------   --------   --------   -------   -------
  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                       (0.00)(c)    (0.23)    (0.27)   (0.30)    (0.29)
  From net realized gain on investments                            (0.19)     (2.68)     (2.68)    (1.57)    (0.32)
  In excess of net realized gain on investments                    (0.13)        --         --        --        --
  Return of capital                                                (0.07)        --         --        --        --
                                                                --------   --------   --------   -------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                (0.39)     (2.91)     (2.95)    (1.87)    (0.61)
                                                                --------   --------   --------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                $18.18     $17.16     $21.76    $20.34    $18.25
                                                                ========   ========   ========   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                        8.33%     (7.41%)    21.88%    21.84%    28.74%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income (loss)                                      0.70%      1.03%      1.22%      1.6%      1.5%
  Expenses                                                          1.13%      1.09%      1.11%      1.1%      1.2%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                             61%        83%        61%       47%       48%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                        $117,036   $114,925   $124,011   $73,259   $25,258
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.



(++) Annualized.



(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.



(b) Less than one cent per share.


STRATEGIC VALUE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CLASS A
                                                                  Year       Year     Oct. 22*
                                                                 ended      ended     through
                                                                Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
                                                                  1999       1998       1997
  <S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                         $10.18     $10.29     $10.00
                                                                -------    -------    -------
  Net investment income                                            0.22       0.15       0.03
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments           1.15      (0.10)      0.38
                                                                -------    -------    -------
  Total from investment operations                                 1.37       0.05       0.41
                                                                -------    -------    -------
  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                      (0.22)     (0.15)     (0.03)
  From net realized gain on investments                           (0.09)     (0.01)     (0.09)
  In excess of net investment income                              (0.01)        --         --
  In excess of net realized gain on investments                   (0.08)        --         --
                                                                -------    -------    -------
  Total dividends and distributions                               (0.40)     (0.16)     (0.12)
                                                                -------    -------    -------
  Net asset value at end of period                               $11.15     $10.18     $10.29
                                                                =======    =======    =======
  Total investment return(a)                                      13.59%      0.52%      4.11%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                            1.97%      1.49%      1.66%(++)
  Expenses                                                         1.69%      1.79%      2.73%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                           122%       203%        29%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                        $18,899    $17,946    $13,622
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.

** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.



(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.



140
<PAGE>   142

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                      VALUE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    CLASS B                                                  CLASS C
                                                                                       Year         Sept. 1*
                                                                                      ended         through
                            Year ended December 31,                                  Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
     1999             1998             1997             1996            1995           1999           1998
  <S>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
      $17.15           $21.74           $20.32           $18.25         $14.66        $17.15         $18.16
  ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       --------        ------         ------
       (0.01)            0.06             0.15             0.20           0.19         (0.01)          0.03
        1.28            (1.91)            4.10             3.64           3.91          1.28           1.67
  ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       --------        ------         ------
        1.27            (1.85)            4.25             3.84           4.10          1.27           1.70
  ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       --------        ------         ------

       (0.00)(c)        (0.06)           (0.15)           (0.20)         (0.19)        (0.00)(b)      (0.03)
       (0.19)           (2.68)           (2.68)           (1.57)         (0.32)        (0.19)         (2.68)
       (0.13)              --               --               --             --         (0.13)            --
       (0.01)              --               --               --             --         (0.01)            --
  ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       --------        ------         ------
       (0.33)           (2.74)           (2.83)           (1.77)         (0.51)        (0.33)         (2.71)
  ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------       --------        ------         ------
      $18.09           $17.15           $21.74           $20.32         $18.25        $18.09         $17.15
  ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========       ========        ======         ======
        7.51%           (8.09%)          21.29%           21.11%         28.01%         7.51%          9.88%

       (0.05%)           0.28%            0.70%             1.1%           0.9%        (0.05%)         0.28%(++)
        1.88%            1.84%            1.63%             1.6%           1.8%         1.88%          1.84%(++)
          61%              83%              61%              47%            48%           61%            83%
  $1,012,767       $1,174,554       $1,399,589       $1,019,307       $708,840          $631            $80
</TABLE>


                                                            STRATEGIC VALUE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CLASS B                       CLASS C
    Year           Year         Oct. 22*         Year         Sept. 1**
   ended          ended         through         ended          through
  Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
    1999           1998           1997           1999           1998
  <S>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
   $10.17         $10.29         $10.00         $10.17          $9.15
  -------        -------        -------         ------         ------
     0.14           0.08           0.02           0.14           0.05
     1.14          (0.11)          0.38           1.14           1.03
  -------        -------        -------         ------         ------
     1.28          (0.03)          0.40           1.28           1.08
  -------        -------        -------         ------         ------

    (0.14)         (0.08)         (0.02)         (0.14)         (0.05)
    (0.09)         (0.01)         (0.09)         (0.09)         (0.01)
    (0.01)            --             --          (0.01)            --
    (0.08)            --             --          (0.08)            --
  -------        -------        -------         ------         ------
    (0.32)         (0.09)         (0.11)         (0.32)         (0.06)
  -------        -------        -------         ------         ------
   $11.13         $10.17         $10.29         $11.13         $10.17
  =======        =======        =======         ======         ======
    12.64%         (0.27%)         4.04%         12.64%         11.77%

     1.22%          0.74%          0.91%(++)      1.22%          0.74%(++)
     2.44%          2.54%          3.48%(++)      2.44%          2.54%(++)
      122%           203%            29%           122%           203%
  $35,702        $38,528        $12,325           $154            $84
</TABLE>



                                                                             141
<PAGE>   143

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

CONVERTIBLE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              CLASS A
                                                                                      Year ended December 31,
                                                                     1999         1998         1997         1996         1995
  <S>                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                             $12.49       $13.53       $13.81       $13.45       $11.67
                                                                    -------      -------      -------      -------      -------
  Net investment income                                                0.55         0.57         0.60         0.57         0.59
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments               3.55        (0.38)        0.91         1.02         2.14
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency
   transactions                                                       (0.00)(b)    (0.02)        0.03         0.02        (0.00)(b)
                                                                    -------      -------      -------      -------      -------
  Total from investment operations                                     4.10         0.17         1.54         1.61         2.73
                                                                    -------      -------      -------      -------      -------
  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                          (0.52)       (0.57)       (0.60)       (0.62)       (0.55)
  From net realized gain on investments                               (1.54)       (0.64)       (1.22)       (0.63)       (0.40)
                                                                    -------      -------      -------      -------      -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                   (2.06)       (1.21)       (1.82)       (1.25)       (0.95)
                                                                    -------      -------      -------      -------      -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                   $14.53       $12.49       $13.53       $13.81       $13.45
                                                                    =======      =======      =======      =======      =======
  Total investment return(a)                                          33.91%        1.23%       11.36%       12.13%       23.72%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                                3.84%        3.74%        4.10%         4.4%         4.9%
  Expenses                                                             1.29%        1.40%        1.45%         1.5%         1.5%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                               374%         347%         273%         296%         243%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                            $46,254      $42,376      $64,246      $56,621      $26,836
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.



(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.

(b) Less than one cent per share.

(c) Less than one thousand.

TOTAL RETURN FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            CLASS A
                                                                                    Year ended December 31,
                                                                   1999          1998          1997         1996         1995
  <S>                                                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                           $24.96        $21.44        $20.09       $18.53       $14.76
                                                                 --------      --------      --------      -------      -------
  Net investment income                                              0.34          0.39          0.40         0.37         0.42
  Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                    3.69          5.29          3.19         2.07         3.77
                                                                 --------      --------      --------      -------      -------
  Total from investment operations                                   4.03          5.68          3.59         2.44         4.19
                                                                 --------      --------      --------      -------      -------
  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                        (0.34)        (0.39)        (0.40)       (0.37)       (0.42)
  From net realized gain on investments                             (1.42)        (1.77)        (1.84)       (0.51)          --
                                                                 --------      --------      --------      -------      -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                 (1.76)        (2.16)        (2.24)       (0.88)       (0.42)
                                                                 --------      --------      --------      -------      -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                 $27.23        $24.96        $21.44       $20.09       $18.53
                                                                 ========      ========      ========      =======      =======
  Total investment return(a)                                        16.46%        26.93%        18.24%       13.22%       28.66%
  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                              1.32%         1.66%         1.86%         1.9%         2.5%
  Net expenses                                                       1.13%         1.16%         1.15%         1.1%         1.1%
  Expenses (before waiver)                                           1.16%         1.18%         1.15%         1.1%         1.1%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                             125%          169%          182%         173%         228%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                         $203,924      $152,598      $108,329      $68,975      $19,206
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.



(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


142
<PAGE>   144

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                                CONVERTIBLE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        CLASS B                                      CLASS C
                                                                          Sept. 1,*
                                                             Year ended    through
                Year ended December 31,                       Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,
    1999       1998       1997       1996       1995            1999         1998
  <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>          <C>
    $12.49     $13.52     $13.80     $13.45     $11.67         $12.49       $12.64
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------         ------       ------
      0.44       0.46       0.51       0.48       0.51           0.44         0.26
      3.55      (0.37)      0.91       1.02       2.14           3.55         0.47
     (0.00)(b)  (0.02)      0.03       0.02      (0.00)(b)      (0.00)(b)     0.02
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------         ------       ------
      3.99       0.07       1.45       1.52       2.65           3.99         0.75
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------         ------       ------
     (0.41)     (0.46)     (0.51)     (0.54)     (0.47)         (0.41)       (0.26)
     (1.54)     (0.64)     (1.22)     (0.63)     (0.40)         (1.54)       (0.64)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------         ------       ------
     (1.95)     (1.10)     (1.73)     (1.17)     (0.87)         (1.95)       (0.90)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------         ------       ------
    $14.53     $12.49     $13.52     $13.80     $13.45         $14.53       $12.49
  ========   ========   ========   ========   ========         ======       ======
     32.90%      0.53%     10.67%     11.39%     23.02%         32.90%        6.06%
      3.09%      2.99%      3.47%       3.8%       4.3%          3.09%        2.99%(++)
      2.04%      2.15%      2.08%       2.1%       2.1%          2.04%        2.15%(++)
       374%       347%       273%       296%       243%           374%         347%
  $658,197   $656,831   $841,540   $797,243   $427,461         $1,329          $--(c)
</TABLE>



                                                               TOTAL RETURN FUND



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CLASS B                                     CLASS C
                                                                              Sept. 1*
                                                                 Year ended    through
                    Year ended December 31,                       Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
     1999         1998         1997         1996        1995        1999        1998
  <S>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
      $24.96       $21.45       $20.10       $18.53     $14.76     $24.96      $21.70
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------     ------      ------
        0.15         0.21         0.29         0.27       0.33       0.15        0.11
        3.69         5.28         3.19         2.08       3.77       3.69        5.03
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------     ------      ------
        3.84         5.49         3.48         2.35       4.10       3.84        5.14
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------     ------      ------
       (0.15)       (0.21)       (0.29)       (0.27)     (0.33)     (0.15)      (0.11)
       (1.42)       (1.77)       (1.84)       (0.51)        --      (1.42)      (1.77)
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------     ------      ------
       (1.57)       (1.98)       (2.13)       (0.78)     (0.33)     (1.57)      (1.88)
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   --------     ------      ------
      $27.23       $24.96       $21.45       $20.10     $18.53     $27.23      $24.96
  ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ========     ======      ======
       15.60%       25.96%       17.65%       12.73%     27.96%     15.60%      23.94%
        0.57%        0.91%        1.36%         1.4%       2.0%      0.57%       0.91%(++)
        1.88%        1.91%        1.65%         1.6%       1.7%      1.88%       1.91%(++)
        1.91%        1.93%        1.65%         1.6%       1.7%      1.91%       1.93%(++)
         125%         169%         182%         173%       228%       125%        169%
  $1,678,696   $1,482,411   $1,198,206   $1,029,878   $860,881     $5,579        $359
</TABLE>



                                                                             143
<PAGE>   145

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS A
                                                                             Year ended December 31,
                                                                   1999       1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                          $12.21      $10.33    $10.48    $10.05     $9.77
                                                                 -------     -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net investment income (loss)                                     (0.07)       0.01      0.80      0.29      0.27
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments            3.54        2.13      0.03      0.07      0.10
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency
   transactions                                                    (0.13)      (0.06)    (0.36)     0.62      0.14
                                                                 -------     -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                  3.34        2.08      0.47      0.98      0.51
                                                                 -------     -------   -------   -------   -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net realized gain on investments and foreign currency
   transactions                                                    (0.29)      (0.20)    (0.62)    (0.52)    (0.15)
  In excess of net investment income                               (0.03)         --        --        --        --
  In excess of net realized gain on investments                       --          --        --     (0.03)    (0.08)
                                                                 -------     -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                (0.32)      (0.20)    (0.62)    (0.55)    (0.23)
                                                                 -------     -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                $15.23      $12.21    $10.33    $10.48    $10.05
                                                                 =======     =======   =======   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                       27.54%      20.17%     4.52%     9.78%     5.25%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income (loss)                                     (0.14%)      0.08%     0.19%     (0.1%)    (0.2%)
  Expenses                                                          1.94%       2.01%     2.01%      2.0%      2.2%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                             38%         54%       43%       19%       25%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                         $34,407     $24,115   $17,452   $17,475   $12,856
</TABLE>



** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.

(++) Annualized.

(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CLASS A               CLASS B               CLASS C
                                                                  Year     June 1*      Year     June 1*      Year     Sept. 1**
                                                                 ended     through     ended     through     ended      through
                                                                Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
                                                                  1999       1998       1999       1998       1999       1998
  <S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                          $8.00     $10.00      $7.98     $10.00     $7.98       $7.18
                                                                 ------     ------     ------     ------     -----       -----
  Net investment income                                            0.78       0.34(a)    0.71       0.32(a)   0.71        0.27(a)
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments           0.58      (1.99)      0.56      (2.01)     0.56        0.81
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency
   transactions                                                    0.01      (0.01)      0.01      (0.01)     0.01       (0.01)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------     ------     -----       -----
  Total from investment operations                                 1.37      (1.66)      1.28      (1.70)     1.28        1.07
                                                                 ------     ------     ------     ------     -----       -----

  LESS DIVIDENDS:
  From net investment income                                      (0.79)     (0.34)     (0.72)     (0.32)    (0.72)      (0.27)
                                                                 ------     ------     ------     ------     -----       -----
  Net asset value at end of period                                $8.58      $8.00      $8.54      $7.98     $8.54       $7.98
                                                                 ======     ======     ======     ======     =====       =====
  Total investment return(b)                                      18.15%    (16.38%)    17.01%    (16.82%)   17.01%      14.99%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                            9.57%      7.40%(++)    8.82%    6.65%(++)   8.82%     6.65%(++)
  Net expenses                                                     1.70%      3.39%(++)    2.45%    4.14%(++)   2.45%     4.14%(++)
  Expenses (before waiver and reimbursement)                       2.78%      3.59%(++)    3.53%    4.34%(++)   3.53%     4.34%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                           104%        96%       104%        96%      104%         96%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                         $8,186     $7,548     $3,756     $2,532       $79         $--(c)
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.
** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.
(++) Annualized.

(a) Per share data is based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(c) Less than one thousand dollars.



144
<PAGE>   146

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                       INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      CLASS B                              CLASS C
                                                       Year      Sept. 1**
                                                      ended       through
              Year ended December 31,                Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
   1999      1998      1997      1996      1995        1999        1998
  <S>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>

   $12.08    $10.22    $10.38     $9.97     $9.77     $12.08      $10.60
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
    (0.09)    (0.08)     0.72      0.24      0.26      (0.09)      (0.09)
     3.41      2.10      0.03      0.07      0.07       3.41        1.72
         )
    (0.13     (0.05)    (0.37)     0.59      0.09      (0.13)      (0.04)
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
     3.19      1.97      0.38      0.90      0.42       3.19        1.59
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------

         )
    (0.29     (0.11)    (0.54)    (0.46)    (0.15)     (0.29)      (0.11)
    (0.03)       --        --        --        --      (0.03)         --
       --        --        --     (0.03)    (0.07)        --          --
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
    (0.32)    (0.11)    (0.54)    (0.49)    (0.22)     (0.32)      (0.11)
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
   $14.95    $12.08    $10.22    $10.38     $9.97     $14.95      $12.08
  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======     ======      ======
    26.60%    19.34%     3.78%     9.05%     4.27%     26.60%      15.07%

    (0.89%)   (0.67%)   (0.49%)    (0.8%)    (1.0%)    (0.89%)     (0.67%)(++)
     2.69%     2.76%     2.69%      2.7%      3.0%      2.69%       2.76%(++)
       38%       54%       43%       19%       25%        38%         54%
  $94,698   $75,516   $63,241   $52,709   $25,341       $343         $11
</TABLE>



                                                                             145
<PAGE>   147

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      CLASS A
                                                                              Year ended December 31,
                                                                   1999      1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                             <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                           $10.57    $10.10    $10.95    $10.43     $9.90
                                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net investment income                                              0.36      0.54      0.80      0.72      1.15
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments            (0.89)     0.58     (0.94)     0.27      0.59
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency
   transactions                                                     (0.33)     0.02      0.33      0.41      0.07
                                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                  (0.86)     1.14      0.19      1.40      1.81
                                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income and net realized gain on foreign
   currency transactions                                            (0.04)    (0.58)    (0.76)    (0.73)    (0.61)
  From net realized gain on investments                                --     (0.09)    (0.28)    (0.15)    (0.28)
  In excess of net realized gain on investments and foreign
   currency transactions                                            (0.09)       --        --        --     (0.39)
  Return of capital                                                 (0.51)       --        --        --        --
                                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                 (0.64)    (0.67)    (1.04)    (0.88)    (1.28)
                                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                  $9.07    $10.57    $10.10    $10.95    $10.43
                                                                  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                        (8.22%)   11.61%     1.83%    13.90%    18.68%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                              3.80%     5.17%     5.35%      5.4%      5.6%
  Net expenses                                                       1.61%     1.59%     1.56%      1.5%      1.5%
  Expenses (before waiver)                                           1.91%     1.89%     1.86%      1.8%      1.8%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                             281%      287%      179%       59%      103%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                          $12,326   $15,542   $12,263   $11,965   $11,494
</TABLE>


** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.

(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(b) Less than one thousand.


HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        CLASS A
                                                                                Year ended December 31,
                                                                    1999       1998       1997       1996      1995
  <S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                             $7.54      $8.16      $8.27      $7.92     $7.44
                                                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Net investment income                                               0.79       0.75       0.74       0.72      0.84
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments             (0.06)     (0.57)      0.23       0.52      0.61
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency
   transactions                                                       0.02      (0.01)     (0.00)(b)    (0.00)(b)   (0.00)(b)
                                                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                    0.75       0.17       0.97       1.24      1.45
                                                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                         (0.80)     (0.74)     (0.74)     (0.71)    (0.84)
  From net realized gain on investments                              (0.03)     (0.03)     (0.34)     (0.18)    (0.10)
  In excess of net investment income                                 (0.05)     (0.01)        --         --     (0.01)
  In excess of net realized gain on investments                         --      (0.01)        --         --     (0.02)
                                                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                  (0.88)     (0.79)     (1.08)     (0.89)    (0.97)
                                                                  --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                   $7.41      $7.54      $8.16      $8.27     $7.92
                                                                  ========   ========   ========   ========   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                         10.33%      2.07%     12.20%     16.33%    20.28%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                              10.36%      9.40%      8.79%       9.0%     10.2%
  Net expenses                                                        1.00%      1.00%      1.01%       1.0%      1.0%
  Expenses (before waiver)                                            1.04%      1.04%      1.01%       1.0%      1.0%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                               83%       128%       128%       118%      137%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                          $369,275   $278,181   $238,841   $116,805   $42,850
</TABLE>


** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.

(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(b) Less than one cent per share.



<PAGE>   148

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                         INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      CLASS B                              CLASS C
                                                                 Sept. 1**
                                                    Year ended    through
              Year ended December 31,                Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
   1999      1998      1997      1996      1995        1999        1998
  <S>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>

   $10.59    $10.12    $10.98    $10.45     $9.90     $10.59      $10.13
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
     0.29      0.46      0.74      0.64      1.06       0.29        0.16
    (0.90)     0.58     (0.96)     0.27      0.61      (0.90)       0.53
    (0.33)     0.02      0.34      0.42      0.07      (0.33)       0.02
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
    (0.94)     1.06      0.12      1.33      1.74      (0.94)       0.71
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------

    (0.03)    (0.50)    (0.70)    (0.65)    (0.56)     (0.03)      (0.16)
       --     (0.09)    (0.28)    (0.15)    (0.28)        --       (0.09)
    (0.09)       --        --        --     (0.35)     (0.09)         --
    (0.45)       --        --        --        --      (0.45)         --
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
    (0.57)    (0.59)    (0.98)    (0.80)    (1.19)     (0.57)      (0.25)
  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     ------      ------
    $9.08    $10.59    $10.12    $10.98    $10.45      $9.08      $10.59
  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======     ======      ======
    (8.94%)   10.79%     1.15%    13.13%    17.96%     (8.94%)      7.05%

     3.05%     4.42%     4.69%      4.8%      4.9%      3.05%       4.42%(++)
     2.36%     2.34%     2.22%      2.1%      2.2%      2.36%       2.34%(++)
     2.66%     2.64%     2.52%      2.4%      2.5%      2.66%       2.64%(++)
      281%      287%      179%       59%      103%       281%        287%
  $13,955   $18,797   $20,870   $19,020   $13,212        $48         $--(b)
</TABLE>


                                                  HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             CLASS B                                      CLASS C
                                                                                Sept. 1**
                                                                   Year ended    through
                     Year ended December 31,                        Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
     1999         1998         1997         1996         1995         1999        1998
  <S>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>

       $7.53        $8.15        $8.26        $7.92        $7.44        $7.53      $7.43
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    -------
        0.73         0.69         0.69         0.67         0.81         0.73       0.27
       (0.06)       (0.57)        0.23         0.52         0.61        (0.06)      0.15
        0.02        (0.01)       (0.00)(b)      (0.00)(b)      (0.00)(b)       0.02    (0.01)
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    -------
        0.69         0.11         0.92         1.19         1.42         0.69       0.41
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    -------

       (.075)       (0.68)       (0.69)       (0.67)       (0.81)       (0.75)     (0.27)
       (0.03)       (0.03)       (0.34)       (0.18)       (0.10)       (0.03)     (0.03)
       (0.04)       (0.01)          --           --        (0.01)       (0.04)        --
          --        (0.01)          --           --        (0.02)          --      (0.01)
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    -------
       (0.82)       (0.73)       (1.03)       (0.85)       (0.94)       (0.82)     (0.31)
  ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    -------
       $7.40        $7.53        $8.15        $8.26        $7.92        $7.40      $7.53
  ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    =======
        9.51%        1.31%       11.55%       15.58%       19.71%        9.51%      5.58%

        9.61%        8.65%        8.18%         8.4%         9.5%        9.61%      8.65%(++)
        1.75%        1.75%        1.62%         1.6%         1.6%        1.75%      1.75%(++)
        1.79%        1.79%        1.62%         1.6%         1.6%        1.79%      1.79%(++)
          83%         128%         128%         118%         137%          83%       128%
  $3,294,427   $3,309,389   $3,380,439   $2,441,180   $1,601,238      $67,181    $10,025
</TABLE>



                                                                             147
<PAGE>   149

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

STRATEGIC INCOME FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 CLASS A
                                                                                              Feb. 28*
                                                                    Year ended   Year ended   through
                                                                     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
                                                                       1999         1998        1997
  <S>                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                               $9.71        $9.91      $10.00
                                                                     -------      -------     -------
  Net investment income                                                 0.67         0.60        0.54
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments               (0.45)       (0.09)       0.07
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency
   transactions                                                         0.00(c)     (0.01)       0.05
                                                                     -------      -------     -------
  Total from investment operations                                      0.22         0.50        0.66
                                                                     -------      -------     -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                           (0.66)       (0.69)      (0.54)
  From net realized gain on investments                                (0.03)          --       (0.21)
  In excess of net investment income                                   (0.04)       (0.01)         --
  Return of capital                                                    (0.00)(b)       --          --
                                                                     -------      -------     -------
  Total dividends and distributions                                    (0.73)       (0.70)      (0.75)
                                                                     -------      -------     -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                     $9.20        $9.71       $9.91
                                                                     =======      =======     =======
  Total investment return(a)                                            2.30%        5.17%       6.62%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                                 6.97%        6.14%       6.46%(++)
  Net expenses                                                          1.34%        1.38%       1.15%(++)
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                       1.34%        1.42%       1.49%(++)
  Portfolio turnover rate                                                244%         325%        323%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                             $19,922      $21,603     $18,922
</TABLE>


* Commencement of Operations.
** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.
(++) Annualized.

(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(b) Less than one cent per share.


GOVERNMENT FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    CLASS A
                                                                            Year ended December 31,
                                                                 1999      1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                          $8.46     $8.27     $8.06     $8.41     $7.76
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net investment income                                            0.42      0.43      0.50      0.50      0.58
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments          (0.65)     0.24      0.21     (0.35)     0.65
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                (0.23)     0.67      0.71      0.15      1.23
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                      (0.42)    (0.43)    (0.50)    (0.50)    (0.58)
  In excess of net investment income                                 --        --        --        --     (0.00)(b)
  Return of capital                                               (0.06)    (0.05)       --        --        --
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                               (0.48)    (0.48)    (0.50)    (0.50)    (0.58)
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                $7.75     $8.46     $8.27     $8.06     $8.41
                                                                =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                      (2.81%)    8.32%     9.12%     1.97%    16.38%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                            5.17%     5.20%     6.23%      6.3%      7.3%
  Expenses                                                         1.13%     1.12%     1.09%      1.0%      1.0%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                           255%      371%      338%      307%      540%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                        $34,116   $22,189   $17,114   $16,413   $12,784
</TABLE>


* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.

(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(b) Less than one cent per share.



148
<PAGE>   150

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                           STRATEGIC INCOME FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    CLASS B                        CLASS C
                                 Feb. 28*                Sept. 1**
       Year ended   Year ended   through    Year ended    through
        Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
          1999         1998        1997        1999        1998
  <S>  <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>

          $9.70        $9.91      $10.00       $9.70       $9.59
        -------      -------     -------     -------       -----
           0.60         0.54        0.48        0.60        0.21
          (0.45)       (0.11)       0.07       (0.45)       0.10
           0.00(b)     (0.01)       0.05        0.00(b)     0.01
        -------      -------     -------     -------       -----
           0.15         0.42        0.60        0.15        0.32
        -------      -------     -------     -------       -----

          (0.60)       (0.62)      (0.48)      (0.60)      (0.21)
          (0.03)          --       (0.21)      (0.03)         --
          (0.03)       (0.01)         --       (0.03)         --(b)
          (0.00)(b)       --          --       (0.00)(b)      --
        -------      -------     -------     -------       -----
          (0.66)       (0.63)      (0.69)      (0.66)      (0.21)
        -------      -------     -------     -------       -----
          $9.19        $9.70       $9.91       $9.19       $9.70
        =======      =======     =======     =======       =====
           1.54%        4.35%       6.02%       1.54%       3.41%

           6.22%        5.39%       5.71%(++)   6.22%       5.39%(++)
           2.09%        2.13%       1.90%(++)   2.09%       2.13%(++)
           2.09%        2.17%       2.24%(++)   2.09%       2.13%(++)
            244%         325%        323%        244%        325%
        $59,645      $66,273     $43,872        $768         $91
</TABLE>

                                                                 GOVERNMENT FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        CLASS B                                 CLASS C
                                                                      Sept. 1*
                                                         Year ended    through
                Year ended December 31,                   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
    1999       1998       1997       1996       1995        1999        1998
  <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>

     $8.44      $8.25      $8.04      $8.41      $7.76     $8.44        $8.43
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     -----        -----
      0.36       0.37       0.45       0.46       0.54      0.36         0.12
     (0.66)      0.24       0.21      (0.37)      0.65     (0.66)        0.03
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     -----        -----
     (0.30)      0.61       0.66       0.09       1.19     (0.30)        0.15
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     -----        -----

     (0.36)     (0.37)     (0.45)     (0.46)     (0.54)    (0.36)       (0.12)
        --         --         --         --      (0.00)(b)    --           --
     (0.05)     (0.05)        --         --         --     (0.05)       (0.02)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     -----        -----
     (0.41)     (0.42)     (0.45)     (0.46)     (0.54)    (0.41)       (0.14)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     -----        -----
     $7.73      $8.44      $8.25      $8.04      $8.41     $7.73        $8.44
  ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     =====        =====
     (3.60%)     7.52%      8.54%      1.25%     15.69%    (3.60%)       1.75%

      4.42%      4.45%      5.67%       5.7%       6.7%     4.42%        4.45%(++)
      1.88%      1.87%      1.65%       1.6%       1.7%     1.88%        1.87%(++)
       255%       371%       338%       307%       540%      255%         371%
  $483,495   $590,592   $636,491   $782,970   $990,184      $532          $94
</TABLE>


                                                                             149
<PAGE>   151

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    CLASS A
                                                                            Year ended December 31,
                                                                 1999      1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                          $9.98     $9.93     $9.78     $9.95     $9.10
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net investment income                                            0.41      0.44      0.48      0.49      0.50
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments          (1.07)     0.08      0.27     (0.16)     0.85
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                (0.66)     0.52      0.75      0.33      1.35
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                      (0.41)    (0.46)    (0.48)    (0.50)    (0.50)
  From net realized gain on investments                           (0.02)    (0.01)    (0.12)       --        --
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                               (0.43)    (0.47)    (0.60)    (0.50)    (0.50)
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                $8.89     $9.98     $9.93     $9.78     $9.95
                                                                =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                      (6.79%)    5.33%     7.90%     3.44%    15.18%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                            4.27%     4.42%     4.88%      5.0%      5.3%
  Net expenses                                                     1.24%     1.24%     1.24%     1.24%     1.24%
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                  1.31%     1.40%     1.26%      1.3%      1.4%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                           123%      104%      108%       79%      107%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                        $13,048   $19,204   $18,199   $18,098   $19,825
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(b) Less than one thousand.


NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    CLASS A
                                                                            Year ended December 31,
                                                                 1999      1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>

  Net asset value at beginning of period                         $10.08    $10.09     $9.91    $10.12     $9.20
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net investment income                                            0.45      0.45      0.49      0.50      0.52
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments          (0.96)     0.08      0.32     (0.21)     0.91
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total from investment operations                                (0.51)     0.53      0.81      0.29      1.43
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                      (0.45)    (0.46)    (0.49)    (0.50)    (0.51)
  From net realized gain on investments                           (0.01)    (0.08)    (0.14)       --        --
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Total dividends and distributions                               (0.46)    (0.54)    (0.63)    (0.50)    (0.51)
                                                                -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                $9.11    $10.08    $10.09     $9.91    $10.12
                                                                =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                      (5.22%)    5.38%     8.39%     3.06%    15.97%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                            4.63%     4.43%     4.88%      5.0%      5.4%
  Net expenses                                                     1.24%     1.24%     1.24%     1.24%     1.24%
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                  1.47%     1.57%     1.41%      1.4%      1.4%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                            77%      157%      212%      114%      114%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                        $12,952   $15,499   $13,814   $15,572   $18,248
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.


(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.


(b) Less than one thousand dollars.



150
<PAGE>   152

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                        CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CLASS C
                      CLASS B                        Year ended
              Year ended December 31,                 Dec. 31,     Sept. 1* through
   1999          1998      1997     1996     1995       1999         Dec. 31, 1998
  <S>           <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>           <C>

    $9.95         $9.90    $9.75    $9.91    $9.10      $9.95             $9.95
  -------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------           -------
     0.38          0.42     0.45     0.45     0.52       0.38              0.13
    (1.05)         0.07     0.27    (0.16)    0.81      (1.05)             0.02
  -------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------           -------
    (0.67)         0.49     0.72     0.29     1.33      (0.67)             0.15
  -------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------           -------

    (0.39)        (0.43)   (0.45)   (0.45)   (0.52)     (0.39)            (0.14)
    (0.02)        (0.01)   (0.12)      --       --      (0.02)            (0.01)
  -------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------           -------
    (0.41)        (0.44)   (0.57)   (0.45)   (0.52)     (0.41)            (0.15)
  -------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------           -------
    $8.87         $9.95    $9.90    $9.75    $9.91      $8.87             $9.95
  =======       =======   ======   ======   ======     ======           =======
    (6.94%)        5.07%    7.63%    3.10%   14.91%     (6.94%)            1.51%

     4.02%         4.17%    4.63%     4.7%     5.1%      4.02%             4.17%(++)
     1.49%         1.49%    1.49%    1.49%    1.49%      1.49%             1.49%(++)
     1.56%         1.65%    1.51%     1.6%     1.7%      1.56%             1.65%(++)
      123%          104%     108%      79%     107%       123%              104%
  $10,573       $11,040   $7,288   $5,089   $1,963     $1,042                --(b)
</TABLE>


                                                          NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               CLASS C
                      CLASS B                       Year ended
              Year ended December 31,                Dec. 31,     Sept. 1* through
   1999         1998      1997     1996     1995       1999        Dec. 31, 1998
  <S>          <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>           <C>

  $10.01        $10.03    $9.84   $10.02    $9.20     $10.01           $10.11
  ------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------          -------
    0.42          0.43     0.45     0.45     0.59       0.42             0.13
   (0.96)         0.06     0.33    (0.18)    0.82      (0.96)           (0.01)
  ------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------          -------
   (0.54)         0.49     0.78     0.27     1.41      (0.54)            0.12
  ------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------          -------

   (0.42)        (0.43)   (0.45)   (0.45)   (0.59)     (0.42)           (0.14)
   (0.01)        (0.08)   (0.14)      --       --      (0.01)           (0.08)
  ------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------          -------
   (0.43)        (0.51)   (0.59)   (0.45)   (0.59)     (0.43)           (0.22)
  ------       -------   ------   ------   ------     ------          -------
   $9.04        $10.01   $10.03    $9.84   $10.02      $9.04           $10.01
  ======       =======   ======   ======   ======     ======          =======
   (5.51%)        5.00%    8.14%    2.86%   15.67%     (5.51%)           1.18%

    4.38%         4.18%    4.63%     4.7%     5.1%      4.38%            4.18%(++)
    1.49%         1.49%    1.49%    1.49%    1.49%      1.49%            1.49%(++)
    1.72%         1.82%    1.66%     1.6%     1.6%      1.72%            1.82%(++)
      77%          157%     212%     114%     114%        77%             157%
  $6,980        $8,217   $5,585   $4,100   $1,588        $38               --(b)
</TABLE>



                                                                             151
<PAGE>   153
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

TAX FREE BOND FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      CLASS A
                                                                              Year ended December 31,
                                                                  1999          1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                          $10.20        $10.19     $9.84    $10.02    $9.20
                                                                --------       -------   -------   -------   ------
  Net investment income                                             0.45          0.47      0.51      0.54     0.52
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments           (1.12)         0.03      0.35     (0.19)    0.83
                                                                --------       -------   -------   -------   ------
  Total from investment operations                                 (0.67)         0.50      0.86      0.35     1.35
                                                                --------       -------   -------   -------   ------

  LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
  From net investment income                                       (0.45)        (0.48)    (0.51)    (0.53)   (0.53)
  In excess of net investment income                                  --         (0.01)       --        --       --
  From net realized gain on investments                               --            --        --        --       --
                                                                --------       -------   -------   -------   ------
  Total dividends and distributions                                (0.45)        (0.49)    (0.51)    (0.53)   (0.53)
                                                                --------       -------   -------   -------   ------
  Net asset value at end of period                                 $9.08        $10.20    $10.19     $9.84   $10.02
                                                                ========       =======   =======   =======   ======
  Total investment return(a)                                       (6.75%)        4.98%     9.02%     3.63%   15.00%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                             4.62%         4.61%     5.14%      5.4%     5.5%
  Expenses                                                          1.02%         1.02%     1.01%      1.0%     1.0%
  Portfolio turnover rate                                            101%          116%      119%       95%     110%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                         $13,676       $17,868   $13,017   $16,486   $9,752
</TABLE>



** Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.



(++) Annualized.


(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.

(b) Less than one cent per share.

MONEY MARKET FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       CLASS A
                                                                               Year ended December 31,
                                                                  1999           1998      1997      1996      1995
  <S>                                                           <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
  Net asset value at beginning of period                           $1.00          $1.00     $1.00     $1.00     $1.00
                                                                --------       --------   -------   -------   -------
  Net investment income                                             0.05           0.05      0.05      0.05      0.05
                                                                --------       --------   -------   -------   -------
  Less dividends from net investment income                        (0.05)         (0.05)    (0.05)    (0.05)    (0.05)
                                                                --------       --------   -------   -------   -------
  Net asset value at end of period                                 $1.00          $1.00     $1.00     $1.00     $1.00
                                                                ========       ========   =======   =======   =======
  Total investment return(a)                                        4.65%          5.01%     5.08%     4.91%     5.51%

  RATIOS (TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS)/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net investment income                                             4.56%          4.90%     4.97%      4.8%      5.4%
  Net expenses                                                      0.70%          0.70%     0.70%      0.7%      0.7%
  Expenses (before reimbursement)                                   0.85%          0.93%     0.95%      1.0%      0.9%
  Net assets at end of period (in 000's)                        $189,336       $149,751   $80,925   $53,890   $34,880
</TABLE>



* Class C shares were first offered on September 1, 1998.



(++) Annualized.



(a) Total return is not annualized.




152
<PAGE>   154

                                                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                                                              TAX FREE BOND FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        CLASS B                                 CLASS C
                                                                      Sept. 1*
                                                         Year ended    through
                Year ended December 31,                   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
    1999       1998       1997       1996       1995        1999        1998
  <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
    $10.21     $10.19      $9.84     $10.03      $9.20     $10.21      $10.25
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------    -------      ------
      0.43       0.45       0.49       0.51       0.51       0.43        0.15
     (1.12)      0.03       0.35      (0.19)      0.83      (1.12)      (0.04)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------    -------      ------
     (0.69)      0.48       0.84       0.32       1.34      (0.69)       0.11
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------    -------      ------

     (0.43)     (0.45)     (0.49)     (0.51)     (0.51)     (0.43)      (0.15)
        --      (0.01)        --         --         --         --       (0.00)(b)
        --         --         --         --         --         --          --
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------    -------      ------
     (0.43)     (0.46)     (0.49)     (0.51)     (0.51)     (0.43)      (0.15)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------    -------      ------
     $9.09     $10.21     $10.19      $9.84     $10.03      $9.09      $10.21
  ========   ========   ========   ========   ========    =======      ======
     (6.96%)     4.83%      8.80%      3.33%     14.86%     (6.96%)      1.09%

      4.37%      4.36%      4.93%       5.2%       5.2%      4.37%       4.36%(++)
      1.27%      1.27%      1.22%       1.2%       1.2%      1.27%       1.27%(++)
       101%       116%       119%        95%       110%       101%        116%
  $358,417   $461,420   $482,209   $496,231   $543,314       $490          $5
</TABLE>


                                                               MONEY MARKET FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        CLASS B                                 CLASS C
                                                                      Sept. 1*
                                                         Year ended    through
                Year ended December 31,                   Dec. 31,    Dec. 31,
    1999       1998       1997       1996       1995        1999        1998
  <S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
     $1.00      $1.00      $1.00      $1.00      $1.00      $1.00       $1.00
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------       -----
      0.05       0.05       0.05       0.05       0.05       0.05        0.02
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------       -----
     (0.05)     (0.05)     (0.05)     (0.05)     (0.05)     (0.05)      (0.02)
  --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     ------       -----
     $1.00      $1.00      $1.00      $1.00      $1.00      $1.00       $1.00
  ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     ======       =====
      4.65%      5.01%      5.08%      4.91%      5.51%      4.65%       1.60%

      4.56%      4.90%      4.97%       4.8%       5.4%      4.56%       4.90%(++)
      0.70%      0.70%      0.70%       0.7%       0.7%      0.70%       0.70%(++)
      0.85%      0.93%      0.95%       1.0%       0.9%      0.85%       0.93%(++)
  $458,391   $424,174   $336,622   $317,483   $279,843     $2,154         $18
</TABLE>


                                                                             153
<PAGE>   155

Appendix A

TAXABLE EQUIVALENT YIELD TABLE(*+)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              IF YOUR FEDERAL
            MARGINAL INCOME TAX                                           a tax-free yield of
                  RATE IS                   4.0%        4.5%        5.0%        5.5%        6.0%         6.5%         7.0%
                                                                    would equal a taxable yield of:
  <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
  15.00%..................................  4.71%       5.29%       5.88%       6.47%       7.06%        7.65%        8.24%
  28.00%..................................  5.56%       6.25%       6.94%       7.64%       8.33%        9.03%        9.72%
  31.00%..................................  5.80%       6.52%       7.25%       7.97%       8.70%        9.42%       10.14%
  36.00%..................................  6.25%       7.03%       7.81%       8.59%       9.38%       10.16%       10.94%
  39.60%..................................  6.62%       7.45%       8.28%       9.11%       9.93%        10.7%        11.5%
</TABLE>

 *  This table reflects application of the regular federal income tax only;
    other taxes may be applicable with respect to a particular shareholder.
    Such taxes could change the information shown. Tax rates are subject to
    change. Investors in the California and New York Tax Free Funds should in
    particular note that the chart does not reflect any state and local taxes
    that may be deductible in computing federal income tax liability.

(+) This table is for illustrative purposes only; investors should consult their
    tax advisers with respect to the tax implications of an investment in a Fund
    that invests primarily in securities the interest on which is exempt from
    regular federal income tax.
<PAGE>   156


    No dealer, salesman or any other person is authorized to give any
    information or to make any representations other than those contained in
    this Prospectus and in the related Statement of Additional Information, in
    connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus. Any other
    information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
    authorized by the Trust or the Distributor. This Prospectus and the related
    Statement of Additional Information do not constitute an offer by the Trust
    or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of
    the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom
    it is unlawful.


    STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
    Provides more details about the Funds. A current SAI is incorporated by
    reference into the prospectus and has been filed with the SEC.

    ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORTS

    Provide additional information about the Funds' investments and include
    discussions of market conditions and investment strategies that
    significantly affected the Funds' performance during the last fiscal period.



    TO OBTAIN INFORMATION:


    More information about the Funds, including the SAI and the
    Annual/Semiannual Reports is available free upon request. To obtain
    information, or for shareholder inquiries, call 1-800-MAINSTAY
    (1-800-624-6782) or visit our website at mainstayinv.com. or write to NYLIFE
    Distributors Inc., attn: MainStay Marketing Dept., 300 Interpace Parkway,
    Building A, Parsippany, NJ 07054.



    You can also review and copy information about the Funds (including the SAI)
    by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (phone
    1-202-942-8090). You may also visit the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or you
    may obtain information by paying a duplicating fee and sending an e-mail to
    [email protected] or writing the SEC's Public Reference Section,
    Washington, D.C. 20549-0103.


    THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
    SEC File Number: 811-04550

    NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.
    300 Interpace Parkway
    Building A
    Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
    Distributor of The MainStay Funds
    NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is an indirect wholly owned

    subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.


    [MAINSTAY LOGO]


    [RECYCLE LOGO]

<PAGE>   157


THE MAINSTAY(R) FUNDS



GROWTH FUNDS


MainStay Small Cap Growth Fund


MainStay Small Cap Value Fund


MainStay Capital Appreciation Fund


MainStay Blue Chip Growth Fund


MainStay Equity Index Fund



GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS


MainStay Growth Opportunities Fund


MainStay Equity Income Fund


MainStay MAP Equity Fund


MainStay Research Value Fund


MainStay Value Fund


MainStay Strategic Value Fund


MainStay Convertible Fund


MainStay Total Return Fund



INTERNATIONAL FUNDS


MainStay International Equity Fund


MainStay Global High Yield Fund


MainStay International Bond Fund



INCOME FUNDS


MainStay High Yield Corporate Bond Fund


MainStay Strategic Income Fund


MainStay Government Fund


MainStay California Tax Free Fund


MainStay New York Tax Free Fund


MainStay Tax Free Bond Fund


MainStay Money Market Fund



For a prospectus, call 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-6782).


THIS BACK PANEL IS NOT PART OF THE PROSPECTUS

MS02-05/00

    The
    MainStay (R)
    Funds

    PROSPECTUS

    May 1, 2000


                                  MAP EQUITY FUND
                                   CLASS I SHARES

                                  [MAINSTAY LOGO]

    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
    COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON
    THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
    CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>   158

      What's Inside?


<TABLE>
<C>      <S>
  3      MAP Equity Fund
  7      Shareholder Guide
 18      Know With Whom You're Investing
 20      Financial Highlights
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   159



MainStay MAP
Equity Fund

The MAP Equity Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term appreciation of
capital. The Fund also seeks to earn income, but this is a secondary objective.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity-type
securities, including common stocks, as well as securities convertible into, or
exchangeable for, common stocks. The Fund primarily invests in the securities of
domestic issuers.

INVESTMENT PROCESS


In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, Markston International, LLC, the
Fund's Subadvisor, seeks to identify securities that are currently out of favor
but where a catalyst exists that may lead to improved performance (i.e., value
opportunities). Markston reviews statistical indications, such as low multiples
of book value or cash flow, and more fundamental factors, such as industry
consolidations, to identify investment opportunities. Markston also places
emphasis on the presence of a catalyst that may unlock a company's potential,
such as management changes, restructurings and sales of underperforming assets.
Markston also assesses the judgment, quality and integrity of company management
and the track record of product development.


                                                                               3
<PAGE>   160


                                                                 MAP EQUITY FUND


Although under normal circumstances the Fund holds its securities for a
relatively long period of time, Markston may sell investments when it believes
the opportunity for current profits or the risk of market decline outweighs the
prospect of capital gains. Certain securities may be acquired from time-to-time
in an effort to earn short-term profits.


PRINCIPAL RISKS

The net asset value of the Fund will fluctuate and you could lose money by
investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any
other government agency.


Investment in common stocks and other equity securities is particularly subject
to the risk of changing economic, stock market, industry and company conditions,
which can adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings. The total return
for a convertible security may depend, in part, upon the performance of the
underlying common stock into which it can be converted.



The principal risk of investing in value stocks is that they may never reach
what the Subadviser believes is their full value or that they may decline in
value. In addition, different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor
depending on market and economic conditions. The Fund's performance may be lower
or higher than that of funds that invest in other types of equity securities
(such as those emphasizing growth stocks).



TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS -- In times of unusual or adverse conditions, or
during periods when Markston believes that investment opportunities in the
equity markets are diminished (due to either fundamental changes in those
markets or an anticipated general decline in the value of equity securities),
for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest without limit in cash,


4
<PAGE>   161

                                                                               5
MAP EQUITY FUND
[MAP Equity Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
90                                                                               -5.09
- --                                                                               -----
<S>                                                           <C>
91                                                                               27.69
92                                                                               10.53
93                                                                                8.67
94                                                                                2.76
95                                                                               32.50
96                                                                               23.82
97                                                                               27.99
98                                                                               24.23
99                                                                               12.18
</TABLE>

ANNUAL RETURNS

(by calendar year 1990-1999)


preferred stock, money market investments or other debt or debt-related
instruments. During such times, the Fund may not invest in accordance with its
investment objectives or investment strategies and, as a result, the Fund may
not achieve its investment objectives.

PAST PERFORMANCE


The bar chart and table indicate some of the risks of investing in the Fund by
showing changes in its performance from year-to-year and by showing how the
Fund's average annual returns for one, five and ten years compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. The Fund commenced operations in 1971 as
the Mutual Benefit Fund and was reorganized as the MainStay MAP Equity Fund on
June 9, 1999, when MainStay Management LLC assumed management of the Fund. As
with all mutual funds, past performance is not necessarily an indication of how
the Fund will perform in the future.


BEST AND WORST QUARTERLY RETURNS

(1990-1999)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             RETURN          QUARTER/YEAR
  <S>                                        <C>             <C>
  Highest return/best quarter                 18.71%              4/98
  Lowest return/worst quarter                -14.62%              3/90
</TABLE>


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(as of 12/31/99)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              1 YEAR            5 YEARS            10 YEARS
  <S>                         <C>               <C>                <C>

  MAP Equity Fund              6.85%            22.89%              15.41%

  S&P 500 Index*              21.04%            28.56%              18.21%
</TABLE>



* "S&P 500(R)" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. The S&P 500
  Index is an unmanaged index and is considered to be generally representative
  of the U.S. stock market. Results assume the reinvestment of all income and
  capital gains. You cannot invest directly in an index.

<PAGE>   162


                                                                 MAP EQUITY FUND

FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SHAREHOLDER FEES
           (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
  <S>                                                           <C>
  Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  (as a percentage of offering price)                             None

  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of
  redemption proceeds)                                            None

  Exchange Fee                                                       *

  Maximum Account Fee                                               **

  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED
  FROM FUND ASSETS)

  MANAGEMENT FEE(1, 2)                                           0.75%

  DISTRIBUTION AND/OR SERVICE (12b-1) FEES                        NONE

  OTHER EXPENSES                                                 0.41%

  TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(1, 2)                     1.16%

  FEE WAIVER                                                     0.16%

  NET EXPENSES(1, 2)                                             1.00%
</TABLE>



 * Except for systematic exchanges, exchanges processed via the transfer agent's
   automated system and as to certain accounts for which tracking data is not
   available, after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10 fee will be imposed
   per exchange.

** An annual account fee of $12 (subject to a maximum of $36 per social
   security/tax I.D. number) will be charged on Individual accounts with
   balances below $500 ($10,000 for Institutional accounts). There are
   exceptions. See the Shareholder Guide.

 (1) MainStay Management has contractually agreed to limit total annual fund
     operating expenses to 1.00% for Class I shares from the date Class I shares
     were first offered through May 30, 2001, after which time MainStay
     Management may discontinue the limitation. For a two-year period following
     expiration of the expense limitation, the Manager may be entitled to
     reimbursement for a portion of expenses paid pursuant to the expense
     limitation.


 (2) Expense information in the table has been restated to reflect current fees.


EXAMPLE
The "Example" is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you
invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and reflects what you
would pay if you redeem all your shares at the end of each period. The Example
also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund
operating expenses remain the same.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Expenses after
  <S>              <C>
   1 year                   $  102
   3 years                  $  318
   5 years                  $  552
  10 years                  $1,225
</TABLE>


6
<PAGE>   163


Shareholder

Guide

The following pages are intended to help you make the most of your investments
in the Fund.

You are eligible to buy Class I shares if you:

- - INSTITUTIONAL SHAREHOLDERS -- are an employer, association or other group
  retirement plan, employee benefit trust, financial institution, endowment,
  foundation or corporation


- - INSTITUTIONAL SHAREHOLDERS -- purchase shares through a financial services
  firm (such as a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial institution)
  that has a special arrangement with us.



- - INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS -- owned shares of the MAP-Equity Fund (the
  predecessor of the Fund) on June 8, 1999 or are an employee, former employee
  or current or former sales agent of The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company
  or MBL Life Assurance Corporation and their affiliates, including account
  rollovers from qualified employee benefit plans such as defined benefit
  pension plans, 401(k) plans and sales incentive plans


BUYING AND SELLING MAINSTAY SHARES

How to Open Your MainStay Account


If you are participating in a company savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan,
profit sharing plan, defined benefit plan or other employee-directed plan, your
company will provide you with the information you need to open an account and
buy and sell shares of the Fund.



If you are investing through a financial services firm, the firm will assist you
with account opening.



                                                                               7
<PAGE>   164
                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
- ---------------------------
"Good order" means all the necessary information, signatures and documentation
have been received.


When you open your account, you may also want to choose certain buying and
selling options, including transactions by wire. In most cases, these choices
can be made later in writing, but it may be quicker and more convenient to
decide on them when you open your account.



You buy shares at net asset value. NAV is generally calculated as of the close
of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4 pm Eastern time)
every day the Exchange is open. When you buy shares, you must pay the next NAV
calculated after MainStay Shareholder Services, Inc., the Fund's transfer agent
("MSS"), receives your order in good order.


Investment minimums

- - initial combined investment for Institutional Shareholders -- at least
  $250,000, which may be spread over a thirteen-month period after opening the
  account

- - $500 initial investment amount for purchases by Individual Shareholders

- - $100 initial investment amount for purchases by Individual Shareholders
  through a systematic investment plan

Subsequent investments

- - $1,000 for Institutional Shareholders

- - $50 for Individual Shareholders

- - $100 for purchases by Individual Shareholders through a systematic investment
  plan

8

<PAGE>   165
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

BUYING ADDITIONAL SHARES -- INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             HOW                                 DETAILS
  <S>              <C>                       <C>

  BY WIRE:         To buy shares the same    Have your investment professional phone in your
                   day, MainStay             order and wire the purchase amount to:
                   Shareholder Services LLC  State Street Bank and Trust Company
                   ("MSS") must receive      - ABA #011 0000 28
                   your wired money by 4     - Attn: Custody and Shareholder Services
                   pm.                       - The MainStay Funds
                                             - MAP Equity Fund -- Class I
                                             - your account number
                                             - name(s) of investor(s)

  ELECTRONICALLY:  ACH                       Call 1-800-MainStay
                   Eligible investors can
                   purchase shares by using
                   electronic debits from a
                   designated bank account.

  BY MAIL:         Address your order to:    Make your check payable to The MainStay Funds.
                   The MainStay Funds        Be sure to write on your check the Fund name,
                   P.O. Box 8401             account number and class of shares.
                   Boston, MA 02266-8401     - $50 minimum for Individual Shareholders
                   Send overnight orders
                   to:
                   The MainStay Funds
                   c/o Boston Financial
                   Data Services
                   2 Heritage Drive
                   North Quincy, MA
                   02171-2138
</TABLE>


                                                                               9
<PAGE>   166
                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

SELLING SHARES -- INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS

Shares may be redeemed in any of the following ways. Write to us or call
1-800-MAINSTAY between 8 am and 6 pm Eastern time any day the New York Stock
Exchange is open. You must call before the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m.) to sell shares at the current day's
price (NAV). Telephone purchase orders must be at least $5,000 per Fund. Wires
are not accepted when the New York Stock Exchange or banks are closed.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        HOW                                            DETAILS
  <S>        <C>                        <C>
  BY PHONE:  TO RECEIVE PROCEEDS BY     - The maximum order MainStay can process is $100,000.
             CHECK:                     - MSS will only send checks to the account's owner(s) at the owner's
             Through your investment      address of record and will not send checks to addresses which have
             professional or call         been changed within the last 30 days.
             1-800-MAINSTAY.
             TO RECEIVE PROCEEDS BY     - MSS must have your bank account information on file.
             WIRE:                      - Generally, after receiving your sell order by phone, MSS will send
             Call 1-800-MAINSTAY.         the proceeds by bank wire to your designated bank account the next
             Eligible investors may       business day, although it may take up to seven days to do so. Your
             sell shares and have         bank may charge you a fee to receive the wire transfer.
             proceeds electronically    - MSS charges a $10 fee per transaction.
             credited to a designated   - $5,000 minimum.
             bank account. You can
             have redemption proceeds
             wired any day banks and
             the New York Stock
             Exchange are open.
  BY MAIL:   Address your order to:     Write a letter of instruction that includes:
             The MainStay Funds         - your name(s) and signature(s)
             P.O. Box 8401              - your account number
             Boston, MA 02266-8401      - Fund name and class of shares
                                        - dollar or share amount you want to sell
             Send overnight orders to:  Obtain a signature guarantee or other documentation, if required.
             The MainStay Funds         There is a $15 fee for checks mailed to you overnight. There is a $10
             c/o Boston Financial       fee for wire redemptions.
             Data Services
             2 Heritage Drive
             North Quincy, MA
             02171-2138
</TABLE>


10
<PAGE>   167

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
- ---------------------------

CONVENIENT, YES . . .
BUT NOT RISK-FREE. Telephone redemption privileges are convenient, but you give
up some security. When you sign the application to buy shares, you agree that
The MainStay Funds will not be liable for following phone instructions that they
reasonably believe are genuine. When using the MainStay Audio Response System,
you bear the risk of any loss from your errors unless the Funds or MainStay
Shareholder Services fails to use established safeguards for your protection.
These safeguards are among those currently in place at MainStay Funds:

- - all phone calls with service representatives are tape recorded; and
- - written confirmation of every transaction is sent to your address of record.

REDEMPTIONS-IN-KIND

The Trust reserves the right to pay certain large redemptions, either totally or
partially, by a distribution-in-kind of securities (instead of cash) from the
Fund's portfolio.


SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

Automatic Services

Buying or selling shares automatically is easy with the services described
below. You select your schedule and amount, subject to certain restrictions. You
can set up most of these services with your application, or by calling
1-800-MAINSTAY for a form.

Systematic investing -- Individual Shareholders only

MainStay offers three automatic investment plans.

AutoInvest

If you are authorized, you can automatically debit your designated bank account
by:

- - making regularly scheduled investments

- - purchasing shares whenever you choose

Dividend reinvestment

Automatically reinvest dividends and distributions.

Payroll deductions

If your employer offers this option, you can make automatic investments through
payroll deduction.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN -- INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS ONLY

Withdrawals must be at least $100. You must have at least $10,000 in your
account at the time of request and shares must not be in certificate form.

                                                                              11
<PAGE>   168
                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

EXCHANGING SHARES AMONG MAINSTAY FUNDS -- INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS ONLY


Individual Shareholders may exchange all or a portion of their Class I shares
into Class A shares of another MainStay Fund without the imposition of a
front-end sales charge. Prior to making an exchange, an individual shareholder
should understand that a Rule 12b-1 fee is imposed on Class A shares. Prior to
exchanging shares, individual shareholders should read carefully The MainStay
Funds' prospectus. Once Class I shares are exchanged for Class A shares of
another Fund, those shares may not be exchanged into Class I shares. If the
other MainStay Funds offer Class I shares, Institutional Shareholders may have
exchange privileges with these shares.



You may make exchanges from the Fund to Class A shares of another Fund by phone.
There is also a systematic exchange program that allows you to make regularly
scheduled, systematic exchanges from the Fund to the Class A shares of another
MainStay Fund.


12
<PAGE>   169

SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
- ---------------------------

MainStay tries to make investing easy by offering a variety of programs to buy,
sell and exchange Fund shares. These programs make it convenient to add to your
investment and easy to access your money when you need it.


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

Selling and exchanging shares may result in a gain or loss and therefore may be
subject to taxes. Consult your tax adviser on the consequences. When you sell
exchanged shares, you will have to pay any applicable sales charges.


GENERAL POLICIES
Buying Shares

- - All investments must be in U.S. dollars with funds drawn on a U.S. bank. As a
  rule, MSS does not accept third-party checks, and it reserves the right to
  limit the number of checks processed at one time. If your check does not
  clear, your order will be canceled and you will be responsible for any losses
  or fees incurred.


Selling Shares

- - You may sell shares by calling or writing MSS or your investment professional.
  MSS must receive your order in good order. If you have share certificates, you
  must return them with a written redemption request.


- - Your shares will be sold at the next NAV calculated after MSS receives your
  order in good order. MSS will make the payment within seven days after
  receiving your request in good order.



- - If you buy shares by check or by ACH purchase and quickly decide to sell them
  the Fund may withhold payment for 10 days from the date the check or ACH order
  is received.


- - There will be no redemption during any period in which the right of redemption
  is suspended or date of payment is postponed because the New York Stock
  Exchange is closed or trading on the Exchange is restricted or the SEC deems
  an emergency to exist.

- - Unless you decline telephone privileges on your application, you may be
  responsible for any fraudulent telephone order as long as MSS takes reasonable
  measures to verify the order.


- - MSS requires a written order to sell shares if:



  - an account has submitted a change of address in the previous 30 days



                                                                              13
<PAGE>   170
                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

- ---------------------------
A signature guarantee helps protect against fraud. You can obtain one from most
banks, credit unions and securities dealers, but not from a notary public. For
joint accounts, each signature must be guaranteed. Please call MSS at
1-800-MAINSTAY to ensure that your signature will be guaranteed by an
appropriate institution.
- ---------------------------
The policies and fees described in this prospectus govern transactions with the
MainStay Funds. If you invest through a third party--bank, broker, 401(k) plan,
financial adviser or financial supermarket--there may be transaction fees for,
and you may be subject to different investment minimums or limitations on,
buying or selling shares. Consult a representative of your plan or financial
institution if in doubt.


- - MSS requires a written order to sell shares and a signature guarantee if:


  - MSS does not have required bank information to wire funds

  - the proceeds from the sale will exceed $100,000

  - the proceeds of the sale are to be sent to an address other than the address
    of record, or



  - the proceeds are to be payable to someone other than the account holder(s).



You will receive notice in writing if MSS revises or terminates the systematic
withdrawal plan or the exchange privileges.



In the interests of all shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to:



- - change or discontinue its exchange privilege upon notice to shareholders, or
  temporarily suspend this privilege without notice under extraordinary
  circumstances



- - change or discontinue the systematic withdrawal plan on notice to shareholders



- - charge a $12 annual account fee (maximum of $36 per social security or tax
  I.D. number) on accounts with balances less than $500 for Individual
  Shareholders and $10,000 for Institutional Shareholders. With respect to
  Individual Shareholders, the fee is not charged on retirement plan accounts,
  accounts with automatic investment plans and accounts for which tracking data
  is not available



- - change its minimum investment amounts.


14
<PAGE>   171
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

DETERMINING THE FUND'S SHARE PRICE (NAV) AND THE VALUATION OF SECURITIES


MainStay generally calculates the share price of the Fund (also known as its net
asset value or NAV) at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (usually 4 pm Eastern time). The value of the Fund's investments is
based on current market value. If current market prices are not available,
investments will be valued by another method that the Board of Trustees believes
accurately reflects fair value. Events affecting the value of the Fund's
securities that occur between the time their prices are determined and the close
of the Exchange will not be reflected in the calculation of NAV unless the
Subadvisor deems a particular event would materially affect NAV. In this case,
an adjustment in the valuing of the securities may be made.


FUND EARNINGS
Dividends and Interest

Most funds earn either dividends from stocks, interest from bonds and other
securities, or both. A mutual fund, however, always pays this income to you as
"dividends." The dividends paid by the Fund will vary based on the income from
its investments and the expenses incurred by the Fund.

CAPITAL GAINS

Funds earn capital gains when they sell securities at a profit.

When the Fund pays dividends

The Fund declares and distributes any dividends quarterly.

Dividends are paid on the first business day of each month after a dividend is
declared.

When the Fund pays capital gains


The Fund will distribute any gains to shareholders in December.


                                                                              15
<PAGE>   172
                                                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

- ---------------------------
There is no sales charge on shares purchased through the automatic reinvestment
of dividends or capital gains.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR EARNINGS


You may receive your share of MainStay Fund earnings in one of five ways. You
can make your choice when you fill out the application, and change it as often
as you like by notifying your investment professional (if permitted) or MSS
directly. The five choices are:



1. Reinvest everything in the Fund.



2. Take the dividends in cash and reinvest the capital gains in the Fund.



3. Take the capital gains in cash and reinvest the dividends in the Fund.



4. Take a percentage of dividends or capital gains in cash and reinvest the
remainder in the Fund.


5. Take everything in cash.

If you do not make one of these choices on your application, your earnings will
be automatically reinvested in Class I shares of the MAP Equity Fund.

16
<PAGE>   173
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

- ---------------------------
SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.
Your investment professional can help you keep your investment goals coordinated
with your tax considerations. But for tax counsel, always rely on your tax
adviser. For additional information on federal, state and local taxation, see
the SAI.
- ---------------------------

BUY AFTER THE DIVIDEND PAYMENT. Avoid buying shares shortly before a dividend
payment. Part of your investment may be returned in the form of a dividend,
which may be taxable.


UNDERSTAND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES

Most of your earnings are taxable


Virtually all of the dividends and capital gains distributions you receive from
the Fund are taxable, whether you take them as cash or automatically reinvest
them. The Fund's realized earnings are taxed based on the length of time the
Fund holds its investments, regardless of how long you hold Fund shares. If the
Fund realizes long-term capital gains, the earnings are taxed as capital gains;
earnings from short-term capital gains and income generated on dividends, debt
investments and other sources are generally taxed as ordinary income. Earnings
of the Fund, if any, will generally be a result of capital gains.



EXCHANGES



An exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another will be treated as a
sale of shares of the first fund and a purchase of shares of the second fund.
Any gain on the transaction may be subject to taxes.


                                                                              17
<PAGE>   174

Know With Whom You're Investing

WHO RUNS THE FUND'S DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS?


MainStay Management LLC ("the Manager") 300 Interpace Parkway, Building A,
Parsippany, NJ 07054, serves as the Fund's manager, handling business affairs
for the Fund. The Manager provides offices and conducts clerical, recordkeeping
and bookkeeping services, and keeps most of the financial and accounting records
required for the Fund. The Manager has delegated its portfolio management
responsibilities to Markston. The Manager also pays the salaries and expenses of
all personnel affiliated with the Fund and all the operational expenses that
aren't the responsibility of the Fund, including the fee paid to Markston.



The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, pays the Manager an aggregate fee for services
performed at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund.


18
<PAGE>   175


The Manager is not responsible for records maintained by the Fund's Custodian,
Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing and Shareholder Servicing Agent, or
Markston.


WHO MANAGES YOUR MONEY?


Markston International, LLC, 50 Main Street, White Plains, New York 10606, is
the Fund's subadvisor (the "Subadvisor"). Under the supervision of the Manager,
the Subadvisor is responsible for making the specific decisions about buying,
selling and holding securities; selecting brokers and brokerage firms to trade
for them; maintaining accurate records; and, if possible, negotiating favorable
commissions and fees with the brokers and brokerage firms. For these services,
the Subadvisor is paid a monthly fee by the Manager, not the Fund. The Fund's
Trustees oversee the management and operations of the Fund.


Investment decisions for the Fund are made by Michael Mullarkey and Roger Lob.
Michael Mullarkey has been a portfolio manager for the MAP-Equity Fund since
1981, and Roger Lob has been a portfolio manager for the MAP-Equity Fund since
1987. Michael Mullarkey currently is the Fund's primary portfolio manager. Fund
assets are divided between the managers within certain parameters. Markston
reviews this asset allocation by portfolio manager periodically, and may adjust
this allocation based on investment performance and new investment opportunities
identified by each portfolio manager. This dual-manager investment structure
facilitates the Fund's diversification while allowing each portfolio manager to
focus his research on a limited number of companies.

                                                                              19
<PAGE>   176

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the MAP Equity
Fund's financial performance for the past 5 years. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single MAP Equity Fund share. The total returns in the
table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an
investment in the MAP Equity Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
whose report, along with the MAP Equity Fund's financial statements, are
included in the annual report, which is available upon request.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ----------------------------------------------------
                                                               1999       1998       1997       1996       1995
                                                             --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year.........................  $ 24.58    $ 22.73    $ 20.66    $ 19.36    $ 16.67
                                                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net investment income......................................     0.11       0.33       0.28       0.36       0.43
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments............     2.81       4.81       5.49       4.16       4.90
                                                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Total from investment operations...........................     2.92       5.14       5.77       4.52       5.33
                                                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Dividends from net investment income.......................    (0.11)     (0.33)     (0.29)     (0.36)     (0.43)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments........    (1.14)     (2.96)     (3.41)     (2.86)     (2.07)
Distribution in excess of net investments income...........       --         --         --         --      (0.14)
                                                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Total distributions........................................    (1.25)     (3.29)     (3.70)     (3.22)     (2.64)
                                                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net Asset Value, End of Year...............................  $ 26.25    $ 24.58    $ 22.73    $ 20.66    $ 19.36
                                                             =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Assets, End of Year (thousands)........................  $63,460    $60,414    $94,172    $73,591    $60,467
                                                             =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Total Return(1)............................................    12.18%     24.23%     27.99%     23.82%     32.50%
                                                             =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets....................     0.88%      0.70%      0.82%      0.74%      0.81%
                                                             =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Ratio of Expenses (before reimbursement) to Average Net
  Assets...................................................     0.96%      0.77%      0.82%      0.74%      0.81%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets.......     0.39%      1.10%      1.18%      1.82%      2.30%
                                                             =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate....................................       32%        41%        58%        53%        39%
                                                             =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>



- --------

<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
(1)  The Fund commenced operations in 1971 as the Mutual Benefit
     Fund. It was renamed MAP Equity Fund on May 1, 1995.
     Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, the MAP
     Equity Fund was reorganized as the MainStay MAP Equity Fund
     on June 9, 1999. The shares of the MAP Equity Fund have been
     designated as Class I shares of the Fund. Total return is
     calculated exclusive of sales charge.
</TABLE>


20
<PAGE>   177


No dealer, salesman or any other person is authorized to give any information or
to make any representations other than those contained in this Prospectus and in
the related Statement of Additional Information, in connection with the offer
contained in this Prospectus. Any such other information or representations must
not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Distributor.
This Prospectus and the related Statement of Additional Information do not
constitute an offer by the Trust or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation
of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction or
to any person to whom it is unlawful.


STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
Provides more details about the Fund. A current SAI is incorporated by reference
into the prospectus and has been filed with the SEC.

ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORTS

Provide additional information about the Fund's investments and include
discussions of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly
affected the Fund's performance during the last fiscal period.


TO OBTAIN INFORMATION:

More information about the Funds, including the SAI and the Annual/Semiannual
Reports is available free upon request. To obtain information, or for
shareholder inquiries, call 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-6782) or visit our website
at mainstayinv.com. or write to NYLIFE Distributors Inc., attn: MainStay
Marketing Dept., 300 Interpace Parkway, Building A, Parsippany, NJ 07054.



You can also review and copy information about the Fund (including the SAI) by
visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (phone
1-202-942-8090). You may also visit the SEC's website at sec.gov or you may
obtain information by paying a duplicating fee and sending an e-mail to
[email protected] or writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0103.


THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

SEC File Number: 811-4550


[MAINSTAY LOGO]

NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.
300 Interpace Parkway
Building A
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
Distributor of The MainStay Funds
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company

[NY LIFE LOGO]

[RECYCLE LOGO]
<PAGE>   178

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
                                 MAP EQUITY FUND
                                 CLASS I SHARES

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                   May 1, 2000

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

     This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") supplements the
information contained in the Fund's Prospectus dated May 1, 2000, as amended or
supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectus"), and should be read in
conjunction with the Prospectus. The Prospectus is available without charge by
writing to NYLIFE Distributors Inc., (the "Distributor") 300 Interpace Parkway,
Parsippany, NJ 07054 or by calling 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-6782). This
Statement of Additional Information, although not a prospectus, is incorporated
by reference in and is made a part of the Prospectus.

     No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
Statement of Additional Information or in the related Prospectus, in connection
with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information
or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by The
MainStay Funds or the Distributor. This Statement of Additional Information and
the related Prospectus do not constitute an offer by The MainStay Funds or by
the Distributor to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of the
securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

     Shareholder inquiries should be made by writing directly to MainStay
Shareholder Services, LLC, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8401, or
by calling 1-800-MAINSTAY. In addition, you can make inquiries through your
registered representative.

     The financial statements of the Fund, including the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities and the Portfolio of Investments as of December 31, 1999, the
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1999 and Statement of
Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, the notes
to Financial Statements, and the Report of Independent Accountants, all of which
are included in the Fund's 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders, are hereby
incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.


<PAGE>   179


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Page
<S>                                                                                    <C>
The MainStay Funds                                                                        4
Additional Information About the Fund                                                     4
Investment Practices and Instruments                                                      4
              Temporary Defensive Measures                                                5
              Repurchase Agreements                                                       5
              Lending of Portfolio Securities                                             6
              Cash Equivalents                                                            6
              Convertible Securities                                                      6
              Foreign Securities                                                          7
              Warrants                                                                    8
              Options on Securities                                                       8
              Futures Transactions                                                        9
Fundamental Investment Restrictions                                                      14
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions                                                  15
Trustees and Officers                                                                    16
The Manager, the Subadvisor and the Distributor                                          23
              Management Agreement                                                       23
              Sub-Advisory Agreement                                                     24
              Distribution Agreement                                                     24
              Other Services                                                             25
              Expenses Borne by the Trust                                                25
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage                                                     25
Net Asset Value                                                                          27
Shareholder Investment Account                                                           29
Shareholder Servicing Agent                                                              29
Purchase, Redemption, Exchanges and Repurchase                                           29
              How to Purchase Shares of the Fund                                         29
              Redemptions and Exchanges                                                  31
              Distributions in Kind                                                      31
              Suspension of Redemptions                                                  31
              Exchange Privileges                                                        32
Tax-Deferred Retirement Plans                                                            32
              Cash or Deferred Profit Sharing Plans Under Section 401(k) for
                 Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals                              32
              Individual Retirement Account ("IRA")                                      32
              403(b)(7) Tax Sheltered Account                                            34
              General Information                                                        34
Calculation of Performance Quotations                                                    34
Tax Information                                                                          36
</TABLE>



                                       2
<PAGE>   180


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
              Taxation of the Fund                                                       36
              Character of Distributions to Shareholders -- General                      37
              Taxation of Options, Futures and Similar Instruments                       38
              Passive Foreign Investment Companies                                       39
              Foreign Currency Gains and Losses                                          39
              Commodity Investments                                                      39
              Dispositions of Fund Shares                                                40
              Tax Reporting Requirements                                                 40
              Foreign Taxes                                                              41
              State and Local Taxes - General                                            41
              Explanation of Fund Distributions                                          41
              General Information                                                        41
Organization and Capitalization                                                          41
              General                                                                    41
              Voting Rights                                                              41
              Shareholder and Trustee Liability                                          42
              Registration Statement                                                     42
Other Information                                                                        42
              Independent Accountants                                                    42
              Transfer Agent                                                             42
              Custodian                                                                  43
              Legal Counsel                                                              43
              Code of Ethics                                                             43
              Appendix A -- Description of Securities  Ratings                           44
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   181



                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

     The MainStay Funds (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment
company (or mutual fund) currently consisting of 23 separate investment
portfolio. This Statement of Additional Information pertains only to the MAP
Equity Fund (the "Fund"). MainStay Management, LLC. (the "Manager") serves as
the manager for the Fund and has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with
Markston International, LLC ("Markston" or the "Subadvisor") with respect to the
MAP Equity Fund.

     The Trust, formed January 9, 1986, is a Massachusetts business trust. The
Fund is a diversified fund as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act").

                      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

     The Prospectus discusses the investment objectives of the Fund and the
principal investment strategies to be employed in seeking to achieve those
objectives. This section contains supplemental information concerning certain of
the securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest, the principal
investment strategies the Fund may utilize, and certain risks involved with
those strategies.

     THE FUND ALONE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

     Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of the
other accounts and investment companies that may be managed by the Subadvisor.
However, if such other accounts or investment companies are prepared to invest
in, or desire to dispose of, securities in which the Fund invests at the same
time as another fund or another account managed by the Subadvisor, available
investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each. In
some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position
obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or received by the
Fund.

     The Fund may invest in warrants. A warrant is a right which entitles its
holder, for a specified period of time, to acquire a specified number of shares
of common stock for a specified price per share. If the share price at the time
the warrant is exercised exceeds the total of the exercise price of the warrant
and its purchase price, the Fund experiences a gain to the extent this total is
exceeded by the share price. However, if the share price at the time the warrant
expires is less than the exercise price of the warrant, the Fund will suffer a
loss of the purchase price of the warrant.

     The Fund restricts its investment in securities of foreign issuers to no
more than 10% of the value of the Fund's total net assets. Such securities may
be subject to additional federal taxes which would increase the cost of such
investments and may be subject to foreign government taxes which could reduce
the income yield on such securities.

     In addition, the Fund may also buy "restricted" securities which cannot be
sold publicly until registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund's
ability to dispose of investments in "restricted" securities at reasonable price
levels might be limited unless and until their registration under the Securities
Act of 1933 has been completed. The Fund will endeavor to have the issuing
company pay all the expenses of any such registration, but there is no assurance
that the Fund will not have to pay all or some of these expenses.

                      INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND INSTRUMENTS

     The Fund may engage in the following investment practices or invest in the
following instruments to the extent permitted in the Prospectus and elsewhere in
this SAI.




                                       4
<PAGE>   182

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES

     In times of unusual or adverse market conditions - for temporary defensive
purposes - the Fund may invest without limit in cash and cash equivalents.  See
"Cash Equivalents."

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System or member firms of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. that meet the repurchase agreement creditworthiness guidelines
established by the Trustees.

     A repurchase agreement, which provides a means for the Fund to earn income
on uninvested cash for periods as short as overnight, is an arrangement under
which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) purchases a security, usually in the form
of a debt obligation (the "Obligation") and the seller agrees, at the time of
sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time and price. Repurchase
agreements with foreign banks may be available with respect to government
securities of the particular foreign jurisdiction. The custody of the Obligation
will be maintained by a custodian appointed by the Fund or another custodian as
agent for the Fund and the Fund's counterparty. The Fund attempts to assure that
the value of the purchased securities, including any accrued interest, will at
all times exceed the value of the repurchase agreement. The repurchase price may
be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or
the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated
rate due to the Fund together with the repurchase price upon repurchase. In
either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the
Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement.

     The income on repurchase agreements may be subject to federal and state
income taxes when distributed by the Fund as a dividend to shareholders.

     For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement has been deemed to be
a loan from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation. It is not clear whether a
court would consider the Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a
repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a
loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy
or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the Obligation before
repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may
encounter delays and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Delays
may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the Obligation. If the court
characterizes the transaction as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a
security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to return the
Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or
all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any
unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Fund, the Subadvisor seeks to
minimize the risk of loss from repurchase agreements by analyzing the
creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the Obligation.
Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the
risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market
value of the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than
the repurchase price (including accrued interest), the Fund will direct the
seller of the Obligation to deliver additional securities so that the market
value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds
the repurchase price. The Trustees have delegated to the Subadvisor the
authority and responsibility to monitor and evaluate the Fund's use of
repurchase agreements and identification of sellers who they believe to be
creditworthy and have authorized the Fund to enter into repurchase agreements
with such sellers. If the other party to a repurchase agreement were to become
bankrupt, the Fund could experience delays in recovering its investment or
losses.

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

     In accordance with guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Fund
may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities. Under present
regulatory policies, such loans may be made to institutions, such as
broker-dealers, and would be required to be secured continuously by collateral
in cash or U.S. government



                                       5
<PAGE>   183

securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to 100% of
the current market value of the securities loaned. The Fund would have the right
to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time generally on less
than five days' notice. For the duration of a loan, the Fund would continue to
receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the
securities loaned and would also receive compensation from the investment of the
collateral. The Fund would not, however, have the right to vote any securities
having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but the Fund would call
the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the
securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter
affecting the investment.

     As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery
of, or even loss of rights in, the collateral should the borrower of the
securities fail financially or breach its agreement with the Fund. However, the
loans would be made only to firms deemed by the Subadvisor to be creditworthy
and approved by the Board, and when, in the judgment of the Subadvisor, the
consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans of this type
justifies the attendant risk. If the Subadvisor determines to make securities
loans, it is intended that the value of securities loaned will not exceed 33% of
the value of the total assets of the Fund. Under the guidelines adopted by the
Board of Trustees, the Fund may not enter into a lending agreement with a
counterparty which would cause the Fund to have loans outstanding to that
counterparty for securities having a value greater than 5% of the Fund's total
assets.

CASH EQUIVALENTS

     The Fund may invest in cash or cash equivalents, which include, but are not
limited to: short-term obligations issued or guaranteed as to interest and
principal by the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof
(including repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities); obligations
of banks (certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and time deposits) which
at the date of investment have capital, surplus, and undivided profits (as of
the date of their most recently published financial statements) in excess of
$100,000,000, and obligations of other banks or savings and loan associations if
such obligations are federally insured; commercial paper (as described in this
SAI) short-term corporate obligations which at the date of investment are rated
AA or better by S&P or Aa or better by Moody's; and other debt instruments not
specifically described above if such instruments are deemed by the Subadvisor to
be of comparable high quality and liquidity.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

     The Fund may invest in securities convertible into common stock or the cash
value of a single equity security or a basket or index of equity securities.
Such investments may be made, for example, if the Subadvisor believes that a
company's convertible securities are undervalued in the market. Convertible
securities eligible for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio include convertible
bonds, convertible preferred stocks, warrants or notes or other instruments that
may be exchanged for cash payable in an amount that is linked to the value of a
particular security, basket of securities, index or indices of securities or
currencies.

     Convertible securities, until converted, have the same general
characteristics as other fixed income securities insofar as they generally
provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of
equity securities of the same or similar issuers. By permitting the holder to
exchange his investment for common stock or the cash value of a security or a
basket or index of securities, convertible securities may also enable the
investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying
securities. Therefore, convertible securities generally offer lower interest or
dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.

     As with all fixed income securities, the market value of convertible
securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to
increase as interest rates decline. The unique feature of the convertible
security is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, a
convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may
not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price
of a convertible security



                                       6
<PAGE>   184

increasingly reflects the value of the underlying common stock and may rise
accordingly. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in
convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in the common
stock of the same issuer.

     Holders of fixed income securities (including convertible securities) have
a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the holders of common stock in case
of liquidation. However, convertible securities are typically subordinated to
similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.

     Accordingly, convertible securities have unique investment characteristics
because (i) they have relatively high yields as compared to common stocks, (ii)
they have defensive characteristics since they provide a fixed return even if
the market price of the underlying common stock declines, and (iii) they provide
the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying
common stock increases.

     A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the
issuer at a price established in the charter provision or indenture pursuant to
which the convertible security is issued. If a convertible security held by the
Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the
security for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or cash or
sell it to a third party.

FOREIGN SECURITIES

     The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-dollar-denominated
foreign debt and equity securities and in certificates of deposit issued by
foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks.

     Investors should carefully consider the appropriateness of foreign
investing in light of their financial objectives and goals. While foreign
markets may present unique investment opportunities, foreign investing involves
risks not associated with domestic investing. Securities denominated in foreign
currencies may gain or lose value as a result of fluctuating currency exchange
rates. Securities markets in other countries are not always as efficient as
those in the U.S. and are sometimes less liquid and more volatile. Other risks
involved in investing in the securities of foreign issuers include differences
in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; limited publicly
available information; the difficulty of assessing economic trends in foreign
countries; generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions;
the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation;
adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which may include
suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a country); government
interference, including government ownership of companies in certain sectors,
wage and price controls, or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist
measures; difficulties in invoking legal process abroad and enforcing
contractual obligations; political, social or economic instability which could
affect U.S. investments in foreign countries; and potential restrictions on the
flow of international capital. Additionally, foreign securities and dividends
and interest payable on those securities may be subject to foreign taxes,
including foreign withholding taxes, and other foreign taxes may apply with
respect to securities transactions. Additional costs associated with an
investment in foreign securities may include higher transaction, custody and
foreign currency conversion costs. In the event of litigation relating to a
portfolio investment, the Fund may encounter substantial difficulties in
obtaining and enforcing judgments against non-U.S. resident individuals and
companies.

     Investment in emerging market countries presents risks in greater degree
than, and in addition to, those presented by investment in foreign issuers in
general. Developing countries have economic structures that are less mature.
Furthermore, developing countries have less stable political systems and may
have high inflation, rapidly changing interest and currency exchange rates, and
their securities markets are substantially less developed. The economies of
developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade,
and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by
barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and
other protectionist measures in the countries with which they trade. These
economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic
conditions in the countries with which they trade.



                                       7
<PAGE>   185

     ADRs (sponsored or unsponsored) are receipts typically issued by a U.S.
bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities.
Most ADRs are traded on a U.S. stock exchange. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are
not contractually obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and,
therefore, there may not be a correlation between such information and the
market value of the unsponsored ADR. European Depositary Receipts and
International Depositary Receipts are receipts typically issued by a European
bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities.
Global Depositary Receipts are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S.
banking institution evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities.

WARRANTS

     The holder of a warrant has the right to purchase a given number of shares
of a particular issuer at a specified price until expiration of the warrant.
Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an
equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not
necessarily move in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities, and are
speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other
than a purchase option. If a warrant is not exercised by the date of its
expiration, the Fund will lose its entire investment in such warrant.

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES

     PURCHASING OPTIONS. The Fund may purchase put or call options which are
traded on an Exchange or in the over-the-counter market. Options traded in the
over-the-counter market may not be as actively traded as those listed on an
Exchange. Accordingly, it may be more difficult to value such options and to be
assured that they can be closed out at any time. The Fund will engage in such
transactions only with firms the Subadvisor deems to be of sufficient
creditworthiness so as to minimize these risks.

     The Fund may purchase put options on securities to protect their holdings
in an underlying or related security against a substantial decline in market
value. Securities are considered related if their price movements generally
correlate with one another. The purchase of put options on securities held in
the portfolio or related to such securities will enable the Fund to preserve, at
least partially, unrealized gains occurring prior to the purchase of the option
on a portfolio security without actually selling the security. In addition, the
Fund will continue to receive interest or dividend income on the security. The
put options purchased by the Fund may include, but are not limited to,
"protective puts" in which the security to be sold is identical or substantially
identical to a security already held by the Fund or to a security which the Fund
has the right to purchase. The Fund would ordinarily recognize a gain if the
value of the securities decreased during the option period below the exercise
price sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would recognize a loss if the
value of the securities remained above the difference between the exercise price
and the premium.

     The Fund may also purchase call options on securities it intends to
purchase to protect against substantial increases in prices of such securities
pending their ability to invest in an orderly manner in such securities. The
purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to purchase a security at a specified price upon exercise of the option
during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if the value
of the securities increased during the option period above the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would have a loss if the value of
the securities remained below the sum of the premium and the exercise price
during the option period. In order to terminate an option position, the Fund may
sell put or call options identical to those previously purchased, which could
result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount received on the
sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the
put or call option when it was purchased.

     SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. Exchange markets in
some securities options are a relatively new and untested concept, and it is
impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in such
options. The same types of risk apply to over-the-counter trading in options.
There can be no assurance that



                                       8
<PAGE>   186

viable markets will develop or continue in the United States or abroad.

     The Fund's purpose in selling covered options is to realize greater income
than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. The Fund may
forego the benefits of appreciation on securities sold pursuant to call options,
or pay a higher price for securities acquired pursuant to put options written by
the Fund. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund is not sold when it has
remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case
of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price, or, in the case
of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the Fund will not
be able to exercise profitably the option and will lose its entire investment in
the option. Also, the price of a put or call option purchased to hedge against
price movements in a related security may move more or less than the price of
the related security.

     The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if the value of the securities
increased during the option period above the exercise price sufficiently to
cover the premium. The Fund would have a loss if the value of the securities
remained below the sum of the premium paid and the exercise price during the
option period. The ability of the Fund to successfully utilize options may
depend in part upon the ability of the Subadvisor to forecast interest rates and
other economic factors correctly.

     The hours of trading for options on securities may not conform to the hours
during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the
options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities,
significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the options markets.

FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

     The Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures to hedge the equity
portion of its securities portfolio with regard to market (systematic) risk
(involving the market's assessment of overall economic prospects), as
distinguished from stock-specific risk (involving the market's evaluation of the
merits of the issuer of a particular security) or to gain market exposure to
that portion of the market represented by the futures contract. The Fund may
also purchase and sell other futures when deemed appropriate, in order to hedge
the equity or non-equity portions of their portfolios. In addition, the Fund
may, to the extent it invests in foreign securities, enter into contracts for
the future delivery of foreign currencies to hedge against changes in currency
exchange rates. The Fund may also purchase and write put and call options on
futures contracts of the type into which the Fund is authorized to enter and may
engage in related closing transactions. In the United States, all such futures
on debt securities, debt index futures, stock index futures, foreign currency
futures and related options will be traded on exchanges that are regulated by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Subject to compliance with
applicable CFTC rules, the Fund also may enter into futures contracts traded on
foreign futures exchanges such as Frankfurt, Tokyo, London or Paris as long as
trading on foreign futures exchanges does not subject the Fund to risks that are
materially greater than the risks associated with trading on U.S. exchanges.

     A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a security or currency
(or to deliver a final cash settlement price in the case of a contract relating
to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading
in the contracts), for a set price at a future date. When interest rates are
changing and portfolio values are falling, futures contracts can offset a
decline in the value of the Fund's current portfolio securities. When interest
rates are changing and portfolio values are rising, the purchase of futures
contracts can secure better effective rates or purchase prices for the Fund than
might later be available in the market when the Fund makes anticipated
purchases. In the United States, futures contracts are traded on boards of trade
which have been designated "contract markets" by the CFTC. Futures contracts
trade on these markets through an "open outcry" auction on the exchange floor.
Currently, there are futures contracts based on a variety of instruments,
indexes and currencies, including long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, Treasury notes,
GNMA certificates, three-month U.S. Treasury bills, three-month domestic bank
certificates of deposit, a municipal bond index and various stock indexes.

     When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by the Fund, the Fund
is required to deposit with its




                                       9
<PAGE>   187

custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of liquid assets
("initial margin") as a partial guarantee of its performance under the contract.
The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the
contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The
initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on
the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the
contract assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Fund
expects to earn interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures
contract held by the Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of
the exchange on which it is traded. Each day, as the value of the security,
currency or index fluctuates, the Fund pays or receives cash, called "variation
margin," equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This
process is known as "marking-to-market." Variation margin does not represent a
borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and
the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract
expired. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark-to-market its
open futures positions. Moreover, the Fund will maintain sufficient liquid
assets to cover its obligations under open futures contracts.

     The Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to
put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits
will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the
related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option,
and other futures positions held by the Fund.

     Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery
or final cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated through
offsetting transactions which may result in a gain or a loss. While futures
positions taken by the Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund
may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities or currencies
whenever it appears economically advantageous to the Fund to do so. A clearing
organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes
responsibility for closing-out transactions and guarantees that as between the
clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be
performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of
the contract.

     FUTURES ON DEBT SECURITIES. A futures contract on a debt security is a
binding contractual commitment which, if held to maturity, will result in an
obligation to make or accept delivery, during a particular future month, of
securities having a standardized face value and rate of return. By purchasing
futures on debt securities--assuming a "long" position--the Fund will legally
obligate itself to accept the future delivery of the underlying security and pay
the agreed-upon price. By selling futures on debt securities--assuming a "short"
position--it will legally obligate itself to make the future delivery of the
security against payment of the agreed-upon price. Open futures positions on
debt securities will be valued at the most recent settlement price, unless such
price does not appear to the Subadvisor to reflect the fair value of the
contract, in which case the positions will be valued by or under the direction
of the Trustees.

     Hedging by use of futures on debt securities seeks to establish, more
certainly than would otherwise be possible, the effective rate of return on
portfolio securities. The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling contracts for the future delivery of debt securities
held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics similar to those held by
the Fund) in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates that
would adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. When
hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position.

     On other occasions, the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing
futures on debt securities. This would be done, for example, when the Fund
intends to purchase particular securities and it has the necessary cash, but
expects the rate of return available in the securities markets at that time to
be less favorable than rates currently available in the futures markets. If the
anticipated rise in the price of the securities should occur (with its
concomitant reduction in yield), the increased cost to the Fund of purchasing
the securities will be offset, at least to some extent, by the rise in the value
of the futures position taken in anticipation of the subsequent securities
purchase. The Fund may also purchase futures contracts as a substitute for the
purchase of longer-term securities to


                                       10
<PAGE>   188

lengthen the average duration of the Fund's portfolio.

     The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling securities with long
maturities and investing in securities with short maturities when interest rates
are expected to increase or by buying securities with long maturities and
selling securities with short maturities when interest rates are expected to
decline. However, by using futures contracts as a risk management technique,
given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it
may be possible to accomplish the same result more easily and more quickly.

     Depending upon the types of futures contracts that are available to hedge
the Fund's portfolio of securities or portion of a portfolio, perfect
correlation between the Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions may be
difficult to achieve. Futures contracts do not exist for all types of securities
and markets for futures contracts that do exist may, for a variety of reasons,
be illiquid at particular times when the Fund might wish to buy or sell a
futures contract.

     SECURITIES INDEX FUTURES. A securities index futures contract does not
require the physical delivery of securities, but merely provides for profits and
losses resulting from changes in the market value of the contract to be credited
or debited at the close of each trading day to the respective accounts of the
parties to the contract. On the contract's expiration date a final cash
settlement occurs and the futures positions are simply closed out. Changes in
the market value of a particular stock index futures contract reflect changes in
the specified index of equity securities on which the contract is based. A stock
index is designed to reflect overall price trends in the market for equity
securities.

     Stock index futures may be used to hedge the equity portion of the Fund's
securities portfolio with regard to market (systematic) risk, as distinguished
from stock-specific risk. The Fund may enter into stock index futures to the
extent that they have equity securities in their portfolios. Similarly, the Fund
may enter into futures on debt securities indexes (including the municipal bond
index) to the extent they have debt securities in their portfolios. By
establishing an appropriate "short" position in securities index futures, the
Fund may seek to protect the value of its portfolio against an overall decline
in the market for securities. Alternatively, in anticipation of a generally
rising market, the Fund can seek to avoid losing the benefit of apparently low
current prices by establishing a "long" position in securities index futures and
later liquidating that position as particular securities are in fact acquired.
To the extent that these hedging strategies are successful, the Fund will be
affected to a lesser degree by adverse overall market price movements, unrelated
to the merits of specific portfolio securities, than would otherwise be the
case. The Fund may also purchase futures on debt securities or indexes as a
substitute for the purchase of longer-term debt securities to lengthen the
average duration of the Fund's debt portfolio or to gain exposure to particular
markets represented by the index.

     The Fund does not intend to use U.S. stock index futures to hedge positions
in securities of non-U.S. companies.

     LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON
FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund will only enter into futures contracts or related
options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange or board
of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automatic quotation system. The
Fund will not enter into futures contracts for which the aggregate contract
amounts exceed 100% of the Fund's net assets. In addition, with respect to
positions in futures and related options that do not constitute bona fide
hedging positions, the Fund will not enter into a futures contract or futures
option contract if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate initial margin
deposits relating to such positions plus premiums paid by it for open futures
option positions, less the amount by which any such options are "in-the-money,"
would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. A call option is "in-the-money" if
the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option exceeds the
exercise price. A put option is "in-the-money" if the exercise price exceeds the
value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option.

     When purchasing a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its
custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added
to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are



                                       11
<PAGE>   189


equal to the market value of the futures contract. Alternatively, the Fund may
"cover" its position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract
with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the
Fund.

     When selling a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its custodian
(and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the
amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the
market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively, the Fund
may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the contract (or,
in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a volatility
substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is
based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same
futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by
the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets
with the Fund's custodian).

     When selling a call option on a futures contract, the Fund will maintain
with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that,
when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as
margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract underlying the call
option. Alternatively, the Fund may cover its position by entering into a long
position in the same futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price
of the call option, by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract,
or by holding a separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same
futures contract at a price not higher than the strike price of the call option
sold by the Fund.

     When selling a put option on a futures contract, the Fund will maintain
with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that
equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit.
Alternatively, the Fund may cover the position either by entering into a short
position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put option
permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike price of
the purchased put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put
option sold by the Fund.

     The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company also
may limit the extent to which the Fund may enter into futures, futures options
or forward contracts.  See "Tax Information."

     RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES AND FUTURES OPTIONS. There are several risks
associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options as hedging
techniques. There can be no assurance that hedging strategies using futures will
be successful. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in
excess of the amount invested in the futures contract, which in some cases may
be unlimited. There can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between
price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund's securities being
hedged. An incorrect correlation could result in a loss on both the hedged
securities or currencies and the hedging vehicle so that the portfolio return
might have been better had hedging not been attempted. In addition, there are
significant differences between the securities and futures markets that could
result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given hedge
not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends
on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures and
futures options on securities, including technical influences in futures trading
and futures options, and differences between the financial instruments being
hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for
trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and
creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge
involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may
be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest
rate trends. It is also possible that, when the Fund has sold stock index
futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may
advance while the value of the particular securities held in the Fund's
portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would incur a loss on the
futures contracts and also experience a decline in the value of its portfolio
securities.

     Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain
futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes
the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or
down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the current trading
session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to
the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price



                                       12
<PAGE>   190

beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a
particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the
limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example,
futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt
liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to
substantial losses.

     There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when
the Fund seeks to close out a futures or a futures option position. If no liquid
market exists, the Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until
the position is closed. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are
relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result,
there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or
continue to exist. Lack of a liquid market for any reason may prevent the Fund
from liquidating an unfavorable position and the Fund would remain obligated to
meet margin requirements until the position is closed.

     In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions, there are
several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The ability to
establish and close out positions in such options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid market in the options. It is not certain
that such a market will develop. Although the Fund generally will purchase only
those options and futures contracts for which there appears to be an active
market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for
any particular option or futures contract at any particular time. In the event
no such market exists for particular options, it might not be possible to effect
closing transactions in such options with the result that the Fund would have to
exercise options it has purchased in order to realize any profit and would be
less able to limit its exposure to losses on options it has written.

     Many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments
without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance
that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist. If the price
of a futures contract changes more than the price of the securities or
currencies, the Fund will experience either a loss or a gain on the futures
contracts which will not be completely offset by changes in the price of the
securities or currencies which are the subject of the hedge. In addition, it is
not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting
the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies because the value of
such securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of independent factors not
related to currency fluctuations.

      ADDITIONAL RISKS OF OPTIONS ON SECURITIES, FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS ON
FUTURES CONTRACTS, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY. Options on securities, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, currencies and options on currencies
may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as
effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a
clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of
governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities.
The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other
complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) delays in
availability, than in the United States, of data on which to make trading
decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic events
occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States,
(iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures
and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading
volume.

                       FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     The Fund's investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental policies
of the Fund; i.e., they may not be changed without a majority vote of the
outstanding shares of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. Except for those
investment policies specifically identified as fundamental in the Prospectus and
this Statement of Additional Information, all other investment policies and
practices described may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval
of shareholders.

     Unless otherwise indicated, all of the percentage limitations below, and in
the investment restrictions recited in the Prospectus apply only at the time a
transaction is entered into. Accordingly, if a percentage restriction is


                                       13
<PAGE>   191


adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in the
percentage which results from a relative change in values or from a change in
the Fund's net assets will not be considered a violation. With respect to
investment in illiquid securities, the Fund will consider taking measures to
reduce the holdings of illiquid securities if they exceed the percentage
limitation as a result of changes in the values of the securities as if liquid
securities have become illiquid.

THE FUND MAY NOT:

      1. With respect to 75% of total assets invest more than 5% of the value of
its total assets in the securities of any one issuer, except U.S. government
securities, or purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase would
cause more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer to be held by the
Fund.

      2. Borrow money except from banks on a temporary basis for extraordinary
or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests, or by
engaging in reverse repurchase agreements or comparable portfolio transactions
provided that the Fund maintains asset coverage of at least 300% for all such
borrowings, and no purchases of securities will be made while such borrowings
exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

      3. Purchase securities if such purchase would cause 25% or more in the
aggregate of the market value of the total assets of the Fund to be invested in
the securities of one or more issuers having their principal business activities
in the same industry, provided that there is no limitation in respect to
investments in U.S. government securities or investments in repurchase
agreements with respect thereto (for the purposes of this restriction, telephone
companies are considered to be a separate industry from gas or electric
utilities, and wholly owned finance companies are considered to be in the
industry of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing
the activities of the parents) except that at such time that the 1940 Act is
amended to permit a registered investment company to elect to be "periodically
industry concentrated" (i.e., a fund that does not concentrate its investments
in a particular industry would be permitted, but not required, to invest 25% or
more of its total assets in a particular industry) the Fund elects to be so
classified and the foregoing limitation shall no longer apply.

      4. Purchase or sell real estate (excluding securities secured by real
estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in or deal in
real estate), commodities and commodity contracts. The Trust reserves the
freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired for the Fund as a
result of the ownership of securities. Purchases and sales of foreign currencies
on a spot basis and forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options on
currency, futures contracts on currencies or securities indices and options on
such futures contracts are not deemed to be an investment in a prohibited
commodity or commodity contract for the purpose of this restriction.

      5. Make loans to other persons, except loans of portfolio securities. The
purchase of debt obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements in
accordance with the Fund's investment objectives and policies are not deemed to
be loans for this purpose.

      6. Act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to the
extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the
1933 Act, as amended, in the disposition of portfolio securities.

      7. Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.

                     NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     In addition to the Trust's fundamental investment restrictions, the
Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and restrictions
which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Fund. These represent
intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They differ from
fundamental investment policies in that the following additional investment
restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without
requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.



                                       14
<PAGE>   192

     Unless otherwise indicated, all percentage limitations apply only at the
time a transaction is entered into. Accordingly, if a percentage restriction is
adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in the
percentage which results from a relative change in values or from a change in
the Fund's net assets will not be considered a violation.

     The Fund may not:

     (a) As an operating policy, the Fund may not sell securities short, except
for covered short sales or unless it owns or has the right to obtain securities
equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and provided that
transactions in options, futures and forward contracts are deemed not to
constitute short sales of securities.

     (b) As an operating policy, the Fund may not purchase securities on margin,
except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the
clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection with
futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute the
purchase of securities on margin.

     (c) As an operating policy, the Fund may not invest in securities which are
not readily marketable, or the disposition of which is restricted under federal
securities laws (collectively, "illiquid securities"), other than Rule 144A
securities and Section 4(2) commercial paper determined to be liquid pursuant to
guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees if, as a result, more than
15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. The Fund
may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements
providing for settlement in more than seven days, or in other instruments which
for regulatory purposes or in the Subadvisor's opinion may be deemed to be
illiquid, such as a certain portion of options traded in the over-the-counter
market, and securities being used to cover options the Fund has written.

     (d) As an operating policy, the Fund may not purchase the securities of
other investment companies except to the permitted by the 1940 Act in connection
with a merger, consolidated, acquisition, or reorganization.

     "Value" for the purposes of all investment restrictions shall mean the
value used in determining the Fund's net asset value.

     The Trustees have the ultimate responsibility for determining whether
specific securities are liquid or illiquid. The Trustees have delegated the
function of making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Subadvisor,
pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trustees.

     The Subadvisor takes into account a number of factors in determining
whether a Rule 144A security being considered for purchase by the Fund is
liquid, including at least the following:

     (i) the frequency and size of trades and quotes for the Rule 144A security
relative to the size of the Fund's holding;

     (ii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the 144A security
and the number of other potential purchasers;

     (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the 144A security; and

     (iv) the nature of the 144A security and the nature of the market for the
144A security (i.e., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).

     To the extent that the market for a Rule 144A security changes, a Rule 144A
security originally determined to be liquid upon purchase may be determined to
be illiquid.


                                       15
<PAGE>   193

     To make the determination that an issue of 4(2) commercial paper is liquid,
the Subadvisor must conclude that the following conditions have been met:

     (a) the 4(2) commercial paper is not traded flat or in default as to
principal or interest;

     (b) the 4(2) commercial paper is rated:

     (i) in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs");or

     (ii) if only one NRSRO rates the security, the 4(2) commercial paper is
rated in one of the two highest rating categories by that NRSRO; or

     (iii) if the security is unrated, the Subadvisor has determined that the
security is of equivalent quality based on factors commonly used by rating
agencies; and

     (c) there is a viable trading market for the specific security, taking into
account all relevant factors (e.g., whether the security is the subject of a
commercial paper program that is administered by an issuing and paying agent
bank and for which there exists a dealer willing to make a market in the
security, the size of trades relative to the size of the Fund's holding or
whether the 4(2) commercial paper is administered by a direct issuer pursuant to
a direct placement program).

                              TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     The Board of Trustees oversees the Fund, the Manager and the Subadvisor.
Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust is set forth
below. Trustees deemed to be "interested persons" of the Trust for purposes of
the 1940 Act are indicated by an asterisk.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)                    POSITION(S)              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                      WITH TRUST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                      <C>
Richard M. Kernan, Jr.*                    Chairman and             Director of MainStay VP Series Fund,
51 Madison Avenue                          Trustee                  Inc. From January 1987 to present;
New York, NY 10010                                                  Chairman of the board and Chief
Date of Birth:                                                      Executive Officer of MainStay VP
12/13/40                                                            Series Fund, Inc. From August 1989 to
                                                                    present; Executive Vice President and
                                                                    Chief Investment Officer of New York
                                                                    Life Insurance Company from March
                                                                    1995 to present; Executive Vice
                                                                    President prior thereto; Member of
                                                                    the Board of Directors of New York
                                                                    Life Insurance Company from November
                                                                    1996 to present and Chairman of the
                                                                    Investment Committee from January
                                                                    1997 to present; and Director, MacKay
                                                                    Shields LLC, 1988 to present; and
                                                                    Director, Express Scripts,
                                                                    1992-present.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                       16
<PAGE>   194

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                     <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen C. Roussin*                        President, Chief         President and Chief Operating Officer,
300 Interpace Parkway                      Executive Officer        New York Life Asset Management
Parsippany, NJ  07054                      and Trustee              Operating Company LLC, 1999 to
Date of Birth:  7/12/63                                             present; President and Chief Operating
                                                                    Officer, New York Life Asset
                                                                    Management LLC, 1999 to present;
                                                                    President, MainStay Management, June
                                                                    1997-2000; Director and Chairperson,
                                                                    MainStay Institutional Funds, Inc.,
                                                                    1997 to present; Senior Vice
                                                                    President, New York Life Insurance
                                                                    Company, 1997 to present; Senior Vice
                                                                    President, Smith Barney, 1994 to 1997;
                                                                    and Division Sales Manager, Prudential
                                                                    Securities, 1989 to 1994.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry G. Hohn*                             Trustee                  Retired Chairman and Chief Executive
51 Madison Avenue                                                   Officer, New York Life Insurance
New York, NY  10010                                                 Company; Chairman of the Board and
Date of Birth:  3/1/32                                              Chief Executive Officer, New York Life
                                                                    Insurance Company, 1990 to 1997; Vice
                                                                    Chairman of the Board, New York Life
                                                                    Insurance Company, 1986 to 1990;
                                                                    Director, New York Life Insurance
                                                                    Company, 1985 to present; Chairman of
                                                                    the Board, American Council of
                                                                    Insurance, 1994 to 1995; Chairman of
                                                                    the Board, Life Insurance Council of
                                                                    New York, 1996 to 1997; Director,
                                                                    Million Dollar Roundtable Foundation,
                                                                    1996 to 1997; Director, Insurance
                                                                    Marketplace Standards Association,
                                                                    1996 to 1997; Director, CK Witco
                                                                    Corporation, 1989 to present; Member,
                                                                    International Advisory Board of Credit
                                                                    Commercial de France, 1995 to 1999;
                                                                    and a Life Fellow of the American Bar
                                                                    Foundation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward J. Hogan                            Trustee                  Rear Admiral U.S. Navy (Retired);
Box 2321                                                            Independent Management Consultant,
Sun Valley, ID  83353                                               1992 to 1997.
Date of Birth:  8/17/32
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       17
<PAGE>   195

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                     <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nancy Maginnes                             Trustee                  Member, Council of Rockefeller
Kissinger                                                           University, New York, NY, 1991 to
Henderson Road                                                      present; Trustee, Rockefeller
South Kent, CT  06785                                               University, 1995 to present; Trustee,
Date of Birth:  4/13/34                                             Animal Medical Center, 1993 to
                                                                    present; and Trustee, The Masters
                                                                    School, 1994 to present; Member,
                                                                    Board of Overseers, Rockefeller
                                                                    Institute of Government, Albany, NY,
                                                                    1983- 1992 (Board dissolved).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terry L. Lierman                           Trustee                  President, Capitol Associates, Inc.,
426 C Street, N.E.                                                  1984 to present; Managing Director, The
Washington, D.C.  20002                                             Life Services Trust, 1998 to present;
Date of Birth:  1/4/48                                              Vice Chair, Employee Health Programs,
                                                                    1990 to present; Vice Chair, TheraCom
                                                                    Inc., 1994 to present; Director,
                                                                    PeacePac, 1994 to present; Commissioner,
                                                                    State of Maryland, Higher Education
                                                                    Commission, 1995 to present; Chair,
                                                                    National Organization on Fetal Alcohol
                                                                    Syndrome, 1993 to present; Board Member,
                                                                    Hollings Cancer Center, Medical
                                                                    University of South Carolina, 1993 to
                                                                    present; Member, UNICEF National Board,
                                                                    1993 to present; Board Member, KIDS
                                                                    (Kids in Distressed Situations) 1996 to
                                                                    present; Member, Business Leaders for
                                                                    Sensible Priorities, 1998 to present;
                                                                    and Board Member, Discovery Creek
                                                                    Children's Museum, 1997 to present.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       18
<PAGE>   196

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                      <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John B. McGuckian                          Trustee                  Chairman of the Board, Ulster
Ardverna                                                            Television plc, 1990 to present;
Cloughmills                                                         Director, Ulster Television plc, 1970
Northern Ireland                                                    to present; Chairman of the Board,
BT4 49NL                                                            Tedcastle Holding Ltd. (energy), 1995
Date of Birth:                                                      to present; Director, Cooneen Textiles
11/13/39                                                            Ltd. (clothing manufacturer), 1967 to
                                                                    present; Director Allied Irish Banks
                                                                    plc, 1977 to present; Chairman, First
                                                                    Trust Bank, 1991 to present; Director,
                                                                    Unidare plc (engineering), 1986 to
                                                                    present; Director, Irish Continental
                                                                    Group plc (ferry operations), 1988 to
                                                                    present; Director, Harbour Group Ltd.
                                                                    (management company), 1980 to present;
                                                                    Chairman, Industrial Development
                                                                    Board, 1990 to 1997; and Chairman of
                                                                    Senate and Senior Pro-Chancellor,
                                                                    Queen's University, 1986 to 1999.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald E. Nickelson                                                 Vice Chairman, Harbour Group
1701 Highway A-1-A                                                  Industries, Inc., 1991 to present;
Suite 218                                                           Director, PaineWebber Group, 1980 to
Vero Beach, FL  32963                                               1993; President, PaineWebber Group,
Date of Birth:  12/9/32                                             1988 to 1990; Chairman of the Board,
                                                                    Paine Webber Properties, 1985 to
                                                                    1989; Director, Harbour Group, 1986
                                                                    to present; Director, Sugen, Inc.,
                                                                    1992 to 1999; Chairman of the Board,
                                                                    Omniquip International, Inc., 1996 to
                                                                    1999; Director, Carey Diversified,
                                                                    L.L.C., January 1,1998 to present.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald K. Ross*                            Trustee                  Retired Chairman and Chief Executive
953 Cherokee Lane                                                   Officer, New York Life Insurance
Franklin Lakes, NJ                                                  Company; Director, New York Life
07417                                                               Insurance Company, 1978 to 1996;
Date of Birth:  7/1/25                                              President, New York Life Insurance
                                                                    Company, 1986 to 1990; Chairman of
                                                                    the Board, New York Insurance
                                                                    Company, 1981 to 1990; Director,
                                                                    MacKay Shields LLC, 1984 to present;
                                                                    and Trustee, Consolidated Edison
                                                                    Company of New York, Inc., 1976 to
                                                                    1998.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       19
<PAGE>   197


<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                       <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard S. Trutanic                        Trustee                  Senior Managing Director, Groupe
1155 Connecticut Ave.                                               Arnault (private investment firm),
N.W.                                                                1999-present; Chairman, The Somerset
Suite 400                                                           Group (financial advisory firm), 1990
Washington, DC  20036                                               to present; Chief Executive Officer
Date of Birth:  2/13/52                                             and President, Americap L.L.C.
                                                                    (Financial Advisory Firm), 1997 to
                                                                    present; Senior Vice  President,
                                                                    Washington National Investment
                                                                    Corporation (financial  advisory
                                                                    firm), 1985 to 1990; Director, Allin
                                                                    Communications Corporation, 1996 to
                                                                    1997; and Director and Member of
                                                                    Executive Committee, Southern Net,
                                                                    Inc., 1986 to 1990.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary E. Wendlandt*                         Trustee                  Executive Vice President, New York
51 Madison Avenue                                                   Life Insurance Company, May 1999 to
New York, NY  10010                                                 present; Chief Executive Officer,
Date of Birth:  10/8/50                                             New York Life Asset Management LLC,
                                                                    December 1999 to present; Chief
                                                                    Executive Officer, New York Life
                                                                    Asset Management Operating Company
                                                                    LLC, December 1999 to present;
                                                                    Chairman and Manager, New York Life
                                                                    Asset Management Operating Company
                                                                    LLC, March 2000 to present; Chairman
                                                                    and Manager, New York Life Asset
                                                                    Management LLC, March 2000 to
                                                                    present; Manager, New York Life
                                                                    Benefit Services, Manager, Monitor
                                                                    Capital Advisors LLC, Manager,
                                                                    MainStay Management LLC, Manager,
                                                                    MainStay Shareholder Services LLC,
                                                                    Manager, Madison Square Advisors
                                                                    LLC, and Director, NYLIFE
                                                                    Distributors, Inc., March 2000 to
                                                                    present; Executive Vice President
                                                                    and Chief Investment Officer,
                                                                    MassMutual Life Insurance Company,
                                                                    June 1993 - 1999.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jefferson C. Boyce*                        Senior Vice              Chairman, Monitor Capital Advisors,
51 Madison Avenue                          President                LLC., 1977 to present; Senior Vice
New York, NY  10010                                                 President, MainStay Institutional
Date of Birth:  9/17/57                                             Funds Inc., 1998 to present; Senior
                                                                    Vice President, New York Life
                                                                    Insurance Company, 1994 to present;
                                                                    Director, NYLIFE Distributors Inc.,
                                                                    1993 to present; and chief
                                                                    Administrative Officer, Pensin,
                                                                    Mutual Funds, Structured Finance,
                                                                    Corporate Quality, Human Resources
                                                                    and Employees' health Departments,
                                                                    New York Life Insurance company,
                                                                    1992 to 1994.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       20
<PAGE>   198

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                      <C>
John A. Flanagan*                          Vice President           Vice President and Chief Financial
51 Madison Avenue                          and Chief                Officer, The MainStay Funds, 1999 to
New York, NY 10010                         Financial Officer        present; Treasurer, MainStay VP Series
Date of Birth:  6/5/46                                              Fund, 1999 to present; Treasurer and
                                                                    Chief Financial and Accounting
                                                                    Officer, MainStay Institutional Funds
                                                                    Inc., 1999 to present; Senior Vice
                                                                    President and Chief Financial Officer,
                                                                    NYLIFE Distributors, Inc., 1999 to
                                                                    present; Vice President and Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer, MainStay Management
                                                                    LLC, 1999 to present; Manager,
                                                                    MainStay Management LLC, 1999 to
                                                                    present; Manager, MainStay Shareholder
                                                                    Services LLC, 1999 to present; Vice
                                                                    President and Treasurer, New York Life
                                                                    Asset Management Operating Company
                                                                    LLC, December 1999 to present; Vice
                                                                    President and Treasurer, New York Life
                                                                    Asset Management LLC, December 1999 to
                                                                    present; Vice President, New York Life
                                                                    Insurance Company, 1999 to present;
                                                                    Treasurer of the Strong Funds and
                                                                    Senior Vice President of Strong
                                                                    Capital Management, Inc., 1997 to
                                                                    1998; Partner, Price Waterhouse
                                                                    Coopers LLP, 1994 to 1997.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick J. Farrell*                        Vice President           Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue                                                   Insurance Company, 1996 to present;
New York, NY 10010                                                  Assistant Treasurer, Member of the
Date of Birth:  9/27/59                                             Dividend Committee, The MainStay
                                                                    Funds, 1998 to present.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>




                                       21
<PAGE>   199



<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                       <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard W. Zuccaro*                      Tax Vice                    Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue                        President                  Insurance Company, 1995 to present;
New York, NY  10010                                                 Vice President -- Tax, New York
Date of Birth:                                                      Life Insurance Company, 1986 to
12/12/49                                                            1995; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
                                                                    Securities Inc., 1987 to present;
                                                                    Tax Vice President, NAFCO, Inc.,
                                                                    1990 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, NYLIFE Depositary Inc.,
                                                                    1990 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, NYLIFE Inc., 1990 to
                                                                    present; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
                                                                    Insurance Company of Arizona, 1990
                                                                    to present; Tax Vice President,
                                                                    NYLIFE Realty Inc., 1991 to
                                                                    present; Tax Vice President, NYLICO
                                                                    Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, New York Life Fund Inc.,
                                                                    1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, New York Life
                                                                    International Investment, Inc.,
                                                                    1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, NYLIFE Equity Inc., 1991
                                                                    to present; Tax Vice President,
                                                                    NYLIFE Funding Inc., 1991 to
                                                                    present; Tax Vice President, NYLCO
                                                                    Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, MainStay VP Series Fund,
                                                                    Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                    President, CNP Realty, 1991 to
                                                                    present; Tax Vice President, New
                                                                    York Life MainStay Institutional
                                                                    Funds Inc., 1992 to present; Tax
                                                                    Vice President, NYLIFE
                                                                    Distributors, Inc., 1993 to
                                                                    present; Vice President Assistant
                                                                    Controller, New York Life.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                       22
<PAGE>   200

<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. McBrien*                       Secretary                  Vice President and Secretary, New
51 Madison Avenue                                                   York Life Asset Management
New York, NY  10010                                                 Operating Company LLC, December
Date of Birth:                                                      1999 to present; Vice President
5/26/48                                                             and Secretary, New York Life Asset
                                                                    Management LLC, December 1999 to
                                                                    present; Vice President and
                                                                    Associate General Counsel, New
                                                                    York Life Insurance Company, 1999
                                                                    to present; Secretary, MainStay VP
                                                                    Series Fund, Inc., 1999 to
                                                                    present; Secretary, MainStay
                                                                    Institutional Funds Inc., 1999 to
                                                                    present; Secretary, MainStay
                                                                    Management LLC, 1999 to present;
                                                                    Secretary, MainStay Shareholder
                                                                    Services LLC, 1999 to present;
                                                                    Secretary, Monitor Capital
                                                                    Advisors LLC, 1999 to present;
                                                                    Secretary, Madison Square Advisors
                                                                    LLC, 1999 to present; Vice
                                                                    President and Counsel, State
                                                                    Street Bank and Trust Company,
                                                                    1997 to 1999; Principal, McBrien
                                                                    Consulting, 1996 to 1997; Senior
                                                                    Vice President and General
                                                                    Counsel, Liebe and Company, 1986
                                                                    to 1996; Senior Vice President and
                                                                    General Counsel, Evergreen Asset
                                                                    Management Corp., 1986 to 1996.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------
</TABLE>

     As indicated in the above table, certain Trustees and officers also hold
positions with MacKay Shields, Monitor, New York Life Insurance Company, NYLIFE
Securities Inc. and/or NYLIFE Distributors Inc.

     The Independent Trustees of the Trust receive from the Trust an annual
retainer of $45,000, a fee of $2,000 for each Board of Trustees meeting and a
fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended and are reimbursed for all
out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at such meetings. Trustees who are
affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company do not receive compensation from
the Trust.

     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Trustees received the
following compensation from the Trust and from certain other investment
companies (as indicated) that have the same investment advisors as the Trust or
an investment advisor that is an affiliated person of one of the Trust's
investment advisors:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Aggregate              Total Compensation From
        Name of                               Compensation                   Registrant
        Trustee                              from the Trust               Paid to Trustees
        -------                              --------------               ----------------
<S>                                            <C>                         <C>
        Edward J. Hogan                            $55,000                     $55,000
        Nancy M. Kissinger                          55,000                      55,000
        Terry L. Lierman                            55,000                      55,000
        Donald E. Nickelson                         59,000                      59,000
        Richard S. Trutanic                         55,000                      55,000
        John B. McGuckian                           55,000                      55,000
</TABLE>



                                       23
<PAGE>   201



                 THE MANAGER, THE SUBADVISOR AND THE DISTRIBUTOR

MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

     Pursuant to the Management Agreement for the Fund, MainStay Management, LLC
(the "Manager"), subject to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust and in
conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, administers the Fund's business
affairs and has investment advisory responsibilities. MainStay Management, LLC
is a direct subsidiary of New York Life Asset Management LLC which is a direct
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.

     The Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Management
Agreement with respect to the Fund on March 15, 1999. The sole initial
shareholder of the MAP Equity Fund approved the Management Agreement on June 8,
1999. The Management Agreement will remain in effect for two years following its
effective date, and will continue in effect thereafter only if such continuance
is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the
1940 Act and the rules thereunder) and, in either case, by a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or the Manager (as the
term is defined in the 1940 Act). The Trustees, including the independent
Trustees, approved amendments to the Management Agreement at an in-person
meeting held on September 13, 1999 to reflect the conversion of MainStay
Management from a corporation to a limited liability company under the laws of
the State of Delaware.

     The Manager has authorized any of its directors, officers and employees who
have been elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in
the capacities in which they have been elected or appointed.

     The Management Agreement provides that the Manager shall not be liable to
the Fund for any error or judgment by the Manager or for any loss sustained by
the Fund except in the case of the Manager's willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The Management Agreement also
provides that it shall terminate automatically if assigned and that it may be
terminated without penalty by either party upon no more than 60 days' nor less
than 30 days' written notice.

     In connection with its administration of the business affairs of the Fund,
and except as indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "Manager, Subadvisor
and Distributor," the Manager bears the following expenses:

     (a) the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Trust and the
Manager, except the fees and expenses of Trustees not affiliated with the
Manager or the Subadvisor;

     (b) the fees to be paid to the Subadvisor pursuant to the Sub-Advisory
Agreements; and

     (c) all expenses incurred by the Manager in connection with administering
the ordinary course of the Fund's business, other than those assumed by the
Trust.

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

     Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Manager and Markston
International, LLC ("Markston") the Subadvisor, subject to the supervision of
the Trustees of the Trust and the Manager in conformity with the stated policies
of the Fund and the Trust, manages the Fund's portfolio, including the purchase,
retention, disposition and loan of securities. As compensation for services, the
Manager, not the Fund, pays the Fund's Subadvisor a monthly fee calculated on
the basis of its average daily net assets during the preceding month at the
annual rates of 0.45% up to $250 million; 0.40% from $250 million to $500
million; and 0.35% in excess of $500 million.



                                       24
<PAGE>   202

     The Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, approved the Sub-Advisory
Agreement with Markston at an in-person meeting held March 15, 1999. The
Sub-Advisory Agreement was approved by the Fund's sole shareholder on June 8,
1999. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for two years following
its effective date, and will continue in effect thereafter only if such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees or by
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined
in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) and, in either case, by a majority of
the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, the Manager, or the
Subadvisor (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act).

     The Subadvisor has authorized any of its directors, officers and employees
who have been elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve
in the capacities in which they have been elected or appointed. In connection
with the services they render, the Subadvisor bears the salaries and expenses of
all of its personnel.

     The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Subadvisor shall not be liable
to the Fund for any error of judgment by a Subadvisor or for any loss suffered
by the Fund except in the case of the Subadvisor's willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The Sub-Advisory
Agreement also provides that it shall terminate automatically if assigned and
that it may be terminated without penalty by the manger immediately upon
material breach by the Subadvisor, after the Subadvisor has received notice and
an opportunity to cure such breach.

     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the management fee paid after
reimbursement was $305,543 (includes $54,647 of advisory fees paid to Markston
Investment Management, the Fund's prior advisor for the period January 1, 1999
through June 8, 1999). The management fee reimbursed was $65,954, and the
Sub-Advisory fee paid by the Manager was $190,110.

     With respect to the MAP-Equity Fund, the predecessor to the MAP Equity
Fund, investment advisory and management services were provided by Markston
International LLC, formerly Markston Investment Management. During the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, Markston International LLC received from
the MAP-Equity Fund advisory fees of $432,252 and $334,330, respectively. For
the period January 1, 1999 through June 8, 1999 Markston Investment Management
received from the MAP-Equity Fund advisory fees of $54,647.

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

     NYLIFE Distributors Inc. serves as the Trust's distributor and principal
underwriter (the "Distributor")pursuant to a Distribution Agreement dated
January 1, 1994. NYLIFE Securities Inc. ("NYLIFE Securities") sells shares of
the Funds pursuant to a dealer agreement with the Distributor. The Distributor
and other broker-dealers will pay commissions to salesmen as well as the cost of
printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and of any advertising
incurred by them in connection with their distribution of Trust shares. In
addition, the Distributor will pay for a variety of account maintenance and
personal services to shareholders after the sale. The Distributor is not
obligated to sell any specific amount of the Trust's shares. The Distributor
receives sales loads and distribution plan payments.

     The Trust anticipates making a continuous offering of its shares, although
it reserves the right to suspend or terminate such offering at any time with
respect to any Fund or class or group of Funds or classes. The Distribution
Agreement for the MAP Equity Fund was approved by the Trustees, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on March 15, 1999.

     After an initial two-year period, the Distribution Agreement is subject to
annual approval by the Board of Trustees. The Distribution Agreement is
terminable at any time, without payment of a penalty, by vote of a majority of
the Trust's Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Trust, upon 60 days' written notice to the Distributor, or by vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund, upon 60 days'
written notice to the Trust. The Distribution Agreement will terminate in the
event of its assignment.

     First Priority Investment Corporation acted as distributor to the
MAP-Equity Fund until April 30, 1999 pursuant to a Distributor's Agreement.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the company
received $22,754, $37,552 and $162,627, respectively, for its services as
distributor.


                                       25
<PAGE>   203


     OTHER SERVICES

     Pursuant to an Accounting Agreement with the Trust, dated October 24,
1997, the Manager performs certain bookkeeping and pricing services for the
Fund. The Fund will bear an allocable portion of the cost of providing these
services to the Trust.

     For the period June 9, 1999 through December 31, 1999, the amount of
recordkeeping fees paid to the Manager was $15,964.

     In addition, the Fund may reimburse NYLIFE Securities, NYLIFE Distributors
and MainStay Shareholder Services for the cost of certain correspondence to
shareholders and the establishment of shareholder accounts.

EXPENSES BORNE BY THE TRUST

     Except for the expenses to be paid by the Manager as described in the
Prospectus, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is responsible under its
Management Agreement for the payment of expenses related to the Fund's
operations, including (i) the fees payable to the Manager, (ii) the fees and
expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated with the Manager or Subadvisor,
(iii) certain fees and expenses of the Trust's Custodians and Transfer Agent,
(iv) the charges and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and independent
accountants, (v) brokers' commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable
to the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, in connection with its securities
transactions, (vi) the fees of any trade association of which the Fund or the
Trust is a member, (vii) the cost of share certificates representing shares of
the Fund, (viii) reimbursement of a portion of the organization expenses of the
Fund and the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
registration of the Trust and of its shares with the SEC and registering the
Trust as a broker or dealer and qualifying its shares under state securities
laws, including the preparation and printing of the Trust's registration
statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (ix) allocable communications
expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and
Trustees' meetings and preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses and reports
to shareholders, (x) litigation and indemnification expenses and other
extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's
business, (xi) any expenses assumed by the Fund pursuant to its plan of
distribution, (xii) all taxes and business fees payable by the Fund to federal,
state or other governmental agencies, and (xiii) costs associated with the
pricing of the Fund's shares. Fees and expenses of legal counsel, registering
shares, holding meetings and communicating with shareholders include an
allocable portion of the cost of maintaining an internal legal and compliance
department.

     The Fund has entered into a committed line of credit with The Bank of New
York as agent, and various other lenders from whom it may borrow up to 5% of its
net assets in order to honor redemptions. The credit facility is expected to be
utilized in periods when the Fund experiences unusually large redemption
requests. A mutual fund is considered to be using leverage whenever it borrows
an amount more than 5% of its assets. The Fund does not intend to borrow for the
purpose of purchasing securities using the credit facility or any other source
of borrowed funds.

                      PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected by
brokers, and the Fund pays a brokerage commission for this service. In
transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are
negotiated, whereas on many foreign stock exchanges these commissions are fixed.
In the over-the-counter markets, securities (i.e., municipal bonds, other debt
securities and some equity securities) are generally traded on a "net" basis
with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated
commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the
dealer. Transactions in certain over-the-counter securities also may be effected
on an agency basis, when the total price paid (including commission) is equal to
or better than the best total prices available from other sources. In
underwritten offerings, securities are usually purchased at a fixed price which
includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as
the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market
instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no
commissions or discounts are paid.

     The primary consideration in placing portfolio security transactions with
broker-dealers for execution is to obtain and maintain the availability of
execution at the most favorable prices and in the most effective manner
possible. The Subadvisor attempts to achieve this result by selecting
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of




                                       26
<PAGE>   204

the Fund and its other clients on the basis of the broker-dealers' professional
capability, the value and quality of their brokerage services and the level of
their brokerage commissions. Consistent with the foregoing primary
considerations, the Conduct Rules of the NASD and such other policies as the
Trustees may determine, the Subadvisors may consider sales of shares of the Fund
as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute the Fund's portfolio
transactions.

     NYLIFE Securities (the "Affiliated Broker") may act as broker for the Fund.
In order for the Affiliated Broker to effect any portfolio transactions for the
Fund on an exchange, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the
Affiliated Broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees
or other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable
transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on an exchange
during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow the Affiliated
Broker to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be
received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arms-length transaction.
The Fund will not deal with the Affiliated Broker in any portfolio transaction
in which the Affiliated Broker acts as principal.

     Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement and as permitted by Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), the Subadvisor may cause the
Fund to pay a broker-dealer (except the Affiliated Broker) which provides
brokerage and research services to the Subadvisor an amount of commission for
effecting a securities transaction for the Fund in excess of the amount other
broker-dealers would have charged for the transaction if the Subadvisor
determines in good faith that the greater commission is reasonable in relation
to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing
broker-dealer viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the
Subadvisor's overall responsibilities to the Trust or to its other clients. The
term "brokerage and research services" includes advice as to the value of
securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities,
and the availability of securities or of purchasers or sellers of securities;
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts;
and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental
thereto such as clearance and settlement.

     Although commissions paid on every transaction will, in the judgment of the
Subadvisor, be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage services
provided, commissions exceeding those which another broker might charge may be
paid to broker-dealers (except the Affiliated Broker) who were selected to
execute transactions on behalf of the Trust and the Subadvisor's other clients
in part for providing advice as to the availability of securities or of
purchasers or sellers of securities and services in effecting securities
transactions and performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and
settlement.

     Broker-dealers may be willing to furnish statistical, research and other
factual information or services ("Research") to the Subadvisor for no
consideration other than brokerage or underwriting commissions. Research
provided by brokers is used for the benefit of all of the Subadvisor's clients
and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of the Trust. The Subadvisor's
investment management personnel attempt to evaluate the quality of Research
provided by brokers. Results of this effort are sometimes used by the Subadvisor
as a consideration in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio
transactions.

     In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for the
Fund's portfolio as well as for that of another Fund or one or more of the other
clients of the Subadvisor. Investment decisions for the Fund and for the
Subadvisor's other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective
investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or
sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for,
other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more
clients when one or more other clients are selling that same security. Some
simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment
advice from the same investment advisor, particularly when the same security is
suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more
clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security,
the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable
to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a
detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular
transaction as far as the Fund is concerned. The Trust believes that over time
its ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions
for the Fund.



                                       27
<PAGE>   205

     The Sub-Advisory fee that the Manager pays on behalf of the Fund to the
Subadvisor will not be reduced as a consequence of the Subadvisor's receipt of
brokerage and research services. To the extent the Fund's portfolio transactions
are used to obtain such services, the brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
will exceed those that might otherwise be paid, by an amount which cannot be
clearly determined. Such services would be useful and of value to the Subadvisor
in serving both the Fund and other clients and, conversely, such services
obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients would be useful
to the Subadvisor in carrying out its obligations to the Fund.

     For the period June 9, 1999 through December 31, 1999, total brokerage
commissions paid were $33,115 on portfolio transactions amounting to
$37,595,693. The amount of these brokerage commissions which were paid to
brokers that provided research was $9,534. There were no brokerage commissions
paid to affiliated persons.

     For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the period
January 1, 1999 through June 8, 1999, the MAP-Equity Fund (predecessor to the
MAP Equity Fund) paid total brokerage commissions of $61,779 in 1997 (on
portfolio transactions amounting to $84,698,287), of which approximately 24.3%
was paid to brokers that provided research; $44,996.83 in 1998 (on portfolio
transactions amounting to $63,342,288), of which approximately 37.9% was paid to
brokers that provided research; and $12,303 in 1999 (on portfolio transactions
amounting to $17,285,287) of which approximately 18% was paid to brokers that
provided research. As of December 31, 1999, MAP Equity Fund held common stock of
American Express Co. valued at $2,029,414.

     The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of
sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of the
Fund's portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio
securities will exclude purchases and sales of debt securities having a maturity
at the date of purchase of one year or less.

     The turnover rate for the Fund will vary from year-to-year and depending on
market conditions, turnover could be greater in periods of unusual market
movement and volatility. A higher turnover rate generally would result in
greater brokerage commissions, particularly in the case of equity oriented
Funds, or other transactional expenses which must be borne, directly or
indirectly, by the Fund and, ultimately, by the Fund's shareholders. High
portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of an increase in net
short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to non-tax exempt
shareholders, will be treated as dividends (ordinary income).

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

     The Trust determines the net asset value per share of the Class I shares of
the Fund on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. Net asset
value per share is calculated as of the close of the first session of the New
York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) for Class I shares of
the Fund by dividing the current market value of the total assets attributable
to the class, by the total number of outstanding shares of the class.

     Portfolio securities are valued (a) by appraising common and preferred
stocks which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange at the last sale price of
the first session on that day or, if no sale occurs, at the mean between the
closing bid price and asked price; (b) by appraising other common and preferred
stocks as nearly as possible in the manner described in clause (a) if traded on
any other exchange, including the National Association of Securities Dealers
National Market System and foreign securities exchanges; (c) by appraising
over-the-counter common and preferred stocks quoted on the National Association
of Securities Dealers NASDAQ system (but not listed on the National Market
System) at the closing bid price supplied through such system; (d) by appraising
over-the-counter common and preferred stocks not quoted on the NASDAQ system and
securities listed or traded on certain foreign exchanges whose operations are
similar to the U.S. over-the-counter market at prices supplied by a pricing
agent selected by the Fund's Subadvisor if the prices are deemed by the
Subadvisor to be representative of market values at the close of the first
session of the New York Stock Exchange; (e) by appraising debt securities at
prices supplied by a pricing agent selected by the Subadvisor, which prices
reflect broker-dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing
techniques and/or matrix pricing if those prices are deemed by the Fund's
Subadvisor to be representative of market values at the close of the first
session of the New York Stock Exchange; (f) by appraising exchange-traded
options and futures contracts at the last posted settlement price on the market
where any such option or futures contract is principally traded; and (g) by
appraising all other securities and other assets, including over-the-counter
common and preferred stocks not quoted on the NASDAQ system, securities listed
or traded on foreign exchanges whose



                                       28
<PAGE>   206

operations are similar to the U.S. over-the-counter market and debt securities
for which prices are supplied by a pricing agent but are not deemed by the
Fund's Subadvisor to be representative of market values, but excluding money
market instruments with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less and including
restricted securities and securities for which no market quotation is available,
at fair value in accordance with procedures approved by and determined in good
faith by the Trustees, although the actual calculations may be done by others.
Money market instruments held by the Fund with a remaining maturity of 60 days
or less are valued by the amortized cost method unless such method does not
represent fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts held by the
Fund are valued at their respective fair market values determined on the basis
of the mean between the last current bid and asked prices based on dealer or
exchange quotations.

     Portfolio securities traded on more than one U.S. national securities
exchange or foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the
business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the
exchange representing the principal market for such securities. The value of all
assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into
U.S. dollar values at the mean between the buying and selling rates of such
currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by any major bank or broker-dealer.
If such quotations are not available, the rate of exchange will be determined in
accordance with policies established by the Trustees. For financial accounting
purposes, the Trust recognizes dividend income and other distributions on the
ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are
recognized as soon as the Trust is informed after the ex-dividend date.

     Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and
over-the-counter markets is normally completed well before the close of business
on each business day in New York (i.e., a day on which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European or Far Eastern securities
trading generally in a particular country or countries may not take place on all
business days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in Japanese markets
on certain Saturdays and in various foreign markets on days which are not
business days in New York and on which the Fund's net asset values are not
calculated. Such calculation of net asset value does not take place
contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the
portfolio securities used in such calculation.

     Events affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur between the
time their prices are determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange
generally will not be reflected in the Fund's calculation of net asset value.
However, the Subadvisor, in consultation with the Manager, may, in its
judgement, determine that an adjustment to the Fund's net asset value should be
made because intervening events have caused the Fund's net asset value to be
materially inaccurate.

     The proceeds received by the Fund for each issue or sale of its shares, and
all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds thereof,
subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to the
Fund and constitute the underlying assets of the Fund. The underlying assets of
the Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with
the liabilities in respect to the Fund and with a share of the general
liabilities of the Trust. Expenses with respect to any two or more Funds will be
allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective Funds except
where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made.

     To the extent that any newly organized fund or class of shares receives, on
or before December 31, any seed capital, the net asset value of such fund(s) or
class(es) will be calculated as of December 31.

                         SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

     A Shareholder Investment Account is established for each investor in the
Fund, under which a record of the shares of the Fund held is maintained by the
Transfer Agent. If a share certificate is desired, it must be requested in
writing for each transaction. There is no charge to the investor for issuance of
a certificate. Whenever a transaction takes place in the Fund, the shareholder
will be mailed a confirmation showing the transaction. Shareholders will be sent
a quarterly statement showing the status of the Account. In addition,
shareholders will be sent a monthly statement for each month in which a
transaction occurs.

                           SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT

     The Fund may pay shareholder service fees, directly or indirectly to
various entities (shareholders service agents)


                                       29
<PAGE>   207

that provide services to shareholders. These may include broker-dealers,
advisors, administrative service forms, banks and other financial institutions.
The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits national banks from engaging in the business of
underwriting, selling or distributing securities. There is currently no
precedent prohibiting banks from performing shareholder servicing and
recordkeeping functions. Changes in federal or state statutes and regulations
pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their affiliates or
subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative decisions or
interpretations of those provisions, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of such services. If a bank were prohibited from so
acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if any, would be necessary to
continue to provide efficient and effective shareholder services. It is not
expected that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences.

                 PURCHASE, REDEMPTION, EXCHANGES AND REPURCHASE

HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND

     If you are participating in a company savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan,
profit sharing plan, defined benefit plan or other employee-directed plan, your
company will provide you with the information you need to open an account and
buy and sell shares of the Fund. If you are a participant in a "wrap account" or
similar program, your investment professional will provide you with information.

BY MAIL - INDVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS

     Initial purchases of shares of the Fund should be made by mailing the
completed application form to the investor's Registered Representative. Shares
may be purchased at the NAV per share next determined after receipt in good
order of the purchase order by the Fund.

BY TELEPHONE - INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS

     An investor may make an initial investment by having his or her Registered
Representative telephone MSS between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Eastern time, on any
day the New York Stock Exchange is open. The purchase will be effected at the
NAV per share next determined following receipt of the telephone order as
described above. An application and payment must be received in good order by
MSS within three business days. All telephone calls are recorded to protect
shareholders and MSS. For a description of certain limitations on the liability
of the Fund and MSS for transactions effected by telephone, see "Know How to
Sell and Exchange Shares."

BY WIRE - INDIVDUAL SHAREHOLDERS

     An investor may open an account and invest by wire by having his or her
Registered Representative telephone MSS between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Eastern
time, to obtain an account number and instructions. For both initial and
subsequent investments, federal funds should be wired to:
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
ABA No.: 011 0000 28 Attn.: Custody and Shareholder Services
For Credit: MainStay MAP Equity Fund-Class I
Shareholder Account No.____________________________
Shareholder Registration ____________________________
DDA Account Number 99029415

     An application must be received by MSS within three business days. The
investor's bank may charge the investor a fee for the wire.

     To make a purchase effective the same day, the Registered Representative
must call MSS by 12:00 noon Eastern time, and federal funds must be received by
the Shareholder Servicing Agent before 4:00 PM Eastern time.



                                       30
<PAGE>   208

     Wiring money to the Trust will reduce the time a shareholder must wait
before redeeming or exchanging shares because, when a shareholder purchases by
check or by ACH payment, the Trust may withhold payment for up to 10 days from
the date the check or ACH purchase is received.

     ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS

     Additional investments in the Fund may be made at any time by mailing a
check payable to The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts
02266-8401. The shareholder's account number and the name of the Fund and class
of shares must be included with each investment. Purchases will be effected at
the NAV per share plus any applicable sales charge as described above.

     SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS

     The Trust's officers may waive the initial and subsequent investment
minimums for certain purchases when they deem it appropriate, including, but not
limited to, purchases by certain qualified retirement plans, New York Life
employee and agent investment plans, investments resulting from distributions by
other New York Life products and NYLIFE Distributors products, and purchases by
certain individual participants.

     Investors whose bank is a member of the Automated Clearing House ("ACH")
may purchase shares of the Fund through AutoInvest. AutoInvest facilitates
investments by using electronic debits, authorized by the shareholder, to a
checking or savings account, for share purchases. When the authorization is
accepted (usually within two weeks of receipt) a shareholder may purchase shares
by calling MSS, toll free at 1-800-MAINSTAY (between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM,
Eastern time). The investment will be effected at the NAV per share next
determined after receipt in good order of the order, and normally will be
credited to the shareholder's Fund account within two business days thereafter.
Shareholders whose bank is an ACH member also may use AutoInvest to
automatically purchase shares of the Fund on a scheduled basis by electronic
debit for an account designated by the shareholder on an application form. The
initial investment must be in accordance with the investment amounts previously
mentioned. Subsequent minimum investments are $50 monthly, $100 quarterly, $250
semiannually, or $500 annually. The investment day may be any day from the first
through the twenty-eighth of the respective month. Redemption proceeds from Fund
shares purchased by AutoInvest may not be paid until 10 days or more after the
purchase date. Fund shares may not be redeemed by AutoInvest.

     OTHER INFORMATION

     Investors may, subject to the approval of the Trust, the Distributor, the
Manager and the Subadvisor, purchase shares of the Fund with liquid securities
that are eligible for purchase by the Fund and that have a value that is readily
ascertainable. These transactions will be effected only if the Subadvisor
intends to retain the security in the Fund as an investment. The Trust reserves
the right to amend or terminate this practice at any time. An investor must call
MAINSTAY at 1- 800-MAINSTAY before sending any securities.

     An investor in certain qualified retirement plans may open an account with
a minimum investment of a lesser amount when permitted under such qualified
retirement plan. The Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to redeem
shares of any shareholder who has failed to provide the Trust with a certified
Taxpayer I.D. number or such other tax-related certifications as the Trust may
require. A notice of redemption, sent by first class mail to the shareholder's
address of record, will fix a date not less than 30 days after the mailing date,
and shares will be redeemed at the NAV determined as of the close of business on
that date unless a certified Taxpayer I.D. number (or such other information as
the Trust has requested) has been provided.



                                       31
<PAGE>   209

     REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES - INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS

     Shares may be redeemed directly from the Fund or through your Registered
Representative. Shares redeemed will be valued at the NAV per share next
determined after MSS receives the redemption request in "good order." "Good
order" with respect to a redemption request generally means that for
certificated shares, a stock power or certificate must be endorsed, and for
uncertificated shares a letter must be signed, by the record owner(s) exactly as
the shares are registered and the signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor institution. In cases where redemption is requested by a corporation,
partnership, trust, fiduciary or any other person other than the record owner,
written evidence of authority acceptable to MSS must be submitted before the
redemption request will be accepted. The signature guarantee may be waived on a
redemption of $100,000 or less which is payable to the shareholder(s) of record
and mailed to the address of record, or under such other circumstances as the
Trust may allow. Send your written request to The MainStay Funds, P.O.
Box 8401, Boston, MA 02266-8401.

     Upon the redemption of shares the Fund will make payment in cash, except as
described below, of the net asset value of the shares next determined after such
redemption request was received. There will be no redemption, however, during
any period in which the right of redemption is suspended or date of payment is
postponed because the New York Stock Exchange is closed or trading on such
Exchange is restricted or the SEC deems an emergency to exist.

     The value of the shares redeemed from the Fund may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on portfolio performance during the period the
shareholder owned the shares.

     SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN - INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS

     Dividends and capital gains distributions on shares held under the
Systematic Withdrawal Plan are reinvested in additional full and fractional
shares of the same Fund at NAV. MSS acts as agent for the shareholder in
redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the
systematic withdrawal payment and any contingent deferred sales charge, if
applicable.

     DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND

     The Trust has agreed to redeem shares of the Fund solely in cash up to the
lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder. The Trust reserves the right to pay other
redemptions, either total or partial, by a distribution in kind of securities
(instead of cash) from the Fund's portfolio. The securities distributed in such
a distribution would be valued at the same value as that assigned to them in
calculating the NAV of the shares being redeemed. If a shareholder receives a
distribution in kind, he or she should expect to incur transaction costs when he
or she converts the securities to cash.

SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS

     The Trust may suspend the right of redemption of shares of the Fund and may
postpone payment for any period: (i) during which the New York Stock Exchange is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during which trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (ii) when the SEC determines that
a state of emergency exists which may make payment or transfer not reasonably
practicable; (iii) as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of the
security holders of the Trust; or (iv) at any other time when the Trust may,
under applicable laws and regulations, suspend payment on the redemption or
repurchase of its shares.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES

     Exchanges will be based upon the Fund's NAV per share next computed
following receipt of a properly executed exchange request.

     Subject to the conditions and limitations described herein, Class I shares
of the Fund may be exchanged for Class A shares of a MainStay Fund registered in
the state of residence of the investor or where an exemption from registration
is available and only with respect to Funds that are available for sale to new
investors.



                                       32
<PAGE>   210

       INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE THEY PLACE AN
EXCHANGE REQUEST.

     Generally, shareholders may exchange their Class I shares of the Fund for
Class A shares of another MainStay Fund, without the imposition of a sales
charge. Any such exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next
computed following receipt of a properly executed exchange request.

     Exchanges may only be made with respect to Funds registered in the state of
residence of the investor or where an exemption from registration is available
and only with respect to Funds that are available for sale to new investors. An
exchange may be made by either writing to MSS at the following address: The
MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8401, or by calling
MSS at 1-800-MAINSTAY (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern time).

     In times when the volume of telephone exchanges is heavy, additional phone
lines will be added by MSS. However, in times of very large economic or market
changes, the telephone exchange privilege may be difficult to implement. When
calling MSS to make a telephone exchange, shareholders should have available
their account number and Social Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers. Under the
telephone exchange privilege, shares may only be exchanged among accounts with
identical names, addresses and Social Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers. Shares
may be transferred among accounts with different names, addresses and Social
Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers only if the exchange request is in writing and
is received in "good order." If the dealer permits, the dealer representative of
record may initiate telephone exchanges on behalf of a shareholder, unless the
shareholder notifies the Fund in writing not to permit such exchanges.

     It is the policy of The MainStay Funds to discourage frequent trading by
shareholders among the Funds in response to market fluctuations. Accordingly, in
order to maintain a stable asset base in each Fund and to reduce administrative
expenses borne by each Fund, except for systematic exchanges, exchanges
processed via MainStay's automated system and as to certain accounts for which
tracking data is not available, after five exchanges per calendar year, a $10
fee will be imposed on each trade date on which a shareholder makes an exchange
and additional exchange requests may be denied.

                          TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS

CASH OR DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING PLANS UNDER SECTION 401(k) FOR CORPORATIONS AND
SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS

     Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as an investment under a specimen
cash or deferred profit sharing plan intended to qualify under Section 401(k) of
the Code (a "401(k) Plan") adopted by a corporation, a self-employed individual
(including sole proprietors and partnerships), or other organization. The Fund
may be used as funding vehicles for qualified retirement plans including 401(k)
plans, which may be administered by third-party administrator organizations.
NYLIFE Distributors does not sponsor or administer such qualified plans at this
time.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT ("IRA")

     Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as an underlying investment for an
IRA made available by NYLIFE Distributors. Three types of IRAs are available --
a traditional IRA, the Roth IRA and the Education IRA.

     An individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of his or her earned income
to a traditional IRA. A married individual filing a joint return may also
contribute to a traditional IRA for a nonworking spouse. The maximum deduction
allowed for a contribution to a spousal IRA is the lesser of (i) $2,000 or (ii)
the sum of (a) the compensation includible in the working spouse's gross income
plus (b) any compensation includible in the gross income of the nonworking
spouse, reduced by the amount of the deduction taken by the working spouse. The
maximum deduction for an IRA contribution by a married couple is $4,000.

     An individual who has not attained age 70-1/2 may make a contribution to a
traditional IRA which is deductible for federal income tax purposes. For the
2000 tax year, a contribution is deductible only if the individual (and his or
her spouse, if applicable) has an adjusted gross income below a certain level
($51,000 for married individuals filing a joint return, with a phase-out of the
deduction for adjusted gross income between $51,000 and $61,000; $31,000 for a
single



                                       33
<PAGE>   211

individual, with a phase-out for adjusted gross income between $31,000 and
$41,000). These phase-out limits will gradually increase, eventually reaching
$50,000 - $60,000 for single filers in 2005 and thereafter (and reaching $80,000
- - $100,000 if married filing jointly in 2007 and thereafter). In addition, a
married individual may make a deductible IRA contribution even though the
individual's spouse is an active participant in a qualified employer's
retirement plan, subject to a phase-out for adjusted gross income between
$150,000 - $160,000 ($0-$10,000 for non-participant spouses filing a separate
return). However, an individual not permitted to make a deductible contribution
to an IRA may nonetheless make nondeductible contributions up to the maximum
contribution limit for that year. The deductibility of IRA contributions under
state law varies from state to state.

     Distributions from IRAs (to the extent they are not treated as a tax-free
return of nondeductible contributions) are taxable under federal income tax laws
as ordinary income. There are special rules for determining how withdrawals are
to be taxed if an IRA contains both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In
general, all traditional IRAs are aggregated and treated as one IRA, all
withdrawals are treated as one withdrawal, and then a proportionate amount of
the withdrawal will be deemed to be made from nondeductible contributions;
amounts treated as a return of nondeductible contributions will not be taxable.
Certain early withdrawals are subject to an additional penalty tax. However,
there are exceptions for certain withdrawals, including: withdrawals up to a
total of $10,000 for qualified first-time homebuyer expenses or withdrawals used
to pay "qualified higher education expenses" of the taxpayer or his or her
spouse, child or grandchild. There are also special rules governing when IRA
distributions must begin and the minimum amount of such distributions; failure
to comply with these rules can result in the imposition of an excise tax.

     ROTH IRAS. Roth IRAs are a form of individual retirement account which
feature nondeductible contributions that may be made even after the individual
attains the age of 70-1/2. In certain cases, distributions from a Roth IRA may
be tax free. The Roth IRA, like the traditional IRA, is subject to a $2,000
($4,000 for a married couple) contribution limit (taking into account both Roth
IRA and traditional IRA contributions). The maximum contribution that can be
made is phased-out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income between $95,000 and
$110,000 ($150,000 - $160,000 if married filing jointly). If the Roth IRA has
been in effect for five years, and distributions are (1) made on or after the
individual attains the age of 59-1/2; (2) made after the individual's death; (3)
attributable to disability; or (4) used for "qualified first-time home buyer
expenses," they are not taxable. If these requirements are not met,
distributions are treated first as a return of contributions and then as taxable
earnings. Taxable distributions may be subject to the same excise tax described
above with respect to traditional IRAs. All Roth IRAs, like traditional IRAs,
are treated as one IRA for this purpose. Unlike the traditional IRA, Roth IRAs
are not subject to minimum distribution requirements during the account owner's
lifetime. However, the amount in a Roth IRA is subject to required distribution
rules after the death of the account owner.

     EDUCATION IRAS. A taxpayer may make non-deductible contributions of up to
$500 per year per beneficiary to an Education IRA. Contributions cannot be made
after the beneficiary becomes 18 years old. The maximum contribution is phased
out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000
($150,000 - $160,000 if married filing jointly). Earnings are tax-deferred until
a distribution is made. If a distribution does not exceed the beneficiary's
"qualified higher education expenses" for the year, no part of the distribution
is taxable. If part of a distribution is taxable, a penalty tax will generally
apply as well. Any balance remaining in an Education IRA when the beneficiary
becomes 30 years old must be distributed and any earnings will be taxable and
subject to a penalty tax upon distribution.

     All income and capital gains deriving from IRA investments in the Fund are
reinvested and compounded tax-deferred until distributed from the IRA. The
combination of annual contributions to a traditional IRA, which may be
deductible, and tax-deferred compounding can lead to substantial retirement
savings. Similarly, the combination of tax free distributions from a Roth IRA or
Education IRA combined with tax-deferred compounded earnings on IRA investments
can lead to substantial retirement and/or education savings.

403(b)(7) TAX SHELTERED ACCOUNT

     Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as the underlying investment for
tax sheltered custodial accounts (403(b)(7) TSA plans) made available by NYLIFE
Distributors. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations described in
Section 501(c)(3) of the Code (such as hospitals, churches, religious,
scientific, or literary organizations and educational institutions) or a public
school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)(7) TSA plan.



                                       34
<PAGE>   212

GENERAL INFORMATION

     Shares of the Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit sharing,
pension, and other retirement plans, IRAs, and tax-deferred annuities other than
those offered by the Fund depending on the provisions of the relevant plan.
Third-party administrative services, available for some corporate plans, may
limit or delay the processing of transactions.

     The custodial agreements and forms provided by the Fund's Custodian and
Transfer Agent designate New York Life Trust Company as custodian for IRAs and
403(b)(7) TSA plans (unless another trustee or custodian is designated by the
individual or group establishing the plan) and contain specific information
about the plans. Each plan provides that dividends and distributions will be
reinvested automatically. For further details with respect to any plan,
including fees charged by New York Life Trust Company, tax consequences and
redemption information, see the specific documents for that plan.

     The federal tax laws applicable to retirement plans, IRAs and 403(b)(7) TSA
plans are extremely complex and change from time to time. Therefore, an investor
should consult with his or her own professional tax advisor before establishing
any of the tax-deferred retirement plans described above.

                      CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS

     From time to time the Fund may publish its yield and/or average annual
total return in advertisements and communications to shareholders. The average
annual total return is determined for a particular period by calculating the
actual dollar amount of the investment return on a $1,000 investment in the Fund
made at the maximum public offering price at the beginning of the period, and
then calculating the annual compounded rate of return which would produce that
amount. Total return for a period of one year is equal to the actual return of
the Fund during that period and reflects fee waivers and reimbursements in
effect for each period. This calculation assumes a complete redemption of the
investment. It also assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.

     Quotations of the Fund's average annual total return will be calculated
according to the following SEC formula:

          P(1+T)n = ERV

where:

         P   =               a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
         T   =               average annual total return
         ERV =               ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000
                             payment made at the beginning of the 1, 5 or
                             10-year periods at  the end of the 1, 5, or 10-year
                             periods (or fractional portion thereof)

     The Fund may quote total rates of return in addition to its average annual
total return. Such quotations are computed in the same manner as the average
annual compounded rate, except that such quotations will be based on the Fund's
actual return for a specified period as opposed to its average return over 1, 5,
and 10-year periods.

     The average annual total returns of the MAP Equity Fund's Class I Shares
for the 1-year, 5-year and 10-year periods ended December 31, 1999 are 6.85%,
22.89% and 15.41%, respectively. These figures are based on the performance of
the Mutual Benefit Fund, which was renamed the MAP-Equity Fund in 1995. The
current shareholders of the MAP-Equity Fund approved an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization at their June 3, 1999 meeting. On June 9, 1999 the MAP-Equity
Fund was reorganized as the MainStay MAP Equity Fund and existing MAP-Equity
Fund shareholders became Class I shareholders of MainStay Map Equity Fund.

     The performance data quoted represents historical performance and the
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.


                                       35
<PAGE>   213


     The Fund may also include its current dividend rate in its prospectus, in
supplemental sales literature, or in communications to shareholders. The current
dividend rate of each Fund for a particular period is calculated by annualizing
total distributions per share from net investment income (including equalization
credits, excluding realized short-term capital gains and premiums from writing
options) during this period and dividing this amount by the maximum offering
price per share on the last day of the period. The current dividend rate does
not reflect all components of the Fund's performance including (i) realized and
unrealized capital gains and losses, which are reflected in calculations of the
Fund's total return, or (ii) the amortized discount and premium on debt
obligations in income using the current market value of the obligations, as is
currently required for yield calculations. In addition, the current dividend
rate does not take into account the imposition of any contingent deferred sales
charge on the redemption of Fund shares. Any performance figure which does not
take into account the contingent deferred sales charge would be reduced to the
extent such charge is imposed upon a redemption.

     Investors should note that the investment results of the Fund will
fluctuate over time, and any presentation of the Fund's yield, current dividend
rate, total return or tax-equivalent yield of any prior period should not be
considered as a representation of what an investment may earn or what an
investor's yield, current dividend rate, total return or tax-equivalent yield
may be in any future period.

     In addition, advertising for the Fund may indicate that investors may
consider diversifying their investment portfolios in order to seek protection of
the value of their assets against inflation. From time to time, advertising
materials for the Fund may refer to or discuss current or past business,
political, economic or financial conditions, including events as they relate to
those conditions, such as any U.S. monetary or fiscal policies and the current
rate of inflation. In addition, from time to time, advertising materials for the
Fund may include information concerning retirement and investing for retirement
and may refer to the approximate number of then-current Fund shareholders,
shareholder accounts and Fund assets.

     From time to time, advertising and sales literature for the Fund may
discuss the investment philosophy, personnel and assets under management of the
Fund's Manager and Subadvisor, and other pertinent facts relating to the
management of the Fund by the Subadvisor.

     From time to time the Fund may publish an indication of its past
performance as measured by independent sources such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Incorporated, Weisenberger Investment Companies Service, Donoghue's
Money Fund Report, Spot Market Prices, Barron's, BusinessWeek, Kiplinger's
Personal Finance, Financial World, Forbes, Money, Morningstar, Personal
Investor, Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance, and The Wall Street Journal.

     In addition, performance information for the Fund may be compared, in
advertisements, sales literature, and reports to shareholders, to: (i) unmanaged
indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the
Salomon Brothers Broad Investment Grade Bond Index, the Morgan Stanley Capital
International indexes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Donoghue Money Market
Institutional Averages, the Merrill Lynch 1 to 3 Year Treasury Index, the
Salomon Brothers World Government Benchmark Bond Index, the Salomon Brothers
non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index, the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond
Index and the Lehman Brothers Government Corporate Index; (ii) other groups of
mutual funds tracked by Morningstar Inc. or Lipper Analytical Services, widely
used independent research firms which rank mutual funds by overall performance,
investment objectives and assets, or tracked by other services, companies,
publications or persons who rank mutual funds on overall performance or other
criteria; and (iii) the Consumer Price Index (measure for inflation) and other
measures of the performance of the economy to assess the real rate of return
from an investment in the Fund. Advertisements for the Fund may also include
general information about the performance of unmanaged indexes with investment
parameters similar to the Fund's. Unmanaged indexes may assume the reinvestment
of dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs and expenses.

     From time to time, advertisements for the Fund may include general
information about the services and products offered by the Fund, MainStay
Institutional Funds Inc. and New York Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiaries. For example, such advertisements may include statistical
information about those entities including, but not limited to, the number of
current shareholder accounts, the amount of assets under management, sales
information, the distribution channels through which the entities' products are
available, marketing efforts and statements about this information by the
entities' officers, directors and employees.



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<PAGE>   214

                                 TAX INFORMATION

TAXATION OF THE FUND

     The following summarizes certain federal income tax considerations
generally affecting the Fund and its stockholders. No attempt is made to present
a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its stockholders, and
the discussion here is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
The discussion is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and
administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change, which
change may be retroactive. Prospective investors should consult their own tax
advisors with regard to the federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership,
and disposition of Fund shares, as well as the tax consequences arising under
the laws of any state, foreign country, or other taxing jurisdiction.

     The Fund intends to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC")
under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company,
the Fund must, among other things: (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90%
of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain
securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock,
securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its
business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies ("Qualifying
Income Test"); (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter
of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets
is represented by cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, the securities
of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other
securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an
amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of
the value of its total assets is invested in the securities on any one issuer
(other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated
investment companies), or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls (as
that term is defined in the relevant provisions of the Code) and which are
determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related
trades or businesses; and (iii) distribute at least 90% of the sum of its
investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends,
interest and net short-term capital gains in excess of any net long-term capital
losses) and its net tax-exempt interest each taxable year. The Treasury
Department is authorized to promulgate regulations under which foreign currency
gains would constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income
Test only if such gains are directly related to investing in securities (or
options and futures with respect to securities). To date, no such regulations
have been issued.

     Certain requirements relating to the qualification of the Fund as a
regulated investment company may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able
to engage in certain investment practices, including transactions in futures
contracts and other types of derivative securities transactions. In addition, if
the Fund were unable to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement
problems relating to foreign investments or due to the holding of illiquid
securities, the Fund's ability to qualify as a regulated investment company
might be affected.

     A Fund qualifying as a regulated investment company generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and
net capital gains (any net long-term capital gains in excess of the net
short-term capital losses), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. The
Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially
all of its investment company taxable income and any net capital gains.

     Generally, regulated investment companies, like the Fund, must distribute
amounts on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution
requirement in order to avoid a nondeductible 4% excise tax. Generally, to avoid
the tax, a regulated investment company must distribute during each calendar
year, (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (ii) at least 98% of its capital
gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for
the 12-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (iii) all
ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed
during such years. To avoid application of the excise tax, the Fund currently
intends to make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year
distribution requirement. A distribution is treated as paid on December 31 of
the calendar year if it is declared by the Fund in October, November or December
of that year to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid by the
Fund during January of the following calendar year. Such distributions are
taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the distributions are
declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.


                                       37
<PAGE>   215

     Provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, under
the Code, it generally will not be subject to any excise or income taxes in
Massachusetts. The Fund's investments, if any, or in Passive Foreign Investment
Companies, as explained below, may cause the Fund to become liable for certain
taxes. Investors that are tax-exempt organizations should carefully consider
whether distributions of the Fund's earnings will be subject to tax in their
hands.

CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- GENERAL

     Assuming the Fund qualifies as a RIC, distributions of taxable net
investment income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term
capital losses will be treated as ordinary income in the hands of shareholders.

     If the Fund's investment income is derived exclusively from sources (such
as interest) other than dividends, no portion of such distributions will be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction available to corporations. If a
portion of the Fund's net investment income is derived from dividends from
domestic corporations, then a portion of such distributions may be eligible for
the corporate dividends-received deduction. The dividends-received deduction is
reduced to the extent shares of the Fund are treated as debt-financed under the
Code and is generally eliminated unless such shares are deemed to have been held
for more than 45 days. The 45-day holding period must occur during the 90-day
period beginning 45 days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend.
In the case of dividends on certain preferred stock, the holding period
requirement is 90 days during a 180-day period. In addition, the entire dividend
(including the deducted portion) is includable in the corporate shareholder's
alternative minimum taxable income. Finally, if such dividends are large enough
to constitute "extraordinary dividends" under Section 1059 of the Code and the
applicable holding period requirements are not met, the shareholder's basis in
its shares could be reduced by all or a portion of the amount of the dividends
that qualifies for the dividends-received deduction.

     Distributions of the Fund's net capital gain, whether received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares, will generally be taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of how long a Shareholder has held the
Fund's shares. Net capital gains from assets held for one year or less will be
taxed as ordinary income.

     If any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital
losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, requiring federal income taxes
to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund may elect to treat such capital gains
as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, such capital gains
would be taxable to the shareholders. Shareholders would be able to claim their
proportionate share of the federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains
as a credit against their own federal income tax liabilities and would be
entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of the Fund shares by the difference
between their pro-rata share of such gains and their tax credit.

     Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of
the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution nevertheless would generally be
taxable to the shareholder (except to the extent the distribution is an exempt
interest dividend as described below) as ordinary income or capital gain as
described above, even though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a
partial return of investment. In particular, investors should be careful to
consider the tax implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution. The
price of shares purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming
distribution. Those investors purchasing shares just prior to a distribution
will then receive a partial return of their investment upon such distribution,
which may nevertheless be taxable to them.

     Distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Any distributions that are not from the Fund's net investment income or net
capital gain may be characterized as a return of capital to shareholders or, in
some cases, as capital gain. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in
the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax
purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of such share on
the reinvestment date.

TAXATION OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS

     Many of the options, futures contracts and forward contracts entered into
by the Fund will be classified as "Section 1256 contracts." Generally, gains or
losses on Section 1256 contracts are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Also, certain Section 1256 contracts held by
the Fund are "marked-to-market" at the times required pursuant to the Code with
the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were



                                       38
<PAGE>   216

realized. The resulting gain or loss generally is treated as 60/40 gain or loss,
except for foreign currency gain or loss on such contracts, which generally is
ordinary in character.

     Distribution of Fund gains from hedging transactions will be taxable to
shareholders. Generally, hedging transactions and certain other transactions in
options, futures and forward contracts undertaken by the Fund may result in
"straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the
character of gains (or losses) realized by the Fund. In addition, losses
realized by the Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred
under the straddle rules rather than being taken into account in the taxable
year in which such losses are realized.

      Furthermore, certain transactions (including options, futures contracts,
notional principal contracts, short sales and short sales against the box) with
respect to an "appreciated position" in certain financial instruments may be
deemed a constructive sale of the appreciated position, requiring the immediate
recognition of gain as if the appreciated position were sold. Because only a few
regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, and
regulations relating to constructive sales of appreciated positions have yet to
be promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures and
forward contracts to the Fund are not entirely clear. The hedging transactions
in which the Fund engages may increase the amount of short-term capital gain
realized by the Fund which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to
shareholders.

     The Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code
which are applicable to straddles. If the Fund makes any of the elections, the
amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the
affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according
to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may
accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle
positions.

     Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains
or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses
from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to
shareholders and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or
long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared
to the Fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.

     The diversification requirements applicable to the Fund's status as a
regulated investment company may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able
to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts or forward contracts.

PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES

     The Fund may invest in shares of foreign corporations which may be
classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In
general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of
its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income
is investment-type income. If the Fund receives a so-called "excess
distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may be subject to a
tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding
income is distributed by the Fund to Shareholders. In general, under the PFIC
rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over
the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund itself will be
subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so
allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to
the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Certain
distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares are
treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as
ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain
excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.

     The Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to
PFIC shares. Under an election that currently is available in some
circumstances, the Fund generally would be required to include in its gross
income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of
whether distributions are received from the PFIC in a given year. If this
election were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation
of excess distributions, would not apply. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to
mark to market its PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year, with the result
that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized and reported as
ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual
disposition of PFIC Shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent
of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years.



                                       39
<PAGE>   217

     Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things,
the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the
recognition of income with respect to PFIC shares, as well as subject the Fund
itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be
distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary
income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as
compared to the Fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.

FOREIGN CURRENCY GAINS AND LOSSES

     Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange
rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues income or other receivables
or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and
the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on the
disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on the
disposition of certain options, futures, forward and other contracts, gain or
loss attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under
the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount
of the Fund's net investment income to be distributed to its shareholders. If
Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income (which
includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess, if any, of net
short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) during the taxable
year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions,
and distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized
as a return of capital to shareholders or, in some cases, as capital gain,
rather than as an ordinary dividend.

DISPOSITIONS OF FUND SHARES

     Upon redemption, sale or exchange of shares of the Fund, a shareholder will
realize a taxable gain or loss, depending on whether the gross proceeds are more
or less than the shareholder's tax basis for the shares. Such gain or loss
generally will be a capital gain or loss if the shares of the Fund were capital
assets in the hands of the shareholder, and generally will be taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains if the shares had been held for more
than one year. A loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption, sale or
exchange of shares of the Fund with respect to which capital gain dividends have
been paid will, to the extent of such capital gain dividends, be treated as
long-term capital loss if such shares have been held by the shareholder for six
months or less at the time of their disposition. A loss realized on a
redemption, sale or exchange also will be disallowed to the extent the shares
disposed of are replaced (whether through reinvestment of distributions, or
otherwise) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30
days after the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. If reverse stock
splits are done, a share may have a split holding period reflecting the fact
that part of the share represents a reinvested dividend or distribution.

TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

     All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported by
each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. As discussed above,
certain dividends paid in January will be treated as received by shareholders on
the prior December 31. Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of
another Fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder
and generally are also subject to these reporting requirements. Each shareholder
should consult his or her own tax advisor to determine the tax status of Fund
distributions and/or gains from redemptions in his or her own state and locality
(or foreign country).

     Under the federal income tax law, the Fund will be required to report to
the IRS all distributions of income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds
from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares except in the case of certain
exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of
the Code, all such taxable distributions and proceeds from the redemption or
exchange of the Fund's shares may be subject to withholding of federal income
tax at the rate of 31% in the case of nonexempt shareholders who fail to furnish
the Fund with their taxpayer identification number and with required
certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law or if the
IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder
is incorrect. In addition, both the Fund and the shareholder are potentially
subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS if a correct, certified taxpayer
identification number is not furnished and used on required information returns.



                                       40
<PAGE>   218

     If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and
proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the
amounts required to be withheld. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and
any amounts withheld are creditable against the shareholder's U.S. Federal tax
liability. Investors may wish to consult their tax advisors about the
applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

FOREIGN TAXES

     Investment income and gains received by the Fund from sources outside the
United States may be subject to foreign taxes which were paid or withheld at the
source. The payment of such taxes will reduce the amount of dividends and
distributions paid to the Fund's stockholders. Since the percentage of Fund's
total assets which will be invested in foreign stocks and securities will not be
more than 50%, any foreign tax credits or deductions associated with such
foreign taxes will not be available for use by its shareholders. The effective
rate of foreign taxes to which the Fund will be subject depends on the specific
countries in which the Fund's assets will be invested and the extent of the
assets invested in each such country and, therefore, cannot be determined in
advance.

EXPLANATION OF FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

     Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year the Fund will issue to
each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all
distributions.

GENERAL INFORMATION

     The foregoing discussion generally relates to U.S. federal income tax law
as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). Each shareholder who
is not a U.S. person should consult his or her tax advisor regarding the U.S.
and non-U.S. tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the
possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at
a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable U.S. income tax treaty) on
distributions of net investment income and short-term capital gains to him or
her.

                         ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION

GENERAL

     The Fund is a separate series of an open-end investment company, The
MainStay Funds ("Trust"), established under the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts by a Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as amended. The
Fund was originally formed as the Mutual Benefit Fund, a Delaware corporation.
The Fund was renamed the MAP-Equity Fund in 1995. The Map-Equity Fund was
reorganized as the MainStay MAP Equity Fund on June 9, 1999.

VOTING RIGHTS

     Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share; however, separate votes
will be taken by each class on matters affecting the Fund or a particular class
of shares issued by the Fund. Shares have noncumulative voting rights, which
means that holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
Trustees can elect all Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining
shares voting for the election of Trustees will not be able to elect any person
or persons as Trustees. Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights and are
transferable.



                                       41
<PAGE>   219

SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY

     Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the
trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Trust. Notice of such disclaimer will
normally be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or
executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification by the Fund for any loss suffered by a shareholder as a result
of an obligation of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the
Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any
shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment
thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be
unable to meet its obligations. The Trustees believe that, in view of the above,
the risk of personal liability of shareholders is remote.

     The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he or she
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or
her office.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

            This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not
contain all the information included in the Company's registration statement
filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the
securities offered hereby, certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The registration statement, including
the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined at the offices of the SEC in
Washington, D.C.

            Statements contained herein and in the Prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete,
and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.

                                OTHER INFORMATION

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York, 10036, has been selected as independent accountants of the Trust. The
Fund's Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference in this SAI, has been
so incorporated in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.

TRANSFER AGENT

     MainStay Shareholder Services, LLC ("MSS"), an affiliate of the Manager,
serves as the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund. MSS has
its principal office and place of business at 260 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany,
New Jersey. Pursuant to its Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated April
28, 1997 with the Trust, MSS provides transfer agency services, such as the
receipt of purchase and redemption orders, the receipt of dividend reinvestment
instructions, the preparation and transmission of dividend payments and the
maintenance of various records of accounts. The Fund pays MSS fees in the form
of per account charges, as well as out-of-pocket expenses and advances incurred
by MSS. MSS has entered into a Sub-Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. ("BFDS") located at 2 Heritage Drive, North
Quincy, Massachusetts 02171 and pays to BFDS per account, and transaction fees
and out-of-pocket expenses for performing certain transfer agency and
shareholder recordkeeping services.

CUSTODIANS



                                       42
<PAGE>   220

     The Bank of New York ("BONY") serves as custodian for the Fund. The Trust
has also appointed BONY as its foreign custody manager with respect to certain
securities held outside of the United States. BONY has its principal office at
48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286.

LEGAL COUNSEL

     Dechert Price & Rhoads, 1775 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006,
passes upon certain legal matters in connection with the shares offered by the
Trust, and also acts as counsel to the Trust.

CODE OF ETHICS

     The Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics governing personal trading
activities of all Trustees, officers of the Trust and persons who, in connection
with their regular functions, play a role in the recommendation of any purchase
or sale of a security by the Trust or obtain information pertaining to such
purchase or sale or who have the power to influence the management or policies
of the Trust or the Manager or a Subadvisor unless such power is the result of
their position with the Trust or Manager or Subadvisor. Such persons are
generally required to preclear all security transactions with the Trust's
Compliance Officer or his designee and to report all transactions on a regular
basis. Subject to these restrictions, these persons are permitted to invest in
securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The
Trust has developed procedures for administration of the Code.



                                       43
<PAGE>   221


APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.

Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged
to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and
are generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a
large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the
various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.

Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.

Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.

Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classified from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
midrange ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category.

Advance refunded issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in cash, held in
trust, reinvested in direct noncallable United States government obligations or
noncallable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government are
identified with a hatchmark (#) symbol, i.e., #Aaa.

Moody's assigns conditional ratings to bonds for which the security depends upon
the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition. These are bonds
secured by: (a) earnings of projects under construction; (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned in operating experience; (c) rentals that begin when
facilities are completed; or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. The parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon
completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition, e.g.,
Con.(Baa).



                                       44
<PAGE>   222

Municipal Short-Term Loan Ratings

MIG 1/VMIG 1: This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2/VMIG 2: This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3/VMIG 3: This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.

MIG 4/VMIG 4: This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

SG: This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this
category lack margins of protection.

Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations which have an original maturity not exceeding
one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on
funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access
to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally
be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.

NOT PRIME: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.

STANDARD & POOR'S

Corporate and Municipal Long-Term Debt Ratings
Investment Grade

AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong. AA: Debt rated AA differs from the highest rated issues only
in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.

A: Debt rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is still strong.



                                       45
<PAGE>   223

BBB: Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.

Speculative Grade

Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt
will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but
the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely
impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation.

CCC: Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor. In the
event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not
likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or a similar action has been taken, but debt service payments are
continued.

D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable
grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be
made during such grace period. The D rating will also be used upon the filing of
a bankruptcy petition, or the taking of similar action, if debt service payments
are jeopardized. Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be
modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing
within the major rating categories.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are
rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings
measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.

Short-Term Rating Definitions

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by
Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are
designated with a plus sign(+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to
meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing
uncertainties



                                       46
<PAGE>   224

which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating
category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D'
rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking
of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

140081.2

                                       47
<PAGE>   225

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                   May 1, 2000

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

         This Statement of Additional Information supplements the information
contained in the Funds' Prospectuses dated May 1, 2000, as amended or
supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectuses"), and should be read in
conjunction with the Prospectuses. The Prospectuses are available without charge
by writing to NYLIFE Distributors Inc., (the "Distributor") 300 Interpace
Parkway, Parsippany, NJ 07054 or by calling 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-6782).
This Statement of Additional Information, although not in itself a prospectus,
is incorporated by reference in and is made a part of the Prospectuses.

         No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give
any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in
this Statement of Additional Information or in the related Prospectus, in
connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by The MainStay Funds or the Distributor. This Statement of Additional
Information and the related Prospectus do not constitute an offer by The
MainStay Funds or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation of any offer to
buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to
whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

         Shareholder inquiries should be made by writing directly to MainStay
Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8401, or
by calling 1-800-MAINSTAY. In addition, you can make inquiries through your
registered representative.

         The financial statements of each of the Funds, including the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1999, the Portfolio of Investments
and the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1999, the
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the Notes to the Financial Statements, all of which are included in
the 1999 Annual Reports and the Reports of Independent Accountants, which are
included in the 1999 Annual Reports, are hereby incorporated by reference into
this Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

         An audited financial statement for NYLIFE LLC, as of December 31, 1999
is included in this SAI.


<PAGE>   226

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         TABLE OF CONTENTS

<S>                                                                                                                         <C>
THE MAINSTAY FUNDS...........................................................................................................4
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN FUNDS...................................................................................4
    BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND....................................................................................................4
    CONVERTIBLE FUND.........................................................................................................5
    EQUITY INDEX FUND........................................................................................................5
    GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND...................................................................................................5
    GOVERNMENT FUND..........................................................................................................6
    HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND...........................................................................................7
    INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND..................................................................................................7
    INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND................................................................................................8
    MAP EQUITY FUND..........................................................................................................8
    MONEY MARKET FUND........................................................................................................9
    RESEARCH VALUE FUND.....................................................................................................11
    SMALL CAP VALUE FUND....................................................................................................11
    STRATEGIC INCOME FUND...................................................................................................11
    STRATEGIC VALUE FUND....................................................................................................13
    TAX FREE BOND FUND......................................................................................................14
    TOTAL RETURN FUND.......................................................................................................15
    THE EQUITY INDEX FUND GUARANTEE.........................................................................................15
    HOW THE INDEXING WORKS..................................................................................................18
    RISK FACTORS AFFECTING CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES..................................................................18
    RISK FACTORS AFFECTING NEW YORK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES....................................................................30
    SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING PUERTO RICO............................................................................43
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND INSTRUMENTS COMMON TO MULTIPLE FUNDS...............................................................49
    TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES............................................................................................49
    REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.................................................................49
    LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES.........................................................................................51
    CASH EQUIVALENTS........................................................................................................52
    BANK OBLIGATIONS........................................................................................................52
    COMMERCIAL PAPER........................................................................................................52
    U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES..............................................................................................53
    DEBT SECURITIES.........................................................................................................53
    CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES..................................................................................................53
    ARBITRAGE...............................................................................................................54
    FOREIGN SECURITIES......................................................................................................55
    FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS...........................................................................................56
    FOREIGN INDEX-LINKED INSTRUMENTS........................................................................................58
    BRADY BONDS.............................................................................................................59
    MUNICIPAL SECURITIES....................................................................................................60
    INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS......................................................................63
    VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES ("VRDNS")....................................................................................63
    FLOATING AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES...................................................................................64
    ZERO COUPON BONDS.......................................................................................................64
    STANDBY COMMITMENTS -- OBLIGATIONS WITH PUTS ATTACHED...................................................................65

</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>   227

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


<S>                                                                                                                        <C>
    WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES..................................................................................................65
    MORTGAGE-RELATED AND OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES......................................................................66
    WARRANTS................................................................................................................73
    SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX.............................................................................................73
    OPTIONS ON SECURITIES...................................................................................................73
    OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES...........................................................................................77
    SECURITIES INDEX OPTIONS................................................................................................79
    FUTURES TRANSACTIONS....................................................................................................80
    SWAP AGREEMENTS.........................................................................................................88
    LOAN PARTICIPATION INTERESTS............................................................................................90
    REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITs").................................................................................91
    RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DEBT SECURITIES...................................................................................92
    RISKS OF INVESTING IN HIGH YIELD SECURITIES ("JUNK BONDS")..............................................................92
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.........................................................................................93
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.....................................................................................95
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS.......................................................................................................99
THE MANAGER, THE SUBADVISORS AND THE DISTRIBUTOR...........................................................................107
    MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT...................................................................................................107
    SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS................................................................................................108
    DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT.................................................................................................114
    DISTRIBUTION PLANS.....................................................................................................115
    OTHER SERVICES.........................................................................................................124
    EXPENSES BORNE BY THE TRUST............................................................................................125
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE.......................................................................................126
NET ASSET VALUE............................................................................................................131
SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT.............................................................................................134
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS...................................................................................................134
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION, EXCHANGES AND REPURCHASE.............................................................................134
    HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUNDS....................................................................................134
    ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS.........................................................................................137
    PURCHASES AT NAV.......................................................................................................140
    REDUCED SALES CHARGES ON CLASS A SHARES................................................................................141
    LETTER OF INTENT ("LOI")...............................................................................................141
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE, CLASS A..............................................................................141
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE, CLASS B..............................................................................142
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE, CLASS C..............................................................................144
    REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES..............................................................................................144
    DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND..................................................................................................146
    SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS..............................................................................................146
    EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES....................................................................................................146
    DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS FOR EQUITY INDEX FUND....................................................................147
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS..............................................................................................148
    CASH OR DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING PLANS UNDER SECTION 401(k) FOR CORPORATIONS AND SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS..............148
    INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT ("IRA")..................................................................................149
    403(b)(7) TAX SHELTERED ACCOUNT........................................................................................150

</TABLE>


                                       ii
<PAGE>   228

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


<S>                                                                                                                       <C>
    GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................................................150
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS......................................................................................151
TAX INFORMATION............................................................................................................161
    TAXATION OF THE FUNDS..................................................................................................161
    CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- GENERAL..................................................................162
    CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- THE TAX-FREE FUNDS.......................................................164
    DISCOUNT...............................................................................................................165
    USERS OF BOND-FINANCED FACILITIES......................................................................................166
    TAXATION OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS...................................................................166
    PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES...................................................................................167
    FOREIGN CURRENCY GAINS AND LOSSES......................................................................................168
    COMMODITY INVESTMENTS..................................................................................................168
    DISPOSITIONS OF FUND SHARES............................................................................................168
    TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................169
    FOREIGN TAXES..........................................................................................................170
    STATE AND LOCAL TAXES - GENERAL........................................................................................170
    EXPLANATION OF FUND DISTRIBUTIONS......................................................................................171
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE EQUITY INDEX FUND.................................................................171
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND AND NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND...............................171
    ANNUAL STATEMENTS......................................................................................................172
    GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................................................173
ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION............................................................................................173
    GENERAL................................................................................................................173
    VOTING RIGHTS..........................................................................................................174
    SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY......................................................................................174
    REGISTRATION STATEMENT.................................................................................................174
    SHARE OWNERSHIP OF THE FUNDS...........................................................................................174
OTHER INFORMATION..........................................................................................................186
    INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS................................................................................................186
    TRANSFER AGENT.........................................................................................................186
    CUSTODIANS.............................................................................................................187
    LEGAL COUNSEL..........................................................................................................187
    CODE OF ETHICS.........................................................................................................187
    APPENDIX A.............................................................................................................188
    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS......................................................................................188
    STANDARD & POOR'S......................................................................................................190
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................200
    Foreign currency translation...........................................................................................204
    Fixed Maturities.......................................................................................................209

</TABLE>


                                      iii
<PAGE>   229


                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

       The MainStay Funds (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment
company (or mutual fund) currently consisting of 23 separate investment
portfolios: Blue Chip Growth Fund, California Tax Free Fund, Capital
Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Income Fund, Equity Index Fund,
Global High Yield Fund, Government Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, MAP
Equity Fund, Money Market Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Research Value Fund,
Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Strategic
Value Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund (individually
referred to as a "Fund" or, collectively, the "Funds"). MainStay Management LLC
(the "Manager") serves as the manager for the Funds and has entered into
Sub-Advisory Agreements with Monitor Capital Advisors LLC ("Monitor") with
respect to the Equity Index Fund; Gabelli Asset Management Company ("GAMCO")
with respect to the Blue Chip Growth Fund; John A. Levin & Co., Inc. ("John A.
Levin & Co.") with respect to the Research Value Fund; Dalton Greiner, Hartman,
Maher & Co. ("DGHM") with respect to the Small Cap Value Fund; Madison Square
Advisors LLC ("Madison Square Advisors") with respect to the Growth
Opportunities Fund; Markston International LLC ("Markston") with respect to the
MAP Equity Fund and MacKay Shields LLC ("MacKay Shields") with respect to the
remaining 17 Funds; MacKay Shields, Monitor, GAMCO, John A. Levin & Co., DGHM,
Madison Square Advisors and Markston are sometimes jointly referred to as the
"Subadvisors."

       The Trust, formed January 9, 1986, is a Massachusetts business trust.
Each Fund, other than California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund, International
Bond Fund, Global High Yield Fund, and New York Tax Free Fund, is a diversified
fund as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act").

                   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN FUNDS

       The Prospectuses discuss the investment objectives of the Funds and the
principal investment strategies to be employed in seeking to achieve those
objectives. This section contains supplemental information concerning certain of
the securities and other instruments in which the Funds may invest, the
principal investment strategies the Funds may utilize, and certain risks
involved with those strategies.

     NONE OF THE FUNDS ALONE CONSTITUTES A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

       Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those of
the other accounts and investment companies that may be managed by a Subadvisor.
However, if such other accounts or investment companies are prepared to invest
in, or desire to dispose of, securities in which a Fund invests at the same time
as another fund or another account managed by the same Subadvisor, available
investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each. In
some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position
obtained for or disposed of by a Fund or the price paid or received by a Fund.

BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND

       The Fund will generally invest in Blue Chip companies, with the
Subadvisor selecting those securities which it perceives to be undervalued or to
otherwise have growth potential. Blue

<PAGE>   230


Chip companies are those which occupy (or in the Subadvisor's judgment have the
potential to occupy) leading market positions that are expected to be maintained
or enhanced over time. Market leaders can be identified within an industry as
those companies which have: superior growth prospects compared with other
companies in the same industry; possession of proprietary technology with the
potential to bring about major changes within an industry; and/or leading sales
within an industry, or the potential to become a market leader.

       In addition, Blue Chip companies possess at least one of the
following attributes: faster earnings growth than its competitors and the market
in general; higher profit margins relative to its competitors; strong cash flow
relative to its competitors; and/or a balance sheet with relatively low debt and
a high return on equity relative to its competitors.

       The Fund's investments will usually be sold when they lose their
perceived value relative to other similar or alternative investments. Specific
sources of information used to select securities for the Fund include: general
economic and industry data provided by the U.S. government, various trade
associations; annual and quarterly reports and Form 10-Ks; and direct interviews
with company management. Research is directed towards locating stocks that are
undervalued relative to their future earnings potential.

CONVERTIBLE FUND

       In selecting convertible securities for purchase or sale, the Subadvisor
takes into account a variety of investment considerations, including
credit risk, projected interest return and the premium for the convertible
security relative to the underlying common stock. The Fund may sell short
against the box, among other reasons, to hedge against a possible market decline
in the value of the security owned or to enhance liquidity.

EQUITY INDEX FUND

        When the Fund has cash reserves, the Fund may invest in S&P 500
Index Futures, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and repurchase
agreements with respect thereto. The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total
assets in securities of issuers in one industry (unless the Index exceeds that
concentration) and lend up to 30% of its total assets to financial institutions.

       The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the
total return performance of the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index. The Fund
regularly monitors how well its performance corresponds to that Index and seeks
to take corrective action whenever the correlation between the Fund's
performance and the Index is less than 0.95.

GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND

       Investors should understand that international fixed income
investments involve more risk than comparable domestic securities, due, in part,
to fluctuating currency values.

       In making investments for the foreign and emerging markets sectors
of the Fund, the Subadvisor considers factors such as prospects for currency
exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each country, relative economic
growth, government policies influencing exchange rates and business conditions,
and credit quality of individual issuers. The Subadvisor will also determine,
using good faith and judgement, (1) the percentage of the Fund's assets to be
invested


                                       5
<PAGE>   231


in each emerging market; (2) currency exposure (asset allocation across
currencies); and (3) diversified security holdings within each market.

       The Fund may invest in participation interests in loans. Such
participation interests, which may take the form of interests in, or assignments
of, loans, are acquired from banks which have made loans or are members of
lending syndicates. The Fund's investments in loan participation interests will
be subject to its limitation on investments in illiquid securities and, to the
extent applicable, its limitation on investments in securities rated below
investment grade.

       To hedge the market value of securities held, proposed to be held or
sold or relating to foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into or
purchase securities or securities index options, foreign currency options, and
futures contracts and related options with respect to securities, indexes of
securities, or currencies. The Fund also may buy and sell currencies on a spot
or forward basis. Subject to compliance with applicable rules, futures contracts
and related options may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including
as a substitute for acquiring a basket of securities and to reduce transaction
costs. The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign exchange contracts and
foreign currency options for purposes of seeking to enhance portfolio returns
and manage portfolio risk more efficiently. The Fund is not obligated to use any
of these instruments, but its Subadvisor may do so, when, in its discretion, it
believes it advisable.

GOVERNMENT FUND

       This Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
primarily in U.S. government securities, which include obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities which are
supported by: (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (e.g.,
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") certificates); (ii) the right
of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the
U.S. government; (iii) the credit of the instrumentality (e.g., bonds issued by
the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA")); or (iv) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of U.S.
government agencies or instrumentalities.

       The agencies and instrumentalities that issue U.S. government securities
include, among others: Federal Land Banks, Farmers Home Administration, Central
Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Farm Credit
Bank, Student Loan Marketing Association and U.S. Maritime Administration.

       The Fund anticipates that a significant portion of its portfolio may
consist of Treasury bonds, GNMA mortgage-backed certificates and other U.S.
government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools, such
as securities issued by FNMA and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC").

       Although the mortgage loans in the pool underlying a GNMA certificate
will have maturities of up to 30 years, the actual average life of a GNMA
certificate typically will be substantially less because the mortgages will be
subject to normal principal amortization and may be prepaid prior to maturity.

       The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current
and projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered
relevant by the Subadvisor.


                                       6
<PAGE>   232


HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND

       This Fund seeks to maximize current income through investment in a
diversified portfolio of high yield debt securities. Capital appreciation is a
secondary objective; and will be sought only when consistent with the Fund's
primary objective. For example, capital appreciation may be sought by
lengthening the maturities of high yield debt securities held in the Fund's
portfolio during periods when the Subadvisor expects interest rates to decline.

       Since available yields and yield differentials vary over time, no
specific level of income or yield differential can ever be ensured.

       Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include all types of debt
obligations of both domestic and foreign issuers, such as bonds, debentures,
notes, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates, conditional
sales contracts, commercial paper and U.S. government securities (including
obligations, such as repurchase agreements, secured by such instruments).

       The Fund may invest in participation interests in loans. Such
participation interests, which may take the form of interests in, or assignments
of, loans, are acquired from banks which have made loans or are members of
lending syndicates. The Fund's investments in loan participation interests will
be subject to its limitation on investments in illiquid securities and, to the
extent applicable, its limitation on investments in securities rated below
investment grade.

       The Subadvisor seeks to reduce risk through diversification, credit
analysis and attention to current developments and trends in both the economy
and financial markets. In addition, investments in foreign securities may serve
to provide further diversification.

INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

       The International Bond Fund may be appropriate for investors who are
seeking competitive overall return commensurate with an acceptable level of risk
from an international portfolio of debt securities, but who also understand that
international fixed income investments involve more risk than comparable
domestic securities, due, in part, to fluctuating currency values. In making
investments for the Fund, the Subadvisor considers factors such as prospects for
currency exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each country, relative
economic growth, government policies influencing exchange rates and business
conditions, and quality of individual issuers. The Subadvisor will also
determine, using good faith and judgement, (1) country allocation; (2) currency
exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified security
holdings within each market.

       To hedge the market value of securities held, proposed to be held or sold
or relating to foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into or
purchase securities or securities index options, foreign currency options, and
futures contracts and related options with respect to securities, indexes of
securities, or currencies. The Fund also may buy and sell currencies on a spot
or forward basis. Subject to compliance with applicable rules, futures contracts
and related options may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including
as a substitute for acquiring a basket of securities and to reduce transaction
costs. The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign exchange contracts and
foreign currency options for purposes of seeking to enhance portfolio returns or
to manage portfolio risk more efficiently. The Fund is not obligated to use any
of these instruments but may do so when the Subadvisor, in its discretion,
believes it advisable.


                                       7
<PAGE>   233


       Generally, the Fund's average maturity will be shorter when interest
rates worldwide or in a particular country are expected to rise, and longer when
interest rates are expected to fall. The Fund may use various techniques to
shorten or lengthen the dollar-weighted average maturity of its portfolio,
including transactions in futures and options on futures, interest rate swaps,
caps, floors and short sales against the box. The duration of the Fund's
portfolio will be managed in light of current and projected economic and market
conditions and other factors considered relevant by the Subadvisor.

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

       In making investments for the Fund, the Subadvisor considers factors such
as prospects for currency exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each
country, relative economic growth, government policies influencing exchange
rates and business conditions, and quality of individual issuers. The Subadvisor
will also determine, using good faith judgement, (1) country allocation; (2)
currency exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified
security holdings within each market. To hedge the market value of securities
held, proposed to be held or sold, or relating to foreign currency exchange
rates, the Fund may enter into or purchase securities or securities index
options, foreign currency options, and future contracts and related options with
respect to securities, indexes of securities or currencies. The Fund also may
buy and sell currencies on a spot or forward basis. Subject to compliance with
applicable rules, futures contracts and related options may be used for any
legally permissible purpose, including as a substitute for acquiring a basket of
securities and to reduce transaction costs. The Fund also may purchase
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and engage in portfolio
securities lending. The Fund may use all of these techniques (1) in an effort to
manage cash flow and remain fully invested in the stock and currency markets,
instead of or in addition to buying and selling stocks and currencies, or (2) in
an effort to hedge against a decline in the value of securities or currencies
owned by it or an increase in the price of securities which it plans to
purchase. The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign currency exchange
contracts and foreign currency options for purposes of seeking to enhance
portfolio returns or to manage portfolio risk more efficiently. The Fund is not
obligated to use any of these instruments, but may do so when the Subadvisor, in
its discretion, believes it advisable.

       The International Equity Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts
("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs") or other similar securities
convertible into securities of foreign issuers. An ADR is a receipt typically
issued by a U.S. bank or trust company showing that you own a foreign security.
An EDR is a receipt typically issued by a European bank or trust company showing
that you own a foreign security. GDRs and IDRs are receipts typically issued by
global or international depositories showing that you own a foreign security.

MAP EQUITY FUND

       The Fund may invest in warrants. A warrant is a right which entitles its
holder, for a specified period of time, to acquire a specified number of shares
of common stock for a specified price per share. If the share price at the time
the warrant is exercised exceeds the total of the exercise price of the warrant
and its purchase price, the Fund experiences a gain to the extent this total is
exceeded by the share price. However, if the share price at the time the warrant
expires is less than the exercise price of the warrant, the Fund will suffer a
loss of the purchase price of the warrant.


                                       8
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       The Fund restricts its investment in securities of foreign issuers to no
more than 10% of the value of the Fund's total net assets. Such securities may
be subject to additional federal taxes which would increase the cost of such
investments and may be subject to foreign government taxes which could reduce
the income yield on such securities.

       In addition, the Fund may also buy "restricted" securities which cannot
be sold publicly until registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act"). The Fund's ability to dispose of investments in "restricted"
securities at reasonable price levels might be limited unless and until their
registration under the 1933 Act has been completed. The Fund will endeavor to
have the issuing company pay all the expenses of any such registration, but
there is no assurance that the Fund will not have to pay all or some of these
expenses.

MONEY MARKET FUND

       The Fund may invest its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of
U.S. or foreign issuers and in securities of foreign branches of U.S. banks,
such as negotiable certificates of deposit (Eurodollars).

       All of the assets of the Fund generally will be invested in obligations
which mature in 397 days or less and substantially all of these investments will
be held to maturity; however, securities collateralizing repurchase agreements
may have maturities in excess of 397 days. The Fund will, to the extent
feasible, make portfolio investments primarily in anticipation of, or in
response to, changing economic and money market conditions and trends. The
dollar-weighted average maturity of the Fund's portfolio may not exceed 90 days.
Consistent with the provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act ("Rule 2a-7"),
the Fund invests only in U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments that
present minimal credit risk and, with respect to 95% of its total assets,
measured at the time of investment, that are of the highest quality. The
Subadvisor shall determine whether a security presents minimal credit risk under
procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. A money market instrument
will be considered to be of the highest quality (1) if rated in the highest
rating category (i.e., Aaa or Prime-1 by Moody's, AAA or A-1 by S&P's) by (i)
any two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") or,
(ii) if rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; (2) if issued by an issuer that
has received a short-term rating from an NRSRO with respect to a class of debt
obligations that is comparable in priority and security, and that is rated in
the highest rating category by (i) any two NRSRO's or, (ii) if rated by only one
NRSRO, by that NRSRO; (3) an unrated security that is of comparable quality to a
security in the highest rating category as determined by the Subadvisor; (4)(i)
with respect to a security that is subject to any features that entitle the
holder, under certain circumstances, to receive the approximate amortized cost
of the underlying security or securities plus accrued interest ("Demand
Feature") or an obligation of a person other than the issuer of the security,
under certain circumstances, to undertake to pay the principal amount of the
underlying security plus interest ("Guarantee Obligation"), the Guarantee
Obligation has received a rating from an NRSRO or the Guarantee Obligation is
issued by a guarantor that has received a rating from an NRSRO with respect to a
class of debt obligations that is comparable in priority and security to the
Guarantee Obligation, with certain exceptions, and (ii) the issuer of the Demand
Feature or Guarantee Obligation, or another institution, has undertaken promptly
to notify the holder of the security in the event that the Demand Feature or
Guarantee Obligation is substituted with another Demand Feature or Guarantee
Obligation; (5) if it is a security issued by a money market fund registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the 1940 Act; or (6)
if it is a government security as defined in Rule 2a-7. With respect to 5% of
its total assets, measured at the time of investment, the Fund may also invest
in money market


                                       9
<PAGE>   235


instruments that are in the second-highest rating category for short-term debt
obligations (i.e., rated Aa or Prime-2 by Moody's or AA or A-2 by S&P).

       The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, measured at the
time of investment, in securities of any one issuer that are in the highest
rating category, except that the Fund may exceed this 5% limitation with respect
to 25% of its total assets for up to three business days after the purchase of
securities of any one issuer and except that this limitation shall not apply to
U.S. government securities or securities subject to certain Guarantee
Obligations. The Fund may not invest more than the greater of 1% of its total
assets or one million dollars, measured at the time of investment, in securities
of any one issuer that are in the second-highest rating category. Immediately
after the acquisition of any Demand Feature or Guarantee Obligation, the Fund,
with respect to 75% of its total assets, shall not have invested more than 10%
of its assets in securities issued by or subject to Demand Features or Guarantee
Obligations from the institution that issued the Demand Feature or Guarantee
Obligation, with certain exceptions. In addition, immediately after the
acquisition of any Demand Feature or Guarantee Obligation (or a security after
giving effect to the Demand Feature or Guarantee Obligation) that is a not
within the highest rating category by NRSROs, the Fund shall not have invested
more than 5% of its total assets in securities issued by or subject to Demand
Features or Guarantee Obligations from the institution that issued the Demand
Feature or Guarantee Obligation. In the event that an instrument acquired by the
Fund is downgraded or otherwise ceases to be of the quality that is eligible for
the Fund, the Subadvisor, under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees,
shall promptly reassess whether such security presents minimal credit risk and
shall recommend to the Valuation Committee of the Board (the "Valuation
Committee") that the Fund take such action as it determines is in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders. The Valuation Committee, after
consideration of the recommendation of the Subadvisor and such other information
as it deems appropriate, shall cause the Fund to take such action as it deems
appropriate, and shall report promptly to the Board the action it has taken and
the reasons for such action.

       Pursuant to the rule, the Fund uses the amortized cost method of valuing
its investments, which facilitates the maintenance of the Fund's per share net
asset value at $1.00. The amortized cost method, which is normally used to value
all of the Fund's portfolio securities, involves initially valuing a security at
its cost and thereafter amortizing to maturity any discount or premium,
regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of
the instrument.

       The Trustees have also established procedures designed to stabilize, to
the extent reasonably possible, the Fund's price per share as computed for the
purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures include review of the
Fund's portfolio by the Trustees, at such intervals as they deem appropriate, to
determine whether the Fund's net asset value calculated by using available
market quotations or market equivalents (the determination of value by reference
to interest rate levels, quotations of comparable securities and other factors)
deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost.

       The extent of deviation between the Fund's net asset value based upon
available market quotations or market equivalents and $1.00 per share based on
amortized cost will be periodically examined by the Trustees. If such deviation
exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the Trustees will promptly consider what action, if any, will
be initiated. In the event the Trustees determine that a deviation exists which
may result in material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing
shareholders, they will take such corrective action as they regard to be
necessary and


                                       10
<PAGE>   236


       appropriate, including the sale of portfolio instruments prior to
maturity to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio
maturity; withholding part or all of dividends or payment of distributions from
capital or capital gains; redemptions of shares in kind; or establishing a net
asset value per share by using available market quotations or equivalents. In
addition, in order to stabilize the net asset value per share at $1.00, the
Trustees have the authority (1) to reduce or increase the number of shares
outstanding on a pro rata basis, and (2) to offset each shareholder's pro rata
portion of the deviation between the net asset value per share and $1.00 from
the shareholder's accrued dividend account or from future dividends.

       The Fund may hold cash for the purpose of stabilizing its net asset value
per share. Holdings of cash, on which no return is earned, would tend to lower
the yield on the Fund's shares.

       The Fund may also, consistent with the provisions of Rule 2a-7, invest in
securities with a face maturity of more than 397 days, provided that the
security is a variable or floating rate security that meets the guidelines of
Rule 2a-7 with respect to maturity.

RESEARCH VALUE FUND

       Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its
total assets in common stock and other securities having equity characteristics.
For hedging purposes, the Fund may use options on securities, stock index
options, and stock index futures and related options. These investments involve
certain risks. The Fund may also invest in debt securities, including U.S.
Government securities and corporate debt securities (such as bonds, notes and
debentures). Certain of the Fund's investments in debt securities will be
obligations which, at the time of purchase, are rated "A" or better by S&P or
Moody's or, if unrated, are of comparable quality as determined by the
Subadvisor.

       However, the Fund may invest up to 5% of the value of its total assets in
non-convertible, non-investment grade debt securities (commonly known as "high
yield" or "junk" bonds). These investments involve certain risks. The Fund may
also invest in money market instruments, including repurchase agreements.
Investments in debt securities will generally be made to reduce the Fund's
equity exposure. During periods of high market valuations or adverse market
conditions or for liquidity purposes, all or any portion of the Fund's assets
may be invested temporarily in high quality debt securities or money market
instruments, or held as cash.

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

       It is expected that stock price performance for those firms that generate
cash flow substantially exceeding normal capital spending requirements generally
betters that of the equity market as a whole. At any given time, a large
percentage of the Fund's portfolio may consist of substantial free cash flow
generators. Sell decisions are driven by the Subadvisor's proprietary
multifactor model or a change in fundamental expectations. Positions are
eliminated when price appreciation renders a sale rating based on the
Subadvisor's valuation model. The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in
real estate investment trusts ("REITs").

STRATEGIC INCOME FUND

       In managing the Fund, the Subadvisor conducts a continuing review of
yields and other information derived from a data base which it maintains in
managing fixed-income portfolios.


                                       11
<PAGE>   237


Fundamental economic cycle analysis, credit quality and interest rate trends are
among the principal factors considered by the Subadvisor in determining whether
to increase or decrease the emphasis placed upon a particular type of security
or bond market sector within the Fund's investment portfolio.

       In making investment decisions with respect to maturity shifts, the
Subadvisor takes into account a broad range of fundamental and technical
indicators. The Subadvisor will alter the average maturity of the portfolio in
accordance with its judgment based on the research and other methods described
above.

       In seeking a competitive overall return, capital appreciation may be
sought by lengthening the maturities of high yield debt securities held in the
Fund's portfolio during periods when the Subadvisor expects interest rates to
decline. If the Subadvisor is incorrect in its expectations of changes in
interest rates, or in its evaluation of the normal yield relationship between
two securities, the Fund's income, NAV and potential capital gains could
decrease; or the potential loss could increase. This and other factors may
affect the income available for distribution to shareholders.

       Since available yields and yield differentials vary over time, no
specific level of income or yield differential can ever be ensured.

       Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include all types of debt
obligations of both domestic and foreign issuers, such as bonds, debentures,
notes, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates, conditional
sales contracts, commercial paper, foreign government securities and U.S.
government securities (including obligations, such as repurchase agreements,
secured by such instruments).

       The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in equity securities.
These may include capital notes, which are securities representing beneficial
interests in a trust for which the controlling common stock is owned by a bank
holding company. These beneficial interests are commonly issued as preferred
stock but may also be issued as other types of instruments. The trust owns
debentures issued by the bank holding company and issues the preferred stock to
investors.

       In making investments in foreign securities the Subadvisor will
determine, using good faith and judgement, (1) country allocation; (2) currency
exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified security
holdings within each market. The Subadvisor may consider factors such as
prospects for currency exchange and interest rates and inflation in each
country, relative economic growth, government policies influencing exchange
rates and business conditions, and quality of individual issuers.

       To hedge the market value of securities held, proposed to be held or sold
or relating to foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into or
purchase securities or securities index options, foreign currency options, and
futures contracts and related options with respect to securities, indexes of
securities, or currencies. The Fund also may buy and sell currencies on a spot
or forward basis. Subject to compliance with applicable rules, futures contracts
and related options may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including
as a substitute for acquiring a basket of securities and to reduce transaction
costs. The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign currency exchange contracts
for purposes of seeking to enhance portfolio returns and manage portfolio risk
more efficiently.


                                       12
<PAGE>   238


       Generally, the average maturity of the foreign securities held by the
Fund will be shorter when interest rates worldwide or in a particular country
are expected to rise, and longer when interest rates are expected to fall. The
Fund may use various techniques to shorten or lengthen the dollar-weighted
average maturity of its portfolio, including transactions in futures and options
on futures, interest rate swaps, caps, floors and short sales against the box.

       The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current
and projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered
relevant by the Subadvisor.

       The Subadvisor seeks to reduce risk through diversification, credit
analysis and attention to current developments and trends in both the economy
and financial markets.

STRATEGIC VALUE FUND

       In managing the Fund, the Subadvisor conducts a rigorous, disciplined
valuation methodology to maximize the most appropriate investment levels among
the three asset classes. Fundamental economic analysis, risk and return
estimations, credit quality and interest rate trends are among the principal
factors considered by the Subadvisor in determining whether to increase or
decrease the emphasis placed on a particular type of security or bond within the
Fund's investment portfolio. In the event that the Subadvisor's analysis
indicates that the Fund should be fully invested in only one asset group, the
Subadvisor will still adhere to the limitations on the amount of assets which
may be allocated to each of the three asset groups.

       In analyzing different securities to assess their relative
attractiveness, the Subadvisor's value investment process emphasizes such
factors as low price to earnings and price to cash flow ratios, financial
strength and earnings predictability. The Fund intends to purchase those
securities which it believes to be undervalued in the market relative to
comparable securities based on the foregoing analysis.

       In assessing whether a stock is undervalued, the Subadvisor considers,
among other factors, a company's financial strength and earnings predictability.
The Fund may provide some protection on the downside through its investment in
companies whose current stock prices reflect, in the Subadvisor's opinion,
either unwarranted pessimism or unrecognized value.

       In selecting convertible securities for purchase or sale, the Subadvisor
takes into account a variety of investment considerations, including credit
risk, projected interest return and the premium for the convertible security
relative to the underlying common stock.

       In seeking a competitive overall return, capital appreciation may be
sought by lengthening the maturities of high yield debt securities held in the
Fund's portfolio during periods when the Subadvisor expects interest rates to
decline. If the Subadvisor is incorrect in its expectations of changes in
interest rates, or in its evaluation of the normal yield relationship between
two securities, the Fund's income, NAV and potential capital gains could
decrease; or the potential loss could increase. This and other factors may
affect the income available for distribution to shareholders.

       Since available yields and yield differentials vary over time, no
specific level of income or yield differential can ever be ensured.


                                       13
<PAGE>   239


       Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include all types of debt
obligations of both domestic and foreign issuers, such as bonds, debentures,
notes, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates, conditional
sales contracts, commercial paper, foreign government securities and U.S.
government securities (including obligations, such as repurchase agreements,
secured by such instruments). For purposes of the Fund's investment policies,
the Fund considers preferred stock to be a debt obligation.

       The Fund's investments may include capital notes, which are securities
representing beneficial interest in a trust for which the controlling common
stock is owned by a bank holding company. These beneficial interests are
commonly issued as preferred stock but may also be issued as other types of
instruments. The trust owns debentures issued by the bank holding company and
issues the preferred stock to investors.

       In making investments in foreign securities the Subadvisor will
determine, using good faith and judgement, (1) country allocation; (2) currency
exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified security
holdings within each market. The Subadvisor may consider factors such as
prospects for currency exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each
country, relative economic growth, government policies influencing exchange
rates and business conditions, and quality of individual issuers.

       To hedge the market value of securities held, proposed to be held or sold
or relating to foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into or
purchase securities or securities index options, foreign currency options, and
futures contracts and related options with respect to securities, indexes of
securities, or currencies. The Fund also may buy and sell currencies on a spot
or forward basis. Subject to compliance with applicable rules, futures contracts
and related options may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including
as a substitute for acquiring a basket of securities and to reduce transaction
costs. The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign exchange contracts and
foreign currency options for purposes of seeking to enhance portfolio returns or
to manage portfolio risk more efficiently.

TAX FREE BOND FUND

       This Fund invests in obligations of states and their political
subdivisions and agencies, the interest from which is, in the opinion of the
issuer's bond counsel, exempt from regular federal income tax ("Municipal Bonds"
or "tax-exempt securities"). None of the Fund, the Subadvisor nor counsel to the
Fund reviews such opinions or otherwise determines independently that the
interest on a security will be classified as tax-exempt interest.

       Municipal Bonds are issued to obtain funds for various public purposes.
The interest on these obligations is generally exempt from regular federal
income tax in the hands of most investors. Because the Fund may hold high-grade
Municipal Bonds, the income earned on shares of the Fund may tend to be less
than it might be on a portfolio emphasizing lower quality securities.
Conversely, to the extent that the Fund holds lower quality securities, the risk
of default in the payment of principal or interest by the issuer of a portfolio
security is greater than if the Fund held only higher quality securities.
Although higher quality tax-exempt securities may produce lower yields, they are
generally more marketable. To protect the Fund's capital under adverse market
conditions, the Fund may from time to time purchase higher quality securities or
taxable short-term investments with a resultant decrease in yield or increase in
the proportion of taxable income.


                                       14
<PAGE>   240


       The Fund may sell a security at any time in order to improve the yield on
the Fund's portfolio. In buying and selling portfolio securities, the Fund seeks
to take advantage of market developments, yield disparities and variations in
the creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund will not engage in arbitrage
transactions.

       The Fund may invest in Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds
and municipal lease obligations.

       From time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of the value of its
total assets in Municipal Bonds that are related in such a way that an economic,
business, or political development or change affecting one such security could
also affect the other securities (for example, securities whose issuers are
located in the same state). The Fund may also invest 25% or more of the value of
its total assets in Industrial Development Bonds. Further, the Fund may acquire
all or part of privately negotiated loans made to tax-exempt borrowers. To the
extent that these private placements are not readily marketable, the Fund will
limit its investment in such securities (along with all other illiquid
securities) to no more than 10% of the value of its total assets. Because an
active trading market may not exist for such securities, the price that the Fund
may pay for these securities or receive on their resale may be lower than that
for similar securities with a more liquid market.

       The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current
and projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered
relevant by the Subadvisor.

TOTAL RETURN FUND

       The Fund may invest in common stocks, convertible securities, warrants
and fixed-income securities, such as bonds, preferred stocks and other debt
obligations, including money market instruments. The Fund will also invest in
stocks and other equity securities which it believes to be undervalued based
upon factors such as ratios of market price to book value, estimated liquidating
value and projected cash flow.

       The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current
and projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered
relevant by the Subadvisor.

       Although the Total Return Fund does not intend to seek short-term
profits, securities in its portfolio will be sold whenever the Subadvisor
believes it is appropriate to do so without regard to the length of time the
particular security may have been held, subject to certain tax requirements for
qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). A high turnover rate involves greater expenses
to the Fund and may increase the possibility of shareholders realizing taxable
capital gains. The Fund engages in portfolio trading if it believes a
transaction, net of costs (including custodian charges), will help in achieving
its investment objective.

THE EQUITY INDEX FUND GUARANTEE

       NYLIFE LLC ("NYLIFE"), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly
owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company ("New York Life"), will
guarantee unconditionally and irrevocably pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement
between NYLIFE and the Fund (the "Guarantee") that if, exactly 10 years from the
date of purchase of a Fund Share (the "Guarantee Date"), the then-net asset
value of a unit equal to the net asset value of that Fund


                                       15
<PAGE>   241


share, plus the value of all dividends and distributions paid with respect to
that share, including cumulative reinvested dividends and distributions
attributable to such share paid during that 10-year period ("Guaranteed Share"),
is less than the public offering price initially paid for the share ("Guaranteed
Amount"), NYLIFE will pay for disbursement to shareholders an amount equal to
the difference between the Guaranteed Amount for each such share and the net
asset value of each such Guaranteed Share outstanding and held by shareholders
as of the close of business on the Guarantee Date. There is no charge to the
Fund or its shareholders for the Guarantee.

       If, on a particular Guarantee Date, payments must be made under the terms
of the Guarantee, the terms of the Guarantee will obligate NYLIFE
unconditionally and irrevocably to pay to the Equity Index Fund's transfer and
dividend disbursing agent for the benefit of shareholders with that Guarantee
Date an amount equal to the difference between the Guaranteed Amount and net
asset value per each Guaranteed Share (as defined in the Prospectus)
outstanding. The Equity Index Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent will
forward the difference between the Guaranteed Amount and the net asset value
directly to each individual shareholder.

       A Guaranteed Share (the unit to which the Guaranteed Amount will apply)
is not the same as a share of the Fund. Shareholders who redeem shares, or who
elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash, will own fewer units to
which the Guaranteed Amount applies (i.e., they will own fewer Guaranteed
Shares) and therefore will lose a portion of the benefit of the Guarantee with
respect to any such redemption or dividends or distributions received in cash.
When a shareholder redeems shares, shares will be redeemed on a first in, first
out basis, meaning that the oldest shares, including shares no longer subject to
the Guarantee, would be redeemed first.

       NYLIFE will pay any amounts owing under the Guarantee to the Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent on the fifth business day following a
Guarantee Date. A pro rata portion of any amounts so paid will then be forwarded
to each shareholder holding, as of the close of business on such date,
Guaranteed Shares with that Guarantee Date. If the Guarantee Date should fall on
a weekend or on a holiday, the Guarantee Date shall be the first business day
following the Guarantee Date. In the case of IRAs and certain other retirement
plans, the amount due under the Guarantee may be transferred to a Money Market
Fund account within the plan, instead of being paid to the shareholder in cash.
The Guarantee is intended to assure each owner of Guaranteed Shares on a
Guarantee Date that he or she will be able to recover, as of the Guarantee Date,
at a minimum, the Guaranteed Amount (with no adjustment for inflation or the
time value of money). The Guarantee will benefit any holder of such Guaranteed
Shares on the relevant Guarantee Date, who need not be the original purchaser,
and who, for example, may own such shares by gift or inheritance.

       Although the Equity Index Fund does not intend to pay dividends and
distributions in cash to shareholders (unless a shareholder elects to receive
payments in cash), such dividends and distributions which are reinvested will be
taxable to shareholders. See "Tax Information." The Guaranteed Amount does not
reflect any adjustment for the payment of taxes by a shareholder on dividends
and distributions received from the Equity Index Fund.

       The obligations, if any, of NYLIFE under the Guarantee shall be
discharged when all required payments are made in full to the transfer and
dividend disbursing agent for the benefit of the shareholders or if the Equity
Index Fund's net asset value on a Guarantee Date is such that no amounts are
payable to shareholders under the terms of the Guarantee. Payment obligations


                                       16
<PAGE>   242

under the Guarantee will be solely the obligations of NYLIFE. Neither the Equity
Index Fund, New York Life, Monitor, NYLIFE Distributors, any of their affiliates
nor any other party is undertaking any obligation to the Equity Index Fund or
its shareholders with respect to the Guarantee.

       Although the Guarantee has been arranged for by the Equity Index Fund and
is created under contract between the Equity Index Fund and NYLIFE, the Equity
Index Fund has no interest in, and specifically disclaims any interest in, the
proceeds payable under the Guarantee, which are payable solely to the
shareholders with a particular Guarantee Date. The designation of such
shareholders as the sole beneficiaries of the Guarantee may not be changed by
either the Equity Index Fund or such shareholders. The Guarantee is neither
transferable nor assignable by the Equity Index Fund or the shareholders it
benefits, nor may the Equity Index Fund or its shareholders cancel or waive
rights under the Guarantee. The Guarantee cannot be surrendered by either the
Fund or its shareholders for cash, except in the event that payment is made
pursuant to its terms. Neither the Equity Index Fund nor its shareholders may
use the Guarantee as a pledge for a loan, nor may the Equity Index Fund or its
shareholders obtain any loan from NYLIFE with respect to amounts that may be
payable pursuant to the Guarantee.

       The foregoing is only a summary, and not a complete statement of the
principal terms of the Guarantee. Reference is made to the Guarantee, a specimen
copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. This
summary is subject thereto and qualified in its entirety by such reference.

       If the Fund pays a dividend or distribution in cash to all Fund
shareholders, the amount of the distribution will reduce the Guaranteed Amount
with respect to each Guaranteed Share in the amount of such cash distribution.
Fund shares may be redeemed or exchanged by shareholders prior to their
Guarantee Date. However, any such redeemed or exchanged shares will lose the
benefit of the Guarantee.

       Following their particular Guarantee Date, the shares of the Equity Index
Fund will be subject to those risks normally associated with an investment in
shares of a mutual fund that invests in securities represented in the Index.

       NYLIFE, Inc. is a New York holding company incorporated on January 26,
1984. NYLIFE LLC was formed in Delaware on September 30, 1999 as a Delaware
holding company. On the same day, NYLIFE, Inc. was merged into NYLIFE LLC.
Audited financial statements for NYLIFE for its most recent fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999, appear in this SAI.

       New York Life is a mutual life insurance company. Payment obligations
under the Guarantee will be solely the obligations of NYLIFE. None of the Fund,
New York Life, Monitor, NYLIFE Distributors, NYLIFE Securities Inc., any of
their affiliates nor any other party is undertaking any obligation to the Fund
or its shareholders with respect to the Guarantee. New York Life is not
obligated to pay any claim under the Guarantee or to make additional capital
contributions to NYLIFE.

       Persons who do not have an individual account maintained on the
shareholder records of the Fund's transfer agent, MainStay Shareholder Services
LLC, may purchase shares of the Equity Index Fund only with the written
authorization of NYLIFE Distributors.



                                       17
<PAGE>   243

HOW THE INDEXING WORKS

       The weightings of stocks in the Index are based on each stock's relative
total market capitalization (the stock's market price per share times the number
of shares outstanding). The Subadvisor seeks to provide investment results which
mirror the performance of the Index. The Subadvisor attempts to achieve this
objective by investing in all stocks in the Index in the same proportion as
their representation in the Index.

       It is a reasonable expectation that there will be a close correlation
between the Fund's performance and that of the Index in both rising and falling
markets. The correlation between the performance of the Fund and the Index is
expected to be at least 0.95. A correlation of 1.00 would indicate perfect
correlation, which would be achieved when the Fund's NAV, including the value of
its dividend and capital gains distributions, increases or decreases in exact
proportion to changes in the Index. The Fund's correlation, however, may be
affected by, among other things, transaction costs, changes in either the
composition of the Index or number of shares outstanding for the components of
the Index, and the timing and amount of shareholder redemptions, if any.

       "Standard & Poor's", "S&P 500", "S&P" and "Standard & Poor's 500" are
trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by
Monitor Capital Advisors LLC. S&P does not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the
Fund or represent the advisability of investing in the Fund.

       The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes
no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or
any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities
generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 Index to
track general stock market performance. S&P's only relationship to Monitor is
the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500
Index which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to
Monitor or the Fund. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of Monitor or the
owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating
the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance
or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by
which the Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability
in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

       S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the S&P
500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no liability for any
errors, omissions, or interruptions therein. S&P makes no warranty, express or
implied, as to results to be obtained by Monitor, owners of the Fund, or any
other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included
therein. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with
respect to the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any
of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P have any liability for any special,
punitive, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits), even if
notified of the possibility of such damages.

RISK FACTORS AFFECTING CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

       The following information as to certain California State ("State") risk
factors is given to investors in view of the policy of the MainStay California
Tax Free Fund of concentrating its

                                       18
<PAGE>   244


investments in California municipal issuers. Such information constitutes only a
brief discussion, does not purport to be a complete description and is based on
information from sources believed by the Trust to be reliable, including
official statements relating to securities offerings of California and municipal
issuers, and periodic publications by national ratings organizations. Such
information, however, has not been independently verified by the Trust.

       Certain California constitutional amendments, legislative measures,
executive orders, administrative regulations and voter initiatives, as discussed
below, could adversely affect the market values and marketability of, or result
in default of, existing obligations of the State. Obligations of the State or
local governments may also be affected by budgetary pressures affecting the
State and economic conditions in the State.

       Certain of the California municipal securities in which the Fund may
invest may be obligations of issuers which rely in whole or in part on
California State revenues for payment of these obligations. Property tax
revenues and a portion of the State's General Fund surplus are distributed to
counties, cities and their various taxing entities and the State assumes certain
obligations theretofore paid out of local funds. Whether and to what extent a
portion of the State's General Fund will be distributed in the future to
counties, cities and their various entities, is unclear.

       Certain of the California municipal securities may be obligations of
issuers who rely in whole or in part on ad valorem real property taxes as a
source of revenue. On June 6, 1978, Proposition 13 added Article XIIIA to the
California Constitution. The effect of Article XIIIA is to limit ad valorem
taxes on real property and to restrict the ability of taxing entities to
increase real property tax revenues.

       Legislation enacted by the California legislature to implement Article
XIIIA (Statutes of 1978, Chapter 292, as amended) provides that notwithstanding
any other law, local agencies may not levy any ad valorem property tax except to
pay debt service on indebtedness approved by the voters prior to July 1, 1978,
and that each county will levy the maximum tax permitted by Article XIIIA of
$4.00 per $100 assessed valuation. The apportionment of property taxes in fiscal
years after 1978-79 was revised pursuant to Statutes of 1979, Chapter 282, which
provides relief funds from State moneys beginning in fiscal year 1979-80 and is
designed to provide a permanent system for sharing State taxes and budget funds
with local agencies. Under Chapter 282, cities and counties receive more of the
remaining property tax revenues collected under Proposition 13 instead of direct
State aid. School districts receive a correspondingly reduced amount of property
taxes, but receive compensation directly from the State and are given additional
relief.

       On November 8, 1986, California voters approved an initiative statute
known as "Proposition 62." This statute (i) requires that any tax for general
governmental purposes imposed by local governments be approved by resolution or
ordinance adopted by a two-thirds vote of the governmental entity's legislative
body and by a majority vote of the electorate of the governmental entity; (ii)
requires that any special tax (defined as taxes levied for other than general
governmental purposes) imposed by a local governmental entity be approved by a
two-thirds vote of the voters within that jurisdiction; (iii) restricts the use
of revenues from a special tax to the purposes or for the service for which the
special tax was imposed; (iv) prohibits the imposition of ad valorem taxes on
real property by local governmental entities except as permitted by Article
XIIIA of the California Constitution; (v) prohibits the imposition of
transaction taxes and sales taxes on the sale of real property by local
governments; (vi) requires that any tax imposed by a local government on or
after August 1, 1985 be ratified by a majority


                                       19
<PAGE>   245


of the electorate within two years of the adoption of the initiative or be
terminated by November 15, 1988; (vii) requires that, in the event a local
government fails to comply with the provisions of this measure, a reduction in
the amount of tax revenue allocated to such local government occur in an amount
equal to the revenues received by such entity attributable to the tax levied in
violation of the initiative; and (viii) permits these provisions to be amended
exclusively by the voters of the State of California. In September 1988, the
California Court of Appeals held that it was unconstitutional to require that
local tax measures be submitted to the electorate, as described in (vi) above.

       In September 1995, the California Supreme Court upheld the
constitutionality of Proposition 62, creating uncertainty as to the legality of
certain local taxes enacted by non-charter cities in California without voter
approval.

       On November 5, 1996, voters approved Proposition 218, entitled the "Right
to Vote on Taxes Act," which incorporates new Articles XIIIC and XIIID into the
California Constitution. These new provisions place limitations on the ability
of local government agencies to impose or raise various taxes, fees, charges and
assessments without voter approval. Certain "general taxes" imposed after
January 1, 1995 must be approved by voters in order to remain in effect. In
addition, Article XIIIC clarifies the right of local voters to reduce taxes,
fees, assessments or charges through local initiatives. There are a number of
ambiguities concerning the Proposition and its impact on local governments and
their bonded debt which will require interpretation by the courts or the
Legislature. Proposition 218 does not affect the State or its ability to levy or
collect taxes.

       The State is subject to an annual appropriations limit imposed by Article
XIIIB of the State Constitution (the "Appropriations Limit"). The Appropriations
Limit does not restrict appropriations to pay debt service on the bonds or other
voter-authorized bonds. Article XIIIB prohibits the State from spending
"appropriations subject to limitation" in excess of the Appropriations Limit.
"Appropriations subject to limitation," with respect to the State, are
authorizations to spend "proceeds of taxes," which consist of tax revenues, and
certain other funds, including proceeds from regulatory licenses, user charges
or other fees to the extent that such proceeds exceed "the cost reasonably borne
by that entity in providing the regulation, product or service," but "proceeds
of taxes" exclude most State subventions to local governments, tax refunds and
some benefit payments such as unemployment insurance. No limit is imposed on
appropriations of funds which are not "proceeds of taxes," such as reasonable
user charges or fees and certain other non-tax funds.

       Not included in the Appropriations Limit are appropriations for the debt
service costs of bonds existing or authorized by January 1, 1979, or
subsequently authorized by the voters, appropriations required to comply with
mandates of courts or the federal government and, pursuant to Proposition 111,
appropriations for qualified capital outlay projects and appropriations of
revenues derived from any increase in gasoline taxes and motor vehicle weight
fees above January 1, 1990 levels, and appropriation of certain special taxes
imposed by initiative (e.g., increased cigarette and tobacco taxes enacted by
Proposition 99 in 1988). The Appropriations Limit may also be exceeded in cases
of emergency.

       The State's Appropriations Limit in each year is based on the limit for
the prior year, adjusted annually for changes in State per capita personal
income and changes in population, and adjusted, when applicable, for any
transfer of financial responsibility of providing services to or from another
unit of government. The measurement of change in population is a blended average


                                       20
<PAGE>   246


of statewide overall population growth, and change in attendance at local school
and community college ("K-14") districts. As amended by Proposition 111, the
Appropriations Limit is tested over consecutive two-year periods. Any excess of
the aggregate "proceeds of taxes" received over such a two-year period above the
combined Appropriations Limits for those two years is divided equally between
transfers to K-14 districts and refunds to taxpayers.

       The legislature enacted legislation to implement Article XIIIB which
defines certain terms used in Article XIIIB and sets forth the methods for
determining the Appropriations Limit. California Government Code Section 7912
requires an estimate of the Appropriations Limit to be included in the
Governor's Budget, and thereafter to be subject to the budget process and
established in the Budget Act.

       On November 8, 1988, the State's voters approved Proposition 98, a
combined initiative constitutional amendment and statute called the "Classroom
Instructional Improvement and Accountability Act." Proposition 98 changed State
funding of public education below the university level and the operation of the
State Appropriations Limit, primarily by guaranteeing K-14 schools a minimum
share of General Fund revenues. Under Proposition 98 (as modified by Proposition
111, enacted on June 5, 1990), K-14 schools are guaranteed the greater of (a) in
general, a fixed percent of General Fund revenues ("Test 1"), (b) the amount
appropriated to K-14 schools in the prior year, adjusted for changes in the cost
of living (measured as in Article XIIIB by reference to State per capita
personal income) and enrollment ("Test 2"), or (c) a third test, which would
replace Test 2 in any year when the percentage growth in per capita General Fund
revenues from the prior year plus one half of one percent is less than the
percentage growth in State per capita personal income ("Test 3"). Under Test 3,
schools would receive the amount appropriated in the prior year adjusted for
changes in enrollment and per capita General Fund revenues, plus an additional
small adjustment factor. If Test 3 is used in any year, the difference between
Test 3 and Test 2 would become a "credit" to schools which would be the basis of
payments in future years when per capita General Fund revenue growth exceeds per
capita personal income growth. Legislation adopted prior to the end of the
1988-89 fiscal year, implementing Proposition 98, determined the K-14 schools'
funding guarantee under Test 1 to be 40.3 percent of the General Fund tax
revenues, based on 1986-87 appropriations. The percentage has been adjusted to
approximately 35 percent to account for a subsequent redirection of local
property taxes, since such redirection directly affects the share of General
Fund revenues to schools.

       Proposition 98 permits the legislature by two-thirds vote of both houses,
with the Governor's concurrence, to suspend the K-14 schools' minimum funding
formula for a one-year period. Proposition 98 also contains provisions
transferring certain State tax revenues in excess of the Article XIIIB limit to
K-14 schools.

       During the recession in the early 1990s, General Fund revenues for
several years were less than originally projected, so that the original
Proposition 98 appropriations turned out to be higher than the minimum
percentage provided in the law. The Legislature responded to these developments
by designating the "extra" Proposition 98 payments in one year as a "loan" from
future years' Proposition 98 entitlements, and also intended that the "extra"
payments would not be included in the Proposition 98 "base" for calculating
future years' entitlements. By implementing these actions, per-pupil funding
from Proposition 98 sources stayed almost constant at approximately $4,200 from
Fiscal Year 1991-92 to Fiscal Year 1993-94.


                                       21
<PAGE>   247


       In 1992, a lawsuit was filed, called California Teachers' Association v.
Gould, which challenged the validity of these off-budget loans. The settlement
of this case, finalized in July, 1996, provides, among other things, that both
the State and K-14 schools share in the repayment of prior years' emergency
loans to schools. Of the total $1.76 billion in loans, the State is repaying
$935 million by forgiveness of the amount owed, while schools will repay $825
million. The State share of the repayment will be reflected as an appropriation
above the current Proposition 98 base calculation. The schools' share of the
repayment will count as appropriations that count toward satisfying the
Proposition 98 guarantee, or from "below" the current base. Repayments are
spread over the eight-year period of 1994-95 through 2001-02 to mitigate any
adverse fiscal impact. The 1998-99 Budget Act appropriated $250 million as
repayment of prior years' loans to schools, as part of the settlement in this
case, and the 1999-00 Budget Act appropriates $310 million for the same purpose.

       Substantially increased General Fund revenues, above initial budget
projections, in the fiscal years 1994-95 through 1999-00 have resulted in
retroactive increases in Proposition 98 appropriations from subsequent fiscal
years' budgets. Because of the State's increasing revenues, per-pupil funding at
the K-12 level has increased by about 50% from the level in place from 1991-92,
and is estimated at about $6,313 per ADA in 2000-01. A significant amount of the
"extra" Proposition 98 monies in the last few years has been allocated to
special programs, including an initiative to increase the number of computers in
schools throughout the State. Furthermore, since General Fund revenue growth is
expected to continue in 2000-01, there are also new initiatives to increase
school safety, improve schools' accountability for pupil performance, provide
additional textbooks to schools, fund deferred maintenance projects, provide
better teacher recruitment and training and provide performance incentives to
teachers.

       Certain California municipal securities in the Fund may be obligations
that are secured in whole or in part by a mortgage or deed of trust on real
property. Upon the default of a mortgage or deed of trust with respect to
California real property, the creditor's nonjudicial foreclosure rights under
the power of sale contained in the mortgage or deed of trust are subject to the
constraints imposed by California law upon transfers of title to real property
by private power of sale. During the three-month period beginning with the
filing of a formal notice of default, the debtor is entitled to reinstate the
home mortgage by making any overdue payments. Under standard loan servicing
procedures, the filing of the formal notice of default does not occur unless at
least three full monthly payments have become due and remain unpaid. The power
of sale is exercised by posting and publishing a notice of sale for at least 20
days after expiration of the three-month reinstatement period. Therefore, the
effective minimum period for foreclosing on a mortgage could be in excess of
seven months after the initial default. Such time delays in collections could
disrupt the flow of revenues available to an issuer for the payment of debt
service on the outstanding obligations if such defaults occur with respect to a
substantial number of home mortgages or deeds of trust securing an issuer's
obligations.

       Certain California municipal securities in the Fund may be obligations
that finance the acquisition of single family home mortgages for low- and
moderate-income mortgagors. These obligations may be payable solely from
revenues derived from the home mortgages, and are subject to the California
statutory limitations described above applicable to obligations secured by real
property. Under California anti-deficiency legislation, there is no personal
recourse against a mortgagor of a single family residence purchased with the
loan secured by the mortgage.


                                       22
<PAGE>   248


       Under California law, mortgage loans secured by single family
owner-occupied dwellings may be prepaid at any time. Prepayment charges on such
mortgage loans may be imposed only with respect to voluntary prepayments made
during the first five years of the term of the mortgage loan, and cannot in any
event exceed six months' advance interest on the amount prepaid in excess of 20%
of the original principal amount of the mortgage loan. This limitation could
affect the flow of revenues available to an issuer for debt service on the
outstanding debt obligations which financed such home mortgages.

       On January 17, 1994, a major earthquake measuring an estimated 6.8 on the
Richter Scale struck Los Angeles. Significant property damage to private and
public facilities occurred in a four-county area including northern Los Angeles
County, Ventura County, and parts of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The
possibility exists that another such earthquake could create a major dislocation
of the State economy.

       Congress passed and the President signed (on August 22, 1996) the
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 making a fundamental
reform of the current welfare system. Among many provisions, the Law includes:
(i) conversion of Aid to Families with Dependent Children from an entitlement
program to a block grant titled Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
("TANF"), with lifetime time limits on TANF recipients, work requirements and
other changes; (ii) provisions denying certain federal welfare and public
benefits to legal noncitizens, allowing states to elect to deny additional
benefits (including TANF) to legal noncitizens, and generally denying almost all
benefits to illegal immigrants; and (iii) changes in the Food Stamp program,
including reducing maximum benefits and imposing work requirements.

       As part of the 1997-98 Budget Act legislative package, the Legislature
and Governor agreed on a comprehensive reform of the State's public assistance
programs to implement the new federal law. The new basic State welfare program
is called California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act
("CalWORKs"), which replaces the former Aid to Families with Dependent Children
("AFDC") and Greater Avenues to Independence ("GAIN") programs effective January
1, 1998. Consistent with the federal law, CalWORKs contains new time limits on
receipt of welfare aid, both lifetime as well as for any current period of aid.
The centerpiece of CalWORKs is the linkage of eligibility to work participation
requirements. Administration of the new Welfare-to-Work programs will be largely
at the county level, and counties are given financial incentives for success in
this program. Counties have been successful in earning performance incentive
payments and have earned amounts in excess of the available appropriation for
1998-99 and, it is estimated, for 1999-00 as well. The Governor proposes to
repeal or modify the current incentive structure in 2000-01 to permit adequate
funding for other CalWORK program demands in the future.

       To date, the implementation of the CalWORKs program has continued the
trend of declining welfare caseloads. The CalWORKs caseload is projected to be
589,000 in 1999-00 and 557,000 in 2000-01, down from a high of 921,000 cases in
1994-95. The longer-term impact of the new federal Law and CalWORKs is being
evaluated by the RAND Corporation, with a series of reports to be furnished and
the final report due October 2001.

       The 2000-01 CalWORKs budget reflect California's success in meeting the
federally-mandated work participation requirements for federal fiscal year 1998.
With that goal being met, the federally-imposed maintenance-of-effort (MOE)
level for California is reduced from 80 percent of the federal fiscal year 1994
baseline expenditures for the former AFDC program ($2.9


                                       23
<PAGE>   249

billion) to 75 percent ($2.7 billion). It is still uncertain if the state will
meet the work participation requirements for federal fiscal year 1999; however,
due to program changes, it is expected that California will meet the work
participation goal in federal fiscal year 2000 and beyond. In addition,
California will receive a TANF High Performance Bonus award of $45.5 million.
This one-time bonus is awarded to states for their successes in moving welfare
recipients to work and sustaining their participation in the workforce.

       The 2000-01 Governor's Budget proposes expenditures which will continue
to meet, but not exceed the federally-required $2.7 billion combined Statement
and county MOE requirement. Total CalWORKs-related expenditures are estimated to
be $7.2 billion for 1999-00 and $6.9 billion for 2000-01, including child care
transfer amounts for the Department of Education.

       Pressures on the State's budget in the late 1980's and early 1990's were
caused by a combination of external economic conditions (including a recession
which began in 1990) and growth of the largest General Fund Programs - K-14
education, health, welfare and corrections - at rates faster than the revenue
base. During this period, expenditures exceeded revenues in four out of six
years up to 1992-93, and the State accumulated and sustained a budget deficit
approaching $2.8 billion at its peak at June 30, 1993. Between the 1991-92 and
1994-95 Fiscal Years, each budget required multibillion dollar actions to bring
projected revenues and expenditures into balance, including significant cuts in
health and welfare program expenditures; transfers of program responsibilities
and funding from the State to local governments; transfer of about $3.6 billion
in annual local property tax revenues from other local governments to local
school districts, thereby reducing State funding for schools under Proposition
98; and revenue increases (particularly in the 1991-92 Fiscal Year budget), most
of which were for a short duration.

       Despite these budget actions, the effects of the recession led to large,
unanticipated budget deficits. By the 1993-94 Fiscal Year, the accumulated
deficit was so large that it was impractical to retire it in one year, so a
two-year program was implemented, using the issuance of revenue anticipation
warrants to carry a portion of the deficit over the end of the fiscal year. When
the economy failed to recover sufficiently in 1993-94, a second two-year plan
was implemented in 1994-95, again using cross-fiscal year revenue anticipation
warrants to partly finance the deficit into the 1995-96 fiscal year.

       Another consequence of the accumulated budget deficits, together with
other factors such as disbursement of funds to local school districts "borrowed"
from future fiscal years and hence not shown in the annual budget, was to
significantly reduce the State's cash resources available to pay its ongoing
obligations. When the Legislature and the Governor failed to adopt a budget for
the 1992-93 Fiscal Year by July 1, 1992, which would have allowed the State to
carry out its normal annual cash flow borrowing to replenish its cash reserves,
the State Controller issued registered warrants to pay a variety of obligations
representing prior years' or continuing appropriations, and mandates from court
orders. Available funds were used to make constitutionally-mandated payments,
such as debt service on bonds and warrants. Between July 1 and September 4,
1992, when the budget was adopted, the State Controller issued a total of
approximately $3.8 billion of registered warrants.

       For several fiscal years during the recession, the State was forced to
rely on external debt markets to meet its cash needs, as a succession of notes
and revenue anticipation warrants were issued in the period from June 1992 to
July 1994, often needed to pay previously maturing notes


                                       24
<PAGE>   250

or warrants. These borrowings were used also in part to spread out the repayment
of the accumulated budget deficit over the end of a fiscal year, as noted
earlier. The last and largest of these borrowings was $4.0 billion of revenue
anticipation warrants which were issued in July, 1994 and matured on April 25,
1996.

       The State's financial condition improved markedly during the 1995-96 and
1996-97 fiscal years, with a combination of better than expected revenues,
slowdown in growth of social welfare programs, and continued spending restraint
based on the actions taken in earlier years. The State's cash position also
improved, and no external deficit borrowing has occurred over the end of these
two fiscal years.

       The economy grew strongly during these fiscal years, and as a result, the
General Fund took in substantially greater tax revenues (around $2.2 billion in
1995-96, $1.6 billion in 1996-97, $2.4 billion in 1997-98 and $1.6 billion in
1998-99) than were initially planned when the budgets were enacted. These
additional funds were largely directed to school spending as mandated by
Proposition 98, to make up shortfalls from reduced federal health and welfare
aid and particularly in 1998-99 to fund new program incentives. The accumulated
budget deficit from the recession years was finally eliminated.

       The California Constitution, codes and statutes specify the uses of
certain revenue. Such receipts are accounted for in various special funds. In
general, special fund revenues comprise three categories of income:

          1.       Receipts from tax levies which are allocated to specified
                   functions, such as motor vehicle taxes and fees and certain
                   taxes on tobacco products.

          2.       Charges for special services to specific functions,
                   including such items as business and professional license
                   fees.

          3.       Rental royalties and other receipts designated for
                   particular purposes (e.g., oil and gas royalties).

       Motor vehicle related taxes and fees accounted for about 55 percent of
all special fund revenues and transfers in 1998-99. Principal sources of this
income are motor vehicle fuel taxes, registration and weight fees and vehicle
license fees. During the 1998-99 fiscal year, $8.6 billion was derived from the
ownership or operation of motor vehicles. This was only 1.0 percent above the
1997-98 level, due to tax reductions enacted for vehicle license fees. About
$4.7 billion of this revenue was returned to local governments. The remainder
was available for various state programs related to transportation and services
to vehicle owners. These amounts (as well as those shown below in the table
"Comparative Yield of State Taxes--All Funds") include the additional fees and
taxes derived from the passage of Proposition 111 in June 1990.

       Chapter 322, Statutes of 1998 established a vehicle license fee offset
program. Pursuant to this chapter, vehicle license fees were reduced by 25
percent beginning January 1, 1999. In addition, Chapter 74, Statutes of 1999,
provided a one-time expansion of the offset program by an additional 10 percent
for the 2000 calendar year only, and Chapter 76, Statutes of 1999, allowed a
one-year reduction in vehicle license fees for certain commercial motor
vehicles. For 1999-00 and 2000-01, the offset program is expected to reduce
revenues by $1.350 billion and $1.712 billion, respectively. This loss of local
revenue is replaced by the State's General Fund.


                                       25
<PAGE>   251


       Vehicle license fees, over and above the costs of collection and refunds
authorized by law, are constitutionally defined local revenues. A continuous
appropriation from the General Fund replaces the vehicle license fee revenue
that local governments would otherwise lose due to the fee reductions. If in any
year the Legislature fails to appropriate enough funds to fully offset the
then-applicable vehicle license fee reduction, the percentage offset will be
reduced to assure that local governments are not disadvantaged.

       In addition to the initial 25 percent reduction, Chapter 322 also sets
out a series of "trigger" levels, so that the percentage fee reduction could be
increased in annual stages up to a maximum of 67.5 percent in 2003 depending on
whether future General Fund revenues reach the target levels. In order for the
next 10 percent fee reduction, which will result in a cumulative 35 percent cut
from 1998 base levels, to go into effect permanently beginning calendar year
2001, General Fund revenues in FY 2000-01 would need to reach about $65.5
billion. Based on the current revenue forecast, the 35 percent offset will go
into effect in the 2001 calendar year.

       On November 8, 1988, voters approved Proposition 99, which imposed, as of
January 1, 1989, an additional 25 cents per pack excise tax on cigarettes, and a
new, equivalent excise tax on other tobacco products. The initiative requires
that funds from this tax be allocated to anti-tobacco education and research and
indigent health services, and environmental and recreation programs. Legislation
enacted in 1993 added an additional 2 cents per pack excise tax for the purpose
of funding breast cancer research.

       Proposition 10, approved in 1998, increased the excise tax imposed on
distributors selling cigarettes in California to 87 cents per pack effective
January 1, 1999. At the same time, this proposition imposed a new excise tax on
cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and snuff at a rate equivalent to the tax
increase on cigarettes of 50 cents per pack. In addition, the higher excise tax
on cigarettes automatically triggered an additional increase in the tax on other
tobacco products effective July 1, 1999, with the proceeds going to the
Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund. Thus, this proposition increased the
total excise tax on other tobacco products by an amount equivalent to an
increase in the cigarette tax of one dollar per pack.

       The state excise tax on cigarettes of 87 cents per pack and other tobacco
product taxes are earmarked as follows:

- -     Fifty cents of the per-pack tax on cigarettes, and the equivalent rate
      levied on non-cigarette tobacco products, goes to the California
      Children and Families First Trust Fund and is allocated primarily for
      early childhood development programs.

- -     Twenty-five cents of the per-pack tax on cigarettes, and the equivalent
      rates levied on non-cigarette tobacco products are allocated to the
      Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund. These funds are appropriated
      for anti-tobacco education and research, indigent health services, and
      environmental and recreation programs. This portion of the excise tax was
      imposed on January 1, 1989, as voters approved Proposition 99 of 1988.

- -     Ten cents of the per-pack tax is allocated to the State's General Fund.

       The remaining two cents of the per-pack tax is deposited into the Breast
Cancer Fund. Legislation enacted in 1993 added the additional per pack excise
tax for the purpose of funding breast cancer research.


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<PAGE>   252

       In late 1998, the State signed a settlement agreement with the four major
cigarette manufacturers. The State agreed to drop its lawsuit and not to sue in
the future. Tobacco manufacturers agreed to billions of dollars in payments and
restrictions in marketing activities. Under the settlement, the companies will
pay California governments a total of approximately $25 billion over a period of
25 years. In addition, payments of approximately $1 billion per year will
continue in perpetuity. Under the settlement, half of the moneys will be paid to
the State and half to local governments (all counties and the cities of San
Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose). The State's revised 1999-2000
Budget includes receipt of $517 million of settlement money to the General Fund.
The Governor's Budget for 2000-01 projects receipt of $388 million of settlement
money to the General Fund.

       The specific amount to be received by the State and local governments is
subject to adjustment. Details in the settlement allow reduction of the
companies' payments because of federal government actions, or reductions in
cigarette sales. Settlement payments can increase due to inflation or increases
in cigarette sales. The "second initial" payment, received in December 1999, was
14 percent lower than the base settlement amount due to reduced sales. Future
payment estimates have been reduced by a similar percentage. In the event that
any of the companies goes into bankruptcy, the State could seek to terminate the
agreement with respect to those companies filing bankruptcy actions thereby
reinstating all claims against those companies. The State may then pursue those
claims in the bankruptcy litigation, or as otherwise provided by law. Also,
several parties have brought a lawsuit challenging the settlement and seeking
damages.

       In January 1999, the Governor released his proposed budget for the
1999-00 Fiscal Year (the "Proposed 1999-00 Budget"). The Governor's Proposed
1999-00 Budget projected total General Fund revenues and transfers of $60.3
billion, a $3.3 billion increase over revised 1998-99 revenues. This included
anticipated initial payments from the tobacco litigation settlement of about
$560 million and receipt of one-time revenue from sale of assets. Overall, the
increase reflected an underlying revenue growth rate of 4.7% based on economic
trends, as well as non-economic factors, such as the tobacco company litigation,
that increases the total revenue growth rate to 7.1%. The Governor's Proposed
1999-00 Budget projected that the budget reserve, the SFEU, would be $415
million at June 30, 2000, $200 million lower than the projected level at June
30, 1998.

       The 1999 May Revision showed an additional $4.3 billion of revenues for
combined fiscal years 1998-99 and 1999-00. The completion of the 1999 Budget Act
occurred in a timely fashion. The final Budget Bill was adopted by the
Legislature on June 16, 1999, and was signed by the Governor on June 29, 1999
(the "1999 Budget Act" ), meeting the Constitutional deadline for budget
enactment for only the second time in the 1990's.

       The final 1999 Budget Act estimated General Fund revenues and transfers
of $63.0 billion, and contained expenditures totaling $63.7 billion after the
Governor used his line-item veto to reduce the legislative Budget Bill
expenditures by $581 million (both General Fund and Special Fund). The 1999
Budget Act also contained expenditures of $16.1 billion from special funds and
$1.5 billion from bond funds. The Administration estimated that the SFEU would
have a balance at June 30, 2000, of about $881 million. Not included in this
amount was an additional $300 million which (after the Governor's vetoes) was
"set aside" to provide funds for employee salary increases (to be negotiated in
bargaining with employee unions), and for litigation reserves.  The 1999 Budget
Act anticipates normal cash flow borrowing during the fiscal year.


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<PAGE>   253


            The principal features of the 1999 Budget Act include the following:

            1.   Proposition 98 funding for K-12 schools was increased by $1.6
billion in General Fund moneys over revised 1998-99 levels, $108.6 million
higher than the minimum Proposition 98 guarantee. Of the 1999-00 funds, major
new programs included money for reading improvement, new textbooks, school
safety, improving teacher quality, funding teacher bonuses, providing greater
accountability for school performance, increasing preschool and after school
care programs and funding deferred maintenance of school facilities. The Budget
also includes $310 million as repayment of prior years' loans to schools, as
part of the settlement of the CTA v. Gould lawsuit.

            2.   Funding for higher education increased substantially above the
actual 1998-99 level General Fund support was increased by $184 million (7.3%)
for the University of California and $126 million (5.9%) for the California
State University system. In addition, Community Colleges funding increased by
$324.3 million (6.6%). As a result, undergraduate fees at UC and CSU will be
reduced for the second consecutive year, and the per-unit charge at Community
Colleges will be reduced by $1.

            3.   The Budget included increased funding of nearly $600 million
for health and human services.

            4.   About $800 million from the general fund will be directed
toward infrastructure costs, including $425 million in additional funding for
the Infrastructure Bank, initial planning costs for a new prison in the Central
Valley, additional equipment for train and ferry service, and payment of
deferred maintenance for state parks.

            5.   The Legislature enacted a one-year additional reduction of 10%
of the VLF for calendar year 2000, at a General Fund cost of about $250 million
in each of fiscal year 1999-00 and 2000-01 to make up lost funding to local
governments. Conversion of this one-time reduction to a permanent cut will
remain subject to the revenue tests in the legislation adopted last year.
Several other targeted tax cuts, primarily for businesses, were also approved,
at a cost of $54 million in 1990-00.

            6.   A one-time appropriation of $150 million, to be split between
cities and counties, was made to offset property tax shifts during the early
1990's. Additionally, an ongoing $50 million was appropriated as a subvention to
cities for jail booking or processing fees charged by counties when an
individual arrested by city personnel is taken to a county detention facility.

       The revised 1999-2000 budget included in the 2000-01 Governor's Budget
also reflects the latest estimated costs or savings as provided in various
pieces of legislation passed and signed after the 1999 Budget Act. The revised
budget includes $730 million for various departments for enrollment, caseload
and population changes and $562 million for Smog Impact Fee refunds prompted by
the October 1999 ruling in Jordan, et al. v. Dept. of Motor Vehicles that the
State Smog Impact Fee program is unconstitutional.

       Revised 1999-2000 revenues are $65.2 billion or $2.2 billion higher than
projections at the 1999 Budget Act. Revised 1999-2000 expenditures are $65.9
billion or $2.1 billion higher than projections at the 1999 Budget Act. The
State's Legislative Analyst (LAO) issued a report in January 2000, following the
receipt of actual revenues for the month of December 1999, which were not
available at the time the Governor's Budget estimates were prepared. The LAO


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<PAGE>   254


report indicates General Fund revenues for the 18-month period (January 2000
through June 2001) could be as much as $3 billion higher than the 2000-01
Governor's Budget estimates. The LAO report assumed the continuation of strong
economic growth in the State during this period. The Department of Finance will
provide new projections of 1999-00 and 2000-01 revenues in May 2000.

       In January 2000, the Governor released his proposed budget for the
2000-01 Fiscal Year (the "Proposed 2000-01 Budget"). The Governor's Proposed
2000-01 Budget generally reflects that General Fund revenues for Fiscal Year
1999-2000 will be higher than projections made at the time of the 1999 Budget
Act.

       The Governor's Proposed 2000-01 Budget projects General Fund revenues and
transfers in 2000-01 of $68.2 billion. This includes anticipated payments from
the tobacco litigation settlement of $387.9 million and the receipt of one-time
revenue from the sale of assets. More accurate revenue estimates will be
available in May and June before the adoption of the Budget. The Governor has
proposed $167 million in tax reduction initiatives.

       The Governor's Proposed 2000-01 Budget proposes General Fund expenditures
of $68.8 billion. Included in the Budget are set-asides of $500 million for
legal contingencies and $100 million for various one-time legislative
initiatives. Based on the proposed revenues and expenditures, the Governor's
Budget project the June 30, 2001 balance in the SFEU to be $1.238 billion.

       On December 6, 1994, Orange County, California (the "County"), together
with its pooled investment funds (the "Funds") filed for protection under
Chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code, after reports that the Funds had
suffered significant market losses in their investments, causing a liquidity
crisis for the Funds and the County. More than 200 other public entities, most
of which, but not all, are located in the County, were also depositors in the
Funds. The bankruptcy filing stemmed from approximately $1.7 billion in losses
suffered by the County's investment pool due to investments in high risk
"derivative" securities. On June 12, 1996, it emerged from bankruptcy after the
successful sale of $880 million in municipal bonds allowed the County to pay off
the last of its creditors. On January 7, 1997, the County returned to the
municipal bond market with a $136 million bond issue maturing in 13 years at an
insured yield of 7.23%.

       The State is a party to numerous legal proceedings, many of which
normally recur in governmental operations. In addition, the State is involved in
certain other legal proceedings which, if decided against the State, may require
the State to make significant future expenditures or may impair future revenue
sources.

       The Bonds have received ratings of "Aa3" by Moody's Investors Service,
"A+" by Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies and "AA-" by
Fitch ICBA, Inc. An explanation of the significance and status of such credit
ratings may be obtained from the rating agencies furnishing the same. There is
no assurance that such ratings will continue for any given period of time or
that they will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by any such rating agencies,
if in their respective judgments, circumstances so warrant. A revision or
withdrawal of any such credit rating could have an effect on the market price of
the Bonds. After the Bonds are rated, the State Treasurer intends to provide
appropriate periodic credit information to the bond rating agencies to assist in
maintaining the ratings on the Bonds.

                                       29
<PAGE>   255

       The State's Department of Information Technology reports that the State
experienced no interruption in the delivery of mission critical services as a
result of Year 2000. The State will continue to monitor its information
technology systems to ensure the continued delivery of essential services.

RISK FACTORS AFFECTING NEW YORK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

       The following information as to certain New York State ("State") and New
York City ("City") risk factors is given to investors in view of the policy of
the MainStay New York Tax Free Fund of concentrating its investments in New York
municipal issuers. Such information constitutes only a brief discussion, does
not purport to be a complete description and is based on information from
sources believed by the Trust to be reliable, including official statements
relating to securities offerings of New York and municipal issuers, and periodic
publications by national ratings organizations. Such information, however, has
not been independently verified by the Trust.

       There are a number of methods by which the State itself may incur debt.
The State may issue general obligation bonds. Under the State Constitution, the
State may not, with limited exceptions for emergencies, undertake long-term
general obligation borrowing (i.e., borrowing for more than one year) unless the
borrowing is authorized in a specific amount for a single work or purpose by the
Legislature and approved by the voters. There is no limitation on the amount of
long-term general obligation debt that may be so authorized and subsequently
incurred by the State. With the exception of general obligation housing bonds
(which must be paid in equal annual installments or installments that result in
substantially level or declining debt service payments, within 50 years after
issuance, commencing no more than three years after issuance), general
obligation bonds must be paid in equal annual installments or installments that
result in substantially level or declining debt service payments, within 40
years after issuance, beginning not more than one year after issuance of such
bonds.

       The State may undertake short-term borrowings without voter approval (i)
in anticipation of the receipt of taxes and revenues, by issuing tax and revenue
anticipation notes ("TRANs"), and (ii) in anticipation of the receipt of
proceeds from the sale of duly authorized but unissued general obligation bonds,
by issuing bond anticipation notes ("BANs"). TRANs must mature within one year
from their dates of issuance and may not be refunded or refinanced beyond such
period. However, since 1990 the State's ability to issue TRANs has been limited
due to enactment of the fiscal reform program which created the Local Government
Assistance Corporation ("LGAC"), a public benefit corporation empowered to issue
long-term obligations to fund certain payments to local governments that had
been traditionally funded through the State's annual seasonal borrowing. BANs
may only be issued for the purposes and within the amounts for which bonds may
be issued pursuant to voter authorizations. Such BANs must be paid from the
proceeds of the sale of bonds in anticipation of which they were issued or from
other sources within two years of the date of issuance or, in the case of BANs
for housing purposes, within five years of the date of issuance. In order to
provide flexibility within these maximum term limits, the State has utilized the
BANs authorization to conduct a commercial paper program to fund disbursements
eligible for general obligation bond financing.

       Pursuant to specific constitutional authorization, the State may also
directly guarantee certain public authority obligations. The State Constitution
provides for the State guarantee of the repayment of certain borrowings for
designated projects of the New York State Thruway Authority, the Job Development
Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.


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<PAGE>   256


The State has never been called upon to make any direct payments pursuant to
such guarantees. State guaranteed bonds of the Thruway Authority and the Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey were fully retired on July 1, 1995 and
December 31, 1996, respectively.

       In February 1997, the Job Development Authority ("JDA") issued
approximately $85 million of State guaranteed bonds to refinance certain of its
outstanding bonds and notes in order to restructure and improve JDA's capital
finances. Due to concerns regarding the economic viability of its programs,
JDA's loan and loan guarantee activities were suspended in 1995. JDA resumed its
lending activities in 1997 under a revised set of lending programs and
underwriting guidelines. As a result of the structural imbalances in JDA's
capital structure, and defaults in its loan portfolio and loan guarantee program
incurred between 1991 and 1996, JDA would have experienced a debt service cash
flow shortfall had it not completed the 1997 refinancing. JDA anticipates that
it will transact additional refinancings in 2000 and 2003 to complete its
long-term plan of finance and further alleviate cash flow imbalances which are
likely to occur in future years. The State does not anticipate that it will be
called upon to make any payments pursuant to the State guarantee in the
1999-2000 fiscal year.

       Payments of debt service on State general obligation and State-guaranteed
bonds and notes are legally enforceable obligations of the State.

       The State employs additional long-term financing mechanisms,
lease-purchase and contractual obligation financings, which involve obligations
of public authorities or municipalities that are State supported but not general
obligations of the State. Under these financing arrangements, certain public
authorities and municipalities have issued obligations to finance the
construction and rehabilitation of facilities or the acquisition and
rehabilitation of equipment, and expect to meet their debt service requirements
through the receipt of rental or other contractual payments made by the State.
Although these financing arrangements involve a contractual agreement by the
State to make payments to a public authority, municipality or other entity, the
State's obligation to make such payments is generally expressly made subject to
appropriation by the Legislature and the actual availability of money to the
State for making the payments. The State has also entered into a financing
arrangement with LGAC to restructure the way the State makes certain local aid
payments.

       The State also participates in the issuance of certificates of
participation ("COPs") in a pool of leases entered into by the State's Office of
General Services on behalf of several State departments and agencies interested
in acquiring operational equipment or in certain cases, real property.
Legislation enacted in 1986 established restrictions upon and centralized State
control, through the Comptroller and the Director of the Budget, over the
issuance of COPs representing the State's contractual obligation, subject to
annual appropriation by the Legislature and availability of money, to make
installment or lease-purchase payments for the State's acquisition of such
equipment or real property.

       The State has never defaulted on any of its general obligation
indebtedness or its obligations under lease purchase or contractual-obligation
financing arrangements and has never been called upon to make any direct
payments pursuant to its guarantees.

       The fiscal stability of the State is related in part to the fiscal
stability of its public authorities. Public authorities refer to public benefit
corporations, created pursuant to State law, other than local authorities.
Public authorities are not subject to the constitutional restrictions on the
incurrence of debt which apply to the State itself and may issue bonds and notes
within the


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<PAGE>   257

amounts and restrictions set forth in legislative authorization. The
State's access to the public credit markets could be impaired and the market
price of its outstanding debt may be materially and adversely affected if any of
its public authorities were to default on their respective obligations.

       In 1990, as part of a State fiscal reform program, legislation was
enacted creating LGAC. The legislation authorized LGAC to issue its bonds and
notes in an amount to yield net proceeds not in excess of $4.7 billion
(exclusive of certain refunding bonds). Over a period of years, the issuance of
these long-term obligations, which are to be amortized over no more than 30
years, was expected to eliminate the need for continued short-term seasonal
borrowing. The legislation also dedicated revenues equal to one-quarter of the
four cent State sales and use tax to pay debt service on these bonds. The
legislation also imposed a cap on the annual seasonal borrowing of the State at
$4.7 billion, less net proceeds of bonds issued by LGAC and bonds issued to
provide for capitalized interest, except in cases where the Governor and the
legislative leaders have certified the need for additional borrowing and
provided a schedule for reducing it to the cap. If borrowing above the cap is
thus permitted in any fiscal year, it is required by law to be reduced to the
cap by the fourth fiscal year after the limit was first exceeded. This provision
capping the seasonal borrowing was included as a covenant with LGAC's
bondholders in the resolution authorizing such bonds.

       As of June 1995, LGAC had issued bonds and notes to provide net proceeds
of $4.7 billion, completing the program. The impact of LGAC's borrowing, as well
as other changes in revenue and spending patterns, is that the State has been
able to meet its cash flow needs throughout the fiscal year without relying on
short-term seasonal borrowings.

       The State ended its 1998-99 fiscal year on March 31, 1999 in balance on a
cash basis, with a reported General Fund cash balance of $892 million, excluding
$2.31 billion on deposit in the tax refund reserve. Of the closing General Fund
balance, $473 million was in the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund (after an
additional deposit of $73 million in 1998-99), $107 million in the Contingency
Reserve Fund (after a deposit of $39 million in 1998-99), and $312 million in
the Community Projects Fund.

       The closing General Fund balance does not include $2.31 billion that the
State deposited into the tax refund reserve at the close of 1998-99 to pay for
tax refunds in 1999-2000. The refund reserve transaction has the effect of
decreasing reported personal income tax receipts in 1998-99, while increasing
reported receipts in 1999-2000. The proposed 1999-2000 State Financial Plan
assumes that $1.79 billion of the moneys made available through this transaction
will not be used to support operations in 1999-2000, but instead be reserved for
use in 2000-01 and 2001-02 to offset the incremental loss of tax receipts from
already-enacted tax cuts that will take effect in those years. The remaining
balance of $521 million in the tax refund reserve was made available as a result
of the LGAC financing program and was required to be on deposit as of March 31,
1999.

       General Fund receipts and transfers from other funds for the 1998-99
fiscal year totaled $36.74 billion, an increase of 6.34% from 1997-98 levels.
Compared to the February Financial Plan estimate, total receipts and transfers
were lower by $34 million. It should be noted that the receipt results for
1998-99 reflect year-end actions that had the effect of reducing personal income
tax receipts, as discussed above. Adjusted for these actions, personal income
taxes were $608 million higher than projected in the enacted budget, largely due
to higher-than-projected


                                       32
<PAGE>   258



withholding and estimated tax collections as a result of stronger-than-projected
economic growth, particularly in the financial markets and the securities
industries.

       General Fund disbursements and transfers to other funds totaled $36.49
billion for the 1998-99 fiscal year, an increase of 6.23% from 1997-98 levels.
In comparison to the February estimate, disbursements were down by $127 million,
with lower-than-projected spending for local assistance ($194 million), general
State charges ($27 million), and debt service ($2 million), offset by higher
spending in State operations ($21 million) and transfers to other funds ($75
million). Most of this change is attributable to the timing of payments.

       Disbursements in All Governmental Funds for the 1998-99 fiscal year
totaled $70.62 billion, or 6.94% above the 1997-98 fiscal year.


       The State's most-recent fiscal year began on April 1, 1999 and ends on
March 31, 2000. On March 31, 1999, the State adopted the debt service portion
of the State budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year; four months later, on August
4, 1999, it enacted the remainder of the budget. The Governor approved the
budget as passed by the Legislature.


       Following enactment of the budget, the State prepared a Financial Plan
for the 1999-2000 fiscal year (the "1999-2000 Financial Plan") that sets forth
projected receipts and disbursements based on the actions taken by the
Legislature. The State expects to update the Financial Plan quarterly.

       In 1999-2000, General Fund disbursements, including transfers to support
capital projects, debt service and other funds, are estimated at $37.36 billion,
an increase of $868 million or 2.38 percent over 1998-99. Projected spending
under the 1999-2000 enacted budget is $215 million above the Governor's
Executive Budget recommendations, including 30-day amendments. This change is
the net result of spending actions that occurred during negotiations on the
Budget. The increase in General Fund spending is comprised of $1.1 billion in
legislative additions to the Executive Budget (primarily in education), offset
by various actions, including reestimates of required spending based on
year-to-date results and the identification of certain other resources that
offset spending, such as $250 million from commencing the process of privatizing
the Medical Malpractice Insurance Association (MMIA), $250 million from the
retention of the Debt Reduction Reserve Fund within the General Fund and about
$100 million in excess fund balances. The MMIA was established in 1983 to
provide excess liability insurance to doctors and medical providers. Legislation
enacted with the 1999-2000 budget initiates the process of MMIA privatization
and transfers excess fund balances to the State.

       The 1999-2000 enacted budget provides for $831 million in new funding for
public schools, the largest year-to-year increase in State history. The budget
also enacts several new tax cuts valued at $375 million when fully phased in by
2003-04. None of the $1.82 billion cash surplus from 1998-99 is assumed to
support spending in 1999-2000, but instead is reserved to help offset the costs
of previously enacted tax cuts that take effect after 1999-2000.

       The 1999-2000 Financial Plan projects a closing balance of $2.85 billion
in the General Fund. The balance is comprised of the $1.82 billion surplus from
1998-99 that has been set aside to finance already-enacted tax cuts, $473
million in the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund (TSRF), $250 million in the Debt
Reduction Reserve Fund (DRRF), $107 million in the Contingency Reserve Fund
(CRF), and $200 million in the Community Projects Fund (CPF), which finances

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<PAGE>   259

legislative initiatives. The State expects to close 1999-2000 with cash balances
in these funds at their highest level ever.

       Many complex political, social and economic forces influence the State's
economy and finances, which may in turn affect the State Financial Plan. These
forces may affect the State unpredictably from fiscal year to fiscal year and
are influenced by governments, institutions, and organizations that are not
subject to the State's control. The State Financial Plan is also necessarily
based upon forecasts of national and State economic activity. Economic forecasts
have frequently failed to predict accurately the timing and magnitude of changes
in the national and State economies. The Division of Budget believes that its
projections of receipts and disbursements relating to the current State
Financial Plan, and the assumptions on which they are based, are reasonable.
Actual results, however, could differ materially and adversely from the
projections and those projections may be changed materially and adversely from
time to time.

       Total General Fund receipts and transfers in 1999-2000 are now projected
to be $39.31 billion, an increase of $2.57 billion from the $36.74 billion
recorded in 1998-99. This total includes $35.93 billion in tax receipts, $1.36
billion in miscellaneous receipts, and $2.02 billion in transfers from other
funds. The transfer of the $1.82 billion surplus recorded in 1998-99 to the
1999-2000 fiscal period has the effect of exaggerating the growth in State
receipts from year to year by depressing reported 1998-99 figures and inflating
1999-2000 projections.

       The Personal Income Tax is imposed on the income of individuals, estates
and trusts and is based, with certain modifications, on federal definitions of
income and deductions. Net General Fund personal income tax collections are
projected to reach $22.95 billion in 1999-2000, well over half of all General
Fund receipts and nearly $2.87 billion above the reported 1998-99 collection
total. Much of this growth is associated with the $1.82 billion net impact of
the transfer of the surplus from 1998-99 to the current year as partially offset
by the diversion of an additional $661 million in income tax receipts to the
School Tax Relief (STAR) fund. The STAR program was created in 1997 as a
State-funded local property tax relief program funded through the use of
personal income tax receipts. Adjusted for these transactions, the growth in net
income tax receipts is roughly $1.8 billion, an increase of almost 9 percent.

       This growth is largely a function of two factors: i) the 8 percent growth
in income tax liability projected for 1999; and ii) the impact of the 1998 tax
year settlement recorded early in this fiscal year.

       User taxes and fees are comprised of three-quarters of the State's four
percent sales and use tax, cigarette, alcoholic beverage, container, and auto
rental taxes, and a portion of the motor fuel excise levies. This category also
includes receipts from the motor vehicle registration fees and alcoholic
beverage license fees. Dedicated transportation funds outside of the General
Fund receive a portion of motor fuel tax and motor vehicle registration fees and
all of the highway use taxes.

       Receipts from user taxes and fees are projected to total $7.35 billion,
an increase of $105 million from reported collections in the prior year. The
sales tax component of this category accounts for virtually all of the 1999-2000
growth. Growth in base sales tax yield, after adjusting for tax law and other
changes, is projected at 5.6 percent. Modest increases in motor fuel and auto
rental tax receipts over 1998-99 levels are also expected. However, receipts
from other user taxes and fees are estimated to decline by $177 million.


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<PAGE>   260


       The yield of other excise taxes in this category, particularly the
cigarette and alcoholic beverage taxes, show long-term declining trends. General
Fund declines in 1999-2000 motor vehicle fee receipts, in contrast, reflect
statutory fee reductions and an increased amount of collections earmarked to the
Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund.

       Significant statutory changes made in this category during the 1999-2000
legislative session include: delaying until March 1, 2000 the implementation of
the exemption from State sales tax of clothing and footwear priced under $110;
providing week-long sales tax exemptions in September 1999 and January 2000 for
clothing and footwear priced under $500; enactment of a variety of small sales
tax exemptions including certain equipment used in providing telecommunications
service for sale, property and services used in theatrical productions, computer
hardware used to design Internet web sites, and building materials used in
farming; a reduction in the beer tax rate; and an expanded exemption from the
alcoholic beverage tax for small brewers.

       Business taxes include franchise taxes based generally on net income of
general business, bank and insurance corporations, as well as
gross-receipts-based taxes on utilities and gallonage-based petroleum business
taxes. Beginning in 1994, a 15 percent surcharge on these levies began to be
phased out and, for most taxpayers, there is no surcharge liability for taxable
periods ending in 1997 and thereafter.

       Total business tax collections in 1999-2000 are now projected to be $4.63
billion, $230 million below results for the prior fiscal year. The
year-over-year decline in projected receipts in this category is largely
attributable to statutory changes. These include the first year of a scheduled
corporation franchise tax rate reduction, the alternative minimum tax rate
reduction, the fixed dollar minimum rate reduction, and the expansion of the
investment tax credit to financial service companies. Ongoing tax reductions
include the second year of the "Power for Jobs" utility tax credit program, the
gross receipts tax rate reduction, and scheduled additional diversion of General
Fund petroleum business and utility tax receipts to dedicated transportation
funds.

       Legislation enacted this year affecting receipts in this category
includes: a phased reduction in the net income tax rate applicable to bank and
insurance companies from 9 percent to 7.5 percent; reforms to the corporation
franchise subsidiary capital tax; a further reduction in the alternative minimum
tax rate from 3 percent to 2.5 percent; doubling the economic development zone
and zone equivalent area wage tax credits; and providing further reforms to the
apportionment of income for the airline industry.

       Other taxes include the estate and gift tax, the real property gains tax
and pari-mutuel taxes. Taxes in this category are now projected to total $1
billion, $137 million below last year's amount. The primary factors accounting
for most of the expected decline include: an adverse tax tribunal decision
resulting in significant refunds of the now repealed real property gains tax;
pari-mutuel tax reductions enacted with the 1999-2000 budget; and the effects of
the already enacted reductions in the estate and gift taxes.

       Significant legislation passed with the 1999-2000 enacted budget
affecting these sources include both the extension of and an increase in certain
temporary tax reductions at the State's race tracks and conformity with new
federal estate tax provisions.


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       Miscellaneous receipts include investment income, abandoned property
receipts, medical provider assessments, minor federal grants, receipts from
public authorities, and certain other license and fee revenues. Miscellaneous
receipts are expected to total $ 1.36 billion, down $142 million from the prior
year amount. This reflects the loss of non-recurring receipts received in
1998-99 and the growing effects of the phase-out of the medical provider
assessments, now scheduled to be eliminated in January 2000.

       Transfers from other funds to the General Fund consist primarily of tax
revenues in excess of debt service requirements, including the one percent sales
tax used to support payments to LGAC.

       Transfers from other funds are expected to total $2.02 billion, or $99
million more than total receipts from this category during 1998-99. Total
transfers of sales taxes in excess of LGAC debt service requirements are
expected to increase by approximately $93 million, while transfers from all
other funds are expected to increase by $6 million.

       General Fund disbursements, including transfers to support capital
projects, debt service and other funds, are estimated at $37.36 billion in
1999-2000, an increase of $868 million or 2.38 percent over 1998-99.

       Following the pattern of the last two fiscal years, education programs
receive the largest share of new funding contained in the 1999-2000 Financial
Plan. School aid is expected to grow by $831 million or 8.58 percent over
1998-99 levels (on a State fiscal year basis). Outside of education, the largest
growth in spending is for State Operations ($207 million, including $100 million
reserved for possible collective bargaining costs); Debt Service ($183 million),
and mental hygiene programs, including funding for a cost of living increase for
care providers ($114 million). These increases were offset, in part, by spending
reductions or actions in health and social welfare ($280 million), and in
general State charges ($222 million).

       Grants to Local Governments is the largest category of General Fund
disbursements and includes financial assistance to local governments and
not-for-profit corporations, as well as entitlement benefits to individuals. The
largest areas of spending in this category are for aid to elementary and
secondary schools (41 percent) and for the State's share of Medicaid payments to
providers (22 percent). Grants to Local Governments are projected at $25.60
billion in 1999-2000, an increase of $910 million or 3.68 percent over 1998-99.

       Under the 1999-2000 enacted budget, General Fund spending on school aid
is projected at $10.52 billion on a State fiscal year basis, an increase of $831
million from the prior year. The budget provides additional funding for
operating aid, building aid, and several other targeted aid programs. It also
funds the balance of aid payable for the 1998-99 school year that is due
primarily in the first quarter of the 1999-2000 fiscal year.  For all other
educational programs, disbursements are projected to grow by $78 million to
$2.99 billion.

       Spending for Medicaid in 1999-2000 is projected to total $5.54 billion,
essentially unchanged from 1998-99, due in part to the use of $145 million in
other available funds that lowers disbursements in this area. Disbursements for
all other health and social welfare programs are projected to total $2.70
billion, a decrease of $252 million. Lower welfare spending, driven by State and
federal reforms and a robust economy, accounts for most of the decline.


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       The remaining disbursements primarily support community-based mental
hygiene programs, local transportation programs, and revenue sharing payments to
local governments. Revenue sharing and other general purpose aid to local
governments is projected at $825 million.

       State operations pays for the costs of operating the Executive,
Legislative, and Judicial branches of government, including the prison system,
mental hygiene institutions, and the State University system (SUNY). Personal
Service costs account for approximately 73 percent of spending in this category.

       Spending in State operations is projected to increase by $207 million or
3.1 percent over the prior year. The growth reflects $100 million in projected
spending for new collective bargaining agreements that the State expects to be
ratified in the current year. Funding for this expense will come from the
Collective Bargaining Reserve. The annualized costs of current collective
bargaining agreements, growth in the Legislative and Judiciary budgets, and
staffing costs for the State's Year 2000 compliance programs also contribute to
the year-to-year growth in spending. The State's overall workforce is expected
to remain stable at around 191,300 employees.

       General State charges account for the costs of providing fringe benefits
to State employees and retirees of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
These payments, many of which are mandated by statute and collective bargaining
agreements, include employer contributions for pensions, social security, health
insurance, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance. General State
charges also cover State payments-in-lieu-of-taxes to local governments for
certain State-owned lands, and the costs of defending lawsuits against the State
and its public officers.

       Disbursements in this category are estimated at $2.04 billion, a decrease
of $222 million from the prior year. The change primarily reflects projected
growth of $27 million in a variety of programs offset by the use of proceeds
from the privatization of the Medical Malpractice Insurance Association, which
is expected to offset certain General Fund fringe benefit costs over the next
two fiscal years by approximately $250 million annually.

       This category also accounts for debt service on short-term obligations of
the State, i.e., the interest costs of the State's commercial paper program. The
commercial paper program is expected to have an average of approximately $185
million outstanding during 1999-2000.

       Transfers to other funds from the General Fund are made primarily to
finance certain portions of State capital projects spending and debt service on
long-term bonds where these costs are not funded from other sources.

       Long-term debt service transfers are projected at $2.27 billion in
1999-2000, an increase of $183 million from 1998-99. The increase reflects debt
service costs from prior-year bond sales (net of refunding savings), and certain
sales planned to occur during the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

       Transfers for capital projects provide General Fund support for projects
that are not financed with bond proceeds, dedicated taxes, other revenues, or
federal grants. Transfers in this category are projected to total $168 million
in 1999-2000. The decline of $78 million from the prior year is primarily due
the delay of the receipt of payment of certain reimbursements in 1998-99.


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       Receipts of $50 million transferred to DRRF in 1998-99 will be used in
the Capital Projects Fund in 1999-2000 to provide pay-as-you-go funding for five
capital programs that were previously funded with bond proceeds. The 1999-2000
enacted budget also reserves $250 million in new resources for DRRF.

       All other transfers (excluding DRRF), which reflect the remaining
transfers from the General Fund to other funds, are estimated to total $385
million in 1999-2000, a decline of $84 million from 1998-99, primarily because
of certain non-recurring transfers that occurred last year.

       Special Revenue Funds are used to account for the proceeds of specific
revenue sources such as federal grants that are legally restricted, either by
the Legislature or outside parties, to expenditures for specified purposes.
Total disbursements for programs supported by Special Revenue Funds are
projected at $30.94 billion, an increase of $1.29 billion or 4.35 percent over
the prior year. Special Revenue Funds include Federal grants and State special
revenue funds.

       Federal grants are projected to comprise 72 percent of all Special
Revenue spending in 1999-2000, comparable to prior years. Disbursements from
federal funds are estimated at $22.17 billion, an increase of $741 million or
3.46 percent. Medicaid is the largest program within federal fiends, accounting
for 56 percent of total spending in this category. In 1999-2000, Medicaid
spending is projected at $14.32 billion, an increase of $711 million over
1998-99. The remaining growth in federal funds is primarily for the Child Health
Plus program, which is estimated at $117 million in 1999-2000. This growth is
offset by decreased spending in certain social services programs resulting from
more recent spending reestimates.

       State special revenue spending is projected to be $8.77 billion, an
increase of $550 million or 6.69 percent from last year. The spending growth is
primarily due to $661 million for the next phase of the STAR program and $250
million in additional general State charges funded by proceeds from the MMIA
transaction, offset by a decrease of $185 million in projected educational
spending as a result of lower projected Lottery proceeds and a decline of $112
million in transportation disbursements. The remainder reflects the net impact
of spending reestimates.

       Capital Projects Funds account for the financial resources used in the
acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of major State capital facilities,
and for capital assistance grants to certain local governments or public
authorities. This fund type consists of the Capital Projects Fund, which is
supported by tax receipts transferred from the General Fund, and various other
capital funds established to distinguish specific capital construction purposes
supported by other revenues.

       Spending from Capital Projects Funds in 1999-2000 is projected at $4.18
billion, an increase of $114 million or 2.80 percent from last year.
Transportation, environmental, education and mental hygiene programs are the
major sources of year-to-year spending growth in this category.

       Spending for capital projects is financed with cash or bond proceeds.
Cash resources include pay-as-you-go State resources and Federal grants. Bond
resources include proceeds from the sale of bonds, including voter-approved
General Obligation bonds or public authority bonds.


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       The Governor's debt reduction measures lower the State's dependence on
debt by ensuring that a larger and growing share of the State's essential
capital investments are financed with pay-as-you-go resources. The prudent
financing of capital needs with cash resources ensures that less than one-half
of 46% of capital spending in 1999-00 will be financed with debt while State
pay-as-you-go resources and Federal grants will support the majority of 54% of
capital costs.

       The State Financial Plan is based upon forecasts of national and State
economic activity developed through both internal analysis and review of State
and national economic forecasts prepared by commercial forecasting services and
other public and private forecasters. Economic forecasts have frequently failed
to predict accurately the timing and magnitude of changes in the national and
the State economies. Many uncertainties exist in forecasts of both the national
and State economies, including consumer attitudes toward spending, the extent of
corporate and governmental restructuring, the condition of the financial sector,
federal fiscal and monetary policies, the level of interest rates, and the
condition of the world economy, which could have an adverse effect on the State.
There can be no assurance that the State economy will not experience results in
the current fiscal year that are worse than predicted, with corresponding
material and adverse effects on the State's projections of receipts and
disbursements.

       Projections of total State receipts in the Financial Plan are based on
the State tax structure in effect during the fiscal year and on assumptions
relating to basic economic factors and their historical relationships to State
tax receipts. In preparing projections of State receipts, economic forecasts
relating to personal income, wages, consumption, profits and employment have
been particularly important. The projection of receipts from most tax or revenue
sources is generally made by estimating the change in yield of such tax or
revenue source caused by economic and other factors, rather than by estimating
the total yield of such tax or revenue source from its estimated tax base. The
forecasting methodology, however, ensures that State fiscal year collection
estimates for taxes that are based on a computation of annual liability, such as
the business and personal income taxes, are consistent with estimates of total
liability under such taxes.

       Projections of total State disbursements are based on assumptions
relating to economic and demographic factors, levels of disbursements for
various services provided by local governments (where the cost is partially
reimbursed by the State), and the results of various administrative and
statutory mechanisms in controlling disbursements for State operations. Factors
that may affect the level of disbursements in the fiscal year include
uncertainties relating to the economy of the nation and the State, the policies
of the federal government, and changes in the demand for and use of State
services.

       An additional risk to the State Financial Plan arises from the potential
impact of certain litigation and of federal disallowances now pending against
the State, which could adversely affect the State's projections of receipts and
disbursements. The State Financial Plan assumes no significant litigation or
federal disallowance or other federal actions that could affect State finances,
but has significant reserves in the event of such an action.

       Further risks to the Financial Plan arise out of potential actions at the
federal level. Potential changes to federal tax law currently under discussion
as part of the federal government's efforts to enact a multi-year tax reduction
package could alter the federal


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definitions of income on which certain State taxes rely. Certain proposals, if
enacted, could have a significant impact on State revenues in the future.

       The Division of the Budget believes that its projections of receipts and
disbursements relating to the current State Financial Plan, and the assumptions
on which they are based, are reasonable. Actual results, however, could differ
materially and adversely from the projections set fort herein. In the past the
State has taken management actions to address potential Financial Plan
shortfalls, and DOB believes it could take similar actions should variances
occur in its projections for the current fiscal year.

       Despite recent budgetary surpluses recorded by the State, actions
affecting the level of receipts and disbursements, the relative strength of the
State and regional economy, and actions by the federal government have helped to
create projected structural budget gaps for the State. These gaps result from a
significant disparity between recurring revenues and the costs of maintaining or
increasing the level of support for State programs. To address a potential
imbalance in any given fiscal year, the State would be required to take actions
to increase receipts and/or reduce disbursements as it enacts the budget for
that year, and, under the State Constitution, the Governor is required to
propose a balanced budget each year. There can be no assurance, however, that
the Legislature will enact the Governor's proposals or that the State's actions
will be sufficient to preserve budgetary balance in a given fiscal year or to
align recurring receipts and disbursements in future fiscal years. To help guard
against these risks, the State has projected reserves of $2.4 billion in
1999-2000.

       The national economy has maintained a robust rate of growth during the
past six quarters as the expansion, which is well into its ninth year,
continues. The national expansion, if it continues through February 2000, will
be the longest on record. Since early 1992, approximately 19 million jobs have
been added nationally. Output growth has averaged 3.2 percent over this period,
essentially the same as the 3.3 percent average annual growth during the
post-World War II period. The State economy has also continued to expand, with
over 600,000 jobs added since late 1992. Employment growth has been slower than
in the nation during this period, although the State's relative performance has
improved in the last two years. Growth in average wages in New York has
generally outperformed the nation, while growth in personal income per capita
has kept pace with the nation.

       DOB expects that national economic growth will be quite robust throughout
calendar year 1999. Growth in real Gross Domestic Product for 1999 is projected
to be 4.0 percent, with a decline in net exports overwhelmed by continued strong
consumer spending. The projected overall growth rate of the national economy for
calendar year 1999 is nearly identical to the consensus forecast of a widely
followed survey of national economic forecasters. Inflation, as measured by the
Consumer Price Index, is projected to be about 2.1 percent, a modest increase
despite strong economic growth. Personal income and wages are projected to
increase by 5.1 percent and 6.3 percent respectively.

       The forecast of the State's economy shows continued expansion during the
1999 calendar year, with employment growth gradually slowing as the year
progresses. The financial and business service sectors are expected to continue
to do well, while employment in the manufacturing sector is expected to post a
modest decline. On an average annual basis, the employment growth rate in the
State is expected to be somewhat lower than in 1998 and the unemployment rate is
expected to drop further to 5.1 percent. Personal income is expected to

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record moderate gains in 1999. Wage growth in 1999 is expected to be slower than
in the previous year as the recent robust growth in bonus payments moderates.

       The forecast for continued growth, and any resultant impact on the
State's 1999-2000 Financial Plan, contains some uncertainties.
Stronger-than-expected gains in employment and wages or in stock market prices
could lead to unanticipated strong growth in consumer spending. Inventory
investment due to Y2K may be significantly stronger than expected towards the
end of this year possibly followed by significant weakness early next year.
Also, improvements in foreign economies may be weaker than expected and
therefore, may have unanticipated effects on the domestic economy. The inflation
rate may differ significantly from expectations due to the conflicting impacts
of a tight labor market and improved productivity growth as well as to the
future direction and magnitude of fluctuations of oil prices. In addition, the
State economic forecast could over- or underestimate the level of fixture bonus
payments, financial sector profits or inflation growth, resulting in unexpected
economic impacts. Similarly, the State forecast could fail to correctly estimate
the amount of employment change in the banking, financial and other business
service sectors as well as the direction of employment change that is likely to
accompany telecommunications and energy deregulation.

       To date, the State has experienced no significant Year 2000 computer
disruptions. Monitoring will continue over the next few months to identify and
correct any problems that may arise. However, there can be no assurance that
outside parties who provide goods and services to the State will not experience
computer problems related to Year 2000 programming in the future, or that such
disruptions, if they occur, will not have an adverse impact on State operations
or finances.

       Constitutional challenges to State laws have limited the amount of taxes
which political subdivisions can impose on real property. In 1979, the State's
highest court declared unconstitutional a State law allowing localities and
school districts to impose a special increase in real estate property taxes in
order to raise funds for pensions and other uses. Additional court actions have
been brought against the State, certain agencies and municipalities relating to
financing, the amount of real estate tax, the use of tax revenues and other
matters.

       An additional risk to the 1999-00 State Financial Plan arises from the
potential impact of certain litigation now pending against the State, which
could produce adverse effects on the State's projections of receipts and
disbursements.

       Certain litigation pending against the State, its subdivisions and their
officers and employees could have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on
State finances. The State is a party to numerous legal proceedings, many of
which normally recur in governmental operations. Because of the prospective
nature of these proceedings, no estimate of the potential loss can be made.

       The State is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings pertaining to
matters incidental to the performance of routine governmental operations. Such
litigation includes, but is not limited to, claims asserted against the State
arising from alleged torts, alleged breaches of contracts, condemnation
proceedings and other alleged violations of State and Federal laws.

       Included in the State's outstanding litigation are a number of cases
challenging the legality or the adequacy of a variety of significant social
welfare programs primarily involving the State's Medicaid and mental health
programs. In addition, a number of tax law, real property,

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and civil rights claims are pending. Adverse judgments in these matters
generally could result in injunctive relief coupled with prospective changes in
patient care which could require substantial increased financing of the
litigated programs in the future. Because of the 35 36 prospective nature of
these matters, no provision for this potential exposure has been made in the
accompanying general purpose financial statements.

       Actions commenced by several Indian nations claim that significant
amounts of land were unconstitutionally taken from the Indians in violation of
various treaties and agreements during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The claimants seek recovery of approximately six million acres and as well as
compensatory and punitive damages.

       In addition, the State is party to other claims and litigation which its
legal counsel has advised are not probable of adverse court decisions. Although
the amounts of potential losses, if any, are not presently determinable, it is
the State's opinion that its ultimate liability in these cases is not expected
to have a material adverse effect on the State's financial position.

       Adverse developments in the current legal proceedings for which there are
unanticipated, unfavorable and material judgments, or the initiation of new
proceedings could affect the ability of the State to maintain a balanced
1999-2000 Financial Plan. The State believes that the 1999-2000 Financial Plan
includes sufficient reserves to offset the costs associated with the payment of
judgments that may be required during the 1999-2000 fiscal year. These reserves
include (but are not limited to) amounts appropriated for court of claims
payments and projected fund balances in the General Fund. In addition, any
amounts ultimately required to be paid by the State may be subject to settlement
or may be paid over a multi-year period. There can be no assurance, however,
that adverse decisions in legal proceedings against the State would not exceed
the amount of all potential 1999-2000 Financial Plan resources available for the
payment of judgments, and could therefore affect the ability of the State to
maintain a balanced 1999-2000 Financial Plan.

       The fiscal health of the State may also be affected by the fiscal health
of New York City ("City"), which continues to receive significant financial
assistance from the State. State aid contributes to the City's ability to
balance its budget and meet its cash requirements. The State may also be
affected by the ability of the City and certain entities issuing debt for the
benefit of the City to market their securities successfully in the public credit
markets.

       The City has achieved balanced operating results for each of its fiscal
years since 1981 as measured by the GAAP standards in force at that time. The
City prepares a four-year financial plan ("Financial Plan") annually and updates
it periodically, and prepares a comprehensive annual financial report describing
its most recent fiscal year each October.

       Certain localities outside New York City have experienced financial
problems and have requested and received additional State assistance during the
last several State fiscal years. The cities of Yonkers and Troy continue to
operate under State-ordered control agencies. The potential impact on the State
of any future requests by localities for additional oversight or financial
assistance is not included in the projections of the State's receipts and
disbursements for the State's 1999-00 fiscal year.

       The State has provided extraordinary financial assistance to select
municipalities, primarily cities, since the 1996-97 fiscal year. Funding has
essentially been continued or increased in each subsequent fiscal year. Such
funding in 1999-2000 totals $113.9 million. In

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1997-98, the State increased General Propose State Aid for local governments by
$27 million to $550 million, and has continued funding at this new level since
that date.

       While the distribution of General Purpose State Aid for local governments
was originally based on a statutory formula, in recent years both the total
amount appropriated and the shares appropriated to specific localities have been
determined by the Legislature. A State commission established to study the
distribution and amounts of general purpose local government aid failed to agree
on any recommendations for a new formula.

       Counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts have engaged in
substantial short-term and long-term borrowings. In 1997, the total indebtedness
of all localities in the State, other than New York City, was approximately
$21.0 billion. A small portion (approximately $80 million) of that indebtedness
represented borrowing to finance budgetary deficits and was issued pursuant to
enabling State legislation. State law requires the Comptroller to review and
make recommendations concerning the budgets of those local government units
(other than New York City) authorized by State law to issue debt to finance
deficits during the period that such deficit financing is outstanding.
Twenty-two localities had outstanding indebtedness for deficit financing at the
close of their fiscal year ending in 1997.

       Like the State, local governments must respond to changing political,
economic and financial influences over which they have little or no control.
Such changes may adversely affect the financial condition of certain local
governments. For example, the federal government may reduce (or in some cases
eliminate) federal finding of some local programs which, in turn, may require
local governments to fund these expenditures from their own resources. It is
also possible that the State, New York City, or any of their respective public
authorities may suffer serious financial difficulties that could jeopardize
local access to the public credit markets, which may adversely affect the
marketability of notes and bonds issued by localities within the State.
Localities may also face unanticipated problems resulting from certain pending
litigation, judicial decisions and long-range economic trends. Other large-scale
potential problems, such as declining urban populations, increasing
expenditures, and the loss of skilled manufacturing jobs, may also adversely
affect localities and necessitate State assistance.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING PUERTO RICO

       The following highlights some of the more significant financial trends
and problems affecting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the "Commonwealth" or
"Puerto Rico") and is based on information drawn from official statements and
prospectuses relating to the securities offerings of Puerto Rico and its
agencies and instrumentalities. Such information, however, has not been
independently verified by the Trust.

       The Government of Puerto Rico has established programs directed at
developing the manufacturing and service sectors (with emphasis on the tourism
industry) of the economy and expanding and modernizing the island's
infrastructure. Domestic and foreign investment has been stimulated by selective
tax exemption, development loans, and other financial and tax incentives.
Infrastructure expansion and modernization have been to a large extent financed
by bonds and notes issued by the Commonwealth, its public corporations and
municipalities. Economic progress has been aided by significant increases in the
levels of education and occupational skills of the island's population.


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       The economy of Puerto Rico is fully integrated with that of the United
States mainland. During fiscal 1999, approximately 87% of Puerto Rico's exports
went to the United States mainland, which was also the source of approximately
60% of Puerto Rico's imports. In fiscal 1999, Puerto Rico experienced a $9.6
billion positive adjusted merchandise trade balance.

       The dominant sectors of the Puerto Rico economy are manufacturing and
services. The manufacturing sector has experienced a basis change over the years
as a result of increased emphasis on higher wage, high technology industries,
such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, computers, microprocessors, professional
and scientific instruments, and certain high technology machinery and equipment.
The services sector, including finance, insurance, real estate, wholesale and
retail trade, and hotel and related services, also plays a major role in the
economy. It rates second only to manufacturing in contribution to the gross
domestic product and leads all sectors in providing employment.

       Puerto Rico's more than decade-long economic expansion continued
throughout the five-year period from fiscal 1995 through fiscal 1999. Almost
every sector of the economy participated and record levels of employment were
achieved. Factors behind this expansion included government-sponsored economic
development programs, periodic declines in the exchange value of the United
States dollar, increases in the level of federal transfers, and the relatively
low cost of borrowing and low oil prices.

       Gross product in fiscal 1995 was $28.5 ($26.0 billion in 1992 prices) and
gross product in fiscal 1999 was $38.2 billion ($29.8 billion in 1992 prices).
This represents an increase in gross product of 34.4% from fiscal 1995 to 1999
(14.8% in 1992 prices).

       Since fiscal 1985, personal income, both aggregate and per capita, has
increased consistently each fiscal year. In fiscal 1999, aggregate personal
income was $37.2 billion ($33.0 billion in 1992 prices) and personal income per
capita was $9,674 ($8,571 in 1992 prices). The difference in the statistics of
1992 prices for gross product and personal income is attributable to the
difference in the price deflators used for each.

       Personal income includes transfer payments to individuals in Puerto Rico
under various social programs. Total federal payments to Puerto Rico, which
include transfers to local government entities and expenditures of federal
agencies in Puerto Rico, in addition to federal transfer payments to
individuals, are lower on a per capita basis in Puerto Rico than in any state.
Transfer payments to individuals in fiscal 1999 were $8.1 billion, of which $5.3
billion, or 65.4%, represented entitlements to individuals who had previously
performed services or made contributions under programs such as Social Security,
Veteran's Benefits, Medicare and U.S. Civil Service retirement pensions.

       According to the Labor Department's Household Employment Survey, during
the first seven months of fiscal 2000, total employment increased 0.4% over the
same period in fiscal 1999. Total monthly employment averaged 1,138,600 during
the first seven months of fiscal 2000, compared to 1,134,400 in the same period
in fiscal 1999.

       The Planning Board's gross product forecast for fiscal 2000, made in
October 1999, projected an increase of 2.7% over fiscal 1999.

       Puerto Rico has a diversified economy with the manufacturing and services
sectors comprising the principal sectors. Manufacturing is the largest sector in
terms of gross domestic


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product. According to the Planning Board's estimates, in fiscal 1999
manufacturing generated $26.3 billion, or 43.8%, of gross domestic product and
accounted for 13.9% of total employment; as compared with fiscal 1998, when it
generated $19.0 billion, or 42.3%, of gross domestic product and accounted for
14.1% of total employment. Manufacturing in Puerto Rico is now more diversified
than during the earlier phases of its industrial development and includes
several industries less prone to business cycles. In the last two decades,
industrial development has tended to be more capital intensive and more
dependent on skilled labor. This gradual shift in emphasis is best exemplified
by the heavy investment in the pharmaceutical, scientific instruments, computer,
microprocessor, medical product and electrical product industries over the last
decade. One of the factors assisting the development of the manufacturing sector
has been the tax incentives offered by the federal and Puerto Rico governments.
Federal legislation enacted in 1996, however, which amended Internal Revenue
Code Section 936, phased out the federal tax incentives during a 10-year period.

       For many years, United States companies operating in Puerto Rico enjoyed
a special tax credit that was available under Section 936 of the Code.
Originally, the credit provided an effective 100% federal tax exemption for
operating and qualifying investment income from Puerto Rico sources. Amendments
to Section 936 made in 1993 instituted two alternative methods for calculating
the credit and limited the amount of the credit that a qualifying company could
claim. These limitations are based on a percentage of qualifying income and on
qualifying expenditures on wages, other wage related benefit and qualifying
expenditures. As a result of amendments incorporated in the Small Business Job
Protection Act of 1996 enacted by the United States Congress and signed into law
by President Clinton on August 20, 1996, the tax credit is now being phased out
over a ten-year period for existing claimants and is no longer available for
corporations that establish operations in Puerto Rico after October 13, 1995
(including existing Section 936 Corporations to the extent substantially new
operations are established in Puerto Rico). The 1996 Amendments also moved the
credit based on the economic activity limitation to Section 30A of the Code and
phased it out over 10 years. In addition, the 1996 Amendments eliminated the
credit previously available for income derived from certain qualified
investments in Puerto Rico.

       During 1997, Governor Rossello proposed to Congress the enactment of a
new permanent federal incentive program similar to what is now provided under
Section 30A. Such program would provide U.S. companies a tax credit based on
qualifying wages paid and other wage related expenses, such as fringe benefits,
as well as depreciation expenses for certain tangible assets and research and
development expenses. Under the Governor's proposal, the credit granted to
qualifying companies would continue to effect until Puerto Rico shows, among
other things, substantial economic improvements in terms of certain economic
parameters. The fiscal 1998 budget submitted by President Clinton to Congress in
February 1997 included a proposal to modify Section 30A to (i) extend the
availability of the Section 30A Credit indefinitely, (ii) make it available to
companies establishing operations in Puerto Rico after October 13, 1995, and
(iii) eliminate the income cap. Although said proposal was not included in the
final fiscal 1998 federal budgets approved by Congress, President Clinton's
fiscal 2000 budget submitted to Congress includes a proposal to extend the
Section 30A Credit for three years and make it available to companies
establishing new operations, but would make the credit subject to the existing
income cap.

       Two bills were recently introduced in Congress in one case to extend the
Section 30A Credit until 2009 and in the other to extend it until the Puerto
Rico economy reaches a level

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closer to that of the U.S. economy. Both bills would make the Section 30A Credit
applicable to newly established companies and new lines of businesses and would
remove the income cap. While the Government of Puerto Rico plans to continue
lobbying for these proposals, it is not possible at this time to predict whether
the Section 30A Credit will be so modified.

       The Government of Puerto Rico believes that the phase out of Sections 936
and 30A will not have a significant adverse effect on the economy of Puerto
Rico. It believes that, notwithstanding the loss of the federal income tax
benefits provided by Section 936 and 30A, the tax and other benefits offered by
the Puerto Rico to U.S. and foreign investors will enable it to continue
attracting and retaining investments in manufacturing and service operations.
Some of the factors which the Government believes will continue to make Puerto
Rico an attractive jurisdiction for U.S. and foreign companies to conduct
manufacturing and service operations include: low Puerto Rico corporate tax
rates ranging from 2 to 7%; "super deductions" for job training and research and
development; availability of industrial facilities at competitive rental rates;
an accelerated permitting process; availability of a highly skilled and educated
labor force and a well developed infrastructure for business operations,
including a sophisticated legal and financial system and modern and reliable
electric, transportation and telecommunications networks. One of the reasons why
the Government believes that many U.S. corporations formerly operating under
Section 936 will remain in Puerto Rico during and after the phase out of
Sections 936 and 30A is the fact that, since the beginning of the phase out
period, many of them have converted from U.S. corporations to foreign
corporations, including Puerto Rico corporations. As a result, these
corporations will be able to defer the payment of federal income taxes on the
profits generated by their manufacturing and service operations in Puerto Rico
until such time as such profits are distributed to their U.S. parent company.
The Government believes that this deferral, coupled with the local tax exemption
and other benefits offered by Puerto Rico, is sufficient to offset the loss of
the credits provided by Sections 936 and 30A.

       Another reason is that many companies have obtained new grants of tax
exemption under the industrial incentives laws of Act No. 135 of December 2,
1997 (the "1998 Tax Incentives Law"), under which companies engaged in
manufacturing and certain other designated activities are eligible to receive
full or partial exemption from income, property and other local taxes and which
permit the repatriation or distribution of profits free of dividend taxes. In
response to these and other tax benefits associated with the 1998 Tax Incentives
Law, many companies have made commitments to increase their employment and make
new capital investments. Since fiscal 1997, 234 new companies have either
established new operations in Puerto Rico or expanded their existing operations
in Puerto Rico. The level of exports of manufactured products and other economic
indicators suggest that so far the level of manufacturing operations has
remained strong during this phase out period. While the Government believes that
these indicators suggest that the economy will not be affected significantly by
the elimination of Sections 936 and 30A, there can be no assurance that such
phase out will not have an adverse effect on the economy.

       Section 2 of Article VI of the Constitution of Puerto Rico provides that
direct obligations of the Commonwealth evidenced by full faith and credit bonds
or notes shall not be issued if the amount of the principal of and interest on
such bonds and notes and on all such bonds and notes theretofore issued which is
payable in any fiscal year, together with any amount paid by the Commonwealth in
the preceding fiscal year on account of bonds or notes guaranteed by the
Commonwealth, exceeds 15% of the average annual revenues raised under the
provisions of Commonwealth legislations and covered into the Treasury of Puerto
Rico in the two fiscal years


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proceeding the then current fiscal year. Section 2 of Article VI does not limit
the amount of debt that the Commonwealth may guarantee so long as the 15%
limitation is not exceeded. Internal revenues consist principally of income
taxes, property taxes and excise taxes. Certain revenues, such as federal excise
taxes on offshore shipments of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products and
customs duties, which are collected by the United States Government and returned
to the Treasury of Puerto Rico, and motor vehicle fuel taxes and license fees,
which are allocated to the Highway Authority, are not included as internal
revenues for the purpose of calculating the debt limit, although they may be
available for the payment of debt service.

       On February 26, 1997 legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of
Representatives proposing a mechanism to settle permanently the political
relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States, either through full
self-government (e.g., statehood or independence, including, as an alternative,
free association via a bilateral treaty) or continued commonwealth status. Under
the proposed legislation, failure to settle on full self-government after
completion of the referenda process provided therein would result in retention
of the current commonwealth status. On March 19, 1997, similar legislation was
introduced in the U.S. Senate. On March 4, 1998, the U.S. House of
Representatives voted in favor of the Political Status Act. The Senate, however,
failed to act upon the Political Status Act.

       Pursuant to legislation approved by the Commonwealth Legislature, a
referendum was held in Puerto Rico on December 13, 1998 in which the voters
expressed their preference among four political status options. Two of the
options represented statehood and independence. The other two options describe
statuses which are based on a political relationship with the United States
providing varying degrees of sovereignty over local, national and international
matters. Voters were also allowed to vote for "none" of these four options. The
Statehood option received 46.5% of the votes case, while "none of the above"
received 50.30% of the votes cast. In connection with this referendum, the U.S.
Senate adopted Senate Resolution 279 in which it expressed the sense of the
Senate supporting and recognizing the right of United States citizens residing
in Puerto Rico to express their views regarding their future political status
through a referendum but any change in the existing Commonwealth status would
require an Act of Congress.

       On September 21, 1998, Puerto Rico suffered the direct impact of
Hurricane Georges. The hurricane caused extensive damage throughout the island,
with the most serious damage occurring in the central mountain region. The
island was declared an emergency zone by President Clinton, thus making it
eligible for emergency assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
("FEMA"). Most losses to government and private property are expected to be
covered by private insurance, FEMA emergency aid, and local government
assistance programs.

       Governor Rossello's administration has developed and is implementing a
new economic development program which is based on the premise that the private
sector should provide the primary impetus for economic development and growth.
This new program, referred to as the New Economic Model, promotes changing the
role of the government from one of a provider of most basic services, to that of
a facilitator for private sector initiatives, and encourages private sector
investment by reducing government-imposed regulatory constraints.

       The New Economic Model contemplates the development of initiatives that
will foster private investment in, and private management of, sectors that are
served more efficiently and effectively by private enterprise. The New Economic
Model also seeks to identify and promote

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those areas in which Puerto Rico can compete more effectively in the global
markets. In this regard, tourism has been targeted as a priority because of its
potential for job creation and increased contribution to the gross product
stemming from Puerto Rico's natural competitive advantage. The New Economic
Model also seeks to reduce the size of government's direct contribution to gross
domestic product. As part of this goal, the Government has transferred certain
governmental operations and sold a number of its assets to private parties. One
of the goals of the Rossello administration is to change Puerto Rico's public
health care system from one in which the government provides: (i) free health
services to low income individuals through public health facilities owned and
administered by the government to one in which all medical services are provided
by the private sector; and (ii) the government provides comprehensive health
insurance coverage for qualifying (generally low-income) Puerto Rico residents.

       The Commonwealth is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings pertaining
to matters incidental to the performance of routine governmental operations.
Under Act No. 104 of the Legislature of Puerto Rico, approved on June 25, 1955,
as amended ("Act No. 104"), persons are authorized to sue the Commonwealth only
for causes of actions specified in said Act. The Commonwealth may be liable
under Act No. 104 for damages up to a maximum amount of $75,000 or $150,000 if
it involves action for damages to more than one person or where a single injured
party is entitled to several causes of action. Under certain circumstances, as
provided in Act No. 9 of the Legislature of Puerto Rico, approved on November
26, 1975, as amended ("Act No. 9"), the Commonwealth may provide its officers
and employees, including directors of public corporations and government
instrumentalities and mayors of the municipalities of the Commonwealth, with
legal representation, as well as assume the payment of any judgment that may be
entered against them. There is no limitation on the amount of the judgment that
may be paid under Act No. 9.

       With respect to pending and threatened litigation, as of June 30, 1999
the Commonwealth included in its financial statements reported liabilities of
approximately $352 million for awarded and anticipated unfavorable judgments.
This amount represented the amount estimated at the time as a probable liability
or a liability with a fixed or expected due date which would require future
available financial resources for its payment. This amount includes
approximately $200 million of accrued liabilities related to the fines described
below. The Commonwealth believes that the ultimate liability in excess of
amounts provided in the financial statements, if any, would not be significant.

       The Commonwealth is a defendant in approximately three hundred related
lawsuits in which the plaintiffs allege a torts claim and violation of their
civil rights in connection with the preparation by the government of dossiers on
certain individuals. The lawsuits are still in the discovery stage. A petition
to certify these claims as a class action has been denied, and such denial has
become final. The aggregate amount of damages claimed by the plaintiffs exceed
$50 billion. The Commonwealth has accepted liability for the claims without
renouncing the limitations, immunities and defenses available to it under Act
No. 104. The Commonwealth believes that the amount of damages claimed is
exaggerated and that the outcome of this litigation will not materially affect
the revenues and expenditures of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth's financial
statements for the fiscal year which ended June 30, 1999, did not include any
provision for liability with respect to these lawsuits. On December 14, 1999 the
Governor issued an Executive Order whereby the Government offered to pay $6,000
to the plaintiffs in the lawsuits who would agree to dismiss their lawsuit and
$3,000 to certain potential claimants who had not yet filed a lawsuit. The
Commonwealth expects that many of the


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claimants will accept this settlement offer. As part of the Executive Order, the
Governor authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to set aside $5.7 million of
the moneys on deposit in the Budgetary Fund to cover any settlement payments
made.

       Several officers of the Commonwealth are defendants in a class action
lawsuit filed in 1979 in the United States District Court for the District of
Puerto Rico by various inmates who alleged that their constitutional rights were
being violated because of overcrowding and lack of adequate healthcare in the
island's correctional system. In 1980, the United States District Court issued a
preliminary injunction and required the defendants to provide additional
capacity for the cells of the correctional facilities and to improve the health
care services available to inmates. Fines in the amount of $280 million have
been assessed against the defendants in order to assure compliance with the
space and health care requirements imposed by the United States District Court.
Of the fines imposed, S 150 million have already been paid by the Commonwealth.

       Moody's and S&P have given the Bonds ratings of Baa1 and A, respectively.
These ratings do not reflect the MBIA Bond Insurance Policy or the Ambac Bond
Insurance Policy. Moody's and Standard and Poor's have given the Insured Bonds
ratings of Aaa and AAA, respectively. Ratings reflect only the respective views
of the rating agencies and an explanation of the significance of each rating may
be obtained only from the respective rating agency. There is no assurance that
such ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that they
will not be revised downward or withdrawn entirely by either or both of such
rating agencies, if in the judgment of either or both, circumstances so warrant.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND INSTRUMENTS COMMON TO MULTIPLE FUNDS

       The Funds may engage in the following investment practices or invest in
the following instruments to the extent permitted in the Prospectuses and
elsewhere in this SAI.

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES

       In times of unusual or adverse market conditions - for temporary
defensive purposes - each Fund, except for the Equity Index Fund, may invest
without limit in cash and cash equivalents. See "Cash Equivalents."

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

       The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System or member firms of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. that are determined to be creditworthy by the Manager or
Subadvisers. In addition, the Global High Yield Fund, International Bond and
International Equity Funds may enter into domestic or foreign repurchase
agreements with certain sellers deemed to be creditworthy pursuant to guidelines
adopted by the Trustees.

       A repurchase agreement, which provides a means for a Fund to earn income
on uninvested cash for periods as short as overnight, is an arrangement under
which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) purchases a security, usually in the form
of a debt obligation (the "Obligation") and the seller agrees, at the time of
sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time (usually not more than a
week in the case of the Equity Index Fund, California Tax Free Fund, New York
Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund) and price. Repurchase agreements with
foreign banks may be available with respect to government securities of the
particular foreign jurisdiction. The

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custody of the Obligation will be maintained by a custodian appointed by the
Fund. The Fund attempts to assure that the value of the purchased securities,
including any accrued interest, will at all times exceed the value of the
repurchase agreement. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase
price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase
prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together
with the repurchase price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the
Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation subject to the
repurchase agreement.

       The income on repurchase agreements may be subject to federal and state
income taxes when distributed by a Fund as a dividend to shareholders. Subject
to applicable limitations, the Tax Free Bond Fund and California and New York
Tax Free Funds will enter into repurchase agreements as a means of earning
income on their cash reserves when, in the judgment of the Subadvisor,
shareholders would benefit more from receiving taxable income thereon than from
earning no income or tax-free income at a lower rate on such reserves.

       For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement has been deemed to
be a loan from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation. It is not clear whether
a court would consider the Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a
repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a
loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy
or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the Obligation before
repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may
encounter delays and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Delays
may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the Obligation. If the court
characterizes the transaction as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a
security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to return the
Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or
all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any
unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Funds, the Subadvisors seek to
minimize the risk of loss from repurchase agreements by analyzing the
creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the Obligation.
Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the
risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market
value of the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than
the repurchase price (including accrued interest), the Fund will direct the
seller of the Obligation to deliver additional securities so that the market
value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds
the repurchase price.

       The Blue Chip Growth Fund, California Tax Free Fund, Equity Income Fund,
Global High Yield Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, New York Tax Free Fund,
Research Value Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Strategic
Income Fund and Strategic Value Fund may enter into reverse repurchase
agreements with banks or broker-dealers, which involve the sale of a security by
a Fund and its agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and
price. Each Fund will maintain a segregated account consisting of liquid assets
to cover its obligations under reverse repurchase agreements. Each of the
California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund will limit its investments
in reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowing to no more than 10% of its
total assets. The Blue Chip Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund, Global High Yield
Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund,
Small Cap Growth Fund, Strategic Income Fund and Strategic Value Fund will each
limit its investments in reverse repurchase agreements to no more than 5% of its
total assets. The use of reverse repurchase agreements by a Fund creates
leverage which increases a Fund's investment risk. If the income and gains on
securities purchased with the proceeds of reverse


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repurchase agreements exceed the cost of the agreements, the Fund's earnings or
net asset value will increase faster than otherwise would be the case;
conversely, if the income and gains fail to exceed the costs, earnings or net
asset value would decline faster than otherwise would be the case.

       If the other party to a repurchase agreement were to become bankrupt, a
Fund could experience delays in recovering its investment or losses.

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

       In accordance with guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees, each Fund
may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities. Under present
regulatory policies, such loans may be made to institutions, such as
broker-dealers, and would be required to be secured continuously by collateral
in cash or U.S. government securities maintained on a current basis at an amount
at least equal to 100% of the current market value of the securities loaned. The
Fund would have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any
time generally on less than five days' notice. For the duration of a loan, the
Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid
by the issuer on the securities loaned and would also receive compensation from
the investment of the collateral. The Fund would not, however, have the right to
vote any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but
the Fund would call the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken
among holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent
on a material matter affecting the investment. The Trust, on behalf of certain
of the Funds, has entered into an agency agreement with Metropolitan West
Securities, Inc. which acts as the Funds' agent in making loans of portfolio
securities and short-term money market investments of the cash collateral
received, under the supervision and control of the Funds' Subadvisors.

       As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery
of, or even loss of rights in, the collateral should the borrower of the
securities fail financially or breach its agreement with a Fund. However, the
loans would be made only to firms deemed by the Subadvisor to be creditworthy
and approved by the Board, and when, in the judgment of the Subadvisor, the
consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans of this type
justifies the attendant risk. If a Subadvisor determines to make securities
loans, it is intended that the value of securities loaned will not exceed 33% of
the value of the total assets of the lending Fund. Under the guidelines adopted
by the Board of Trustees, a Fund may not enter into a lending agreement with a
counterparty which would cause the Fund to have loans outstanding to that
counterparty for securities having a value greater than 5% of the Fund's total
assets.

CASH EQUIVALENTS

       Each of the Funds may invest in cash or cash equivalents, which include,
but are not limited to: short-term obligations issued or guaranteed as to
interest and principal by the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality
thereof (including repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities);
obligations of banks (certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and time
deposits) which at the date of investment have capital, surplus, and undivided
profits (as of the date of their most recently published financial statements)
in excess of $100,000,000, and obligations of other banks or savings and loan
associations if such obligations are federally insured; commercial paper (as
described in this SAI); short-term corporate obligations which at the date of
investment are rated AA or better by S&P or Aa or better by Moody's; and other
debt instruments not specifically described above if such


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instruments are deemed by the Subadvisor to be of comparable high quality
and liquidity. In addition, the Global High Yield, International Equity and
International Bond Funds may hold foreign cash and cash equivalents.

BANK OBLIGATIONS

       Time deposits are nonnegotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Time
deposits which may be held by the Funds will not benefit from insurance from the
Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund administered by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

       Certificates of deposit are certificates evidencing the obligation of a
bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of time.

       Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of
a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the
obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the full amount of the
instrument upon maturity.

       Investments in the obligations of banks are deemed to be "cash
equivalents" if, at the date of investment, the banks have capital surplus and
individual profits (as of the date of their most recently published financials)
in excess of $100,000,000, or if, with respect to the obligations of other banks
and savings and loan associations, such obligations are federally insured. The
Equity Index Fund will not be subject to the above restriction to the extent it
invests in bank obligations of United States banks (including foreign branches)
which have more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of investment and
are members of the Federal Reserve System or are examined by the Comptroller of
the Currency or whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation. The Equity Index Fund also may invest in certificates of deposit of
savings and loan associations (federally or state chartered and federally
insured) having total assets in excess of $1 billion.

COMMERCIAL PAPER

       Each Fund may invest in commercial paper if it is rated at the time of
investment Prime-1 by Moody's or A-1 by S&P, or, if not rated by Moody's or S&P,
if the Fund's Subadvisor determines that the commercial paper is of comparable
quality. In addition, each Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
commercial paper if rated in the second highest rating category by a nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, such as S&P or Moody's, or, if
unrated, if the Fund's Subadvisor determines that the commercial paper is of
comparable quality. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory
notes issued by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance
companies.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

       Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities include various U.S. Treasury securities, which differ only in
their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Treasury bills have
initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury notes have initial maturities
of one to 10 years; and Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of
greater than ten years. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government
agencies and instrumentalities, for example, GNMA pass-through certificates, are
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as
those of the Federal

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Home Loan Banks, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others,
such as those issued by FNMA, by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and
others, such as those issued by the Student Loan Marketing Association, only by
the credit of the agency or instrumentality. While the U.S. government provides
financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or
instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, and it
is not so obligated by law. See "Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed
Securities."

DEBT SECURITIES

       Debt securities may have fixed, variable or floating (including inverse
floating) rates of interest. To the extent that a Fund invests in debt
securities, it will be subject to certain risks. The value of the debt
securities held by a Fund, and thus the NAV of the shares of a Fund, generally
will fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including, among others,
changes in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuers of those securities,
movements in interest rates, the maturity of a Fund's investments, changes in
relative values of the currencies in which a Fund's investments are denominated
relative to the U.S. dollar, and the extent to which a Fund hedges its interest
rate, credit and currency exchange rate risks. Generally, a rise in interest
rates will reduce the value of fixed income securities held by a Fund, and a
decline in interest rates will increase the value of fixed income securities
held by a Fund.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

       The Blue Chip Growth Fund, Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund,
Equity Income Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, High
Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund,
MAP Equity Fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value
Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Strategic Value Fund, Total Return Fund and Value
Fund may invest in securities convertible into common stock or the cash value of
a single equity security or a basket or index of equity securities. Such
investments may be made, for example, if the Subadvisor believes that a
company's convertible securities are undervalued in the market. Convertible
securities eligible for inclusion in the Funds' portfolios include convertible
bonds, convertible preferred stocks, warrants or notes or other instruments that
may be exchanged for cash payable in an amount that is linked to the value of a
particular security, basket of securities, index or indices of securities or
currencies.

       Convertible securities, until converted, have the same general
characteristics as other fixed income securities insofar as they generally
provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of
equity securities of the same or similar issuers. By permitting the holder to
exchange his investment for common stock or the cash value of a security or a
basket or index of securities, convertible securities may also enable the
investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying
securities. Therefore, convertible securities generally offer lower interest or
dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.

       As with all fixed income securities, the market value of convertible
securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to
increase as interest rates decline. The unique feature of the convertible
security is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, a
convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may
not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price
of a convertible security


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increasingly reflects the value of the underlying common stock and may rise
accordingly. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in
convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in the common
stock of the same issuer.

       Holders of fixed income securities (including convertible securities)
have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the holders of common stock in
case of liquidation. However, convertible securities are typically subordinated
to similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.

       Accordingly, convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics because (i) they have relatively high yields as compared to
common stocks, (ii) they have defensive characteristics since they provide a
fixed return even if the market price of the underlying common stock declines,
and (iii) they provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market
price of the underlying common stock increases.

       A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the
issuer at a price established in the charter provision or indenture pursuant to
which the convertible security is issued. If a convertible security held by a
Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the
security for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or cash or
sell it to a third party.

ARBITRAGE

       Each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund,
International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, MAP Equity Fund, New York
Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may sell in one market a security which it
owns and simultaneously purchase the same security in another market, or it may
buy a security in one market and simultaneously sell it in another market, in
order to take advantage of differences between the prices of the security in the
different markets. The Funds do not actively engage in arbitrage. Such
transactions may be entered into only with respect to debt securities and will
occur only in a dealer's market where the buying and selling dealers involved
confirm their prices to the Fund at the time of the transaction, thus
eliminating any risk to the assets of a Fund. Such transactions, which involve
costs to a Fund, may be limited by the requirements imposed on each Fund to
qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Code.

FOREIGN SECURITIES

       Except for the California Tax Free Fund, Government Fund, New York Tax
Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, each Fund may invest in U.S.
dollar-denominated and non-dollar-denominated foreign debt and equity securities
and in certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks and foreign branches of
U.S. banks. Under current SEC rules relating to the use of the amortized cost
method of portfolio securities valuation, the Money Market Fund is restricted to
purchasing U.S. dollar-denominated securities, but it is not otherwise precluded
from purchasing securities of foreign issuers.

       Investors should carefully consider the appropriateness of foreign
investing in light of their financial objectives and goals. While foreign
markets may present unique investment opportunities, foreign investing involves
risks not associated with domestic investing. Securities denominated in foreign
currencies may gain or lose value as a result of fluctuating currency exchange
rates. Securities markets in other countries are not always as efficient as
those in the


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U.S. and are sometimes less liquid and more volatile. Other risks involved in
investing in the securities of foreign issuers include differences in
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; limited publicly
available information; the difficulty of assessing economic trends in foreign
countries; generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions;
the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation;
adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which may include
suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a country); government
interference, including government ownership of companies in certain sectors,
wage and price controls, or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist
measures; difficulties in invoking legal process abroad and enforcing
contractual obligations; political, social or economic instability which could
affect U.S. investments in foreign countries; and potential restrictions on the
flow of international capital. Additionally, foreign securities and dividends
and interest payable on those securities may be subject to foreign taxes,
including foreign withholding taxes, and other foreign taxes may apply with
respect to securities transactions. Additional costs associated with an
investment in foreign securities may include higher transaction, custody and
foreign currency conversion costs. In the event of litigation relating to a
portfolio investment, the Funds may encounter substantial difficulties in
obtaining and enforcing judgments against non-U.S. resident individuals and
companies.

       Investment in emerging market countries presents risks in greater degree
than, and in addition to, those presented by investment in foreign issuers in
general. Developing countries have economic structures that are less mature.
Furthermore, developing countries have less stable political systems and may
have high inflation, rapidly changing interest and currency exchange rates, and
their securities markets are substantially less developed. The economies of
developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade,
and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by
barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and
other protectionist measures in the countries with which they trade. These
economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic
conditions in the countries with which they trade.

       ADRs (sponsored or unsponsored) are receipts typically issued by a U.S.
bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities.
Most ADRs are traded on a U.S. stock exchange. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are
not contractually obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and,
therefore, there may not be a correlation between such information and the
market value of the unsponsored ADR. EDRs and IDRs are receipts typically issued
by a European bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying
foreign securities. GDRs are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S.
banking institution evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

       Many of the foreign securities in which the Funds invest will be
denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect
the value of securities denominated or quoted in foreign currencies. Exchange
rate movements can be large and can endure for extended periods of time,
affecting either favorably or unfavorably the value of the Funds' assets.
However, each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, the Equity Index Fund,
the Government Fund, the Money Market Fund, the New York Tax Free Fund and the
Tax Free Bond Fund, may seek to increase its return by trading in foreign
currencies. In addition, to the extent a Fund invests in foreign securities, it
may enter into foreign currency forward contracts in order to protect against
uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates. Each


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of these Funds may enter into contracts to purchase foreign currencies to
protect against an anticipated rise in the U.S. dollar price of securities it
intends to purchase and may enter into contracts to sell foreign currencies to
protect against the decline in value of its foreign currency-denominated
portfolio securities due to a decline in the value of the foreign currencies
against the U.S. dollar. In addition, a Fund may use one currency (or a basket
of currencies) to hedge against adverse changes in the value of another currency
(or a basket of currencies) when exchange rates between the two currencies are
correlated.

       Foreign currency transactions in which the Funds may engage include
foreign currency forward contracts, currency exchange transactions on a spot
(i.e., cash) basis, put and call options on foreign currencies and foreign
exchange futures contracts. A foreign currency forward exchange contract
involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date,
which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date
of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the
contract. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no
commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange
dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on
the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and
selling various currencies.

       Normally, consideration of fair value exchange rates will be incorporated
in a longer term investment decision made with regard to overall diversification
strategies. However, each Subadvisor believes that it is important to have the
flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the
best interest of a Fund will be served by entering into such a contract. Set
forth below are examples of some circumstances in which a Fund might employ a
foreign currency transaction. When a Fund enters into, or anticipates entering
into, a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security. By
entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of
U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
security transaction, a Fund will be able to insulate itself from a possible
loss resulting from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the
subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received,
although a Fund would also forego any gain it might have realized had rates
moved in the opposite direction. This technique is sometimes referred to as a
"settlement" hedge or "transaction" hedge.

       Another example is when the Subadvisor believes that the currency of a
particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S.
dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of
dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all
of a Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. Such a
hedge (sometimes referred to as a "position" hedge) will tend to offset both
positive and negative currency fluctuations, but will not offset changes in
security values caused by other factors. The Fund also may hedge the same
position by using another currency (or a basket of currencies) expected to
perform in a manner substantially similar to the hedged currency ("proxy"
hedge). The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of
the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of
such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market
movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract
is entered into and the date it matures. With respect to positions that
constitute "transaction" or "position" hedges (including "proxy" hedges), a Fund
will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net
exposure to such contracts if the consummation of such contracts would obligate
the Fund to deliver an


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amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities or other assets denominated in that currency (or the related
currency, in the case of a "proxy" hedge).

       A Fund may also enter into forward contracts to shift its investment
exposure from one currency into another currency that is expected to perform
inversely with respect to the hedged currency relative to the U.S. dollar. This
type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-currency" hedge, will tend to
reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure
to the currency that is purchased, much as if the Fund had sold a security
denominated in one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in
another. "Cross-currency" hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline
in the hedged currency, but will cause the Fund to assume the risk of
fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases.

       A Fund may also purchase or sell currencies to profit from changing
exchange rates based upon the Subadvisor's assessment of likely exchange rate
movements. These transactions will not necessarily hedge existing or anticipated
holdings of foreign securities and may result in a loss if the Subadvisor's
currency assessment is incorrect.

       At the consummation of the forward contract, a Fund may either make
delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation to
deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it
to purchase at the same maturity date the same amount of such foreign currency.
If a Fund chooses to make delivery of the foreign currency, it may be required
to obtain such currency for delivery through the sale of portfolio securities
denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund
into such currency. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund
will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in
forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward
contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the
original forward contract. When a Fund has sold a foreign currency, a similar
process would be followed at the consummation of the forward contract.

       Of course, a Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with
regard to its foreign currency-denominated securities and will not do so unless
deemed appropriate by the Subadvisor. A Fund generally will not enter into a
forward contract with a term of greater than one year.

       In cases of transactions which constitute "transaction" or "settlement"
hedges or "position" hedges (including "proxy" hedges) or "cross-currency"
hedges that involve purchase and sale of two different foreign currencies
directly through the same foreign currency contract, a Fund may deem its forward
currency hedge position to be covered by underlying Fund portfolio securities or
may establish a Segregated Account with its custodian in an amount equal to the
value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of the subject
hedge. The Segregated Account will consist of liquid assets. In the case of
"anticipatory" hedges and "cross-currency" hedges that involve the purchase and
sale of two different foreign currencies indirectly through separate forward
currency contracts, the Fund will establish a Segregated Account with its
custodian as described above. In the event a Fund establishes a Segregated
Account, the Fund will mark-to-market the value of the assets in the Segregated
Account. If the value of the liquid assets placed in the Segregated Account
declines, additional liquid assets will be placed in the account by the Fund on
a daily basis so that the value of the account will equal the amount of the
Fund's commitments with respect to such contracts.

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         It should be realized that the use forward contracts to protect the
value of a Fund's portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a
currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the
securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at
some future point in time. It also reduces any potential gain which may have
otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price
of the contract.

         The Subadvisors believe active currency management can be employed as
an overall portfolio risk management tool. For example, in their view, foreign
currency management can provide overall portfolio risk diversification when
combined with a portfolio of foreign securities, and the market risks of
investing in specific foreign markets can at times be reduced by currency
strategies which may not involve the currency in which the foreign security is
denominated.

         The Funds cannot assure that their use of forward contracts will
always be successful. Successful use of forward contracts depends on the
investment manager's skill in analyzing and predicting relative currency
values. Forward contracts alter a Fund's exposure to currencies and could
result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Subadvisor
anticipates. A Fund may also incur significant costs when converting assets
from one currency to another. Contracts to sell a foreign currency would limit
any potential gain which might be realized by a Fund if the value of the hedged
currency increases.

         A Fund's foreign currency transactions may be limited by the
requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a regulated
investment company.

FOREIGN INDEX-LINKED INSTRUMENTS

         As part of its investment program, and to maintain greater
flexibility, the Global High Yield Fund, International Bond Fund, International
Equity Fund and Strategic Income Fund may, subject to compliance with each
Fund's limitations applicable to its investment in debt securities, invest in
instruments which have the investment characteristics of particular securities,
securities indexes, futures contracts or currencies. Such instruments may take
a variety of forms, such as debt instruments with interest or principal
payments determined by reference to the value of a currency or commodity at a
future point in time. For example, a Fund may, subject to compliance with its
respective limitations applicable to its investment in debt securities, invest
in instruments issued by the U.S. or a foreign government or by private issuers
that return principal and/or pay interest to investors in amounts which are
linked to the level of a particular foreign index ("foreign index-linked
instruments"). Foreign index-linked instruments have the investment
characteristics of particular securities, securities indexes, futures contracts
or currencies. Such instruments may take a variety of forms, such as debt
instruments with interest or principal payments determined by reference to the
value of a currency or commodity at a future point in time.

         A foreign index may be based upon the exchange rate of a particular
currency or currencies or the differential between two currencies, or the level
of interest rates in a particular country or countries, or the differential in
interest rates between particular countries. In the case of foreign
index-linked instruments linking the interest component to a foreign index, the
amount of interest payable will adjust periodically in response to changes in
the level of the foreign index during the term of the foreign index-linked
instrument. The risks of such investments would reflect the risks of investing
in the index or other instrument the performance of which



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determines the return for the instrument. Tax considerations may limit the
Funds' ability to invest in foreign index-linked instruments.

BRADY BONDS

         Each of the Convertible Fund, Global High Yield Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Strategic
Value Fund and Total Return Fund may invest a portion of its assets in Brady
Bonds, which are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial
bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with debt
restructurings. Brady bonds are not considered U.S. government securities.

         Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized and are issued
in various currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar). U.S. dollar-denominated,
collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate par bonds or floating rate
discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as to principal by U.S.
Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds.
Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized on a
one-year or longer rolling-forward basis by cash or securities in an amount
that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of
interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to
at least one year's interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at
that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds
are entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in
effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not
collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation
components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity;
(ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest
payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity
(these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk").

         Brady Bonds involve various risk factors, including the history of
defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities
of countries issuing Brady Bonds. Investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed
as speculative. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds in which the Fund
may invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for
new credit, which may cause the Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal
on any of its holdings.

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

         Municipal securities generally are understood to include debt
obligations issued by, or on behalf of, states, territories and possessions of
the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities and the District of Columbia, to obtain funds for various
public purposes, including construction of a wide range of public facilities,
refunding of outstanding obligations, payment of general operating expenses and
extensions of loans to public institutions and facilities. The yields on
municipal securities depend upon a variety of factors, including general
economic and monetary conditions, general money market conditions, general
conditions of the municipal securities market, the financial condition of the
issuer, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligations
offered and the rating of the issue or issues. Municipal securities also may be
subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting
the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and
laws, if any, which may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending
the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other
constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of
municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result
of




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litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of any one or more issuers
to pay, when due, the principal of, and interest on, its or their municipal
securities may be materially and adversely affected.

         Tax Anticipation Notes are used to finance working capital needs of
municipalities and are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenues,
to be payable from these specific future taxes. They are usually general
obligations of the issuer, secured by the taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest.

         Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in expectation of receipt of
other kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues. They, also, are usually
general obligations of the issuer.

         Bond Anticipation Notes are normally issued to provide interim
financial assistance until long-term financing can be arranged. The long-term
bonds then provide funds for the repayment of the notes.

         Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide construction financing for
specific projects. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects
receive permanent financing through the FHA under the FNMA or GNMA.

         Project Notes are instruments sold by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development ("HUD") but issued by a state or local housing agency to
provide financing for a variety of programs. They are backed by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. government, and generally carry a term of one year or
less.

         Short-Term Discount Notes (tax-exempt commercial paper) are short-term
(365 days or less) promissory notes issued by municipalities to supplement
their cash flow.

         Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally
have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal
classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Issuers of general
obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns and regional
districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of
public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and
roads, and water and sewer systems. The basic security behind general
obligation bonds is the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing
power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied
for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to the rate or
amount of special assessments.

         A revenue bond is not secured by the full faith, credit and taxing
power of an issuer. Rather, the principal security for a revenue bond is
generally the net revenue derived from a particular facility, group of
facilities or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other
specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of
capital projects, including: electric, gas, water, and sewer systems; highways,
bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities;
and hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary,
many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund
which may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer's
obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security and
credit enhancement guarantees available to them, including partially or fully
insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the
net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some




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authorities are provided further security in the form of a state's assurance
(although without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service
reserve fund.

         An entire issue of municipal securities may be purchased by one or a
small number of institutional investors such as the Funds. Thus, the issue may
not be said to be publicly offered. Unlike securities which must be registered
under the 1933 Act prior to offer and sale, unless an exemption from such
registration is available, municipal securities which are not publicly offered
may nevertheless be readily marketable. A secondary market may exist for
municipal securities which were not publicly offered initially.

         The Tax Free Bond Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in
municipal securities the issuers of which are located in the same state and may
invest more than 25% of its total assets in municipal securities the security
of which is derived from any one of the following categories: hospitals and
health facilities; turnpikes and toll roads; ports and airports; colleges and
universities; public housing authorities; general obligations of states and
localities; lease rental obligations of states and local authorities; state and
local housing finance authorities; municipal utilities systems; bonds that are
secured or backed by the Treasury or other U.S. government guaranteed
securities; or industrial development and pollution control bonds. There could
be economic, business or political developments which might affect all
municipal securities of a similar type. However, the Fund believes that the
most important consideration affecting risk is the quality of municipal
securities.

         The Tax Free Bond Fund and California and New York Tax Free Funds may
engage in short-term trading (selling securities held for brief periods of
time, usually less than three months) if the Subadvisor believes that such
transactions, net of costs including taxes, if any, would improve the overall
return on its portfolio. The needs of different classes of lenders and
borrowers and their changing preferences and circumstances have in the past
caused market dislocations unrelated to fundamental creditworthiness and trends
in interest rates which have presented market trading opportunities. There can
be no assurance that such dislocations will occur in the future or that the
Fund will be able to take advantage of them.

         There are, in addition, a variety of hybrid and special types of
municipal obligations, such as municipal lease obligations, as well as numerous
differences in the security of municipal securities both within and between the
two principal classifications described above. Municipal lease obligations are
municipal securities that may be supported by a lease or an installment
purchase contract issued by state and local government authorities to acquire
funds to obtain the use of a wide variety of equipment and facilities such as
fire and sanitation vehicles, computer equipment and other capital assets.
These obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, are not general
obligations and have evolved to make it possible for state and local
governments to obtain the use of property and equipment without meeting
constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Thus,
municipal lease obligations have special risks not normally associated with
municipal securities. These obligations frequently contain "non-appropriation"
clauses that provide that the governmental issuer of the obligation has no
obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is
appropriated for such purposes by the legislative body on a yearly or other
periodic basis. In addition to the "nonappropriation" risk, many municipal
lease obligations have not yet developed the depth of marketability associated
with municipal bonds; moreover, although the obligations may be secured by the
leased equipment, the disposition of the equipment in the event of foreclosure
might prove difficult. For the purpose of each Fund's investment restrictions,
the identification of the "issuer" of municipal securities which are not
general obligation bonds is made by the



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Subadvisor on the basis of the characteristics of the municipal securities as
described above, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the
payment of principal of and interest on such securities.

         In order to limit certain of these risks, the California Tax Free
Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund will not invest more than
10% (15% in the case of the Strategic Income Fund) of its total assets in
municipal lease obligations that are illiquid (along with all other illiquid
securities). The liquidity of municipal lease obligations purchased by the
Funds will be determined pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of
Trustees. Factors considered in making such determinations may include: the
frequency of trades and quotes for the obligation; the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
buyers; the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the
security; the nature of marketplace trades; the obligation's rating; and, if
the security is unrated, the factors generally considered by a rating agency.

         There may be other types of municipal securities that become available
which are similar to the foregoing described municipal securities in which each
Fund may invest.

         INCOME LEVEL AND CREDIT RISK. Municipal obligations are subject to the
provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any,
which may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for
payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon
enforcement of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. There is
also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions, the
power or ability of any one or more issuers to pay, when due, principal or
interest on its or their municipal obligations may be materially affected.
Although the Funds' quality standards are designed to minimize the credit risk
of investing in municipal securities, that risk cannot be entirely eliminated.

         TAX CONSIDERATIONS. With respect to the California Tax Free Fund, New
York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, income derived by a Fund from
taxable investments, including but not limited to securities lending
transactions, repurchase transactions, options and futures transactions, and
investments in commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and certificates of
deposit will be taxable for federal, state and local income tax purposes when
distributed to shareholders. Income derived by a Fund from interest on direct
obligations of the U.S. government will be taxable for federal income tax
purposes when distributed to shareholders but, provided that the Fund meets the
requirements of state law and properly designates distributions to
shareholders, such distributions may be excludable from income for state
personal income tax purposes. A portion of original issue discount relating to
stripped municipal securities and their coupons may also be treated as taxable
income under certain circumstances. Acquisitions of municipal securities at a
market discount may also result in ordinary income and/or capital gains.

         The Tax Reform Act of 1986 ("TRA") limited the types and volume of
municipal securities qualifying for the federal income tax exemption for
interest, and the Code treats tax-exempt interest on certain municipal
securities as a tax preference item included in the alternative minimum tax
base for corporate and noncorporate shareholders. In addition, all tax-exempt
interest may result in or increase a corporation's liability under the
corporate alternative minimum tax, because a portion of the difference between
corporate "adjusted current earnings" and alternative minimum taxable income is
treated as a tax preference item. Further, an issuer's failure to comply with
the detailed and numerous requirements imposed by the Code after bonds




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have been issued may cause the retroactive revocation of the tax-exempt status
of certain municipal securities after their issuance. The Funds intend to
monitor developments in the municipal bond market to determine whether any
defensive action should be taken.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS

         Industrial Development Bonds which pay tax-exempt interest are, in
most cases, revenue bonds and are issued by, or on behalf of, public
authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for
business, manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds
are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit
systems, ports, and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such
bonds is solely dependent on the ability of the facility's user to meet its
financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of the real and personal property
so financed as security for such payments. These bonds are generally not
secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by the revenues
of the authority derived from payments by the industrial user.

         Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds, although nominally
issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power
of the municipality but are secured by the revenues of the authority derived
from payments by the industrial user. Industrial Development Bonds issued after
the effective date of the TRA, as well as certain other bonds, are now
classified as "private activity bonds." Some, but not all, private activity
bonds issued after that date qualify to pay tax-exempt interest.

VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES ("VRDNS")

         The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund may invest in tax-exempt obligations which contain a floating or variable
interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to
receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a
short notice period prior to specified dates, generally at 30, 60, 90, 180 or
365-day intervals. The interest rates are adjustable at various intervals to
the prevailing market rate for similar investments, such adjustment formula
being calculated to maintain the market value of the VRDN at approximately the
par value of the VRDN on the adjustment date. The adjustments are typically
based upon the prime rate of a bank or some other appropriate interest rate
adjustment index.

         The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund may also invest in VRDNs in the form of participation interests
("Participating VRDNs") in variable rate tax-exempt obligations held by a
financial institution, typically a commercial bank ("Institution").
Participating VRDNs provide a Fund with a specified undivided interest (up to
100%) of the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment of the
unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on the Participating VRDNs from
the Institution upon a specified number of days' notice, not to exceed seven
days. In addition, the Participating VRDN is backed up by an irrevocable letter
of credit or guaranty of the Institution. A Fund has an undivided interest in
the underlying obligation and thus participates on the same basis as the
Institution in such obligation, except that the Institution typically retains
fees out of the interest paid or the obligation for servicing the obligation,
providing the letter of credit and issuing the repurchase commitment.

FLOATING AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES





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         Floating and variable rate securities provide for a periodic
adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such
obligations must provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based
upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective
obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up
to annually, or may be based on an event, such as a change in the prime rate.

         The interest rate on a floating rate debt instrument ("floater") is a
variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market
index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets
periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate
reset feature, floaters provide the Funds with a certain degree of protection
against rises in interest rates, the Funds will participate in any declines in
interest rates as well. To be an eligible investment for the Money Market Fund,
there must be a reasonable expectation that, at any time until the final
maturity for the floater or the period remaining until the principal amount can
be recovered through demand, the market value of a floater will approximate its
amortized cost.

         The interest rate on a leveraged inverse floating rate debt instrument
("inverse floater") resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of
interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be
considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a
magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of
interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is
associated with greater volatility in their market values. Accordingly, the
duration of an inverse floater may exceed its stated final maturity. Certain
inverse floaters may be deemed to be illiquid securities for purposes of the
Funds' limitations on investments in such securities. The Money Market Fund may
not invest in inverse floaters.

ZERO COUPON BONDS

         The Funds, except the Equity Index Fund and MAP Equity Fund, may
purchase zero coupon bonds, which are debt obligations issued without any
requirement for the periodic payment of interest. Zero coupon bonds are issued
at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total
amount of interest the bonds would accrue and compound over the period until
maturity at a rate of interest reflecting market rate at the time of issuance.
Because interest on zero coupon obligations is not paid to the Fund on a
current basis but is, in effect, compounded, the value of the securities of
this type is subject to greater fluctuations in response to changing interest
rates than the value of debt obligations which distribute income regularly.
Zero coupon bonds tend to be subject to greater market risk than interest
paying securities of similar maturities. The discount represents income, a
portion of which the Funds must accrue and distribute every year even though a
Fund receives no payment on the investment in that year. Zero coupon bonds tend
to be more volatile than conventional debt securities.

STANDBY COMMITMENTS -- OBLIGATIONS WITH PUTS ATTACHED

         The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic Income
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund may purchase municipal securities together with the
right to resell the securities to the seller at an agreed-upon price or yield
within a specified period prior to the maturity date of the securities.
Although it is not a put option in the usual sense, such a right to resell is
commonly known as a "put" and is also referred to as a "standby commitment."
Each of these Funds may pay for a standby commitment either separately, in
cash, or in the form of a higher price for the securities which are acquired
subject to the standby commitment, thus increasing the cost of securities and
reducing the yield otherwise available from the same security. The




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Subadvisor understands that the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has issued
a revenue ruling to the effect that, under specified circumstances, a
registered investment company will be the owner of tax-exempt municipal
obligations acquired subject to a put option. The IRS has also issued private
letter rulings to certain taxpayers (which do not serve as precedent for other
taxpayers) to the effect that tax-exempt interest received by a regulated
investment company with respect to such obligations will be tax-exempt in the
hands of the company and may be distributed to its shareholders as
exempt-interest dividends. The IRS has subsequently announced that it will not
ordinarily issue advance ruling letters as to the identity of the true owner of
property in cases involving the sale of securities or participation interests
therein if the purchaser has the right to cause the security, or the
participation interest therein, to be purchased by either the seller or a third
party. Each of these Funds intends to take the position that it is the owner of
any municipal obligations acquired subject to a standby commitment and that
tax-exempt interest earned with respect to such municipal obligations will be
tax-exempt in its hands; however, no assurance can be given that this position
would prevail if challenged. In addition, there is no assurance that standby
commitments will be available to a Fund, nor has the California Tax Free Fund,
New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic Income Fund or Tax Free Bond Fund assumed
that such commitments would continue to be available under all market
conditions.

         A standby commitment may not be used to affect a Fund's valuation of
the municipal security underlying the commitment. Any consideration paid by a
Fund for the standby commitment, whether paid in cash or by paying a premium
for the underlying security, which increases the cost of the security and
reduces the yield otherwise available from the same security, will be accounted
for by the Fund as unrealized depreciation until the standby commitment is
exercised or has expired.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

         Each Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued"
basis. Debt securities, including municipal securities, are often issued in
this manner. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but delivery of
and payment for the when-issued securities take place at a later date.
Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase (60 days
for municipal bonds and notes). During the period between purchase and
settlement, no payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund.
To the extent that assets of a Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of
a purchase of securities, that Fund would earn no income; however, it is the
Trust's intention that each Fund will be fully invested to the extent
practicable and subject to the policies stated herein. Although when-issued
securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Trust intends to
purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a
sale appears desirable for investment reasons.

         The transactions are entered into in order to secure what is
considered to be an advantageous price and yield to a Fund and not for purposes
of leveraging the Fund's assets. However, a Fund will not accrue any income on
these securities prior to delivery. The value of when-issued securities may
vary prior to and after delivery depending on market conditions and changes in
interest rate levels. There is a risk that a party with whom a Fund has entered
into such transactions will not perform its commitment, which could result in a
gain or loss to the Fund.

         At the time the Trust makes the commitment on behalf of a Fund to
purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and
reflect the amount due and the value of




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the security in determining the Fund's net asset value. The market value of the
when-issued security may be more or less than the purchase price payable at the
settlement date. The Funds do not believe that a Fund's net asset value or
income will be exposed to additional risk by the purchase of securities on a
when-issued basis. Each Fund will establish a segregated account in which it
will maintain liquid assets at least equal in value to commitments for
when-issued securities. Such segregated securities either will mature or, if
necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.

MORTGAGE-RELATED AND OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

         Each Fund may buy mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related
securities are interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgage loans
or leases, including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are
assembled as securities for sale to investors by various governmental,
government-related and private organizations (see "Mortgage Pass-Through
Securities"). The Funds, to the extent permitted in the Prospectus, may also
invest in debt securities which are secured with collateral consisting of
mortgage-related securities (see "Collateralized Mortgage Obligations"), and in
other types of mortgage-related securities. Like other fixed-income securities,
when interest rates rise, the value of a mortgage-related security generally
will decline; however, when interest rates are declining, the value of a
mortgage-related security with prepayment features may not increase as much as
other fixed-income securities.

         MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. Mortgage pass-through securities,
which are securities interests in pools of mortgage-related securities, differ
from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic
payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or
specified call dates. Instead, these securities provide a monthly payment which
consists of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are
a "pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on
their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or
guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of
principal resulting from the sale of the underlying residential property,
refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some
mortgage-related securities (such as securities issued by GNMA) are described
as "modified pass-through." These securities entitle the holder to receive all
interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees,
at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor
actually makes the payment. Some mortgage pass-through certificates may include
securities backed by adjustable-rate mortgages which bear interest at a rate
that will be adjusted periodically.

         Early repayment of principal on mortgage pass-through securities
(arising from prepayments of principal due to sale of the underlying property,
refinancing, or foreclosure, net of fees and costs which may be incurred) may
expose a Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Also,
if a security subject to prepayment has been purchased at a premium, in the
event of prepayment, the value of the premium would be lost.

         Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through
securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be
guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (in the case of
securities guaranteed by GNMA); or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities
of the U.S. government (in the case of securities guaranteed by FNMA or FHLMC,
which are supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government
to purchase the agency's obligations).



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         The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities is
the GNMA. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee,
with the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the timely payment of
principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA
(such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers)
and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration ("FHA")-insured or
Veterans Administration-guaranteed mortgages.

         Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. government) include the FNMA and the FHLMC. FNMA is a
government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is
subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
and acts as a government instrumentality under authority granted by Congress.
FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government
agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which
include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual
savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers.
Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of
principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. government. FNMA is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to
meet its obligations.

         FHLMC was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the
availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a
government-sponsored corporation and acts as a government instrumentality under
authority granted by Congress. FHLMC was formerly owned by the twelve Federal
Home Loan Banks and is now owned entirely by private stockholders. FHLMC issues
Participation Certificates ("PCs") which represent interests in conventional
mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment
of interest and collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. government.

         If either fixed or variable rate pass-through securities issued by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities are developed in the
future, the Funds reserve the right to invest in them.

         Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage
insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also
create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such
issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying
mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities.
Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of
interest than government and government-related pools because there are no
direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former
pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be
supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual
loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and
guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the
mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the
issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related
security meets a Fund's investment quality standards. There can be no assurance
that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the
insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. A Fund may buy mortgage-related
securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the
loan experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the
Fund's Subadvisor determines that the securities meet the Fund's quality
standards.




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         PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. The mortgage-related
securities in which the Funds may invest may be: (i) privately issued
securities which are collateralized by pools of mortgages in which each
mortgage is guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. government; (ii) privately issued securities which
are collateralized by pools of mortgages in which payment of principal and
interest is guaranteed by the issuer and such guarantee is collateralized by
U.S. government securities; and (iii) other privately issued securities in
which the proceeds of the issuance are invested in mortgage-backed securities
and payment of the principal and interest is supported by the credit of an
agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government.

         The California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund, MAP Equity Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund, however, may not invest in non-government mortgage
pass-through securities. Although the market for such securities is becoming
increasingly liquid, securities issued by certain private organizations may not
be readily marketable. No Fund will purchase mortgage-related securities or any
other assets which, in the opinion of the Fund's Subadvisor, are illiquid if,
as a result, more than 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be
illiquid (15% in the case of the Blue Chip Growth, Equity Income, Global High
Yield, Growth Opportunities, International Equity, International Bond, MAP
Equity, Research Value, Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Strategic Income and
Strategic Value Funds).

         COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS ("CMOS"). A CMO is a hybrid
between a mortgage-backed bond and a mortgage pass-through security. As with
bonds, interest and prepaid principal is paid, in most cases, semiannually.
CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans, but are more typically
collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by
GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA, and their income streams.

         CMOs are structured into multiple classes, each bearing a different
stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the
prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of
call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of
mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of
principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including
prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity
class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes receive principal only
after the first class has been retired. An investor is partially guarded
against a sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential
payments.

         In a typical CMO transaction, a corporation ("issuer") issues multiple
series (e.g., A, B, C, Z) of CMO bonds ("Bonds"). Proceeds of the Bond offering
are used to purchase mortgages or mortgage pass-through certificates
("Collateral"). The Collateral is pledged to a third-party trustee as security
for the Bonds. Principal and interest payments from the Collateral are used to
pay principal on the Bonds in the order A, B, C, Z. The Series A, B, and C
Bonds all bear current interest. Interest on the Series Z Bond is accrued and
added to principal and a like amount is paid as principal on the Series A, B or
C Bond currently being paid off. When the Series A, B and C Bonds are paid in
full, interest and principal on the Series Z Bond begins to be paid currently.
With some CMOs, the issuer serves as a conduit to allow loan originators
(primarily builders or savings and loan associations) to borrow against their
loan portfolios.

         The eligible Funds will not invest in any privately issued CMOs that
do not meet the requirements of Rule 3a-7 under the 1940 Act if, as a result of
such investment, more than 5% of a Fund's net assets would be invested in any
one such CMO, more than 10% of the Fund's net




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assets would be invested in such CMOs and other investment company securities
in the aggregate, or the Fund would hold more than 3% of any outstanding issue
of such CMOs.

         FHLMC COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. FHLMC CMOs are debt
obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates
which are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans
purchased by FHLMC. Unlike FHLMC PCs, payments of principal and interest on the
CMOs are made semiannually, as opposed to monthly. The amount of principal
payable on each semiannual payment date is determined in accordance with
FHLMC's mandatory sinking fund schedule, which, in turn, is equal to
approximately 100% of FHA prepayment experience applied to the mortgage
collateral pool. All sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the
retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated
maturities. Payment of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool
in excess of the amount of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation for any
payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking fund
payments. Because of the "pass-through" nature of all principal payments
received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund
requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is
likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its
scheduled maturity date.

         If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage
loans during any semi-annual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC's
minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC
agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.

         Criteria for the mortgage loans in the pool backing the CMOs are
identical to those of FHLMC PCs. FHLMC has the right to substitute collateral
in the event of delinquencies and/or defaults.

         OTHER MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. Other mortgage-related securities
include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly
represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage
loans on real property, including CMO residuals or stripped mortgage-backed
securities, and may be structured in classes with rights to receive varying
proportions of principal and interest. Other mortgage-related securities may be
equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.
government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans,
including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks,
commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose
entities of the foregoing.

         The Funds' Subadvisors expect that governmental, government-related or
private entities may create mortgage loan pools and other mortgage-related
securities offering mortgage pass-through and mortgage-collateralized
investments in addition to those described above. The mortgages underlying
these securities may include alternative mortgage instruments, that is,
mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose
terms to maturity may differ from customary long-term fixed rate mortgages. As
new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to
investors, a Fund's Subadvisor will, consistent with the Fund's investment
objectives, policies and quality standards, consider making investments in such
new types of mortgage-related securities.

         CMO RESIDUALS. CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued
by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage




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loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks,
commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the
foregoing.

         The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of
CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on
the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer.
The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess
cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such
excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income
and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a
CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage
assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the
amount of administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage
assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely
sensitive to prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same
manner as an interest-only ("IO") class of stripped mortgage-backed securities.
See "Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities." In addition, if a series of a CMO
includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to
maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to
changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are
based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities,
in certain circumstances, a portfolio may fail to recoup fully its initial
investment in a CMO residual.

         CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional
investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or
dealers. The CMO residual market has only very recently developed and CMO
residuals currently may not have the liquidity of other more established
securities trading in other markets. Transactions in CMO residuals are
generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the
securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may or, pursuant to an
exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the 1933 Act, as
amended. CMO residuals, whether or not registered under such Act, may be
subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed
"illiquid" and subject to a Fund's limitations on investment in illiquid
securities.

         Under certain circumstances, a Fund's investment in residual interests
in "real estate mortgage investment conduits" ("REMICs") may cause shareholders
of that Fund to be deemed to have taxable income in addition to their Fund
dividends and distributions and such income may not be eligible to be reduced
for tax purposes by certain deductible amounts, including net operating loss
deductions. In addition, in some cases, the Fund may be required to pay taxes
on certain amounts deemed to be earned from a REMIC residual. Prospective
investors may wish to consult their tax advisors regarding REMIC residual
investments by a Fund.

         CMOs and REMICs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government
securities, but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and
credit risk. In addition, CMOs and REMICs typically will be issued in a variety
of classes or series, which have different maturities and are retired in
sequence. Privately issued CMOs and REMICs are not government securities nor
are they supported in any way by any governmental agency or instrumentality. In
the event of a default by an issuer of a CMO or a REMIC, there is no assurance
that the collateral securing such CMO or REMIC will be sufficient to pay
principal and interest. It is possible that there will be limited opportunities
for trading CMOs and REMICs in the over-the-counter market, the depth and
liquidity of which will vary from time to time. Holders of "residual" interests
in REMICs (including the Fund) could be required to recognize potential phantom
income, as could shareholders (including unrelated business taxable income for
tax-exempt shareholders) of funds



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that hold such interests. The Fund will consider this rule in determining
whether to invest in residual interests.

         STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Stripped mortgage-backed
securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be
issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special
purpose entities of the foregoing.

         SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different
proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage
assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the
interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other
class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In
the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the IO
class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the
principal-only or "PO" class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is
extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments)
on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal
payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's yield to maturity from
these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than
anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its
initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the
highest rating categories.

         Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors
through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these
securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading
markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed
"illiquid" and subject to a Fund's limitations on investment in illiquid
securities.

         RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. As is the case with
other fixed-income securities, when interest rates rise, the value of a
mortgage-related security generally will decline; however, when interest rates
are declining, the value of mortgage-related securities with prepayment
features may not increase as much as other fixed income securities. The value
of some mortgage-backed securities in which the Funds may invest may be
particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like the
other investments of the Funds, the ability of a Fund to successfully utilize
these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of a Subadvisor to
forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. If a Subadvisor
incorrectly forecasts such factors and has taken a position in mortgage-backed
securities that is or becomes contrary to prevailing market trends, the Funds
could be exposed to the risk of a loss.

         Investment in mortgage-backed securities poses several risks,
including prepayment, market, and credit risk. Prepayment risk reflects the
chance that borrowers may prepay their mortgages faster than expected, thereby
affecting the investment's average life and perhaps its yield. Whether or not a
mortgage loan is prepaid is almost entirely controlled by the borrower.
Borrowers are most likely to exercise their prepayment options at a time when
it is least advantageous to investors, generally prepaying mortgages as
interest rates fall, and slowing payments as interest rates rise. Besides the
effect of prevailing interest rates, the rate of prepayment and refinancing of
mortgages may also be affected by home value appreciation, ease of the
refinancing process and local economic conditions.



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         Market risk reflects the chance that the price of the security may
fluctuate over time. The price of mortgage-backed securities may be
particularly sensitive to prevailing interest rates, the length of time the
security is expected to be outstanding, and the liquidity of the issue. In a
period of unstable interest rates, there may be decreased demand for certain
types of mortgage-backed securities, and a Fund invested in such securities and
wishing to sell them may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may in turn
decrease the price at which they may be sold.

         Credit risk reflects the chance that a Fund may not receive all or
part of its principal because the issuer or credit enhancer has defaulted on
its obligations. Obligations issued by U.S. government-related entities are
guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest, but are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The performance of private
label mortgage-backed securities, issued by private institutions, is based on
the financial health of those institutions.

         OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Funds' Subadvisors expect that
other asset-backed securities (unrelated to mortgage loans) will be offered to
investors in the future. Several types of asset-backed securities have already
been offered to investors, including Certificates for Automobile Receivables(SM)
("CARS(SM)"). CARS(SM) represent undivided fractional interests in a trust
("trust") whose assets consist of a pool of motor vehicle retail installment
sales contracts and security interests in the vehicles securing the contracts.
Payments of principal and interest on CARS(SM) are passed-through monthly to
certificate holders, and are guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain
time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution
unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the trust. An investor's return
on CARS(SM) may be affected by early prepayment of principal on the underlying
vehicle sales contracts. If the letter of credit is exhausted, the trust may be
prevented from realizing the full amount due on a sales contract because of
state law requirements and restrictions relating to foreclosure sales of
vehicles and the obtaining of deficiency judgments following such sales or
because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle, the application of
Federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other factors. As a
result, certificate holders may experience delays in payments or losses if the
letter of credit is exhausted.

         If consistent with a Fund's investment objective and policies, and, in
the case of the Money Market Fund, the requirements of Rule 2a-7, a Fund also
may invest in other types of asset-backed securities. Certain asset-backed
securities may present the same types of risks that may be associated with
mortgage-backed securities.

WARRANTS

         The holder of a warrant has the right to purchase a given number of
shares of a particular issuer at a specified price until expiration of the
warrant. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss
than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do
not necessarily move in tandem with the prices of the underlying securities,
and are speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights
other than a purchase option. If a warrant is not exercised by the date of its
expiration, the Fund will lose its entire investment in such warrant.

SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX

         A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells through a broker a
security it does not own in anticipation of a possible decline in market price.
A short sale "against the box" is a




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short sale in which, at the time of the short sale, a Fund owns or has the
right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount. Each of the Funds
will only enter into short sales against the box. A Fund may enter into a short
sale against the box among other reasons, to hedge against a possible market
decline in the value of the security owned by the Fund. If the value of a
security sold short against the box increases, the Fund would suffer a loss
when it purchases or delivers to the selling broker the security sold short.
The proceeds of the short sale are retained by the broker pursuant to
applicable margin rules. In addition, the Fund may segregate assets, equal in
value to 50% of the value of the short sale, in a special account with the
Fund's custodian. The segregated assets are pledged to the broker pursuant to
applicable margin rules. If a broker with which the Fund has open short sales,
were to become bankrupt, a Fund could experience losses or delays in recovering
gains on short sales. The Funds will only enter into short sales against the
box with brokers the Subadvisors believe are creditworthy. Short sales against
the box will be limited to no more than 25% of a Fund's total assets. The MAP
Equity Fund may not enter into short sales against the box.

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES

         WRITING CALL OPTIONS. Each Fund, except the MAP Equity Fund and the
Money Market Fund, may sell ("write") covered call options on its portfolio
securities in an attempt to enhance investment performance. A call option sold
by a Fund is a short-term contract, having a duration of nine months or less,
which gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and imposes on the
writer of the option--in return for a premium received--the obligation to sell,
the underlying security at the exercise price upon the exercise of the option
at any time prior to the expiration date, regardless of the market price of the
security during the option period. A call option may be covered by, among other
things, the writer's owning the underlying security throughout the option
period, or by holding, on a share-for-share basis, a call on the same security
as the call written, where the exercise price of the call held is equal to or
less than the price of the call written, or greater than the exercise price of
a call written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid assets in
a segregated account with its custodian.

         A Fund will write covered call options both to reduce the risks
associated with certain of its investments and to increase total investment
return through the receipt of premiums. In return for the premium income, the
Fund will give up the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market
price of the underlying security above the exercise price so long as its
obligations under the contract continue, except insofar as the premium
represents a profit. Moreover, in writing the call option, the Fund will retain
the risk of loss should the price of the security decline, which loss the
premium is intended to offset in whole or in part. A Fund, in writing "American
Style" call options, must assume that the call may be exercised at any time
prior to the expiration of its obligations as a writer, and that in such
circumstances the net proceeds realized from the sale of the underlying
securities pursuant to the call may be substantially below the prevailing
market price. In contrast, "European Style" options may only be exercised on
the expiration date of the option. Covered call options and the securities
underlying such options will be listed on national securities exchanges, except
for certain transactions in options on debt securities and foreign securities.

         During the option period, the covered call writer has, in return for
the premium received on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a
price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as
long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss
should the price of the underlying security decline.




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         A Fund may protect itself from further losses due to a decline in
value of the underlying security or from the loss of ability to profit from
appreciation by buying an identical option, in which case the purchase cost may
offset the premium. In order to do this, the Fund makes a "closing purchase
transaction"--the purchase of a call option on the same security with the same
exercise price and expiration date as the covered call option which it has
previously written on any particular security. The Fund will realize a gain or
loss from a closing purchase transaction if the amount paid to purchase a call
option in a closing transaction is less or more than the amount received from
the sale of the covered call option. Also, because increases in the market
price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of
the underlying security, any loss resulting from the closing out of a call
option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by unrealized appreciation of
the underlying security owned by the Fund. When a security is to be sold from
the Fund's portfolio, the Fund will first effect a closing purchase transaction
so as to close out any existing covered call option on that security or
otherwise cover the existing call option.

         A closing purchase transaction may be made only on a national or
foreign securities exchange (an "Exchange") which provides a secondary market
for an option with the same exercise price and expiration date, except as
discussed below. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an
Exchange or otherwise will exist for any particular option, or at any
particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an Exchange or
otherwise may exist. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction involving an exchange-traded option, the Fund will not sell the
underlying security until the option expires, or the Fund otherwise covers the
existing option portion or the Fund delivers the underlying security upon
exercise. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot
effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation
under the option and must deliver or purchase the underlying securities at the
exercise price. Over-the-counter options differ from exchange-traded options in
that they are two-party contracts with price and other terms negotiated between
buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as
exchange-traded options. Therefore, a closing purchase transaction for an
over-the-counter option may in many cases only be made with the other party to
the option.

         Each Fund pays brokerage commissions and dealer spreads in connection
with writing covered call options and effecting closing purchase transactions,
as well as for purchases and sales of underlying securities. The writing of
covered call options could result in significant increases in a Fund's
portfolio turnover rate, especially during periods when market prices of the
underlying securities appreciate. Subject to the limitation that all call and
put option writing transactions be covered, the Funds may, to the extent
determined appropriate by the Subadvisor, engage without limitation in the
writing of options on U.S. government securities. Subject to the limitation
that all call and put option writing transactions be covered, and limitations
imposed on regulated investment companies under Federal tax law, the
International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Global High Yield Fund
may, to the extent determined appropriate by the Subadvisor, engage without
limitation in the writing of options on their portfolio securities.

         WRITING PUT OPTIONS. Each Fund, except the Money Market Fund and the
MAP Equity Fund, may also write covered put options. A put option is a
short-term contract which gives the purchaser of the put option, in return for
a premium, the right to sell the underlying security to the seller of the
option at a specified price during the term of the option. Put options written
by a Fund are agreements by a Fund, for a premium received by the Fund, to
purchase specified



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securities at a specified price if the option is exercised during the option
period. A put option written by a Fund is "covered" if the Fund maintains
liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account
with its custodian. A put option is also "covered" if the Fund holds on a
share-for-share basis a put on the same security as the put written, where the
exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price
of the put written, or less than the exercise price of the put written if the
difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid assets in a segregated account
with its custodian.

         The premium which the Funds receive from writing a put option will
reflect, among other things, the current market price of the underlying
security, the relationship of the exercise price to such market price, the
historical price volatility of the underlying security, the option period,
supply and demand and interest rates.

         A covered put writer assumes the risk that the market price for the
underlying security will fall below the exercise price, in which case the
writer could be required to purchase the security at a higher price than the
then-current market price of the security. In both cases, the writer has no
control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a
writer of the option.

         The Funds may effect a closing purchase transaction to realize a
profit on an outstanding put option or to prevent an outstanding put option
from being exercised.

         If a Fund is able to enter into a closing purchase transaction, the
Fund will realize a profit or loss from such transaction if the cost of such
transaction is less or more than the premium received from the writing of the
option respectively. After writing a put option, the Fund may incur a loss
equal to the difference between the exercise price of the option and the sum of
the market value of the underlying security plus the premium received from the
sale of the option.

         In addition, the Funds may also write straddles (combinations of
covered puts and calls on the same underlying security). The extent to which
the Funds may write covered put and call options and enter into so-called
"straddle" transactions involving put or call options may be limited by the
requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company
and the Trust's intention that each Fund qualify as such. Subject to the
limitation that all call and put option writing transactions be covered, the
Funds may, to the extent determined appropriate by the Subadvisors, engage
without limitation in the writing of options on U.S. government securities.

         PURCHASING OPTIONS. Each Fund, except Money Market Fund and the Tax
Free Bond Fund, may purchase put or call options which are traded on an
Exchange or in the over-the-counter market. Options traded in the
over-the-counter market may not be as actively traded as those listed on an
Exchange. Accordingly, it may be more difficult to value such options and to be
assured that they can be closed out at any time. The Funds will engage in such
transactions only with firms the Subadvisors deem to be of sufficient
creditworthiness so as to minimize these risks.

         The Funds may purchase put options on securities to protect their
holdings in an underlying or related security against a substantial decline in
market value. Securities are considered related if their price movements
generally correlate with one another. The purchase of put options on securities
held in the portfolio or related to such securities will enable a Fund to
preserve, at least partially, unrealized gains occurring prior to the purchase
of the option on a



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portfolio security without actually selling the security. In addition, the Fund
will continue to receive interest or dividend income on the security. The put
options purchased by the Fund may include, but are not limited to, "protective
puts" in which the security to be sold is identical or substantially identical
to a security already held by the Fund or to a security which the Fund has the
right to purchase. The Fund would ordinarily recognize a gain if the value of
the securities decreased during the option period below the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would recognize a loss if the value
of the securities remained above the difference between the exercise price and
the premium.

         The Funds may also purchase call options on securities the Funds
intend to purchase to protect against substantial increases in prices of such
securities pending their ability to invest in an orderly manner in such
securities. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in exchange
for the premium paid, to purchase a security at a specified price upon exercise
of the option during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a
gain if the value of the securities increased during the option period above
the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would have a
loss if the value of the securities remained below the sum of the premium and
the exercise price during the option period. In order to terminate an option
position, the Funds may sell put or call options identical to those previously
purchased, which could result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the
amount received on the sale is more or less than the premium and other
transaction costs paid on the put or call option when it was purchased.

         MARRIED PUTS. Each Fund, except the Equity Index Fund, MAP Equity
Fund, Money Market Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may engage in a strategy known
as "married puts." This strategy is most typically used when the Fund owns a
particular common stock or security convertible into common stock and wishes to
effect a short sale against the box (see "Short Sales Against the Box") but for
various reasons is unable to do so. The Fund may then enter into a series of
stock and related option transactions to achieve the economic equivalent of a
short sale against the box. To implement this trading strategy, the Fund will
simultaneously execute with the same broker a purchase of shares of the common
stock and an "in the money" over-the-counter put option to sell the common
stock to the broker and generally will write an over-the-counter "out of the
money" call option in the same stock with the same exercise price as the put
option. The options are linked and may not be exercised, transferred or
terminated independently of the other.

         Holding the put option places the Fund in a position to profit on the
decline in price of the security just as it would by effecting a short sale and
to, thereby, hedge against possible losses in the value of a security or
convertible security held by the Fund. The writer of the put option may require
that the Fund write a call option, which would enable the broker to profit in
the event the price of the stock rises above the exercise price of the call
option (see "Writing Call Options" above). In the event the stock price were to
increase above the strike or exercise price of the option, the Fund would
suffer a loss unless it first terminated the call by exercising the put.

         SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. Exchange markets
in some securities options are a relatively new and untested concept, and it is
impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in such
options. The same types of risk apply to over-the-counter trading in options.
There can be no assurance that viable markets will develop or continue in the
United States or abroad.



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         A Fund's purpose in selling covered options is to realize greater
income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. A
Fund may forego the benefits of appreciation on securities sold pursuant to
call options, or pay a higher price for securities acquired pursuant to put
options written by the Fund. If a put or call option purchased by a Fund is not
sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying
security, in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise
price, or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise
price, the Fund will not be able to exercise profitably the option and will
lose its entire investment in the option. Also, the price of a put or call
option purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security may
move more or less than the price of the related security. The Capital
Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund, Money Market Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund will not purchase a
put or call option if, as a result, the amount of premiums paid for all put and
call options then outstanding would exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's total
assets.

         The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if the value of the
securities increased during the option period above the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would have a loss if the value of
the securities remained below the sum of the premium paid and the exercise
price during the option period. The ability of a Fund to successfully utilize
options may depend in part upon the ability of the Subadvisor to forecast
interest rates and other economic factors correctly.

         The hours of trading for options on securities may not conform to the
hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the
options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities,
significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the options markets.

OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES

         Each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, the Equity Index Fund,
the Government Fund, the MAP Equity Fund, the Money Market Fund, the New York
Tax Free Fund and the Tax Free Bond Fund, may, to the extent that it invests in
foreign securities, purchase and write options on foreign currencies. A Fund
may use foreign currency options contracts for various reasons, including: to
manage its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates; as an efficient
means of adjusting its overall exposure to certain currencies; or in an effort
to enhance its return through exposure to a foreign currency.

         A Fund may, for example, purchase and write put and call options on
foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines in the dollar
value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar
cost of foreign securities to be acquired. A Fund may also use foreign currency
options to protect against potential losses in positions denominated in one
foreign currency against another foreign currency in which the Fund's assets
are or may be denominated. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a
foreign currency in which portfolio securities are denominated will reduce the
dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency
remains constant. In order to protect against such declines in the value of
portfolio securities, a Fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency.
If the value of the currency does decline, that Fund will have the right to
sell such currency for a fixed amount of dollars which exceeds the market value
of such currency, resulting in a gain that may offset, in whole or in part, the
negative effect of currency depreciation on the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in that currency.



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         Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency in which
securities to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby increasing the
cost of such securities, a Fund may purchase call options on such currency. If
the value of such currency does increase, the purchase of such call options
would enable the Fund to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which
is less than the market value of such currency, resulting in a gain that may
offset, at least partially, the effect of any currency-related increase in the
price of securities the Fund intends to acquire. As in the case of other types
of options transactions, however, the benefit a Fund derives from purchasing
foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and
related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move
in the direction or to the extent anticipated, a Fund could sustain losses on
transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion or
all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.

         If a Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value of foreign
currency-denominated securities due to declining exchange rates, it could,
instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant
currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be
exercised, and the diminution in value of portfolio securities will be offset
by the amount of the premium received by the Fund.

         Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge against an
anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired, a Fund
could write a put option on the relevant currency. If rates move in the manner
projected, the put option will expire unexercised and allow the Fund to offset
such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. As in the case of other
types of options transactions, however, the writing of a foreign currency
option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium,
and only if rates move in the expected direction. If unanticipated exchange
rate fluctuations occur, the option may be exercised and a Fund would be
required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss which may not be
fully offset by the amount of the premium. As a result of writing options on
foreign currencies, a Fund also may be required to forego all or a portion of
the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements
in currency exchange rates.

         A call option written on foreign currency by a Fund is "covered" if
that Fund owns the underlying foreign currency subject to the call or
securities denominated in that currency or has an absolute and immediate right
to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash consideration (or for
additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian)
upon conversion or exchange of other foreign currency held in its portfolio. A
call option is also covered if a Fund holds a call on the same foreign currency
for the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of
the call held (a) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call
written or (b) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if the
amount of the difference is maintained by a Fund in liquid assets in a
segregated account with its custodian.

         Options on foreign currencies to be written or purchased by a Fund
will be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.
Exchange-traded options generally settle in cash, whereas options traded
over-the counter may settle in cash or result in delivery of the underlying
currency upon exercise of the option. As with other kinds of options
transactions, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency will
constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium received and a
Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at
disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an
option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against exchange
rate fluctuations, although, in the event of rate movements adverse to a Fund's
position, a Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related
transaction costs.




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         A Fund also may use foreign currency options to protect against
potential losses in positions denominated in one foreign currency against
another foreign currency.

         There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund
seeks to close out an option position. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or
suspensions are imposed on the options markets, a Fund may be unable to close
out a position.

         Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to
position limits which may limit the ability of a Fund to reduce foreign
currency risk using such options. Over-the- counter options differ from traded
options in that they are two- party contracts with price and other terms
negotiated between buyer and seller and generally do not have as much market
liquidity as exchanged-traded options. Foreign currency exchange-traded options
generally settle in cash, whereas options traded over-the-counter may settle in
cash or result in delivery of the underlying currency upon exercise of the
option.

SECURITIES INDEX OPTIONS

         The Funds, except the MAP Equity Fund, may purchase call and put
options on securities indexes (only call options on the S&P 500 Composite Price
Index in the case of the Equity Index Fund) for the purpose of hedging against
the risk of unfavorable price movements which may adversely affect the value of
a Fund's securities. The Equity Index Fund may purchase call options on the S&P
500 Index to protect against increases in the prices of securities underlying
the Index that the Equity Index Fund intends to purchase pending its ability to
invest in such securities in an orderly manner.

         Unlike a securities option, which gives the holder the right to
purchase or sell specified securities at a specified price, an option on a
securities index gives the holder the right to receive a cash "exercise
settlement amount" equal to (i) the difference between the value of the
underlying securities index on the exercise date and the exercise price of the
option, multiplied by (ii) a fixed "index multiplier." In exchange for
undertaking the obligation to make such a cash payment, the writer of the
securities index option receives a premium.

         A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the
securities included in the index. For example, some securities index options
are based on a broad market index such as the S&P 500 Composite Price Index or
the NYSE Composite Index, or a narrower market index such as the S&P 100 Index.
Indexes may also be based on an industry or market segment such as the AMEX Oil
and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock
indexes are traded on the following exchanges, among others: The Chicago Board
Options Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, and American Stock Exchange.

         The effectiveness of hedging through the purchase of securities index
options will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of
the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with price movements in the
selected securities index. Perfect correlation is not possible because the
securities held or to be acquired by a Fund will not exactly match the
securities represented in the securities indexes on which options are based. In
addition, the purchase of securities index options involves essentially the
same risks as the purchase of options on futures contracts. The principal risk
is that the premium and transaction costs paid by a Fund in purchasing an
option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the
securities comprising the securities index on which the option is based. Gains
or losses on a Fund's transactions in securities index options depend on price
movements in the securities




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market generally (or, for narrow market indexes, in a particular industry or
segment of the market) rather than the price movements of individual securities
held by a Fund. In this respect, purchasing a securities index put (or call)
option is analogous to the purchase of a put (or call) on a securities index
futures contract.

         A Fund may sell securities index options prior to expiration in order
to close out its positions in securities index options which it has purchased.
A Fund may also allow options to expire unexercised.

FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

         The California Tax Free Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Income Fund,
Global High Yield Fund, Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund,
International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, New York Tax Free Fund,
Strategic Income Fund, Strategic Value Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund and Total
Return Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts on debt securities and on
indexes of debt securities in order to attempt to protect against the effects
of adverse changes in interest rates, to lengthen or shorten the average
maturity or duration of a Fund's portfolio and for other appropriate risk
management and investment purposes. For example, a Fund may purchase futures
contracts as a substitute for the purchase of longer-term debt securities to
lengthen the average duration of a Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities.
The Government Fund may enter into futures contracts and purchase and write
options on futures, which are not U.S. government securities, in order to
attempt to hedge against changes in interest rates and to seek current income.
Such futures contracts would obligate the Fund to make or take delivery of
certain debt securities or an amount of cash upon expiration of the futures
contract, although most futures positions typically are closed out through an
offsetting transaction prior to expiration.

         The Blue Chip Growth Fund, Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible
Fund, Equity Income Fund, Equity Index Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Growth
Opportunities Fund, International Equity Fund, MAP Equity Fund, Research Value
Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Strategic Income Fund,
Strategic Value Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund may purchase and sell
stock index futures to hedge the equity portion of those Funds' securities
portfolios with regard to market (systematic) risk (involving the market's
assessment of overall economic prospects), as distinguished from stock-specific
risk (involving the market's evaluation of the merits of the issuer of a
particular security) or to gain market exposure to that portion of the market
represented by the futures contract. These Funds, and the International Bond
Fund, may also purchase and sell other futures when deemed appropriate, in
order to hedge the equity or non-equity portions of their portfolios. In
addition, each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund,
Government Fund, Money Market Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund may, to the extent it invests in foreign securities, enter into contracts
for the future delivery of foreign currencies to hedge against changes in
currency exchange rates. Each of the Funds may also purchase and write put and
call options on futures contracts of the type into which such Fund is
authorized to enter and may engage in related closing transactions. In the
United States, all such futures on debt securities, debt index futures, stock
index futures, foreign currency futures and related options will be traded on
exchanges that are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"). Subject to compliance with applicable CFTC rules, the Funds also may
enter into futures contracts traded on foreign futures exchanges such as
Frankfurt, Tokyo, London or Paris as long as trading on foreign futures
exchanges does not subject a Fund to risks that are materially greater than the
risks associated with trading on U.S. exchanges. The Blue Chip


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Growth Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, Equity Income
Fund, International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, Research Value Fund,
Small Cap Growth Fund and Small Cap Value Fund are not limited to the
above-listed exchanges.

         A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a security or
currency (or to deliver a final cash settlement price in the case of a contract
relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end
of trading in the contracts), for a set price at a future date. When interest
rates are changing and portfolio values are falling, futures contracts can
offset a decline in the value of a Fund's current portfolio securities. When
interest rates are changing and portfolio values are rising, the purchase of
futures contracts can secure better effective rates or purchase prices for the
Fund than might later be available in the market when the Fund makes
anticipated purchases. In the United States, futures contracts are traded on
boards of trade which have been designated "contract markets" by the CFTC.
Futures contracts trade on these markets through an "open outcry" auction on
the exchange floor. Currently, there are futures contracts based on a variety
of instruments, indexes and currencies, including long-term U.S. Treasury
bonds, Treasury notes, GNMA certificates, three-month U.S. Treasury bills,
three-month domestic bank certificates of deposit, a municipal bond index and
various stock indexes.

         When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the
Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally
permitted) a specified amount of liquid assets ("initial margin") as a partial
guarantee of its performance under the contract. The margin required for a
futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may
be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the
nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract
which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract assuming all
contractual obligations have been satisfied. Each Fund expects to earn interest
income on its initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by a Fund is
valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is
traded. Each day, as the value of the security, currency or index fluctuates,
the Fund pays or receives cash, called "variation margin," equal to the daily
change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as
"marking-to-market." Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by
a Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the
amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing
daily net asset value, each Fund will mark-to-market its open futures
positions. Moreover, each Fund will maintain sufficient liquid assets to cover
its obligations under open futures contracts.

         A Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to
put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits
will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the
related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option,
and other futures positions held by the Fund.

         Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until
delivery or final cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated
through offsetting transactions which may result in a gain or a loss. While
futures positions taken by a Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner,
the Fund may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities or
currencies whenever it appears economically advantageous to the Fund to do so.
A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are
traded assumes responsibility for closing-out transactions and guarantees that
as between the clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase
obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at
the termination of the contract.




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         FUTURES ON DEBT SECURITIES. A futures contract on a debt security is a
binding contractual commitment which, if held to maturity, will result in an
obligation to make or accept delivery, during a particular future month, of
securities having a standardized face value and rate of return. By purchasing
futures on debt securities--assuming a "long" position--a Fund will legally
obligate itself to accept the future delivery of the underlying security and
pay the agreed-upon price. By selling futures on debt securities--assuming a
"short" positionit will legally obligate itself to make the future delivery of
the security against payment of the agreed-upon price. Open futures positions
on debt securities will be valued at the most recent settlement price, unless
such price does not appear to the Subadvisors to reflect the fair value of the
contract, in which case the positions will be valued by or under the direction
of the Trustees.

         Hedging by use of futures on debt securities seeks to establish, more
certainly than would otherwise be possible, the effective rate of return on
portfolio securities. A Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling contracts for the future delivery of debt securities
held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics similar to those held by
the Fund) in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates that
would adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. When
hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position.

         On other occasions, a Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing
futures on debt securities. This would be done, for example, when the Fund
intends to purchase particular securities and it has the necessary cash, but
expects the rate of return available in the securities markets at that time to
be less favorable than rates currently available in the futures markets. If the
anticipated rise in the price of the securities should occur (with its
concomitant reduction in yield), the increased cost to the Fund of purchasing
the securities will be offset, at least to some extent, by the rise in the
value of the futures position taken in anticipation of the subsequent
securities purchase. A Fund may also purchase futures contracts as a substitute
for the purchase of longer-term securities to lengthen the average duration of
the Fund's portfolio.

         The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling securities with
long maturities and investing in securities with short maturities when interest
rates are expected to increase or by buying securities with long maturities and
selling securities with short maturities when interest rates are expected to
decline. However, by using futures contracts as a risk management technique,
given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it
may be possible to accomplish the same result more easily and more quickly.

         Depending upon the types of futures contracts that are available to
hedge a Fund's portfolio of securities or portion of a portfolio, perfect
correlation between that Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions may
be difficult to achieve. Futures contracts do not exist for all types of
securities and markets for futures contracts that do exist may, for a variety
of reasons, be illiquid at particular times when a Fund might wish to buy or
sell a futures contract.

         SECURITIES INDEX FUTURES. A securities index futures contract does not
require the physical delivery of securities, but merely provides for profits
and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the contract to be
credited or debited at the close of each trading day to the respective accounts
of the parties to the contract. On the contract's expiration date a final cash
settlement occurs and the futures positions are simply closed out. Changes in
the market value of a particular stock index futures contract reflect changes
in the specified index of equity



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securities on which the contract is based. A stock index is designed to reflect
overall price trends in the market for equity securities.

         Stock index futures may be used to hedge the equity portion of a
Fund's securities portfolio with regard to market (systematic) risk, as
distinguished from stock-specific risk. The Funds may enter into stock index
futures to the extent that they have equity securities in their portfolios.
Similarly, the Funds may enter into futures on debt securities indexes
(including the municipal bond index) to the extent they have debt securities in
their portfolios. By establishing an appropriate "short" position in securities
index futures, a Fund may seek to protect the value of its portfolio against an
overall decline in the market for securities. Alternatively, in anticipation of
a generally rising market, a Fund can seek to avoid losing the benefit of
apparently low current prices by establishing a "long" position in securities
index futures and later liquidating that position as particular securities are
in fact acquired. To the extent that these hedging strategies are successful,
the Fund will be affected to a lesser degree by adverse overall market price
movements, unrelated to the merits of specific portfolio securities, than would
otherwise be the case. A Fund may also purchase futures on debt securities or
indexes as a substitute for the purchase of longer-term debt securities to
lengthen the average duration of the Fund's debt portfolio or to gain exposure
to particular markets represented by the index.

         The Funds do not intend to use U.S. stock index futures to hedge
positions in securities of non-U.S. companies.

         CURRENCY FUTURES. A sale of a currency futures contract creates an
obligation by a Fund, as seller, to deliver the amount of currency called for
in the contract at a specified future time for a specified price. A purchase of
a currency futures contract creates an obligation by a Fund, as purchaser, to
take delivery of an amount of currency at a specified future time at a
specified price. A Fund may sell a currency futures contract if the Subadvisor
anticipates that exchange rates for a particular currency will fall, as a hedge
against a decline in the value of the Fund's securities denominated in such
currency. If the Subadvisor anticipates that exchange rates will rise, the Fund
may purchase a currency futures contract to protect against an increase in the
price of securities denominated in a particular currency the Fund intends to
purchase. Although the terms of currency futures contracts specify actual
delivery or receipt, in most instances the contracts are closed out before the
settlement date without the making or taking of delivery of the currency.
Closing out of a currency futures contract is effected by entering into an
offsetting purchase or sale transaction. To offset a currency futures contract
sold by a Fund, the Fund purchases a currency futures contract for the same
aggregate amount of currency and delivery date. If the price in the sale
exceeds the price in the offsetting purchase, the Fund is immediately paid the
difference. Similarly, to close out a currency futures contract purchased by
the Fund, the Fund sells a currency futures contract. If the offsetting sale
price exceeds the purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain, and if the
offsetting sale price is less than the purchase price, the Fund realizes a
loss.

         A risk in employing currency futures contracts to protect against the
price volatility of portfolio securities denominated in a particular currency
is that changes in currency exchange rates or in the value of the futures
position may correlate imperfectly with changes in the cash prices of a Fund's
securities. The degree of correlation may be distorted by the fact that the
currency futures market may be dominated by short-term traders seeking to
profit from changes in exchange rates. This would reduce the value of such
contracts for hedging purposes over a short-term period. Such distortions are
generally minor and would diminish as the contract approached maturity.



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         Another risk is that the Subadvisor could be incorrect in its
expectation as to the direction or extent of various exchange rate movements or
the time span within which the movements take place.

         OPTIONS ON FUTURES. For bona fide hedging and other appropriate risk
management purposes, the Funds also may purchase and write call and put options
on futures contracts which are traded on exchanges that are licensed and
regulated by the CFTC for the purpose of options trading, or, subject to
applicable CFTC rules, on foreign exchanges. A "call" option on a futures
contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to
purchase a futures contract (assume a "long" position) at a specified exercise
price at any time before the option expires. A "put" option gives the purchaser
the right, in return for the premium paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a
"short" position), for a specified exercise price at any time before the option
expires.

         Upon the exercise of a "call," the writer of the option is obligated
to sell the futures contract (to deliver a "long" position to the option
holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the
current market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a
"put," the writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract
(deliver a "short" position to the option holder) at the option exercise price,
which will presumably be higher than the current market price of the contract
in the futures market. When an entity exercises an option and assumes a "long"
futures position, in the case of a "call," or a "short" futures position, in
the case of a "put," its gain will be credited to its futures margin account,
while the loss suffered by the writer of the option will be debited to its
account. However, as with the trading of futures, most participants in the
options markets do not seek to realize their gains or losses by exercise of
their option rights. Instead, the writer or holder of an option will usually
realize a gain or loss by buying or selling an offsetting option at a market
price that will reflect an increase or a decrease from the premium originally
paid.

         Options on futures contracts can be used by a Fund to hedge
substantially the same risks and for the same duration and risk management
purposes as might be addressed or served by the direct purchase or sale of the
underlying futures contracts. If the Fund purchases an option on a futures
contract, it may obtain benefits similar to those that would result if it held
the futures position itself.

         The purchase of put options on futures contracts is a means of hedging
a Fund's portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates, declining
securities prices or declining exchange rates for a particular currency. The
purchase of a call option on a futures contract represents a means of hedging
against a market advance affecting securities prices or currency exchange rates
when the Fund is not fully invested or of lengthening the average maturity or
duration of a Fund's portfolio. Depending on the pricing of the option compared
to either the futures contract upon which it is based or upon the price of the
underlying securities or currencies, it may or may not be less risky than
ownership of the futures contract or underlying securities or currencies.

         In contrast to a futures transaction, in which only transaction costs
are involved, benefits received in an option transaction will be reduced by the
amount of the premium paid as well as by transaction costs. In the event of an
adverse market movement, however, the Fund will not be subject to a risk of
loss on the option transaction beyond the price of the premium it paid plus its
transaction costs, and may consequently benefit from a favorable movement in
the value of its portfolio securities or the currencies in which such
securities are denominated that would have been more completely offset if the
hedge had been effected through the use of futures.



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         If a Fund writes options on futures contracts, the Fund will receive a
premium but will assume a risk of adverse movement in the price of the
underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding a futures
position. If the option is not exercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the
amount of the premium, which may partially offset unfavorable changes in the
value of securities held by or to be acquired for the Fund. If the option is
exercised, the Fund will incur a loss in the option transaction, which will be
reduced by the amount of the premium it has received, but which may partially
offset favorable changes in the value of its portfolio securities or the
currencies in which such securities are denominated.

         The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a
partial hedge against declining prices of the underlying securities or the
currencies in which such securities are denominated. If the futures price at
expiration is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of
the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may
have occurred in the Fund's holdings of securities or the currencies in which
such securities are denominated.

         The writing of a put option on a futures contract is analogous to the
purchase of a futures contract. For example, if the Fund writes a put option on
a futures contract on debt securities related to securities that the Fund
expects to acquire and the market price of such securities increases, the net
cost to a Fund of the debt securities acquired by it will be reduced by the
amount of the option premium received. Of course, if market prices have
declined, the Fund's purchase price upon exercise may be greater than the price
at which the debt securities might be purchased in the securities market.

         While the holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may
normally terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option
of the same series, a Fund's ability to establish and close out options
positions at fairly established prices will be subject to the maintenance of a
liquid market. The Funds will not purchase or write options on futures
contracts unless the market for such options has sufficient liquidity such that
the risks associated with such options transactions are not at unacceptable
levels.

         LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON
FUTURES CONTRACTS. A Fund will only enter into futures contracts or related
options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange or
board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automatic quotation system.
The Funds will not enter futures contracts for which the aggregate contract
amounts exceed 100% of the Fund's net assets. In addition, with respect to
positions in futures and related options that do not constitute bona fide
hedging positions, a Fund will not enter into a futures contract or futures
option contract if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate initial margin
deposits relating to such positions plus premiums paid by it for open futures
option positions, less the amount by which any such options are "in-the-money,"
would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. A call option is "in-the-money" if
the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option exceeds the
exercise price. A put option is "in-the-money" if the exercise price exceeds
the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option.

         When purchasing a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its
custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added
to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are
equal to the market value of the futures contract. Alternatively, the Fund may
"cover" its position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract
with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by
the Fund.



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         When selling a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its
custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added
to the amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal
to the market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively,
the Fund may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the
contract (or, in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a
volatility substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures
contract is based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase
the same futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract
written by the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in
liquid assets with the Fund's custodian).

         When selling a call option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain
with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that,
when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as
margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract underlying the
call option. Alternatively, the Fund may cover its position by entering into a
long position in the same futures contract at a price no higher than the strike
price of the call option, by owning the instruments underlying the futures
contract, or by holding a separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase
the same futures contract at a price not higher than the strike price of the
call option sold by the Fund.

         When selling a put option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain
with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that
equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit.
Alternatively, the Fund may cover the position either by entering into a short
position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put option
permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike price of
the purchased put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put
option sold by the Fund.

         The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company
also may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into futures, futures
options or forward contracts. See "Tax Information."

         RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES AND FUTURES OPTIONS. There are several
risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options as
hedging techniques. There can be no assurance that hedging strategies using
futures will be successful. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result
in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract, which in
some cases may be unlimited. There can be no guarantee that there will be a
correlation between price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund's
securities being hedged. An incorrect correlation could result in a loss on
both the hedged securities or currencies and the hedging vehicle so that the
portfolio return might have been better had hedging not been attempted. In
addition, there are significant differences between the securities and futures
markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets,
causing a given hedge not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection
of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative
market demand for futures and futures options on securities, including
technical influences in futures trading and futures options, and differences
between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying
the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate
levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether,
when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a
well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected interest rate trends. It is also possible that, when a
Fund has sold stock index futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline in
the market, the market may advance while the value of the particular securities
held in the Fund's portfolio




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may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would incur a loss on the futures
contracts and also experience a decline in the value of its portfolio
securities.

         Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in
certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit
establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary
either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the
current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures
contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a
price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a
particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because
the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For
example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt
liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to
substantial losses.

         There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time
when a Fund seeks to close out a futures or a futures option position. If no
liquid market exists, the Fund would remain obligated to meet margin
requirements until the position is closed. In addition, many of the contracts
discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading
history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market
will develop or continue to exist. Lack of a liquid market for any reason may
prevent the Fund from liquidating an unfavorable position and the Fund would
remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is closed.

         In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions, there
are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The ability
to establish and close out positions in such options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid market in the options. It is not
certain that such a market will develop. Although the Funds generally will
purchase only those options and futures contracts for which there appears to be
an active market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange
will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any particular
time. In the event no such market exists for particular options, it might not
be possible to effect closing transactions in such options with the result that
a Fund would have to exercise options it has purchased in order to realize any
profit and would be less able to limit its exposure to losses on options it has
written.

         Many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments
without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance
that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist. If the price
of a futures contract changes more than the price of the securities or
currencies, the Fund will experience either a loss or a gain on the futures
contracts which will not be completely offset by changes in the price of the
securities or currencies which are the subject of the hedge. In addition, it is
not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations
affecting the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies because the
value of such securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of independent
factors not related to currency fluctuations.

         ADDITIONAL RISKS OF OPTIONS ON SECURITIES, FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS
ON FUTURES CONTRACTS, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY. Options on securities, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, currencies and options on currencies
may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as
effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a
clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of
governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities. The value of such



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positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign
political, legal and economic factors, (ii) delays in a availability than in
the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in a
Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during
non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different
exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in
the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume.

SWAP AGREEMENTS

         The Blue Chip Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund, Global High Yield Fund,
Growth Opportunities Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond
Fund, International Equity Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value Fund,
Research Value Fund, Strategic Income Fund and Strategic Value Fund may enter
into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate swap agreements for
purposes of attempting to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to
the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded
that desired return or for other portfolio management purposes. Swap agreements
are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for
periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap"
transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in
rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or
instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties
are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or
increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular
interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of securities
representing a particular index. The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is
only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations which the parties to
a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Most Swap Agreements entered into by
the Fund would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreements on a
"net" basis. Consequently, a Fund's obligations (or rights) under a swap
agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received
under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each
party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A Fund's obligations under a swap
agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund)
and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be
covered by the maintenance of a segregated account consisting of liquid assets
to avoid any potential leveraging of the Fund's portfolio. A Fund will not
enter into a swap agreement with any single party if the net amount owed or to
be received under existing contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets.

         Commonly used swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which,
in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the
extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; interest rate
floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments
to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or
"floor"; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and
purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against
interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

         Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in
furthering its investment objective will depend on the Subadvisor's ability
correctly to predict whether certain types of investments are likely to produce
greater returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts
and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may
be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the
amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the
default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Subadvisor will
cause a Fund to enter into swap agreements only


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with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase
agreement counterparties under the Fund's repurchase agreement guidelines.
Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may limit the Funds'
ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a relatively new market and
is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market,
including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund's
ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be
received under such agreements.

         Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the
Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or
commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations approved
by the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered
into by "eligible participants," which include the following, provided the
participants' total assets exceed established levels: a bank or trust company,
savings association or credit union, insurance company, investment company
subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, commodity pool, corporation,
partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust or other entity, employee
benefit plan, governmental entity, broker-dealer, futures commission merchant,
natural person, or regulated foreign person. To be eligible, natural persons
and most other entities must have total assets exceeding $10 million; commodity
pools and employee benefit plans must have assets exceeding $5 million. In
addition, an eligible swap transaction must meet three conditions. First, the
swap agreement may not be part of a fungible class of agreements that are
standardized as to their material economic terms. Second, the creditworthiness
of parties with actual or potential obligations under the swap agreement must
be a material consideration in entering into or determining the terms of the
swap agreement, including pricing, cost or credit enhancement terms. Third,
swap agreements may not be entered into and traded on or through a multilateral
transaction execution facility.

         This exemption is not exclusive, and participants may continue to rely
on existing exclusions for swaps, such as the Policy Statement issued in July
1989 which recognized a safe harbor for swap transactions from regulation as
futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA or its regulations. The
Policy Statement applies to swap transactions settled in cash that (1) have
individually tailored terms, (2) lack exchange-style offset and the use of a
clearing organization or margin system, (3) are undertaken in conjunction with
a line of business, and (4) are not marketed to the public.

LOAN PARTICIPATION INTERESTS

         The Funds may invest in participation interests in loans. A Fund's
investment in loan participation interests may take the form of participation
interests in, assignments of or novations of a corporate loan ("Participation
Interests"). The Participation Interests may be acquired from an agent bank,
co-lenders or other holders of Participation Interests ("Participants"). In a
novation, a Fund would assume all of the rights of the lender in a corporate
loan, including the right to receive payments of principal and interest and
other amounts directly from the borrower and to enforce its rights as a lender
directly against the borrower. As an alternative, a Fund may purchase an
assignment of all or a portion of a lender's interest in a corporate loan, in
which case, a Fund may be required generally to rely on the assigning lender to
demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower, but would otherwise
be entitled to all of such lender's rights in the corporate loan. A Fund also
may purchase a Participation Interest in a portion of the rights of a lender in
a corporate loan. In such a case, a Fund will be entitled to receive payments
of principal, interest and fees, if any, but generally will not be entitled to
enforce its rights directly against the agent bank or the borrower; rather the
Fund must rely on the lending



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institution for that purpose. A Fund will not act as an agent bank, a guarantor
or sole negotiator of a structure with respect to a corporate loan.

         In a typical corporate loan involving the sale of Participation
Interests, the agent bank administers the terms of the corporate loan agreement
and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee
payments to the credit of all lenders which are parties to the corporate loan
agreement. The agent bank in such cases will be qualified under the 1940 Act to
serve as a custodian for a registered investment company such as the Trust. A
Fund generally will rely on the agent bank or an intermediate Participant to
collect its portion of the payments on the corporate loan. The agent bank
monitors the value of the collateral and, if the value of the collateral
declines, may take certain action, including accelerating the corporate loan,
giving the borrower an opportunity to provide additional collateral or seeking
other protection for the benefit of the Participants in the corporate loan,
depending on the terms of the corporate loan agreement. Furthermore, unless
under the terms of a participation agreement a Fund has direct recourse against
the borrower (which is unlikely), a Fund will rely on the agent bank to use
appropriate creditor remedies against the borrower. The agent bank also is
responsible for monitoring compliance with covenants contained in the corporate
loan agreement and for notifying holders of corporate loans of any failures of
compliance. Typically, under corporate loan agreements, the agent bank is given
broad discretion in enforcing the corporate loan agreement, and is obligated to
use only the same care it would use in the management of its own property. For
these services, the borrower compensates the agent bank. Such compensation may
include special fees paid on structuring and funding the corporate loan and
other fees paid on a continuing basis.

         A financial institution's employment as an agent bank may be
terminated in the event that it fails to observe the requisite standard of care
or becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official
appointed for it by the appropriate bank regulatory authority or becomes a
debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding. A successor agent bank generally will be
appointed to replace the terminated bank, and assets held by the agent bank
under the corporate loan agreement should remain available to holders of
corporate loans. If, however, assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of
a Fund were determined by an appropriate regulatory authority or court to be
subject to the claims of the agent bank's general or secured creditors, the
Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a corporate
loan, or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving
intermediate Participants similar risks may arise.

         When a Fund acts as co-lender in connection with a participation
interest or when a Fund acquires a Participation Interest the terms of which
provide that a Fund will be in privity of contract with the corporate borrower,
the Fund will have direct recourse against the borrower in the event the
borrower fails to pay scheduled principal and interest. In all other cases, the
Fund will look to the agent bank to enforce appropriate credit remedies against
the borrower. In acquiring Participation Interests a Fund's Subadvisor will
conduct analysis and evaluation of the financial condition of each such
co-lender and participant to ensure that the Participation Interest meets the
Fund's qualitative standards. There is a risk that there may not be a readily
available market for loan Participation Interests and, in some cases, this
could result in a Fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount
from face value or holding such security until maturity. When a Fund is
required to rely upon a lending institution to pay the Fund principal,
interest, and other amounts received by the lending institution for the loan
participation, the Fund will treat both the borrower and the lending
institution as an "issuer" of the loan participation for purposes



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of certain investment restrictions pertaining to the diversification and
concentration of the Fund's portfolio. The Funds consider Participation
Interests not subject to puts to be illiquid.

         The principal credit risk associated with acquiring Participation
Interests from a co-lender or another Participant is the credit risk associated
with the underlying corporate borrower. A Fund may incur additional credit
risk, however, when it is in the position of participant rather than a
co-lender because the Fund must assume the risk of insolvency of the co-lender
from which the Participation Interest was acquired and that of any person
interpositioned between the Fund and the co-lender.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS")

         REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in either
real estate or real estate-related loans. The Fund will not invest in real
estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies.
However, to the extent the Fund invests in REITs, the Fund is also subject to
the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These risks
include: declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and
local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds;
overbuilding; extended vacancies of properties; increased competition;
increases in property taxes and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws;
losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems;
liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems;
casualty or condemnation losses; limitations on rents; changes in neighborhood
values and the appeal of properties to tenants; and changes in interest rates.
Thus, the value of the Fund's shares may change at different rates compared to
the value of shares of a mutual fund with investments in a mix of different
industries.

         REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be
diversified. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by
borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to
qualify for tax free pass-through of income under the Code, or to maintain
their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may
also adversely affect a borrower's or a lessee's ability to meet its
obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the
REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and
may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In
addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small to
medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole.
Accordingly, REIT shares can be more volatile than--and at times will perform
differently from--large-capitalization stocks such as those found in the Dow
Jones Industrial Average. In addition, because smaller-capitalization stocks
are typically less liquid than large-capitalization stocks, REIT shares may
sometimes experience greater share-price fluctuations than the stocks of larger
companies.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DEBT SECURITIES

         To the extent that a Fund invests in debt securities, it will be
subject to certain risks. The value of the debt securities held by a Fund, and
thus the net asset value of the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund,
generally will fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including, among
others, changes in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuers of those
securities, movements in interest rates, the average maturity of the Fund's
investments, changes in the relative values of the currencies in which the
Fund's investments are denominated relative to the U.S. dollar, and the extent
to which the Fund hedges its interest rate, credit and currency exchange rate
risks. Generally, a rise in interest rates will reduce the value of fixed
income securities held by a Fund,




                                       91


<PAGE>   317


and a decline in interest rates will increase the value of fixed income
securities held by a Fund. Longer term debt securities generally pay higher
interest rates than do shorter term debt securities but also may experience
greater price volatility as interest rates change.

         Since shares of the Funds represent an investment in securities with
fluctuating market prices, the value of shares of each Fund will vary as the
aggregate value of the Funds' portfolio securities increases or decreases.
Moreover, the value of lower rated debt securities that a Fund purchases may
fluctuate more than the value of higher rated debt securities. Lower rated debt
securities generally carry greater risk that the issuer will default on the
payment of interest and principal. Lower rated fixed income securities
generally tend to reflect short-term corporate and market developments to a
greater extent than higher rated securities which react primarily to
fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Changes in the value of
securities subsequent to their acquisition will not affect cash income or
yields to maturity to the Funds but will be reflected in the net asset value of
the Funds' shares.

         Corporate debt securities may bear fixed, contingent, or variable
rates of interest and may involve equity features, such as conversion or
exchange rights or warrants for the acquisition of stock of the same or a
different issuer, participations based on revenues, sales or profits, or the
purchase of common stock in a unit transaction (where corporate debt securities
and common stock are offered as a unit).

         When and if available, debt securities may be purchased at a discount
from face value. From time to time, each Fund may purchase securities not
paying interest or dividends at the time acquired if, in the opinion of the
Subadvisor, such securities have the potential for future income (or capital
appreciation, if any).

RISKS OF INVESTING IN HIGH YIELD SECURITIES ("JUNK BONDS")

         High yield bonds may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse
economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade bonds. The
prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to
interest-rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to
adverse economic downturns or individual corporate developments. A projection
of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example,
could cause a decline in high yield bond prices because the advent of a
recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make
principal and interest payments on its debt securities.

         Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield
bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.

         Legislation designed to limit the use of high yield bonds in corporate
transactions may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's net asset value and
investment practices. In addition, there may be special tax considerations
associated with investing in high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or
payment-in-kind securities. A Fund records the interest on these securities
annually as income even though it receives no cash interest until the
security's maturity or payment date. Also, distributions on account of such
interest generally will be taxable to shareholders. The Fund may have to sell
some of its assets to pay distributions relating to such interest income which
would reduce the Fund's assets and may thereby increase its expense ratio and
decrease its rate of return.



                                       92


<PAGE>   318


                      FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

         The Funds' investment restrictions set forth below are fundamental
policies of each Fund; i.e., they may not be changed with respect to a Fund
without a majority vote of the outstanding shares of that Fund, as defined in
the 1940 Act. Except for those investment policies of a Fund specifically
identified as fundamental in the Prospectuses and this SAI, and the Funds'
objectives as described in the Prospectus, all other investment policies and
practices described may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the
approval of shareholders.

         Unless otherwise indicated, all of the percentage limitations below,
and in the investment restrictions recited in the Prospectuses, apply to each
Fund on an individual basis, and apply only at the time a transaction is
entered into. Accordingly, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at time of
investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage which results from a
relative change in values or from a change in a Fund's net assets will not be
considered a violation. With respect to investment in illiquid securities, a
Fund will consider taking measures to reduce the holdings of illiquid
securities if they exceed the percentage limitation as a result of changes in
the values of the securities as if liquid securities have become illiquid.

         EACH FUND MAY NOT:

         1.   With respect to 75% of each Fund's total assets, invest more than
5% of the value of the total assets of a Fund in the securities of any one
issuer, except U.S. government securities, or purchase the securities of any
issuer if such purchase would cause more than 10% of the voting securities of
such issuer to be held by a Fund. This restriction does not apply to the
California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund, International Bond Fund, New York
Tax Free Fund and Global High Yield Fund.

         2.   Borrow money except from banks on a temporary basis for
extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption
requests, or by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements or comparable
portfolio transactions provided that these Funds maintain asset coverage of at
least 300% for all such borrowings, and no purchases of securities will be made
while such borrowings exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets (10% in
the case of the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund).

         3.   Purchase securities (or with respect to the California Tax Free
Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, and Tax Free Bond Fund purchase (i) Pollution
Control and Industrial Development Bonds or (ii) securities the interest from
which is not exempt from regular federal income tax) if such purchase would
cause 25% or more in the aggregate of the market value of the total assets of a
Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers having their
principal business activities in the same industry, provided that there is no
limitation in respect to investments in U.S. government securities or, with
respect to each Fund except Strategic Value Fund, investments in repurchase
agreements with respect thereto (for the purposes of this restriction,
telephone companies are considered to be a separate industry from gas or
electric utilities, and wholly owned finance companies are considered to be in
the industry of their parents if their activities are primarily related to
financing the activities of the parents) except that (a) the above limitation
does not apply to the Equity Index Fund to the extent that the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index is so concentrated; (b) up to 40% of the
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund's, Strategic Income Fund's and Strategic Value
Fund's total assets, taken at market value, may be invested in each of the
electric utility and telephone industries, but each Fund will not invest 25% or
more in either of those industries unless yields



                                       93


<PAGE>   319

available for four consecutive weeks in the four highest rating categories on
new issue bonds in such industry (issue size of $50 million or more) have
averaged in excess of 105% of yields of new issue long-term industrial bonds
similarly rated (issue size of $50 million or more); (c) 25% or more of the
market value of the total assets of the Money Market Fund will be invested in
the securities of banks and bank holding companies, including certificates of
deposit and bankers' acceptances; and (d) at such time that the 1940 Act is
amended to permit a registered investment company to elect to be "periodically
industry concentrated" (i.e., a fund that does not concentrate its investments
in a particular industry would be permitted, but not required, to invest 25% or
more of its total assets in a particular industry) the Funds elect to be so
classified and the foregoing limitation shall no longer apply with respect to
the Funds. With respect to the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free
Fund, private activity bonds ultimately payable by companies within the same
industry are treated as if they were issued by issuers in the same industry for
purposes of this restriction.

         4.   Purchase or sell real estate (excluding securities secured by
real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in or deal
in real estate) or, in the case of the California Tax Free Fund and New York
Tax Free Fund, real estate investment trust securities; commodities and
commodity contracts. The Trust reserves the freedom of action to hold and to
sell real estate acquired for any Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities. Purchases and sales of foreign currencies on a spot basis and
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options on currency, futures
contracts on currencies (or securities, with respect to the MAP Equity Fund,
Blue Chip Growth Fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Growth
Opportunities Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund, Global High
Yield Fund and Strategic Value Fund) or securities indices and options on such
futures contracts are not deemed to be an investment in a prohibited commodity
or commodity contract for the purpose of this restriction.

         5.   Make loans to other persons, except loans of portfolio
securities. The California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Equity Index Funds
may lend securities in an amount not to exceed 10%, 10% and 30%, respectively,
of each Fund's total assets in accordance with applicable guidelines approved
by the Board of Trustees. The purchase of debt obligations (and bankers'
acceptances and commercial paper in the case of the Equity Index Fund) and the
entry into repurchase agreements in accordance with a Fund's investment
objectives and policies are not deemed to be loans for this purpose.

         6.   Act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to
the extent that a Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of
the 1933 Act, as amended, in the disposition of portfolio securities.

         7.   Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.

         The following fundamental investment restriction is applicable to the
Tax Free Bond Fund only. The Tax Free Bond Fund must:

         1.   Invest at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in securities the
interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax, except that the
Fund may temporarily invest more than 20% of its net assets in securities the
interest income on which may be subject to regular federal income tax.





                                       94


<PAGE>   320


                    NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

         In addition to the Trust's fundamental investment restrictions, the
Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and
restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Funds.
These represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances.
They differ from fundamental investment policies in that the following
additional investment restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the
Trustees without requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.

         Unless otherwise indicated, all percentage limitations apply to each
Fund on an individual basis, and apply only at the time a transaction is
entered into. Accordingly, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the
time of investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage which
results from a relative change in values or from a change in a Fund's net
assets will not be considered a violation.

         The following are non-fundamental restrictions of the Capital
Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund, Money Market Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund.
Each of these Funds may not:

         (a)  purchase from or sell portfolio securities of a Fund to any of
the officers or Trustees of the Trust, its investment advisers, its principal
underwriter or the officers, or directors of its Subadvisors or principal
underwriter;

         (b)  invest more than 10% of the net assets of a Fund (taken at market
value at the time of the investment) in "illiquid securities," illiquid
securities being defined to include securities subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale (other than restricted securities eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(1) under the 1933 Act determined to be
liquid pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board), repurchase agreements
maturing in more than seven days, certain options traded over the counter that
a Fund has written, securities for which market quotations are not available,
or other securities which legally or in the opinion of the Subadvisor are
deemed illiquid;

         (c)  purchase the securities of other investment companies, except to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or in connection with merger,
consolidation, acquisition or reorganization;

         (d)  invest in other companies for the purpose of exercising control
or management;

         (e)  purchase securities on margin except in connection with arbitrage
transactions or make short sales, unless by virtue of its ownership of other
securities, it has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount
to the securities sold, except that the Trust may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities and in connection with transactions involving forward foreign
currency exchange contracts;

         (f)  purchase or sell any put or call options or any combination
thereof, except that the Trust may purchase and sell or write (i) options on
any futures contracts into which it may enter, (ii) put and call options on
currencies, securities indexes and covered put and call options on securities,
and (iii) may also engage in closing purchase transactions with respect to any
put and call option position it has entered into; and except that the
Government Fund may not write any



                                       95


<PAGE>   321

covered put options on U.S. government securities if, as a result, more than
50% of its total assets (taken at current value) would be subject to put
options written by such Fund;

         (g)  purchase, with respect to the Government Fund, any call option,
long futures contract or long option on a futures contract if, at the date of
purchase, realized net losses from such transactions during the fiscal year to
date exceed 5% of such Fund's average net assets during such period.

         (h)  as an operating policy, the High Yield Corporate Bond Fund may
not invest more than 20% of its net assets in securities rated lower than B by
Moody's or S&P;

         (i)  as an operating policy, the Strategic Income Fund may not invest
more than 15% of its net assets in securities rated lower than B by Moody's or
S&P;

         (j)  as an operating policy, the Convertible Fund may not invest more
than 5% of its total assets in securities that are rated less than B by Moody's
or S&P; or are unrated but judged by the Subadvisor to be of comparable
quality; or

         (k)  as an operating policy, the Total Return Fund may not invest more
than 5% of its net assets in securities rated below investment grade. Up to 20%
of the Total Return Fund's debt securities may be rated below A but must be
rated at least Ba (Moody's) or BB (S&P), or, if unrated, judged by the
Subadvisor to be of comparable quality.

         The following are non-fundamental restrictions of the California Tax
Free Fund, Equity Index Fund and New York Tax Free Fund:

         (a)  A Fund may not purchase the securities of other investment
companies except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or in connection with
a merger, consolidation or reorganization.

         (b)  The Funds may not invest more than 10% of the net assets of a
Fund (taken at market value at the time of the investment) in "illiquid
securities," illiquid securities being defined to include securities subject to
legal or contractual restrictions on resale (other than restricted securities
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(1) under the 1933 Act
determined to be liquid pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board).

         (c)  A Fund may not invest in other companies for the purpose of
exercising control or management.

         (d)  A Fund may not purchase securities on margin, except in
connection with arbitrage transactions, or make short sales, unless it owns the
securities sold short or it has the right to obtain securities equivalent in
kind and amount to the securities sold, except that the Trust may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
of securities. (This restriction has no application to transactions in futures,
options and foreign currency exchange contracts).

         The following are non-fundamental restrictions of the International
Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, Strategic Income Fund and Strategic Value
Fund:

         (a)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not sell securities short,
except for covered short sales or unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to



                                       96


<PAGE>   322

the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in options, futures
and forward contracts are deemed not to constitute short sales of securities.

         (b)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not purchase securities on
margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are
necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments
in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not
constitute the purchase of securities on margin. This restriction is not
applicable to the Strategic Income Fund.

         (c)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not invest in securities which
are not readily marketable, or the disposition of which is restricted under
federal securities laws (collectively, "illiquid securities"), other than Rule
144A securities or Section 4(2) commercial paper determined to be liquid
pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid
securities. A Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase
agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days, or in other
instruments which for regulatory purposes or in the Subadvisor's opinion may be
deemed to be illiquid, such as a certain portion of options traded in the
over-the-counter market, and securities being used to cover options a Fund has
written.

         (d)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not purchase the securities of
other investment companies, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or
in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or reorganization.

         The following are non-fundamental restrictions of the Blue Chip Growth
Fund, Equity Income Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund,
MAP Equity Fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund and Small Cap Value
Fund:

         (a)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not sell securities short,
except for covered short sales or unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and
provided that transactions in options, futures and forward contracts are deemed
not to constitute short sales of securities.

         (b)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not purchase securities on
margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are
necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments
in connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not
constitute the purchase of securities on margin.

         (c)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not invest in securities which
are not readily marketable, or the disposition of which is restricted under
federal securities laws (collectively, "illiquid securities"), other than Rule
144A securities and Section 4(2) commercial paper determined to be liquid
pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid
securities. A Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase
agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days, or in other
instruments which for regulatory purposes or in the Subadvisor's opinion may be
deemed to be illiquid, such as a certain portion of options traded in the
over-the-counter market, and securities being used to cover options a Fund has
written.

         (d)  As an operating policy, a Fund may not purchase the securities of
other investment companies except to the permitted by the 1940 Act in
connection with a merger, consolidated, acquisition, or reorganization.



                                       97


<PAGE>   323

         (e)  As an operating policy, the Blue Chip Growth Fund may not invest
more than 10% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers.

         "Value" for the purposes of all investment restrictions shall mean the
value used in determining a Fund's net asset value.

         In addition, though not a fundamental policy, the California Tax Free
and New York Tax Free Funds will not sell securities short, except that each
Fund reserves the right to sell securities short "against the box."

         In addition, though not a fundamental policy, the Equity Index Fund
may not engage in arbitrage transactions, nor may it purchase warrants
(excluding those acquired by the Equity Index Fund in units or attached to
securities), nor will the Equity Index Fund sell securities short or buy on
margin, except that the Fund reserves the right to sell securities short
"against the box."

         The Trustees have the ultimate responsibility for determining whether
specific securities are liquid or illiquid. The Trustees have delegated the
function of making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Subadvisors,
pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trustees.

         Each Subadvisor takes into account a number of factors in determining
whether a Rule 144A security being considered for purchase by a Fund is liquid,
including at least the following:

         (i)   the frequency and size of trades and quotes for the Rule 144A
security relative to the size of the Fund's holding;

         (ii)  the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the 144A
security and the number of other potential purchasers;

         (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the 144A security; and

         (iv)  the nature of the 144A security and the nature of the market for
the 144A security (i.e., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).

         To the extent that the market for a Rule 144A security changes, a Rule
144A security originally determined to be liquid upon purchase may be
determined to be illiquid.

         To make the determination that an issue of 4(2) commercial paper is
liquid, a Subadvisor must conclude that the following conditions have been met:

         (a)  the 4(2) commercial paper is not traded flat or in default as to
principal or interest;

         (b)  the 4(2) commercial paper is rated:

         (i)  in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs");or

              (ii) if only one NRSRO rates the security, the 4(2) commercial
         paper is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by that
         NRSRO; or



                                       98


<PAGE>   324


              (iii) if the security is unrated, the Subadvisor has determined
         that the security is of equivalent quality based on factors commonly
         used by rating agencies; and

         (c)  there is a viable trading market for the specific security,
taking into account all relevant factors (e.g., whether the security is the
subject of a commercial paper program that is administered by an issuing and
paying agent bank and for which there exists a dealer willing to make a market
in the security, the size of trades relative to the size of the Fund's holding
or whether the 4(2) commercial paper is administered by a direct issuer
pursuant to a direct placement program).

                             TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

         The Board of Trustees oversees the Funds, the Manager and the
Subadvisors. Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust
is set forth below. Trustees deemed to be "interested persons" of the Trust for
purposes of the 1940 Act are indicated by an asterisk.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                               WITH TRUST                               DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                              ------------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Richard M. Kernan,Jr.*                            Chairman and                           Director of MainStay VP Series Fund,
51 Madison Avenue                                 Trustee                                Inc. From January 1987 to present;
New York, NY 10010                                                                       Chairman of the board and Chief
Date of Birth: 12/13/40                                                                  Executive Officer of MainStay VP
                                                                                         Series Fund, Inc. From August 1989
                                                                                         to present; Executive Vice
                                                                                         President and Chief Investment
                                                                                         Officer of New York Life Insurance
                                                                                         Company from March 1995 to present;
                                                                                         Executive Vice President prior
                                                                                         thereto; Member of the Board of
                                                                                         Directors of New York Life
                                                                                         Insurance Company from November
                                                                                         1996 to present and Chairman of the
                                                                                         Investment Committee from January
                                                                                         1997 to present; and Director,
                                                                                         MacKay Shields LLC, 1988 to
                                                                                         present; and Director, Express
                                                                                         Scripts, 1992-present.
</TABLE>





                                       99


<PAGE>   325


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                               WITH TRUST                              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                               ----------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Stephen C. Roussin*                               President, Chief                       President and Chief Operating
300 Interpace Parkway                             Executive Officer                      Officer, New York Life Asset
Parsippany, NJ  07054                             and Trustee                            Management Operating Company LLC,
Date of Birth: 7/12/63                                                                   1999 to present; President and Chief
                                                                                         Operating Officer, New York Life
                                                                                         Asset Management LLC, 1999 to
                                                                                         present; President, MainStay
                                                                                         Management, June 1997-2000; Director
                                                                                         and Chairperson, MainStay
                                                                                         Institutional Funds, Inc., 1997 to
                                                                                         present; Senior Vice President, New
                                                                                         York Life Insurance Company, 1997 to
                                                                                         present; Senior Vice President, Smith
                                                                                         Barney, 1994 to 1997; and Division
                                                                                         Sales Manager, Prudential Securities,
                                                                                         1989 to 1994.

Harry G. Hohn*                                    Trustee                                Retired Chairman and Chief Executive
51 Madison Avenue                                                                        Officer, New York Life Insurance
New York, NY  10010                                                                      Company; Chairman of the Board and
Date of Birth:  3/1/32                                                                   Chief Executive Officer, New York
                                                                                         Life Insurance Company, 1990 to
                                                                                         1997; Vice Chairman of the Board,
                                                                                         New York Life Insurance Company,
                                                                                         1986 to 1990; Director, New York
                                                                                         Life Insurance Company, 1985 to
                                                                                         present; Chairman of the Board,
                                                                                         American Council of Insurance, 1994
                                                                                         to 1995; Chairman of the Board, Life
                                                                                         Insurance Council of New York, 1996
                                                                                         to 1997; Director, Million Dollar
                                                                                         Roundtable Foundation, 1996 to 1997;
                                                                                         Director, Insurance Marketplace
                                                                                         Standards Association, 1996 to 1997;
                                                                                         Director, CK Witco Corporation, 1989
                                                                                         to present; Member, International
                                                                                         Advisory Board of Credit Commercial
                                                                                         de France, 1995 to 1999; and a Life
                                                                                         Fellow of the American Bar
                                                                                         Foundation.

Edward J. Hogan                                   Trustee                                Rear Admiral U.S. Navy (Retired);
Box 2321                                                                                 Independent Management Consultant,
Sun Valley, ID  83353                                                                    1992 to 1997.
Date of Birth: 8/17/32
</TABLE>



                                      100


<PAGE>   326

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                                WITH TRUST                              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                                ----------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Nancy Maginnes                                    Trustee                                Member, Council of Rockefeller
Kissinger                                                                                University, New York, NY, 1991 to
Henderson Road                                                                           present; Trustee, Rockefeller
South Kent, CT  06785                                                                    University, 1995 to present;
Date of Birth: 4/13/34                                                                   Trustee, Animal Medical Center,
                                                                                         1993 to present; and Trustee, The
                                                                                         Masters School, 1994 to present;
                                                                                         Member, Board of Overseers,
                                                                                         Rockefeller Institute of
                                                                                         Government, Albany, NY, 1983-1992
                                                                                         (Board dissolved).

Terry L. Lierman                                  Trustee                                President, Capitol Associates, Inc.,
426 C Street, N.E.                                                                       1984 to present; Managing Director,
Washington, D.C. 20002                                                                   The Life Services Trust, 1998 to
Date of Birth:  1/4/48                                                                   present; Vice Chair, Employee Health
                                                                                         Programs, 1990 to present; Vice
                                                                                         Chair, TheraCom Inc., 1994 to
                                                                                         present; Director, PeacePac, 1994 to
                                                                                         present; Commissioner, State of
                                                                                         Maryland, Higher Education
                                                                                         Commission, 1995 to present; Chair,
                                                                                         National Organization on Fetal
                                                                                         Alcohol Syndrome, 1993 to present;
                                                                                         Board Member, Hollings Cancer Center,
                                                                                         Medical University of South Carolina,
                                                                                         1993 to present; Board member - KIDS
                                                                                         (Kids in Distressed Situations) 1996
                                                                                         - present; member, Business Leaders
                                                                                         for Sensible Priorities, 1998 -
                                                                                         present; and Board member, Discovery
                                                                                         Creek Children's museum, 1997 -
                                                                                         present.
</TABLE>




                                      101


<PAGE>   327

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                               WITH TRUST                              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                               ----------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
John B. McGuckian                                 Trustee                                Chairman of the Board, Ulster
Ardverna                                                                                 Television plc, 1990 to present;
Cloughmills                                                                              Director, Ulster Television plc,
Northern Ireland                                                                         1970 to present; Chairman of the
BT4 49NL                                                                                 Board, Tedcastle Holding Ltd.
Date of Birth: 11/13/39                                                                  (energy), 1995 to present; Director,
                                                                                         Cooneen Textiles Ltd. (clothing
                                                                                         manufacturer), 1967 to present;
                                                                                         Director Allied Irish Banks plc,
                                                                                         1977 to present; Chairman, First
                                                                                         Trust Bank, 1991 to present;
                                                                                         Director, Unidare plc (engineering),
                                                                                         1986 to present; Director, Irish
                                                                                         Continental Group plc (ferry
                                                                                         operations), 1988 to present;
                                                                                         Director, Harbour Group Ltd.
                                                                                         (management company), 1980 to
                                                                                         present; Chairman, Industrial
                                                                                         Development Board, 1990 to 1997; and
                                                                                         Chairman of Senate and Senior
                                                                                         Pro-Chancellor, Queen's University,
                                                                                         1986 to 1999.

Donald E. Nickelson                               Trustee                                Vice Chairman, Harbour Group
1701 Highway A-1-A                                                                       Industries, Inc., 1991 to present;
Suite 218                                                                                Director, PaineWebber Group, 1980 to
Vero Beach, FL  32963                                                                    1993; President, PaineWebber Group,
Date of Birth: 12/9/32                                                                   1988 to 1990; Chairman of the Board,
                                                                                         Paine Webber Properties, 1985 to
                                                                                         1989; Director, Harbour Group, 1986
                                                                                         to present; Director, Sugen, Inc.,
                                                                                         1992 to 1999; Chairman of the Board,
                                                                                         Omniquip International, Inc., 1996
                                                                                         to 1999; Director, Carey
                                                                                         Diversified, L.L.C., January 1,1998
                                                                                         to present.

Donald K. Ross*                                   Trustee                                Retired Chairman and Chief Executive
953 Cherokee Lane                                                                        Officer, New York Life Insurance
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417                                                                 Company; Director, New York Life
Date of Birth: 7/1/25                                                                    Insurance Company, 1978 to 1996;
                                                                                         President, New York Life Insurance
                                                                                         Company, 1986 to 1990; Chairman of
                                                                                         the Board, New York Insurance
                                                                                         Company, 1981 to 1990; Director,
                                                                                         MacKay Shields LLC, 1984 to present;
                                                                                         and Trustee, Consolidated Edison
                                                                                         Company of New York, Inc., 1976 to
                                                                                         1998.
</TABLE>





                                      102


<PAGE>   328


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                 POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                              WITH TRUST                                DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                              ----------                                -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Richard S. Trutanic                               Trustee                                Senior Managing Director, Groupe
1155 Connecticut Ave. N.W.                                                               Arnault (private investment firm),
Suite 400                                                                                1999 - present; Chairman, The
Washington, DC 20036                                                                     Somerset Group (financial advisory
Date of Birth: 2/13/52                                                                   firm), 1990 to present; Chief
                                                                                         Executive Officer and President,
                                                                                         Americap L.L.C. (Financial Advisory
                                                                                         Firm), 1997 to present; Senior Vice
                                                                                         President, Washington National
                                                                                         Investment Corporation (financial
                                                                                         advisory firm), 1985 to 1990;
                                                                                         Director, Allin Communications
                                                                                         Corporation, 1996 to 1997; and
                                                                                         Director and Member of Executive
                                                                                         Committee, Southern Net, Inc., 1986
                                                                                         to 1990.

Gary E. Wendlandt*                                Trustee                                Executive Vice President, New York
51 Madison Avenue                                                                        Life Insurance Company, May 1999 to
New York, New York 10010                                                                 present; Chief Executive Officer,
Date of Birth: 10/08/50                                                                  New York Life Asset Management LLC,
                                                                                         December 1999 to present; Chief
                                                                                         Executive Officer, New York Life
                                                                                         Asset Management Operating Company
                                                                                         LLC, December 1999 to present;
                                                                                         Chairman and Manager, New York Life
                                                                                         Asset Management Operating Company
                                                                                         LLC, March 2000 to present; Chairman
                                                                                         and Manager, New York Life Asset
                                                                                         Management LLC, March 2000 to
                                                                                         present; Manager, New York Life
                                                                                         Benefit Services, Manager, Monitor
                                                                                         Capital Advisors LLC, Manager,
                                                                                         MainStay Management LLC, Manager,
                                                                                         MainStay Shareholder Services LLC,
                                                                                         Manager, Madison Square Advisors
                                                                                         LLC, and Director, NYLIFE
                                                                                         Distributors, Inc., March 2000 to
                                                                                         present; Executive Vice President
                                                                                         and Chief Investment Officer,
                                                                                         MassMutual Life Insurance Company,
                                                                                         June 1993 - 1999.
</TABLE>




                                      103


<PAGE>   329

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                                WITH TRUST                              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                                ----------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Jefferson C. Boyce*                               Senior Vice                            Chairman, Monitor Capital Advisors,
51 Madison Avenue                                 President                              LLC, 1977 to present; Senior Vice
New York, NY  10010                                                                      President, MainStay  Institutional
Date of Birth: 9/17/57                                                                   Funds Inc., 1998 to present; Senior
                                                                                         Vice President, New York Life
                                                                                         Insurance Company,  1994 to
                                                                                         present; Director, NYLIFE
                                                                                         Distributors Inc., 1993 to present;
                                                                                         and Chief Administrative Officer,
                                                                                         Penson, Mutual Funds, Structured
                                                                                         Finance, Corporate Quality, Human
                                                                                         Resources and Employees' health
                                                                                         Departments, New York Life
                                                                                         Insurance Company, 1992 to 1994.

John A. Flanagan*                                 Vice President and                     Vice President and Chief Financial
51 Madison Avenue                                 Chief Financial                        Officer, The MainStay Funds, 1999
New York, NY 10010                                Officer                                to present; Treasurer, MainStay VP
Date of Birth: 6/5/46                                                                    Series Fund, 1999 to present;
                                                                                         Treasurer and Chief Financial and
                                                                                         Accounting Officer, MainStay
                                                                                         Institutional Funds Inc., 1999 to
                                                                                         present; Senior Vice President and
                                                                                         Chief Financial Officer, NYLIFE
                                                                                         Distributors, Inc., 1999 to
                                                                                         present; Vice President and Chief
                                                                                         Financial Officer, MainStay
                                                                                         Management LLC, 1999 to present;
                                                                                         Manager, MainStay Management LLC,
                                                                                         1999 to present; Manager, MainStay
                                                                                         Shareholder Services LLC, 1999 to
                                                                                         present; Vice President and
                                                                                         Treasurer, New York Life Asset
                                                                                         Management Operating Company LLC,
                                                                                         December 1999 to present; Vice
                                                                                         President and Treasurer, New York
                                                                                         Life Asset Management LLC, December
                                                                                         1999 to present; Vice President,
                                                                                         New York Life Insurance Company,
                                                                                         1999 to present; Treasurer of the
                                                                                         Strong Funds and Senior Vice
                                                                                         President of Strong Capital
                                                                                         Management, Inc., 1997 to 1998;
                                                                                         Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers
                                                                                         LLP, 1994 to 1997.

Patrick J. Farrell*                               Vice President                         Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue                                                                        Insurance Company, 1996 to present;
New York, NY 10010                                                                       Assistant Treasurer, Member of the
Date of Birth: 9/27/59                                                                   Dividend Committee, The MainStay
                                                                                         Funds, 1998 to present.
</TABLE>




                                      104


<PAGE>   330

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                                WITH TRUST                              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                                ----------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Richard W. Zuccaro*                               Tax Vice President                     Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue                                                                        Insurance Company, 1995 to present;
New York, NY  10010                                                                      Vice President -- Tax, New York
Date of Birth: 12/12/49                                                                  Life Insurance Company, 1986 to
                                                                                         1995; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
                                                                                         Securities Inc., 1987 to present;
                                                                                         Tax Vice President, NAFCO, Inc.,
                                                                                         1990 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, NYLIFE Depositary Inc.,
                                                                                         1990 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, NYLIFE Inc., 1990 to
                                                                                         present; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
                                                                                         Insurance Company of Arizona, 1990
                                                                                         to present; Tax Vice President,
                                                                                         NYLIFE Realty Inc., 1991 to
                                                                                         present; Tax Vice President, NYLICO
                                                                                         Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, New York Life Fund Inc.,
                                                                                         1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, New York Life
                                                                                         International Investment, Inc.,
                                                                                         1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, NYLIFE Equity Inc., 1991
                                                                                         to present; Tax Vice President,
                                                                                         NYLIFE Funding Inc., 1991 to
                                                                                         present; Tax Vice President, NYLCO
                                                                                         Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, MainStay VP Series Fund,
                                                                                         Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
                                                                                         President, CNP Realty, 1991 to
                                                                                         present; Tax Vice President, New
                                                                                         York Life MainStay Institutional
                                                                                         Funds Inc., 1992 to present; Tax
                                                                                         Vice President, NYLIFE
                                                                                         Distributors, Inc., 1993 to
                                                                                         present; Vice President Assistant
                                                                                         Controller, New York Life.
</TABLE>



                                      105


<PAGE>   331



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      PRINCIPAL
    OCCUPATION(S)                                   POSITION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE                               WITH TRUST                              DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ---------------------                               ----------                              -------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
Joseph J. McBrien*                                Secretary                              Vice President and Secretary, New
51 Madison Avenue                                                                        York Life Asset Management Operating
New York, New York 10010                                                                 Company LLC, December 1999 to
Date of Birth: 5/26/48                                                                   present; Vice President and
                                                                                         Secretary, New York Life Asset
                                                                                         Management LLC, December 1999 to
                                                                                         present; Vice President and
                                                                                         Associate General Counsel, New York
                                                                                         Life Insurance Company, 1999 to
                                                                                         present; Secretary, MainStay VP
                                                                                         Series Fund, Inc., 1999 to present;
                                                                                         Secretary, MainStay Institutional
                                                                                         Funds Inc., 1999 to present;
                                                                                         Secretary, MainStay Management LLC,
                                                                                         1999 to present; Secretary, MainStay
                                                                                         Shareholder Services LLC, 1999 to
                                                                                         present; Secretary, Monitor Capital
                                                                                         Advisors LLC, 1999 to present;
                                                                                         Secretary, Madison Square Advisors
                                                                                         LLC, 1999 to present; Vice President
                                                                                         and Counsel, State Street Bank and
                                                                                         Trust Company, 1997 to 1999;
                                                                                         Principal, McBrien Consulting, 1996
                                                                                         to 1997; Senior Vice President and
                                                                                         General Counsel, Liebe and Company,
                                                                                         1986 to 1996; Senior Vice President
                                                                                         and General Counsel, Evergreen Asset
                                                                                         Management Corp., 1986 to 1996.
</TABLE>


- ---------------
As indicated in the above table, certain Trustees and officers also hold
positions with MacKay Shields, Monitor, New York Life Insurance Company, NYLIFE
Securities Inc. and/or NYLIFE Distributors Inc.

         The Independent Trustees of the Trust receive from the Trust an annual
retainer of $45,000, a fee of $2,000 for each Board of Trustees meeting and a
fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended and are reimbursed for all
out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at such meetings. Trustees who are
affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company do not receive compensation
from the Trust.

         For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Trustees received the
following compensation from the Trust and from certain other investment
companies (as indicated) that have the same investment advisers as the Trust or
an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of one of the Trust's
investment advisers:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  AGGREGATE              TOTAL COMPENSATION
    NAME OF                                      COMPENSATION               FROM REGISTRANT
    TRUSTEE                                     FROM THE TRUST              PAID TO TRUSTEES
    -------                                     --------------              ----------------
<S>                                               <C>                            <C>
    Edward J. Hogan                                 $55,000                       $55,000
    Nancy M. Kissinger                               55,000                        55,000
    Terry L. Lierman                                 55,000                        55,000
</TABLE>



                                      106


<PAGE>   332

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>                            <C>
    Donald E. Nickelson                              59,000                        59,000
    Richard S. Trutanic                              55,000                        55,000
    John B. McGuckian                                55,000                        55,000
</TABLE>


         As of August 31, 1999, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a
group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial
interest of each of the Funds.

                THE MANAGER, THE SUBADVISORS AND THE DISTRIBUTOR

MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

         Pursuant to the Management Agreement for the Funds, MainStay
Management LLC (the "Manager"), subject to the supervision of the Trustees of
the Trust and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, administers
the Funds' business affairs and has investment advisory responsibilities.
MainStay Management LLC is a direct subsidiary of NYLIFE LLC which is a direct
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.


         The Management Agreement will continue in effect thereafter only if
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees or
by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each of the Funds
(as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) and, in either case, by a
majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or the
Manager (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act). The Trustees, including the
Independent Trustees, approved amendments to the Management Agreement at an
in-person meeting held on September 13, 1999 to reflect the conversion of
MainStay Management from a corporation to a limited liability company under the
laws of the State of Delaware.


         The Manager has authorized any of its directors, officers and
employees who have been elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the
Trust to serve in the capacities in which they have been elected or appointed.

         The Management Agreement provides that the Manager shall not be liable
to a Fund for any error or judgment by the Manager or for any loss sustained by
a Fund except in the case of the Manager's willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The Management Agreement also
provides that it shall terminate automatically if assigned and that it may be
terminated without penalty by either party upon no more than 60 days' nor less
than 30 days' written notice.

         In connection with its administration of the business affairs of each
of the Funds, and except as indicated in the Prospectuses under the heading
"Manager, Subadvisors and Distributor," the Manager bears the following
expenses:

         (a)  the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Trust and the
Manager, except the fees and expenses of Trustees not affiliated with the
Manager or a Subadvisor;

         (b)  the fees to be paid to the Subadvisors pursuant to the
Sub-Advisory Agreements; and

         (c)  all expenses incurred by the Manager in connection with
administering the ordinary course of the Funds' business, other than those
assumed by the Trust.



                                      107


<PAGE>   333



SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS

         Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreements between the Manager and Monitor
Capital Advisors LLC ("Monitor") with respect to the Equity Index Fund; between
the Manager and Gabelli Asset Management ("GAMCO") with respect to the Blue
Chip Growth Fund; between the Manager and John A. Levin & Co., Inc. ("John A.
Levin & Co.") with respect to the Research Value Fund; between the Manager and
Dalton Greiner, Hartman, Maher & C. ("DGHM") with respect to the Small Cap
Value Fund; between the Manager and Madison Square Advisors LLC ("Madison
Square Advisors") with respect to the Growth Opportunities Fund; between the
Manager and Markston International LLC ("Markston") with respect to the MAP
Equity Fund; and between the Manager and MacKay Shields LLC ("MacKay Shields")
with respect to the remaining 17 Funds (each a "Subadvisor" and collectively
the "Subadvisors"); each of the Subadvisors, subject to the supervision of the
Trustees of the Trust the Manager in conformity with the stated policies of
each of the Funds and the Trust, manage the Funds' portfolios, including the
purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities. As compensation for
services, the Manager, not the Funds, pays the Fund's Subadvisors a monthly fee
calculated on the basis of each Fund's average daily net assets during the
preceding month at the following annual rates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    ANNUAL RATE
<S>                                                                 <C>
             Blue Chip Growth Fund                                  0.50%(1)
             California Tax Free Fund                               0.25%(2)
             Capital Appreciation Fund                              0.36%(2)
             Convertible Fund                                       0.36%
             Equity Income Fund                                     0.35%
             Equity Index Fund                                      0.10%
             Global High Yield Fund                                 0.35%(2)
             Government Fund                                        0.30%(2)
             Growth Opportunities Fund                              0.35%
             High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                         0.30%(2)
             International Bond Fund                                0.45%(3)
             International Equity Fund                              0.60%
             MAP Equity Fund                                        0.45%(4)
             Money Market Fund                                      0.25%(2)(5)
             New York Tax Free Fund                                 0.25%(2)
             Research Value Fund                                    0.425%(6)
             Small Cap Growth Fund                                  0.50%
             Small Cap Value Fund                                   0.50%(7)
             Strategic Income Fund                                  0.30%
             Strategic Value Fund                                   0.375%
             Tax Free Bond Fund                                     0.30%
             Total Return Fund                                      0.32%(2)
             Value Fund                                             0.36%(8)
</TABLE>

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

(1)    Up to $500 million.  For the period June 1, 1998 to May 31, 2001, only
       0.40% on assets over $500 million.




                                      108


<PAGE>   334

(2)    To the extent that the Manager has agreed to voluntarily waive all or a
       portion of its fee or reimburse expenses or has established fee
       breakpoints, the Subadvisor has voluntarily agreed to do so
       proportionately.

(3)    The Subadvisor has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its fee
       until such time as the International Bond Fund reaches $50 million in
       net assets.

(4)    Up to $250 million; 0.40% from $250 million to $500 million; and 0.35%
       in excess of $500 million.

(5)    Up to $300 million; 0.225% from $300 million to $700 million; 0.20% from
       $700 million to $1 billion; and 0.175% in excess of $1 billion.

(6)    Up to $250 million; 0.3825% from $250 million to $500 million; and 0.34%
       in excess of $500 million.

(7)    Up to $250 million; 0.45% from $250 million to $500 million; and 0.40%
       in excess of $500 million.

(8)    Up to $200 million; 0.325% from $200 million to $500 million; and 0.25%
       in excess of $500 million.

       The Subadvisory Agreements will remain in effect for two years following
their effective dates, and will continue in effect thereafter only if such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees or by
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each of the Funds
(as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) and, in either case, by a
majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, the
Manager, or any Subadvisor (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act).

         The Subadvisors have authorized any of their directors, officers and
employees who have been elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the
Trust to serve in the capacities in which they have been elected or appointed.
In connection with the services they render, the Subadvisors bear the salaries
and expenses of all of their personnel.

         The Subadvisory Agreements provide that the Subadvisors shall not be
liable to a Fund for any error of judgment by a Subadvisor or for any loss
suffered by a Fund except in the case of the Subadvisor's willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The Sub-Advisory
Agreements also provide that they shall terminate automatically if assigned and
that they may be terminated without penalty by either party upon no more than
60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice.

         For fiscal years ended December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 and the
period from October 27, 1997 through December 31, 1997, the amount of the
Management fee paid and waived and/or reimbursed by each Fund; the amount of
the Subadvisory fee paid by the Manager from the Management fee; and the amount
of the Subadvisory fee waived and/or reimbursed were as follows (the Blue Chip
Growth Fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Growth Opportunities
Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund and Global High Yield Fund had
not commenced operations as of December 31, 1997):


                                      109


<PAGE>   335



          YEAR ENDED 12/31/99


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SUB-ADVISORY
                                                                    MANAGEMENT                              FEE WAIVED
                                            MANAGEMENT              FEE WAIVED           SUB-ADVISORY         AND/OR
FUND                                        FEE PAID *          AND/OR REIMBURSED          FEE PAID*        REIMBURSED
- ----                                        --------            -----------------          --------         ----------
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>                        <C>              <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund                       $1,522,623                     $  --           $761,312            $  --
California Tax Free Fund                       119,917                    18,223             59,959            9,112
Capital Appreciation Fund                   18,229,526                 6,739,391          9,114,763        3,369,696
Convertible Fund                             4,706,942                        --          2,353,471               --
Equity Income Fund                             144,868                    45,799             72,434               --
Equity Index Fund                            5,255,558                        --          1,051,111               --
Global High Yield Fund+                             --                    75,244             26,873           10,749
Government Fund                              3,430,152                        --          1,715,076               --
Growth Opportunities Fund                      369,633                        --            184,817               --
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund              20,700,621                 1,609,147         10,350,311          804,574
International Bond Fund                        119,750                    89,812             74,844           59,875
International Equity Fund                    1,057,597                        --            634,558               --
MAP Equity Fund                                305,543++                  65,954            190,110               --
Money Market Fund                            1,976,254                   878,339            988,127          439,170
New York Tax Free Fund                          60,901                    51,029             30,451           25,515
Research Value Fund                            102,900                    67,846             85,373               --
Small Cap Growth Fund                          707,275                        --            353,638               --
Small Cap Value Fund                           191,916                    87,709            139,813               --
Strategic Income Fund                          508,416                        --            254,208               --
Strategic Value Fund                           420,671                        --            210,336               --
Tax Free Bond Fund                           2,660,755                        --          1,330,378               --
Total Return Fund                           10,559,023                   490,602          5,279,512          245,301
Value Fund                                   7,075,261                        --          3,537,631               --
</TABLE>


*      After expense reimbursement or waiver.
+      For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Manager earned $75,244, which
       was waived, and reimbursed Fund expenses of $41,007. The fees waived and
       reimbursed by the Manager total $116,251.
++     Includes $54,647 of advisory fees paid to Markston Investment
       Management, the Fund's prior advisor, for the period January 1, 1999
       through June 8, 1999.


                                      110


<PAGE>   336



          YEAR ENDED 12/31/98

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SUB-ADVISORY
                                                                    MANAGEMENT                              FEE WAIVED
                                            MANAGEMENT              FEE WAIVED           SUB-ADVISORY         AND/OR
FUND                                        FEE PAID *          AND/OR REIMBURSED          FEE PAID*        REIMBURSED
- ----                                        --------            -----------------          --------         ----------
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>                        <C>              <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund                       $189,170                  $  --                   $94,585             $  --
California Tax Free Fund                      92,717                 45,570                    46,359            22,785
Capital Appreciation Fund                 13,345,757              4,592,655                 6,672,879         3,296,327
Convertible Fund                           6,025,907                     --                 3,012,954                --
Equity Income Fund                            49,143                     --                    24,572                --
Equity Index Fund+                         2,866,599                172,008                   607,721                --
Global High Yield Fund                        28,467                 11,387                    14,234             5,693
Government Fund                            3,741,658                     --                 1,870,829                --
Growth Opportunities Fund                     70,044                     --                    35,022                --
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund            20,579,090              1,598,099                10,289,545           799,049
International Bond Fund                      134,025                100,518                    83,766            67,012
International Equity Fund                    906,887                     --                   544,132                --
Money Market Fund                          1,189,726              1,107,346                   594,863           553,673
New York Tax Free Fund                        35,333                 70,678                    17,667            35,339
Research Value Fund                           61,472                     --                    30,736                --
Small Cap Growth Fund                        136,799                     --                    68,400                --
Small Cap Value Fund                          95,249                     --                    47,625                --
Strategic Income Fund++                      424,136                 30,927                   212,068            15,463
Strategic Value Fund                         382,133                     --                   191,067                --
Tax Free Bond Fund                         2,904,883                     --                 1,452,442                --
Total Return Fund                          8,761,932                371,167                 4,380,966           185,583
Value Fund                                 8,378,478                     --                 4,189,239                --
</TABLE>


*   After expense reimbursement or waiver.
+   Effective April 1, 1998, the Equity Index Fund's expense cap was
    terminated.
++  Effective February 28, 1998, the Strategic Income Fund's expense cap was
    terminated.



                                      111


<PAGE>   337


10/27/97 - 12/31/97



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SUB-ADVISORY
                                                                    MANAGEMENT                              FEE WAIVED
                                            MANAGEMENT              FEE WAIVED           SUB-ADVISORY         AND/OR
FUND                                        FEE PAID *          AND/OR REIMBURSED          FEE PAID*        REIMBURSED
- ----                                        --------            -----------------          --------         ----------
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>                        <C>              <C>
California Tax Free Fund                    $ 22,562                 $ --                   $ 11,281               $ --
Capital Appreciation Fund                  1,996,154                   --                    998,077                 --
Convertible Fund                           1,210,730                   --                    605,365                 --
Equity Index Fund+                           149,354              223,441                     74,559                 --
Government Fund                              712,902                   --                    356,451                 --
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund             3,590,202                   --                  1,795,101                 --
International Bond Fund                       24,178               18,134                     15,111             12,089
International Equity Fund                    145,829                   --                     87,497                 --
Money Market Fund                            165,694              205,316                     82,847            102,658
New York Tax Free Fund                        11,863                5,413                      5,932              2,707
Strategic Income Fund++                            -               74,218                          -             37,109
Strategic Value Fund++                        23,276                   --                     11,638                 --
Tax Free Bond Fund                           533,914                   --                    266,957                 --
Total Return Fund                          1,431,434                   --                    715,717                 --
Value Fund                                 1,479,934                   --                    739,967                 --
</TABLE>


*    After expense reimbursement or waiver.

+    The Equity Index Fund's expense limitation was terminated April 1, 1998.

++   The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
     Effective February 28, 1998, the Fund's expense cap was terminated. The
     Strategic Value Fund commenced operations on October 21, 1997.

         In previous years, prior to a change in management structure, each
applicable or existing Fund paid an advisory fee directly to MacKay Shields or
Monitor. For the period from January 1,1997 through October 26, 1997, the
amount of the advisory fee paid and waived and/or reimbursed, by each Fund to
MacKay Shields or Monitor was as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PERIOD ENDED 10/26/97
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                           ADVISORY FEE
                                                                              WAIVED
                                                           ADVISORY FEE       AND/OR
                                                              PAID*         REIMBURSED
                                                              ----          ----------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>
    California Tax Free Fund                                   $44,678         $2,589
    Capital Appreciation Fund                                3,934,494             --
    Convertible Fund                                         2,710,393             --
    Equity Index Fund                                          256,066             --
    Government Fund                                          1,760,807             --
    High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                           6,921,965             --
    International Bond Fund                                     65,696         52,556
    International Equity Fund                                  384,003             --
    Money Market Fund                                          407,638        396,862
    New York Tax Free Fund                                      25,025         13,579
    Strategic Income Fund+                                      61,282         40,291
    Strategic Value Fund+                                          N/A            N/A
</TABLE>






                                      112


<PAGE>   338


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PERIOD ENDED 10/26/97
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                           ADVISORY FEE
                                                                              WAIVED
                                                           ADVISORY FEE       AND/OR
                                                              PAID*         REIMBURSED
                                                              ----          ----------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>
    Tax Free Bond Fund                                       1,217,473             --
    Total Return Fund                                        3,025,045             --
    Value Fund                                               2,976,469             --
</TABLE>

    + The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997. The
    Strategic Value Fund commenced operations on October 21, 1997.

    * After expense reimbursement or waiver.

         In previous years, prior to a change in management structure, each
applicable or existing Fund paid an administrative fee directly to NYLIFE
Distributors Inc. as administrator. For the period from January 1, 1997 through
October 26, 1997, the amount of the administration fees paid and waived and/or
reimbursed by each Fund was as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PERIOD ENDED 10/26/97
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                            ADMINISTRA-
                                                                             TION FEE
                                                                              WAIVED
                                                       ADMINISTRATION         AND/OR
                                                          FEE PAID*          REIMBURSED
                                                          --------          -----------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>
California Tax Free Fund                                    $44,678          $2,589
Capital Appreciation Fund                                 3,934,494              --
Convertible Fund                                          2,710,393              --
Equity Index Fund                                           605,767         418,496
Government Fund                                           1,760,807              --
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                            6,921,965              --
International Bond Fund                                      39,417          26,278
International Equity Fund                                   256,002              --
Money Market Fund                                           407,638         396,862
New York Tax Free Fund                                       25,025          13,579
Strategic Income Fund+                                       61,282          40,291
Strategic Value Fund+                                           N/A             N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund                                        1,217,473              --
Total Return Fund                                         3,025,045              --
Value Fund                                                2,976,469              --
</TABLE>

+ The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997. The
Strategic Value Fund commenced operations on October 21, 1997.

* After expense reimbursement or waiver.

         With respect to the MAP-Equity Fund, the predecessor to the MAP Equity
Fund, investment advisory and management services were provided by Markston
Investment Management, which is now Markston International LLC. During the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, Markston received from the
MAP-Equity Fund advisory fees of $432,252 and $334,330, respectively. For the
period January 1, 1999 through June 8, 1999 Markston received from the MAP
Equity Fund advisory fees of $54,647.




                                      113

<PAGE>   339

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

      NYLIFE Distributors Inc. serves as the Trust's distributor and principal
underwriter (the "Distributor") pursuant to Distribution Agreements dated
January 1, 1994. NYLIFE Securities Inc. ("NYLIFE Securities") sells shares of
the Funds pursuant to a dealer agreement with the Distributor. The Distributor
and other broker-dealers will pay commissions to salesmen as well as the cost of
printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and of any advertising
incurred by them in connection with their distribution of Trust shares. In
addition, the Distributor will pay for a variety of account maintenance and
personal services to shareholders after the sale. The Distributor is not
obligated to sell any specific amount of the Trust's shares. The Distributor
receives sales loads and distribution plan payments.

      The Trust anticipates making a continuous offering of its shares, although
it reserves the right to suspend or terminate such offering at any time with
respect to any Fund or class or group of Funds or classes. The Distribution
Agreement was approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as the term is defined in the 1940
Act) of the Trust or the Distributor nor have any direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the distribution plan or in any related agreement
(the "Independent Trustees") at a meeting held on October 25, 1993. The
Distribution Agreement for the International Bond Fund and the International
Equity Fund was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the
Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on July 25, 1994. The Distribution
Agreement for the Strategic Income Fund was approved by the Trustees, including
a majority of the Independent Trustees at a meeting held on January 27, 1997.
The Distribution Agreement for the Strategic Value Fund was approved by the
Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on
July 28, 1997. The Distribution Agreement for the Blue Chip Growth Fund,
Research Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, Small Cap
Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund and Global High Yield Fund was approved by the
Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, on April 27, 1998.
The Distribution Agreement for the MAP Equity Fund was approved by the Trustees,
including a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on March 15,
1999. On March 13, 2000, Distribution Agreements were reapproved by the
Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees.

      After an initial two-year period, the Distribution Agreements are subject
to annual approval by the Board of Trustees. The Distribution Agreements are
terminable with respect to a Fund at any time, without payment of a penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, upon 60 days' written notice to the
Distributor, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
that Fund, upon 60 days' written notice to the Trust. The Distribution
Agreements will terminate in the event of their assignment.

      First Priority Investment Corporation acted as distributor to the
MAP-Equity Fund until April 30, 1999 pursuant to a Distributor's Agreement.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the company
received $22,754, $37,552 and $162,627, respectively, for its services as
distributor.

DISTRIBUTION PLANS

      Each of the Funds (except the Money Market Fund and the Equity Index Fund,
which does not offer Class B or Class C shares) has adopted separate plans of
distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each class of shares
of each Fund (the "Class A Plans," the


                                      114
<PAGE>   340

"Class B Plans," the "Class C Plans" and, collectively, the "Plans"). Under the
Plans, a class of shares of a Fund pays distribution and/or service fees to the
Distributor as compensation for distribution and/or service activities related
to that class of shares and its shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of
a Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the
cost of an investment and may cost a shareholder more than paying other types of
sales charges. Each Plan provides that the distribution and/or service fees are
payable to the Distributor regardless of the amounts actually expended by the
Distributor. Authorized distribution expenses include the Distributor's interest
expense and profit. The Distributor anticipates that its actual expenditures
will substantially exceed the distribution fee received by it during the early
years of the operation of a Plan. For example, the Distributor will advance to
dealers who sell Class B shares of the Funds an amount equal to 4% of the
aggregate net asset value of the shares sold. Dealers meeting certain criteria
established by the Distributor, which may be changed from time to time, may
receive additional compensation. In addition, with respect to Class A and Class
B shares, the Distributor may pay dealers an ongoing annual service fee equal to
0.25% of the aggregate net asset value of shares held by investors serviced by
the dealer.

      The Distributor will advance to dealers who sell Class C shares of the
Funds an amount equal to 1% of the aggregate net asset value of the shares sold.
In addition, the Distributor may make payments quarterly to dealers in an amount
up to 1.00% (0.50% for the California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Tax Free
Bond Funds) on an annualized basis of the average net asset value of the Class C
shares which are attributable to shareholders for whom the dealers are
designated as dealers of record.

      In later years, its expenditures may be less than the distribution fee,
thus enabling the Distributor to realize a profit.

      If the Plans for the Funds are terminated, the Funds will owe no payments
to the Distributor other than fees accrued but unpaid on the termination date.
Plans may be terminated only by specific action of the Board of Trustees or
shareholders.

      Plan revenues may be used to reimburse third parties which provide various
services to shareholders who are participants in various retirement plans. These
services include aggregating and processing purchase and redemption orders for
participant shareholders, processing dividend payments, forwarding shareholder
communications, and recordkeeping. Persons selling or servicing different
classes of shares of the Funds may receive different compensation with respect
to one particular class of shares as opposed to another in the same Fund. The
Distributor, at its expense, also may from time to time provide additional
promotional incentives to dealers who sell Fund shares.

      Under the Class A Plans, Class A shares of each Fund pay the Distributor a
monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each
Fund's Class A shares for distribution or service activities, as designated by
the Distributor.

      As noted above, the Class B shares of each Fund (except the Money Market
Fund and the Equity Index Fund, which do not offer Class B shares) also have
adopted Rule 12b-1 distribution plans.

      Under the current Class B plans, each Fund's Class B shares pay a monthly
distribution fee to the Distributor at the annual rate of 0.75% (0.25% in the
case of the California Tax Free


                                      115
<PAGE>   341

Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and the Tax Free Bond Fund) of the average daily
net assets attributable to the Fund's Class B shares. Pursuant to the Class B
Plan, the Class B shares also pay a service fee to the Distributor at the annual
rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Funds' Class B shares.

      The Class C shares of each Fund (except the Money Market Fund and the
Equity Index Fund, which does not offer Class C shares) also have adopted Rule
12b-1 distribution plans.

      Under the Class C plans, each Fund's Class C shares pay a monthly
distribution fee to the Distributor at the annual rate of 0.75% (0.50% in the
case of the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and the Tax Free
Bond Fund) of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Class C
shares. Pursuant to the Class C Plans, the Class C shares also pay a service fee
to the Distributor at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets
of the Funds' Class C shares.

      Each Plan shall continue in effect from year to year, provided such
continuance is approved annually by a vote of the Trustees in the manner
described above. No Plan may be amended to increase materially the amount to be
spent for the services described therein without approval of the shareholders of
the affected class of shares of a Fund, and all material amendments of each Plan
must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. Each Plan
may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a
majority of the Independent Trustees, or by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the affected Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act)
on not more than 30 days' written notice to any other party to the Plan. So long
as any Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not
such interested persons has been committed to those Trustees who are not such
interested persons. The Trustees have determined that, in their judgment, there
is a reasonable likelihood that each Plan will benefit the respective Fund and
its shareholders. Pursuant to the Class A, Class B and Class C Plans, the
Distributor shall provide the Trust for review by the Trustees, and the Trustees
shall review at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended under
each Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. In the
Trustees' quarterly review of each Plan, they will consider its continued
appropriateness and the level of compensation provided therein.

      Pursuant to a rule of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., the amount which a Fund may pay for distribution expenses, excluding
service fees, is limited to 6.25% of the gross sales of the Fund's shares since
inception of the Fund's Plan, plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum
(less any contingent deferred sales charges paid by shareholders to the
Distributor or distribution fee (other than service fees) paid by the Funds to
the Distributor).

      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Funds paid distribution
and service fees pursuant to the Class A, Class B and Class C Plans as follows
(Class C shares were not offered prior to September 1, 1998):


                                      116
<PAGE>   342

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
                                                                          --------------------------------
                                                       AMOUNT OF FEE      AMOUNT OF FEE      AMOUNT OF FEE
                                                        PURSUANT TO        PURSUANT TO        PURSUANT TO
                                                        CLASS A PLAN      CLASS B PLAN        CLASS C PLAN
                                                       -------------      -------------      -------------
              <S>                                      <C>               <C>                 <C>
              Blue Chip Growth Fund+++                 $     89,206      $  1,144,496        $      21,303
              California Tax Free Fund                       39,369            57,336                2,066
              Capital Appreciation Fund                   1,152,676        29,944,657              123,691
              Convertible Fund                               99,395         6,137,135                2,720
              Equity Income Fund+++                          35,241           128,524                2,892
              Equity Index Fund                           2,627,779               N/A                  N/A
              Global High Yield Fund+++                      19,001            31,103                  388
              Government Fund                                70,277         5,432,877                2,927
              Growth Opportunities Fund+++                   46,221           340,897                2,265
              High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                795,741        33,641,614              358,364
              International Bond Fund                        34,024           162,824                  453
              International Equity Fund                      65,658           791,552                3,415
              MAP Equity Fund                                 8,249            28,437                5,069
              Money Market Fund                                 N/A               N/A                  N/A
              New York Tax Free Fund                         35,982            39,918                   48
              Research Value Fund+++                         30,312            73,200                6,431
              Small Cap Growth Fund+++                       66,855           436,319                3,536
              Small Cap Value Fund+++                        34,410           137,539                4,445
              Strategic Income Fund                          53,376           626,557                7,300
              Strategic Value Fund                           46,124           375,177                1,220
              Tax Free Bond Fund                             48,705         2,119,102                  784
              Total Return Fund                             441,308        15,472,700               27,110
              Value Fund                                    285,365        11,225,055                4,006
</TABLE>

      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, NYLIFE
Distributors retained the following amounts of sales charges including CDSC for
Class A shares of the Funds:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                                                         1999              1998                1997
                                                         ----              ----                ----
            <S>                                      <C>                  <C>                <C>
            Blue Chip Growth Fund+++                 $  37,028            $18,599                  --
            California Tax Free Fund                     5,727              5,765            $  6,958
            Capital Appreciation Fund                  265,282            249,244             201,562
            Convertible Fund                            10,819             10,796              39,646
            Equity Income Fund+++                        6,265              2,531                  --
            Equity Index Fund                          643,812            547,315             329,059
            Global High Yield Fund+++                      182                766                  --
            Government Fund                             18,246             16,947               5,803
            Growth Opportunities Fund+++                10,544              3,564                  --
            High Yield Corporate Bond Fund             200,384            335,190             308,282
            International Bond Fund                      1,708              2,626               5,235
            International Equity Fund                   12,862             11,418             121,009
            MAP Equity Fund++++                         10,715                N/A                 N/A
            Money Market Fund+                         189,204                N/A                 N/A
</TABLE>


                                      117
<PAGE>   343

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                                                         1999              1998                1997
                                                         ----              ----                ----
            <S>                                         <C>                <C>                <C>

            New York Tax Free Fund                       1,392              3,909               2,297
            Research Value Fund+++                       3,915              2,903                  --
            Small Cap Growth Fund+++                    15,733              9,699                  --
            Small Cap Value Fund+++                      5,914              7,842                  --
            Strategic Income Fund++                     11,748             16,088              14,008
            Strategic Value Fund++                       5,936             20,954                 344
            Tax Free Bond Fund                           7,520              5,062               5,710
            Total Return Fund                           80,412             67,358              50,232
            Value Fund+                                 40,932             90,483             112,844
</TABLE>

      For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, contingent
deferred sales charges were paid by investors on the redemption of Class B
shares of each Fund, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                                                           1999             1998           1997
                                                           ----             ----           ----

            <S>                                        <C>               <C>            <C>
            Blue Chip Growth Fund+++                   $    110,701         $9,233             --
            California Tax Free Fund                         15,817         14,309         $3,586
            Capital Appreciation Fund                     3,035,227      2,052,866      1,485,899
            Convertible Fund                              1,336,476      1,760,525      1,466,588
            Equity Income Fund+++                            18,309            169             --
            Equity Index Fund                                   N/A            N/A            N/A
            Global High Yield Fund+++                         2,637          1,244             --
            Government Fund                                 470,807        535,272        788,647
            Growth Opportunities Fund+++                     24,943          1,935             --
            High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                5,180,406      4,333,277      2,684,352
            International Bond Fund                          26,524         36,901         31,152
            International Equity Fund                       103,219        102,712         88,010
            MAP Equity Fund++++                                 912            N/A            N/A
            Money Market Fund+                            1,395,811        892,546        779,844
            New York Tax Free Fund                           25,347         13,598          2,531
            Research Value Fund+++                           15,496          1,171             --
            Small Cap Growth Fund+++                         47,467          4,526             --
            Small Cap Value Fund+++                          21,039          3,797             --
            Strategic Income Fund++                          90,634         76,399         11,479
            Strategic Value Fund++                          142,252         86,652             --
            Tax Free Bond Fund                              314,438        350,238        492,542
            Total Return Fund                             1,092,347        908,734        871,336
            Value Fund                                    1,574,675      1,412,491        996,052
</TABLE>

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

+ The amount shown represents proceeds from contingent deferred sales charges
which were assessed on redemptions of shares which had previously been exchanged
from other Funds into the Money Market Fund.

++ The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997. The
Strategic Value Fund commenced operations on October 21, 1997.

+++ Commenced operations on June 1, 1998.


                                      118
<PAGE>   344

++++ For the period June 9, 1999 through December 31, 1999.

      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, contingent deferred sales
charges were paid by investors on the redemption of Class C shares of each Fund,
as follows:


                                      119
<PAGE>   345


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED         PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 1, 1998
                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1999+        TO DECEMBER 31, 1998+

          <S>                                               <C>                      <C>
          Blue Chip Growth Fund                             $  1,115                   --
          California Tax Free Fund                               624                   --
          Capital Appreciation Fund                           16,997                   --
          Convertible Fund                                       317                   82
          Equity Income Fund                                     514                   --
          Equity Index Fund                                      N/A                   N/A
          Global High Yield Fund                                 119                   20
          Government Fund                                          9                   --
          Growth Opportunities Fund                              378                   --
          High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                      35,789                   --
          International Bond Fund                              1,392                  1,170
          International Equity Fund                               31                   --
          MAP Equity Fund++                                       --                   --
          Money Market Fund+                                      --                   --
          New York Tax Free Fund                                  --                   --
          Research Value Fund                                    100                   --
          Small Cap Growth Fund                                  401                   --
          Small Cap Value Fund                                   576                   --
          Strategic Income Fund                                5,339                   --
          Strategic Value Fund                                   813                   150
          Tax Free Bond Fund                                     529                   --
          Total Return Fund                                    1,082                   --
          Value Fund                                             585                   --
</TABLE>

 ---------------------------
 + Class C shares were not offered prior to September 1, 1998.
 ++For the period June 9, 1999 through December 31, 1999.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the following amounts were spent on
compensation to dealers with respect to the Class A shares of each Fund: Blue
Chip Growth Fund spent $635,385; California Tax Free Fund spent $96,761; Capital
Appreciation Fund spent $4,173,092; Convertible Fund spent $225,616; Equity
Income Fund spent $167,074; Equity Index Fund spent $10,795,046; Global High
Yield Fund spent $18,348; Government Fund spent $437,493; Growth Opportunities
Fund spent $183,435; High Yield Corporate Bond Fund spent $2,968,790;
International Bond Fund spent $48,447; International Equity Fund spent $214,391;
MAP Equity Fund spent $125,697; New York Tax Free Fund spent $54,699; Research
Value Fund spent $52,935; Small Cap Growth Fund spent $397,656; Small Cap Value
Fund spent $82,369; Strategic Income Fund spent $198,023; Strategic Value Fund
spent $102,878; Tax Free Bond Fund spent $118,114; Total Return Fund spent
$1,340,813; and Value Fund spent $841,045.

      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, it is estimated that the
following amounts were spent for distribution-related activities with respect to
the Class A shares of each Fund:


                                      120
<PAGE>   346

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        Approximate
                                            Printing and                                                                   Total
                                               Mailing                                                                 Amount Spent
                                Sales       Prospectuses   Compensation   Compensation                                   By NYLife
                               Material     To Other than       To             To                          Sales       Distributors
                                 and           Current     Distribution      Sales                     Distribution     With Respect
                             Advertising    Shareholders     Personnel     Personnel        Other          Costs          to Fund
                             -----------    ------------     ---------     ---------        -----          -----          -------

<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund    $    20,031    $    71,540    $   701,164    $   358,082    $   727,492    $ 4,173,092    $ 6,051,401
Value Fund                         3,609         16,781        128,900         69,246        127,900        841,045      1,187,481
Convertible Fund                     978          5,994         26,909         15,866         28,519        225,616        303,882
High Yield Corp. Bond Fund        14,532         49,007        504,326        297,591        533,498      2,968,790      4,367,174
Government Fund                    2,284          4,379         83,648         44,985         88,837        437,493        661,626
Tax Free Bond Fund                   429          2,849         18,988          6,931         19,326        118,114        166,637
Total Return Fund                  6,330         26,930        217,146        117,835        224,437      1,340,813      1,933,491
California Tax Free Fund             247          2,242         10,626          6,507         12,674         96,761        129,057
New York Tax Free Fund               150          2,102          4,337          2,384          4,154         54,699         67,826
International Bond Fund              114          1,979          3,552          1,720          3,397         48,447         59,209
International Equity Fund            956          4,119         34,659         17,621         37,443        214,391        309,189
Strategic Income Fund                975          3,156         31,647         16,779         29,300        198,023        279,880
Strategic Value Fund                 417          2,744         14,221          7,477         13,682        102,878        141,419
Equity Index Fund                 50,949        163,493      1,877,895        964,924      1,896,803     10,795,046     15,749,110
Blue Chip Growth Fund              3,942          6,097        127,324         73,579        137,989        638,385        987,316
Research Value Fund                  286          1,862          8,148          5,194          8,481         52,935         76,906
Small Cap Value Fund                 407          2,091         14,834          7,755         14,510         82,369        121,966
Growth Opportunity Fund              956          2,968         35,110         20,026         35,493        183,435        277,988
Small Cap Growth Fund              2,915          4,775         83,212         50,687         85,152        397,656        624,397
Equity Income Fund                 1,073          2,239         32,573         20,926         37,401        167,074        261,286
Global High Yield Fund                84          1,153          2,147          1,296          1,952         18,348         24,980
MAP Equity Fund                      888            662         26,008         16,505         26,805        125,697        196,565
===================================================================================================================================
        Total                $   112,552    $   379,162    $ 3,987,374    $ 2,123,916    $ 4,095,245    $23,281,107    $33,979,356
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



                                      121
<PAGE>   347

      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, it is estimated that the
following amounts were spent for distribution-related activities with respect to
the Class B shares of each Fund:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       Approximate
                                                                                                                       Total Amount
                                           Printing and                                                                  Spent By
                                              Mailing                                                                     NYLife
                                Sales      Prospectuses    Compensation                                                Distributors
                               Material    To Other than        To        Compensation                     Sales           With
                                 and          Current      Distribution     To Sales                    Distribution    Respect to
                             Advertising   Shareholders     Personnel       Personnel       Other          Costs        Each Fund
                             -----------   ------------     ---------       ---------       -----          -----        ---------

<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund    $    93,366    $   281,671    $ 2,902,405    $ 1,048,667    $ 3,255,502    $21,796,981    $29,378,592
Value Fund                        19,590        100,902        616,321        220,665        678,079      5,640,117      7,275,674
Convertible Fund                   5,306         56,143        156,334         60,795        175,074      2,270,353      2,724,005
High Yield Corp. Bond Fund        93,885        308,257      2,990,403      1,082,575      3,289,041     23,220,863     30,985,024
Government Fund                    6,420         48,739        210,084         76,516        239,059      2,470,316      3,051,134
Tax Free Bond Fund                 3,850         37,670        136,575         48,458        150,430      1,811,397      2,188,380
Total Return Fund                 33,584        143,761      1,051,018        379,301      1,180,477      8,982,040     11,770,181
California Tax Free Fund             680          1,043         19,311          6,649         21,054        138,894        187,631
New York Tax Free Fund               335            718          9,427          3,462         10,353         66,567         90,862
International Bond Fund              334          1,443         11,200          4,018         12,692         98,090        127,777
International Equity Fund          2,538          7,456         80,868         30,274         90,322        602,617        814,075
Strategic Income Fund              1,891          5,692         61,662         22,179         68,270        461,097        620,791
Strategic Value Fund               1,112          3,390         35,018         12,520         38,430        246,460        336,939
Blue Chip Growth Fund             18,400         12,505        540,146        202,669        618,061      2,928,241      4,320,022
Research Value Fund                  763            731         21,436          7,945         23,052        123,704        177,631
Small Cap Value Fund               1,262          1,317         40,420         14,971         44,769        232,155        334,894
Growth Opportunity Fund            5,035          3,613        153,452         56,168        166,367        830,633      1,215,268
Small Cap Growth Fund              8,456          5,168        240,275         99,634        277,731      1,219,591      1,850,855
Equity Income Fund                 3,044          1,416         86,535         32,652         92,601        439,726        655,974
Global High Yield Fund               286            302          8,082          2,935          8,736         45,711         66,052
MAP Equity Fund                    2,156            403         55,899         21,611         59,848        268,853        408,770
===================================================================================================================================
        Total                $   302,293    $ 1,022,340    $ 9,426,871    $ 3,434,664    $10,499,948    $73,894,415    $98,580,531
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



                                      122
<PAGE>   348


      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, it is estimated that the
following amounts were spent for distribution-related activities with respect to
the Class C shares of each Fund:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       Approximate
                                                                                                                       Total Amount
                                           Printing and                                                                  Spent By
                                              Mailing                                                                     NYLife
                                Sales      Prospectuses    Compensation                                                Distributors
                               Material    To Other than        To        Compensation                     Sales           With
                                 and          Current      Distribution     To Sales                    Distribution    Respect to
                             Advertising   Shareholders     Personnel       Personnel       Other          Costs        Each Fund
                             -----------   ------------     ---------       ---------       -----          -----        ---------

<S>                           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund     $    1,244     $    4,506     $   41,233     $   13,864     $   40,497     $  216,291     $  317,635
Value Fund                            55            218          1,881            651          1,772          9,591         14,168
Convertible Fund                     123            443          2,646            926          2,359         11,922         18,419
High Yield Corp. Fund              3,768         14,389        119,848         43,521        114,456        639,118        935,100
Government Fund                       61            261          1,537            652          1,162          8,479         12,152
Tax Free Bond Fund                    23             87            746            327            867          5,198          7,248
Total Return Fund                    351          1,409         11,329          4,016         10,989         57,826         85,920
California Tax Free Fund             128            457          3,004            922          2,537         13,331         20,379
New York Tax Free Fund                 6             20            118             35             97            485            761
International Bond Fund                4             15            272             91            229          1,300          1,911
International Equity Fund             18             63            622            210            581          3,006          4,500
Strategic Income Fund                 65            348          3,251          1,095          3,353         16,313         24,425
Strategic Value Fund                   9             41            402            143            329          2,359          3,283
Blue Chip Growth Fund                401          2,055         12,264          5,631          9,842         72,519        102,712
Research Value Fund                   45            154          1,629            565          1,811          9,032         13,236
Small Cap Value Fund                  25            102          1,055            368          1,088          5,741          8,379
Growth Opportunity Fund               58            271          1,724            703          1,434          9,669         13,859
Small Cap Growth Fund                181          1,025          3,807          2,453          2,261         27,212         36,939
Equity Income Fund                   107            447          3,200          1,193          2,515         15,605         23,067
Global High Yield Fund                 8             16            210             60            233          1,003          1,530
MAP Equity Fund                      170            702          4,449          1,858          4,249         23,582         35,010
===================================================================================================================================
      Total                   $    6,850     $   27,029     $  215,227     $   79,284     $  202,661     $1,149,582     $1,680,633
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

      Total differences due to inherent Lotus rounding.


                                      123
<PAGE>   349




OTHER SERVICES

      Pursuant to an Accounting Agreement with the Trust, dated October 24,
1997, the Manager performs certain bookkeeping and pricing services for the
Funds. Each Fund will bear an allocable portion of the cost of providing these
services to the Trust.

      For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the period from
October 27, 1997 through December 31, 1997, the amount of recordkeeping fees
paid to the Manager by each Fund was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              YEAR ENDED                YEAR ENDED
                                           DECEMBER 31, 1999         DECEMBER 31, 1998       10/27/97 - 12/31/97
                                           -----------------         -----------------       -------------------
    <S>                                    <C>                       <C>                     <C>
    Blue Chip Growth Fund++                     $40,659                     $8,769                   $N/A
    California Tax Free Fund                     12,599                      8,531                    N/A
    Capital Appreciation Fund                   373,458                    275,485                 41,466
    Convertible Fund                             92,042                    110,412                 21,595
    Equity Income Fund++                         13,643                      7,133                    N/A
    Equity Index Fund                           131,779                     61,548                    N/A
    Global High Yield Fund++                     12,001                      7,000                    N/A
    Government Fund                              83,835                     88,839                 16,639
    Growth Opportunities Fund++                  20,936                      7,133                    N/A
    High Yield Corporate Bond Fund              398,497                    395,788                 68,994
    International Bond Fund                      13,312                     14,829                  2,608
    International Equity Fund                    37,185                     33,255                  5,460
    MAP Equity Fund+++                           15,964                        N/A                    N/A
    Money Market Fund                            86,768                     74,315                 12,407
    New York Tax Free Fund                       12,000                      8,000                    N/A
    Research Value Fund++                        12,000                      7,133                    N/A
    Small Cap Growth Fund++                      25,029                      7,280                    N/A
    Small Cap Value Fund++                       13,044                      7,133                    N/A
    Strategic Income Fund+                       31,577                     28,380                  4,701
    Strategic Value Fund+                        22,029                     20,585                  2,323
    Tax Free Bond Fund                           71,012                     75,715                 13,665
    Total Return Fund                           199,319                    169,320                 28,016
    Value Fund                                  150,373                    176,604                 31,142
</TABLE>

+ The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997. The
   Strategic Value Fund commenced operations on October 21, 1997.

++ Commenced operations on June 1, 1998.

+++ The MAP Equity Fund commenced operations on June 9, 1999.


                                      124
<PAGE>   350


      For the period January 1, 1997 through October 26, 1997 and the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, the amount of recordkeeping fees paid to NYLIFE
Distributors, the previous Accounting Agent, by each Fund was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PERIOD                   YEAR ENDED
                                                    1/1/97 - 10/26/97         DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                    -----------------         -----------------

    <S>                                             <C>                       <C>
    California Tax Free Fund                                  $N/A                   $   N/A
    Capital Appreciation Fund                              164,868                   145,721
    Convertible Fund                                       108,332                    81,568
    Equity Index Fund                                          N/A                       N/A
    Government Fund                                         80,879                   114,622
    High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                         270,515                   233,333
    International Bond Fund                                 11,358                    12,511
    International Equity Fund                               24,683                    22,075
    Money Market Fund                                       54,915                    62,593
    New York Tax Free Fund                                     N/A                       N/A
    Strategic Income Fund +                                 13,624                       N/A
    Strategic Value Fund +                                     N/A                       N/A
    Tax Free Bond Fund                                      60,703                    80,430
    Total Return Fund                                      119,962                   126,154
    Value Fund                                             125,541                    16,985
</TABLE>

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

     +   The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
         The Strategic Value Fund commenced operation on October 21, 1997.

      In addition, each Fund may reimburse NYLIFE Securities, NYLIFE
Distributors and MainStay Shareholder Services for the cost of certain
correspondence to shareholders and the establishment of shareholder accounts.

EXPENSES BORNE BY THE TRUST

      Except for the expenses to be paid by the Manager as described in the
Prospectuses, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, is responsible under its
Management Agreement for the payment of expenses related to each Fund's
operations, including (i) the fees payable to the Manager, (ii) the fees and
expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated with the Manager or Subadvisors,
(iii) certain fees and expenses of the Trust's Custodians and Transfer Agent,
(iv) the charges and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and independent
accountants, (v) brokers' commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable
to the Trust, on behalf of a Fund, in connection with its securities
transactions, (vi) the fees of any trade association of which a Fund or the
Trust is a member, (vii) the cost of share certificates representing shares of a
Fund, (viii) reimbursement of a portion of the organization expenses of a Fund
and the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration
of the Trust and of its shares with the SEC and registering the Trust as a
broker or dealer and qualifying its shares under state securities laws,
including the preparation and printing of the Trust's registration statements
and prospectuses for such purposes, (ix) allocable communications expenses with
respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees'
meetings and preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses and reports to
shareholders, (x) litigation and indemnification expenses and other
extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of a Fund's business,
(xi) any expenses assumed by the Fund pursuant to its plan of distribution,
(xii) all taxes and business fees payable by a Fund to federal, state or other
governmental agencies, and (xiii) costs


                                      125
<PAGE>   351

associated with the pricing of the Funds' shares. Fees and expenses of legal
counsel, registering shares, holding meetings and communicating with
shareholders include an allocable portion of the cost of maintaining an internal
legal and compliance department.

      Certain of the Funds have entered into a committed line of credit with The
Bank of New York as agent, and various other lenders from whom a Fund may borrow
up to 5% of its net assets in order to honor redemptions. The credit facility is
expected to be utilized in periods when the Funds experience unusually large
redemption requests. A mutual fund is considered to be using leverage whenever
it borrows an amount more than 5% of its assets. None of the Funds intend to
borrow for the purpose of purchasing securities using the credit facility or any
other source of borrowed funds.

                      PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

      Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected by
brokers, and the Funds pay a brokerage commission for this service. In
transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are
negotiated, whereas on many foreign stock exchanges these commissions are fixed.
In the over-the-counter markets, securities (i.e., municipal bonds, other debt
securities and some equity securities) are generally traded on a "net" basis
with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated
commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the
dealer. Transactions in certain over-the-counter securities also may be effected
on an agency basis, when the total price paid (including commission) is equal to
or better than the best total prices available from other sources. In
underwritten offerings, securities are usually purchased at a fixed price which
includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as
the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market
instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no
commissions or discounts are paid.

      Regarding the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, newly
issued securities normally are purchased directly from the issuer or from an
underwriter acting as principal. Other purchases and sales usually are placed
with those dealers from which it appears that the best price or execution will
be obtained; those dealers may be acting as either agents or principals. The
purchase price paid by a Fund to underwriters of newly issued securities usually
includes a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases of
after-market securities from dealers normally are executed at a price between
the bid and asked prices.

      The primary consideration in placing portfolio security transactions with
broker-dealers for execution is to obtain and maintain the availability of
execution at the most favorable prices and in the most effective manner
possible. The Subadvisor attempts to achieve this result by selecting
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund and its
other clients on the basis of the broker-dealers' professional capability, the
value and quality of their brokerage services and the level of their brokerage
commissions. Consistent with the foregoing primary considerations, the Conduct
Rules of the NASD and such other policies as the Trustees may determine, the
Subadvisors may consider sales of shares of the Funds as a factor in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute the Funds' portfolio transactions.

      NYLIFE Securities (the "Affiliated Broker") may act as broker for the
Funds. In order for the Affiliated Broker to effect any portfolio transactions
for the Funds on an exchange, the commissions, fees or other remuneration
received by the Affiliated Broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the
commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other brokers in


                                      126
<PAGE>   352

connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being
purchased or sold on an exchange during a comparable period of time. This
standard would allow the Affiliated Broker to receive no more than the
remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker in
a commensurate arms-length transaction. The Funds will not deal with the
Affiliated Broker in any portfolio transaction in which the Affiliated Broker
acts as principal.

      Under each Sub-Advisory Agreement and as permitted by Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), a Subadvisor may cause a Fund
to pay a broker-dealer (except the Affiliated Broker) which provides brokerage
and research services to the Subadvisor an amount of commission for effecting a
securities transaction for a Fund in excess of the amount other broker-dealers
would have charged for the transaction if the Subadvisor determines in good
faith that the greater commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker-dealer viewed
in terms of either a particular transaction or the Subadvisor's overall
responsibilities to the Trust or to its other clients. The term "brokerage and
research services" includes advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or of purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; and
effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto
such as clearance and settlement.

      Although commissions paid on every transaction will, in the judgment of
the Subadvisors, be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
services provided, commissions exceeding those which another broker might charge
may be paid to broker-dealers (except the Affiliated Broker) who were selected
to execute transactions on behalf of the Trust and the Subadvisors' other
clients in part for providing advice as to the availability of securities or of
purchasers or sellers of securities and services in effecting securities
transactions and performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and
settlement.

      Broker-dealers may be willing to furnish statistical, research and other
factual information or services ("Research") to the Subadvisors for no
consideration other than brokerage or underwriting commissions. Research
provided by brokers is used for the benefit of all of the Subadvisors' clients
and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of the Trust. The Subadvisors'
investment management personnel attempt to evaluate the quality of Research
provided by brokers. Results of this effort are sometimes used by the
Subadvisors as a consideration in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio
transactions.

      In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for a
Fund's portfolio as well as for that of another Fund or one or more of the other
clients of the Subadvisors. Investment decisions for a Fund and for the
Subadvisors' other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective
investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or
sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for,
other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more
clients when one or more other clients are selling that same security. Some
simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment
advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is
suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more
clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security,
the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable
to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a
detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular
transaction as far as a Fund is concerned. The Trust believes that


                                      127
<PAGE>   353

over time its ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better
executions for the Funds.

      The Sub-Advisory fee that the Manager pays on behalf of each Fund to the
Subadvisors will not be reduced as a consequence of the Subadvisors' receipt of
brokerage and research services. To the extent a Fund's portfolio transactions
are used to obtain such services, the brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
will exceed those that might otherwise be paid, by an amount which cannot be
clearly determined. Such services would be useful and of value to the
Subadvisors in serving both the Funds and other clients and, conversely, such
services obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients would
be useful to the Subadvisors in carrying out their obligations to the Funds.



                                      128
<PAGE>   354

      For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, each of the
following Funds paid brokerage commissions as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Total Brokerage Commissions
                                    Total Brokerage Commissions Paid                 Paid to Affiliated Persons
                                    --------------------------------                 --------------------------
                               Year ended     Year ended      Year ended      Year ended     Year ended      Year ended
                              Dec. 31, 1999  Dec. 31, 1998  Dec. 31, 1997   Dec. 31, 1999   Dec. 31, 1998  Dec. 31, 1997
                              -------------  -------------  -------------   -------------   -------------  -------------
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund++        $  216,627     $   52,673     $        --       $      --      $      --       $      --
Capital Appreciation Fund       2,511,097      1,418,340       1,349,716              --             --              --
Convertible Fund                1,987,014      2,933,036       1,728,411              --             --              --
Equity Income Fund++              169,126         40,578              --              --             --              --
Equity Index Fund                 165,287        199,806          24,704              --             --              --
Government Fund                   --             --                1,719              --             --              --
Growth Opportunities Fund++       103,378         28,756              --              --             --              --
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund  2,914,061      1,730,356       1,297,005              --             --              --
International Equity Fund         264,093        230,372         239,373              --             --              --
MAP Equity Fund++                  33,115             --              --              --             --              --
Research Value Fund++              40,590         27,977              --              --             --              --
Small Cap Growth Fund++            63,804         43,448              --              --             --              --
Small Cap Value Fund++             53,686         60,955              --              --             --              --
Strategic Income Fund+              7,160          2,531          11,739              --             --              --
Strategic Value Fund+              96,588        237,599          21,314              --             --              --
Total Return Fund                 846,320        496,313         609,009              --             --              --
Value Fund                      2,994,078      2,776,378       2,347,711              --             --              --
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Total Brokerage
                                                                                                  Commissions Paid
                                                Total Amount of Transactions                       to Brokers that
                                                   Where Commissions Paid                         Provided Research
                               ---------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                   Year Ended           Year Ended           Year Ended              Year ended
                                December 31, 1999   December 31, 1998     December 31, 1997       December 31, 1999
                                -----------------   -----------------     -----------------       -----------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>                       <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund++          $241,372,777           $59,586,318     $             --          $           --
Capital Appreciation Fund       2,194,930,826         1,150,491,675          987,618,526               2,061,262
Convertible Fund                1,625,240,663         2,129,442,319        1,608,359,897               1,535,556
Equity Income Fund++               88,501,126            60,556,859                   --                 140,183
Equity Index Fund                 206,304,862           211,986,359           21,111,250                 152,947
Government Fund                      --                  --                   12,111,250                      --
Growth Opportunities Fund++        79,620,046            23,105,426                   --                 103,379
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund    308,902,539           644,381,301        1,451,737,826               2,709,006
International Equity Fund          79,794,853            84,406,014           60,462,344                  84,773
MAP Equity Fund+++                 37,595,693                    --                   --                   9,534
Research Value Fund++              29,597,856            24,199,572                   --                  37,380
Small Cap Growth Fund++            27,607,675            18,719,435                   --                  34,261
Small Cap Value Fund++             20,325,827            26,176,292                   --                  19,728
Strategic Income Fund+              3,934,613             1,122,044           41,537,454                   4,830
Strategic Value Fund+              48,224,066           147,090,662           12,723,841                  85,074
Total Return Fund                 714,836,564           403,031,223          459,057,404                 714,048
Value Fund                      1,547,917,417         2,147,864,794        1,523,756,743               2,398,517
</TABLE>

   + The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997 and the
   Strategic Value Fund commenced operations on October 21, 1997.

   ++  Commenced operations June 1, 1998.

   +++  Commenced operations June 9, 1999.


                                      129
<PAGE>   355

      The California Tax Free Fund, Global High Yield Fund, International Bond
Fund, Money Market Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund paid no
brokerage commissions during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997.

      For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and the period January
1, 1999 through June 8, 1999, the MAP-Equity Fund (predecessor to the MAP Equity
Fund) paid total brokerage commissions of $61,779 in 1997 (on portfolio
transactions amounting to $84,698,287), of which approximately 24.3% was paid to
brokers that provided research; $44,997 in 1998 (on portfolio transactions
amounting to $63,342,288), of which approximately 37.9% was paid to brokers that
provided research; and $12,303 in 1999 (on portfolio transactions amounting to
$17,285,287) of which approximately 18% was paid to brokers that provided
research.

      As of December 31, 1999, Blue Chip Growth Fund held common stock of
Merrill Lynch & Co, Inc. valued at $4,191,700; Capital Appreciation Fund held
common stock of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. valued at $22,605,000; and Merrill
Lynch Premier Institutional Fund valued at $51,145,000; Convertible Fund held
convertible bonds of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., zero coupon bonds, due
8/17/05 valued at $6,111,630 and zero coupon, due 10/19/06 valued at $7,353,000;
convertible bonds of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 0.25%, due 5/10/06 valued at
$5,376,000 and 1.00%, due 7/20/06 valued at $3,640,000; convertible preferred
stock of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 6.25%, Series IGL valued at $693,550;
commercial paper of Goldman Sachs Group LP valued at $9,672,534; and Merrill
Lynch Premier Institutional Fund valued at $25,211,688; Equity Index Fund held
common stock of American Express Co. valued at $7,481,416, Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. valued at $7,998,996, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. valued at
$472,800, Bear Stearns Cos., Inc. valued at $528,561, Lehman Brothers Holdings
Inc. valued at $1,008,543, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. valued at $3,097,349, Paine
Webber Group Inc. valued at $566,663 and Charles Schwab Corp. valued at
$3,162,714; Government Fund held asset-backed securities of Morgan Stanley
Aircraft Finance, Series 1, Class A1, 6.6725%, due 3/15/23 valued at $8,187,543;
mortgage-backed securities of CS First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series
1999-C1, Class A2, 7.29%, due 9/15/41 valued at $3,733,500, Lehman Large Loan,
Series 1997-LLI, Class A1, 6.79%, due 10/12/34 valued at $8,010,829; and Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., Series 1998-C2, Class A1, 6.22%, due 2/15/30
valued at $5,523,286, Series 1995-C2, Class A1, 7.0793%, due 6/15/21 valued at
$3,584,850 and Series 1999-C2, Class A1, 7.56%, due 11/15/31 valued at
$3,060,053; Growth Opportunities Fund held common stock of American Express Co.
valued at $831,250; High Yield Corporate Bond Fund corporate bonds of LaBranche
& Co. Inc., 9.50% due 8/15/04 valued at $242,500; held commercial paper of
Goldman Sachs Group L.P. valued at $22,930,619, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. valued
at $23,448,239, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. valued at $59,449,440 and
Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. valued at $29,884,500; and Merrill Lynch
Premier Institutional Fund valued at $41,964,906; MAP Equity Fund held common
stock of American Express Co. valued at $2,029,414; Money Market Fund held
commercial paper of American Express Credit Corp. valued at $12,846,190, Goldman
Sachs Group L.P. valued at $23,653,033, Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. valued at
$11,939,497, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. valued at $17,972,850, Prudential
Funding Corp. valued at $17,932,306 and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings Inc.
valued at $11,962,060; medium-term notes of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
valued at $6,000,047, Prudential Funding Corp., Series B valued at $5,002,177
and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings Inc. valued at $4,852,997; and Merrill Lynch
Premier Institutional Fund valued at $26,905,026; Small Cap Growth Fund held
commercial paper of Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. valued at $2,991,296; Strategic
Income Fund held corporate bonds of Morgan Stanley Dean


                                      130
<PAGE>   356

Witter & Co., 7.125%, due 1/15/03 valued at $299,781, Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette, Inc., 6.50%, due 6/1/08 valued at $160,925, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,
Series MTNA, 6.6038%, due 1/8/01 valued at $125,475 and Lehman Brothers
Holdings, Inc., 6.625%, due 2/5/06 valued at $66,224; mortgage-backed securities
of CS First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 1999-C1, Class A2, 7.29%,
due 9/15/41 valued at $201,413, Lehman Large Loan, Series 1997-LLI, Class A1,
6.79%, due 6/12/04 valued at $150,350, Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc.,
Series 1998-C2, Class A1, 6.22%, due 2/15/30 valued at $117,696, Series 1995-C2,
Class A1, 7.0793%, due 6/15/21 valued at $551,810, Series 1999-C1, Class A2,
7.56%, due 11/15/31 valued at $139,546 and Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities
VII, Series 1997-TZH, Class A1, 7.15%, due 3/25/25 valued at $208,089; and
commercial paper of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. valued at $1,438,451; Strategic
Value Fund held convertible bonds of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 0.25%, due
5/10/06 valued at $432,000; and commercial paper of American Express Credit
Corp. valued at $499,594 and Prudential Funding Corp. valued at $1,099,106;
Total Return Fund held asset-backed securities of Morgan Stanley Aircraft
Finance, Series 1, Class A1, 6.6725%, due 3/15/23 valued at $4,538,638;
corporate bonds of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., 7.125%, due 1/15/03 valued
at $6,670,127, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Inc., 6.50%, due 6/1/08 valued at
$3,779,433, Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Series A, 6.6038%, due 1/8/01 valued at
$2,810,640, LaBranche & Co., Inc., 9.50%, due 8/15/04 valued at $538,350, and
Lehman Brothers Holding Inc., 6.625%, due 2/5/06 valued at $1,296,102;
mortgage-backed securities of CS First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series
1999-C1, Class A2, 7.29%, due 9/15/41, valued at $4,377,038, Lehman Large Loan,
Series 1997-LLI, Class A1, 6.79%, due 6/12/04 valued at $2,931,822, Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., Series 1998-C2, Class A1, 6.22%, due 2/15/30
valued at $2,332,895, Series 1995-C2, Class A1, 7.0793%, due 6/15/21 valued at
$3,442,844, Series 1999-C1, Class A2, 7.56%, due 11/15/31 valued at $3,060,053
and Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Series 1997-TZH, Class A1, 7.15%,
due 3/25/25 valued at $4,104,666; and Merrill Lynch Premier Institutional Fund
valued at $22,470,468; and Value Fund held commercial paper of American Express
Credit Corp. valued at $8,953,566 and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. valued at
$10,164,863; and Merrill Lynch Premier Institutional Fund valued at $12,745,282.

      A Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of
sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of the
Fund's portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio
securities will exclude purchases and sales of debt securities having a maturity
at the date of purchase of one year or less.

      The turnover rate for a Fund will vary from year-to-year and depending on
market conditions, turnover could be greater in periods of unusual market
movement and volatility. A higher turnover rate generally would result in
greater brokerage commissions, particularly in the case of equity oriented
Funds, or other transactional expenses which must be borne, directly or
indirectly, by the Fund and, ultimately, by the Fund's shareholders. High
portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of an increase in net
short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to non-tax exempt
shareholders, will be treated as dividends (ordinary income).

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

      The Trust determines the net asset value per share of each class of each
Fund on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. Net asset
value per share is calculated as of the close of the first session of the New
York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) for each class of
shares of each Fund (except the Money Market Fund, which is determined at noon),
by dividing the current market value (amortized cost, in the case of the Money
Market


                                      131
<PAGE>   357

Fund) of the total assets attributable to that class, by the total number of
outstanding shares of that class.

      Portfolio securities of the Money Market Fund are valued at their
amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized securities gains or
losses. This method involves initially valuing on instrument at its cost and
thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any premium paid or
discount received. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may
result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher
or lower than the price the Money Market Fund would receive if it sold the
instrument. During periods of declining interest rates, the quoted yield on
shares of the Money Market Fund may tend to be higher than a like computation
made by a fund with identical investments utilizing a method of valuation based
upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of its portfolio
instruments. Thus, if the use of amortized cost by the Money Market Fund
resulted in a lower aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective
investor in the Money Market Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher
yield if he or she purchased shares of the Money Market Fund on that day, than
would result from investment in a fund utilizing solely market values, and
existing investors in the Money Market Fund would receive less investment
income. The converse would apply in a period of rising interest rates.

      Portfolio securities of each of the other Funds are valued (a) by
appraising common and preferred stocks which are traded on the New York Stock
Exchange at the last sale price of the first session on that day or, if no sale
occurs, at the mean between the closing bid price and asked price; (b) by
appraising other common and preferred stocks as nearly as possible in the manner
described in clause (a) if traded on any other exchange, including the National
Association of Securities Dealers National Market System and foreign securities
exchanges; (c) by appraising over-the-counter common and preferred stocks quoted
on the National Association of Securities Dealers NASDAQ system (but not listed
on the National Market System) at the closing bid price supplied through such
system; (d) by appraising over-the-counter common and preferred stocks not
quoted on the NASDAQ system and securities listed or traded on certain foreign
exchanges whose operations are similar to the U.S. over-the-counter market at
prices supplied by a pricing agent selected by a Fund's Subadvisor if the prices
are deemed by the Subadvisor to be representative of market values at the close
of the first session of the New York Stock Exchange; (e) by appraising debt
securities at prices supplied by a pricing agent selected by the Subadvisor,
which prices reflect broker-dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data
processing techniques and/or matrix pricing if those prices are deemed by a
Fund's Subadvisor to be representative of market values at the close of the
first session of the New York Stock Exchange; (f) by appraising exchange-traded
options and futures contracts at the last posted settlement price on the market
where any such option or futures contract is principally traded; and (g) by
appraising all other securities and other assets, including over-the-counter
common and preferred stocks not quoted on the NASDAQ system, securities listed
or traded on foreign exchanges whose operations are similar to the U.S.
over-the-counter market and debt securities for which prices are supplied by a
pricing agent but are not deemed by a Fund's Subadvisor to be representative of
market values, but excluding money market instruments with a remaining maturity
of 60 days or less and including restricted securities and securities for which
no market quotation is available, at fair value in accordance with procedures
approved by and determined in good faith by the Trustees, although the actual
calculations may be done by others. Money market instruments held by the Funds
with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued by the amortized cost
method unless such method does not represent fair value. Forward foreign
currency exchange contracts


                                      132
<PAGE>   358

held by the Funds are valued at their respective fair market values determined
on the basis of the mean between the last current bid and asked prices based on
dealer or exchange quotations.

      Portfolio securities traded on more than one U.S. national securities
exchange or foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the
business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the
exchange representing the principal market for such securities. The value of all
assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into
U.S. dollar values at the mean between the buying and selling rates of such
currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by any major bank or broker-dealer.
If such quotations are not available, the rate of exchange will be determined in
accordance with policies established by the Trustees. For financial accounting
purposes, the Trust recognizes dividend income and other distributions on the
ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are
recognized as soon as the Trust is informed after the ex-dividend date.

      Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and
over-the-counter markets is normally completed well before the close of business
on each business day in New York (i.e., a day on which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European or Far Eastern securities
trading generally in a particular country or countries may not take place on all
business days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in Japanese markets
on certain Saturdays and in various foreign markets on days which are not
business days in New York and on which the Funds' net asset values are not
calculated. Such calculation of net asset value does not take place
contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the
portfolio securities used in such calculation.

      Events affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur between the
time their prices are determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange
generally will not be reflected in the Funds' calculation of net asset values.
However, a Subadvisor, in consultation with the Manager, may, in its judgement,
determine that an adjustment to a Fund's net asset value should be made because
intervening events have caused the Fund's net asset value to be materially
inaccurate.

      Because the Guarantee regarding the Equity Index Fund is payable to
shareholders directly (and not payable to the Equity Index Fund), and because it
represents only a contingent liability of New York Life Inc. rather than an
agreement to pay a definite amount on the Guarantee Date, the Trustees believe
that the Guarantee should have no impact in determining the Equity Index Fund's
net asset value.

      The proceeds received by each Fund for each issue or sale of its shares,
and all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds
thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated
to such Fund and constitute the underlying assets of that Fund. The underlying
assets of each Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be
charged with the liabilities in respect to such Fund and with a share of the
general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses with respect to any two or more Funds
will be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective Funds
except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made.

      To the extent that any newly organized fund or class of shares receives,
on or before December 31, any seed capital, the net asset value of such fund(s)
or class(es) will be calculated as of December 31.


                                      133
<PAGE>   359

                         SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

      A Shareholder Investment Account is established for each investor in the
Funds, under which a record of the shares of each Fund held is maintained by
MainStay Shareholder Services LLC ("MSS"). If a share certificate is desired, it
must be requested in writing for each transaction. There is no charge to the
investor for issuance of a certificate. Whenever a transaction takes place in a
Fund (other than the Money Market Fund), the shareholder will be mailed a
confirmation showing the transaction. Shareholders will be sent a quarterly
statement showing the status of the Account. In addition, shareholders will be
sent a monthly statement for each month in which a transaction occurs.

                            SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS

      MSS may accept written requests from at least one of the owners of a
Shareholder Investment Account for the following account transactions and/or
maintenance's:

      -     dividend and capital gain changes (including moving dividends
            between account registrations);

      -     address changes;

      -     certain Systematic Investment Plan and Systematic Withdrawal Plan
            changes (including increasing or decreasing amounts and plan
            termination);

      -     exchange requests between identical registrations; and

      -     redemptions less than $100,000 to the record address only.

                 PURCHASE, REDEMPTION, EXCHANGES AND REPURCHASE

HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUNDS

GENERAL INFORMATION

      The three classes of shares each represent an interest in the same
portfolio of investments of each Fund, have the same rights and are identical in
all respects, except that, to the extent applicable, each class bears its own
service and distribution expenses and may bear incremental transfer agency costs
resulting from its sales arrangements. Each class of each Fund has exclusive
voting rights with respect to provisions of the Rule 12b-1 plan for such class
of a Fund pursuant to which its distribution and service fees are paid, and each
class has similar exchange privileges. The net income attributable to Class B
and Class C shares and the dividends payable on Class B and Class C shares will
be reduced by the amount of the higher Rule 12b-1 fee and incremental expenses
associated with such class. Likewise, the NAV of the Class B and Class C shares
generally will be reduced by such class specific expenses (to the extent the
Fund has undistributed net income) and investment performance of Class B and
Class C shares will be lower than that of Class A shares. For additional
information on the features of Class A, Class B and Class C shares, see
"Alternative Sales Arrangements."


                                      134
<PAGE>   360

BY MAIL

      Initial purchases of shares of the Funds should be made by mailing the
completed application form to the investor's Registered Representative. Shares
of any Fund, except the Money Market Fund, may be purchased at the NAV per share
next determined after receipt in good order of the purchase order by that Fund
plus any applicable sales charge. In the case of the Money Market Fund (which
seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share), the share
purchase is effected at the NAV next determined after receipt in good order of
the purchase order by MSS.

BY TELEPHONE


      For all Funds, other than the Money Market Fund, an investor may make an
initial investment by having his or her Registered Representative telephone MSS
between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Eastern time, on any day the New York Stock
Exchange is open. The purchase will be effected at the NAV per share next
determined following receipt of the telephone order as described above plus any
applicable sales charge. An application and payment must be received in good
order by MSS within three business days. All telephone calls are recorded to
protect shareholders and MSS. For a description of certain limitations on the
liability of the Funds and MSS for transactions effected by telephone, see "Know
How to Sell and Exchange Shares."


BY WIRE


      For both initial and subsequent investments, federal funds should be
wired to:


State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
ABA No.: 011 0000 28 Attn.: Custody and Shareholder Services
For Credit: MainStay ________________ Fund-Class______
Shareholder Account No.____________________________
Shareholder Registration ____________________________
DDA Account Number 99029415

      An application must be received by MSS within three business days.

      The investor's bank may charge the investor a fee for the wire. To make a
purchase effective the same day, the Registered Representative must call MSS by
12:00 noon Eastern time, and federal funds must be received by the MSS before
4:00 PM Eastern time.

      Wiring money to the Trust will reduce the time a shareholder must wait
before redeeming or exchanging shares, because when a shareholder purchases by
check or by ACH payment, the Trust may withhold payment for up to 10 days from
the date the check is received.


                                      135
<PAGE>   361

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS

      Additional investments in a Fund may be made at any time by mailing a
check payable to The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts
02266-8401. The shareholder's account number and the name of the Fund and class
of shares must be included with each investment. Purchases will be effected at
the NAV per share plus any applicable sales charge as described above.

      The Trust's officers may waive the initial and subsequent investment
minimums for certain purchases when they deem it appropriate, including, but not
limited to, purchases through certain qualified retirement plans; purchases by
the Trustees; New York Life and its subsidiaries and their employees, officers,
directors or agents; through financial services firms that have entered into an
agreement with the Funds or New York Life Distributors; New York Life employee
and agent investment plans; investments resulting from distributions by other
New York Life products and NYLIFE Distributors, Inc. products; and purchases by
certain individual participants.

SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS

      Investors whose bank is a member of the Automated Clearing House ("ACH")
may purchase shares of a Fund through AutoInvest. AutoInvest facilitates
investments by using electronic debits, authorized by the shareholder, to a
checking or savings account, for share purchases. When the authorization is
accepted (usually within two weeks of receipt) a shareholder may purchase shares
by calling MSS, toll free at 1-800-MAINSTAY (between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM,
Eastern time). The investment will be effected at the NAV per share next
determined after receipt in good order of the order, plus any applicable sales
charge, and normally will be credited to the shareholder's Fund account within
two business days thereafter. Shareholders whose bank is an ACH member also may
use AutoInvest to automatically purchase shares of a Fund on a scheduled basis
by electronic debit for an account designated by the shareholder on an
application form. The initial investment must be in accordance with the
investment amounts previously mentioned. Subsequent minimum investments are $50
monthly, $100 quarterly, $250 semiannually, or $500 annually. The investment day
may be any day from the first through the twenty-eighth of the respective month.
Redemption proceeds from Fund shares purchased by AutoInvest may not be paid
until 10 days or more after the purchase date. Fund shares may not be redeemed
by AutoInvest.

OTHER INFORMATION

      Investors may, subject to the approval of the Trust, the Distributor, the
Manager and the Subadvisor to the particular Fund, purchase shares of a Fund
with liquid securities that are eligible for purchase by that Fund and that have
a value that is readily ascertainable. These transactions will be effected only
if the Subadvisor intends to retain the security in the Fund as an investment.
The Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate this practice at any time. An
investor must call MAINSTAY at 1- 800-MAINSTAY before sending any securities.

      The Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to redeem shares of any
shareholder who has failed to provide the Trust with a certified Taxpayer I.D.
number or such other tax-related certifications as the Trust may require. A
notice of redemption, sent by first class mail to the shareholder's address of
record, will fix a date not less than 30 days after the mailing date, and shares
will be redeemed at the NAV determined as of the close of business on that date
unless a


                                      136
<PAGE>   362

certified Taxpayer I.D. number (or such other information as the Trust has
requested) has been provided.

ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS

INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE CLASS A SHARES

      The sales charge on Class A shares of the Funds is a variable percentage
of the public offering price depending upon the investment orientation of the
Fund and the amount of the sale. There is no sales charge on purchases of shares
in the Money Market Fund.


                                      137
<PAGE>   363


      The sales charge applicable to an investment in Class A shares of the Blue
Chip Growth Fund, Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Income
Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, International Equity Fund, MAP Equity Fund,
Research Value Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Strategic
Value Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund will be determined according to the
following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Sales Charge as                      Sales Charge as a Percentage of
                                       a Percentage of:                              Offering Price:
                                                          Net                                         Retained
       Amount of                Offering                Amount                Retained                 by the
        Purchase                 Price                 Invested               by Dealer              Distributor
        --------                 -----                 --------               ---------              -----------
    <S>                         <C>                    <C>                    <C>                    <C>
       Less than $50,000             5.50%                  5.82%                  4.75%                  0.75%
      $50,000 to $99,999             4.50%                  4.71%                  4.00%                  0.50%
    $100,000 to $249,999             3.50%                  3.63%                  3.00%                  0.50%
    $250,000 to $499,999             2.50%                  2.56%                  2.00%                  0.50%
    $500,000 to $999,999             2.00%                  2.04%                  1.75%                  0.25%
     $1,000,000 or more*              None                   None             See Below*                   None
</TABLE>

      The sales charge applicable to an investment in Class A shares of the
California Tax Free Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Government Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic
Income Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund will be determined according to the following
table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Sales Charge as                       Sales Charge as a Percentage of
                                         a Percentage of:                               Offering Price:
                                                           Net                                          Retained
        Amount of                 Offering               Amount                Retained                  by the
        Purchase                   Price                Invested               by Dealer              Distributor
        --------                   -----                --------               ---------              -----------
     <S>                          <C>                   <C>                 <C>                       <C>
       Less than $100,000          4.50%                  4.71%                  4.00%                   0.50%
     $100,000 to $249,999          3.50%                  3.63%                  3.00%                   0.50%
     $250,000 to $499,999          2.50%                  2.56%                  2.00%                   0.50%
     $500,000 to $999,999          2.00%                  2.04%                  1.75%                   0.25%
      $1,000,000 or more*           None                   None             See Below*                    None
</TABLE>

      The sales charge for Class A Shares of the Equity Index Fund will be
determined according to the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Sales Charge as                          Sales Charge as a Percentage of
                                       a Percentage of:                                  Offering Price:
                                                         Net                                               Retained
       Amount of                 Offering              Amount                  Retained                     by the
        Purchase                  Price               Invested                 by Dealer                 Distributor
        --------                  -----               --------                 ---------                 -----------
    <S>                          <C>                  <C>                      <C>                       <C>
      Less than $100,000          3.00%                 3.09%                      2.75%                     0.25%
    $100,000 to $249,999          2.50%                 2.56%                      2.25%                     0.25%
    $250,000 to $499,999          2.00%                 2.04%                      1.75%                     0.25%
</TABLE>



                                      138
<PAGE>   364

<TABLE>
    <S>                          <C>                  <C>                     <C>                            <C>
    $500,000 to $999,999          1.50%                 1.52%                      1.25%                     0.25%
     $1,000,000 or more*           None                  None                 See Below*                      None
</TABLE>

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

*     No sales charge applies on investments of $1 million or more, but a
      contingent deferred sales charge of 1% may be imposed on certain
      redemptions of such shares within one year of the date of purchase. See
      "Reduced Sales Charges on Class A Shares -- Contingent Deferred Sales
      Charge, Class A."


      Although an investor will not pay an initial sales charge on investments
of $1,000,000 or more, the Distributor may pay, from its own resources, a
commission to dealers on such investments. In such cases, the dealer will
receive a commission of 1.00% on the portion of a sale from $1,000,000 to
$2,999,999, 0.50% of any portion from $3,000,000 to $4,999,999 and 0.40% on any
portion of $5,000,000 or more. In addition, for commission purposes, the Trust
will treat Class A share purchases of Funds, other than the Money Market Fund,
in an amount less than $1,000,000 by defined contribution plans, other than
non-ERISA 403(b) plans and IRA plans, that are sponsored by employers with 50 or
more participants as if such purchases were equal to an amount more than
$1,000,000 but less than $2,999,999. Commissions will be calculated on a
calendar year basis. Such commissions will be paid only on those purchases that
were not previously subject to a front-end sales charge and dealer concession.


      The Distributor may allow the full sales charge to be retained by dealers.
The amount retained may be changed from time to time. The Distributor, at its
expense, also may from time to time provide additional promotional incentives to
dealers who sell Fund shares. A selected dealer who receives a reallowance in
excess of 90% of such a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under
the 1933 Act.

      Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering
price of Class A shares of the Equity Index Fund. The example assumes a purchase
of Class A shares of the Fund aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the
schedule of sales charges set forth above at a price based upon the net asset
value of Class A shares of the Fund on December 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    <S>                                                                <C>
    Net Asset Value per Class A Share
       at December 31, 1999                                            $47.36

    Per Share Sales Charge - 3.00% of
       offering price (3.09% of net asset value per share)              $1.46

    Class A Per Share Offering Price to the Public                     $48.82
</TABLE>

      The sales charge applicable to an investment in Class A shares of the
California Tax Free Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Government Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic
Income Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund will be 4.50% of the offering price per share
(4.71% of the net asset value per share). Set forth below is an example of the
method of commuting the offering price of the Class A shares of these Funds. The
example assumes a purchase of Class A shares of the California Tax Free Fund
aggregating less than $100,000 at a price based upon the net asset value of
Class A shares of the California Tax Free Fund on December 31, 1999. The
offering price of shares of each of the other listed Funds can be calculated
using the same method.


                                      139
<PAGE>   365

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    <S>                                                                   <C>
    Net Asset Value per Class A Share at December 31, 1999                $8.89

    Per Share Sales Charge - 4.50% of offering price (4.71% of net
        asset value per share)                                            $0.42

    Class A Per Share Offering Price to the Public                        $9.31
    </TABLE>

      The sales charge applicable to an investment in Class A shares of the Blue
Chip Growth Fund, Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Income
Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, International Equity Fund, MAP Equity Fund,
Research Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Strategic Value Fund, Total Return
Fund and Value Fund will be 5.50% of the offering price per share (5.82% of net
asset value per share). Set forth below is an example of the method of computing
the offering price of the Class A shares of the Funds. The example assumes a
purchase of Class A shares of the Blue Chip Growth Fund aggregating less than
$50,000 at a price based upon the net asset value of Class A shares of the Blue
Chip Growth Fund on December 31, 1999. The offering price of the Class A shares
of each of the other listed Funds can be calculated using the same method.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      <S>                                                                <C>
      Net Asset Value per Class A Share at December 31, 1999             $16.50

      Per Share Sales Charge - 5.50% of offering price
         (5.82% of net asset value per share)                             $0.96

      Class A Per Share Offering Price to the Public                     $17.46
      </TABLE>

PURCHASES AT NAV


      Purchases of Class A shares in an amount equal to $1 million or more and
purchases by certain group retirement plans will not be subject to an initial
sales charge, but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on
shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. See "Reduced Sales
Charges on Class A Shares-Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Class A."


      A Fund's Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of any
sales charge, by its Trustees; New York Life and its subsidiaries and their
employees, officers, directors or agents (and immediate family members);
employees and clients (and immediate family members) of John A. Levin & Co.
("Levin") and Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. ("DGHM"); employees (and
immediate family members) of Gabelli Asset Management Company and Markston
Investment Management LLC; and investors who are recommended by Levin or DGHM to
invest in the MainStay Funds managed by Levin or DGHM, respectively. Also, any
employee or Registered Representative of an authorized broker-dealer or other
financial services firm (and immediate family members) that has entered into an
agreement with the Funds or the Distributor and any employee of Boston Financial
Data Services that is assigned to the Fund may purchase a Fund's shares at NAV
without payment of any sales charge.

      Class A shares of the Funds also may be purchased at net asset value,
without payment of any sales charge, through financial services firms such as
broker-dealers, investment advisors and other financial institutions which have
entered into an agreement with the Funds or the


                                      140
<PAGE>   366

Distributor which provides for the sale and/or servicing of Fund shares in
respect of beneficial owners that are clients of the financial services firms or
intermediaries contracting with such firms. The Funds, the Distributor, MSS or
affiliates may pay fees to such firms and/or intermediaries in connection with
these arrangements.


GROUP RETIREMENT PLANS ESTABLISHED BEFORE MAY 1, 2000.



      In addition to otherwise applicable provisions described in the prospectus
and SAI, purchases through group retirement plans (other than non-ERISA plans
and IRA plans) in a Fund account established before May 1, 2000 may purchase
Class A shares at net asset value either when the plan sponsor has 50 employees
or the plan has an aggregate investment in shares of any class of the Funds of
$1,000,000 or more.


REDUCED SALES CHARGES ON CLASS A SHARES


      Purchases of a Fund made at one time by any "Qualified Purchaser" will be
aggregated for purposes of computing the sales charge. "Qualified Purchaser"
includes (i) an individual and his/her spouse and their children under the age
of 21; and (ii) any other organized group of persons, whether incorporated or
not, which is itself a shareholder of the Fund, including group retirement and
benefit plans (other than IRAs and non-ERISA 403(b) plans), provided the
organization has been in existence for at least six months and has some purpose
other than the purchase at a discount of redeemable securities of a registered
investment company.


LETTER OF INTENT ("LOI")

      Qualified Purchasers may obtain reduced sales charges by signing an LOI.
The LOI is a nonbinding obligation on the Qualified Purchaser to purchase the
full amount indicated in the LOI. The sales charge is based on the total amount
to be invested during a 24-month period. A 90-day back-dated period can be used
to include earlier purchases; the 24-month period would then begin on the date
of the first purchase during the 90-day period. For more information, call your
Registered Representative or MainStay at 1-800-MAINSTAY.


      On the initial purchase, if required (or, on subsequent purchases if
necessary), 5% of the dollar amount specified in the LOI will be held in escrow
by MSS in shares registered in the shareholder's name in order to assure payment
of the proper sales charge. If total purchases pursuant to the LOI (less any
dispositions and exclusive of any distribution on such shares automatically
reinvested) are less than the amount specified, the investor will be requested
to remit to the Distributor an amount equal to the difference between the sales
charge paid and the sales charge applicable to the aggregate purchases actually
made. If not remitted within 20 days after written request, an appropriate
number of escrowed shares will be redeemed in order to realize the difference.


CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE, CLASS A


      In order to recover commissions paid to dealers on qualified investments
of $1 million or more, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% may be imposed
on redemptions of such investments made within one year of the date of purchase.
Purchases of Class A shares at NAV through financial services firms or by
certain persons that are affiliated with or have a relationship with New York
Life or its affiliates (as described above) will not be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge.


      Class A shares that are redeemed will not be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge, however, to the extent that the value of such shares
represents: (1) capital appreciation of Fund assets; (2) reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions; (3) Class A shares redeemed more than
one year after their purchase; (4) withdrawals from qualified retirement plans
and nonqualified deferred compensation plans resulting from separation of
service, loans, hardship withdrawals, death, disability, QDROs and excess
contributions pursuant to applicable IRS rules;


                                      141
<PAGE>   367

and Required Minimum Distributions at age 70 1/2 for IRA and 403(b)(7) TSA
participants; (5) transfers within a retirement plan where the proceeds of the
redemption are invested in any guaranteed investment contract written by New
York Life or any of its affiliates; transfers to products offered within a
retirement plan which uses New York Life Benefit Services, Inc. or TRAC-2000 as
the recordkeeper; as well as participant transfers or rollovers from a
retirement plan to a MainStay IRA; or (6) redemptions, under the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan, used to pay scheduled monthly premiums on insurance policies
issued by New York Life or an affiliate. Class A shares of a Fund that are
purchased without an initial front-end sales charge may be exchanged for Class A
shares of another Fund without the imposition of a contingent deferred sales
charge, although, upon redemption, contingent deferred sales charges may apply
to the Class A shares that were acquired through an exchange if such shares are
redeemed within one year of the date of the initial purchase.

      The contingent deferred sales charge will be applicable to amounts
invested pursuant to a right of accumulation or an LOI to the extent that (a) an
initial front-end sales charge was not paid at the time of the purchase and (b)
any shares so purchased are redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

      For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred
sales charge generally will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case
may be, recognized upon redemption.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE, CLASS B

      A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on redemptions of Class
B shares of the Funds, in accordance with the table below, at the time of any
redemption by a shareholder which reduces the current value of the shareholder's
Class B account in any Fund to an amount which is lower than the amount of all
payments by the shareholder for the purchase of Class B shares in that Fund
during the preceding six years. However, no such charge will be imposed to the
extent that the aggregate net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed does
not exceed (a) the current aggregate net asset value of Class B shares of that
Fund purchased more than six years prior to the redemption, plus (b) the current
aggregate net asset value of Class B shares of that Fund purchased through
reinvestment of dividends or distributions, plus (c) increases in the net asset
value of the investor's Class B shares of that Fund above the total amount of
payments for the purchase of Class B shares of that Fund made during the
preceding six years.

      Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are paid to, and are
used in whole or in part by, the Distributor to defray its expenses of providing
distribution related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of the
Class B shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers and
agents. The combination of the contingent deferred sales charge and the
distribution fee facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B shares
without a sales charge being deducted at the time of purchase.

      The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, paid by a
redeeming shareholder will vary depending on the number of years from the time
of payment for the purchase of Class B shares of any Fund (other than the Money
Market Fund) until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of
determining the number of years from the time of payment for the purchase of
shares, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the first day of the month.


                                      142
<PAGE>   368


      The following table sets forth the rates of the contingent deferred sales
charge:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Contingent Deferred Sales
                                            Charge as a Percentage
           Year Since Purchase                of Amount Redeemed
              Payment Made                  Subject to the Charge
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                             <C>
           First                                     5.0%

           Second                                    4.0%
           Third                                     3.0%
           Fourth                                    2.0%
           Fifth                                     2.0%
           Sixth                                     1.0%
           Thereafter                                None
</TABLE>

      In determining the rate of any applicable contingent deferred sales
charge, it will be assumed that a redemption is made of shares held by the
shareholder for the longest period of time. This will result in any such charge
being imposed at the lowest possible rate.

      The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in connection with the
following redemptions: (i) withdrawals from qualified retirement plans and
nonqualified deferred compensation plans resulting from separation of service,
loans, hardship withdrawals, QDROs and excess contributions pursuant to
applicable IRS rules; and Required Minimum Distributions at age 70 1/2 for IRA
and 403(b) TSA participants; (ii) withdrawals related to the termination of a
retirement plan where no successor plan has been established; (iii) transfers
within a retirement plan where the proceeds of the redemption are invested in
any guaranteed investment contract written by New York Life or any of its
affiliates, transfers to products offered within a retirement plan which uses
New York Life Benefit Services, Inc. as the recordkeeper; as well as participant
transfers or rollovers from a retirement plan to a MainStay IRA; (iv) required
distributions by charitable trusts under Section 664 of the Code; (v)
redemptions following the death of the shareholder or the beneficiary of a
living revocable trust or within one year following the disability of a
shareholder occurring subsequent to the purchase of shares; (vi) redemptions
under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan used to pay scheduled monthly premiums on
insurance policies issued by New York Life or an affiliate; (vii) continuing,
periodic monthly or quarterly withdrawals, under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan,
up to an annual total of 10% of the value of a shareholder's Class B shares in a
Fund; (viii) redemptions by New York Life or any of its affiliates or by
accounts managed by New York Life or any of its affiliates; (ix) redemptions
effected by registered investment companies by virtue of transactions with a
Fund; and (x) redemptions by shareholders of shares purchased with the proceeds
of a settlement payment made in connection with the liquidation and dissolution
of a limited partnership sponsored by New York Life or one of its affiliates.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on such sales or redemptions to
promote goodwill and because the sales effort, if any, involved in making such
sales is negligible.

      ADDITIONAL CDSC WAIVERS APPLICABLE TO ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED BEFORE JANUARY
1, 1998. In addition to the categories outlined above, the CDSC will be waived
in connection with the following redemptions of Class B shares by accounts
established before January 1, 1998: (i) withdrawals from IRS qualified and
nonqualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, tax sheltered
accounts, and deferred compensation plans, where such withdrawals are permitted
under the terms of the plan or account (e.g., attainment of age 59 1/2,
separation from


                                      143
<PAGE>   369

service, death, disability, loans, hardships, withdrawals of excess
contributions pursuant to applicable IRS rules, withdrawals based on life
expectancy under applicable IRS rules); (ii) preretirement transfers or
rollovers within a retirement plan where the proceeds of the redemption are
invested in proprietary products offered or distributed by New York Life or its
affiliates; (iii) living revocable trusts on the death of the beneficiary; (iv)
redemptions made within one year following the death or disability or a
shareholder; (v) redemptions by directors, Trustees, officers and employees (and
immediate family members) of the Trust and of New York Life and its affiliates
where no commissions have been paid; (vi) redemptions by employees of any dealer
which has a soliciting dealer agreement with the Distributor, and by any trust,
pension, profit-sharing or benefit plan for the benefit of such persons where no
commissions have been paid; (vii) redemptions by tax-exempt employee benefit
plans resulting from the adoption or promulgation of any law or regulation;
(viii) redemptions by any state, country or city, or any instrumentality,
department, authority or agency thereof and by trust companies and bank trust
departments; and (ix) transfers to (a) other funding vehicles sponsored or
distributed by New York Life or an affiliated company, or (b) guaranteed
investment contracts, regardless of the sponsor, within a retirement plan.

      Shareholders should notify MSS, the Funds' transfer agent, at the time of
requesting such redemptions that they are eligible for a waiver of the
contingent deferred sales charge. Class B shares upon which the contingent
deferred sales charge may be waived may not be resold, except to the Trust.
Shareholders who are making withdrawals from retirement plans and accounts or
other tax-sheltered or tax-deferred accounts should consult their tax advisers
regarding the tax consequences of such withdrawals.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE, CLASS C

      A contingent deferred sales charge of 1% of the net asset value of Class C
shares will be imposed on redemptions of Class C shares of the Funds at the time
of any redemption by a shareholder which reduces the current value of the
shareholder's Class C account in any Fund to an amount which is lower than the
amount of all payments by the shareholder for the purchase of Class C shares in
that Fund during the preceding one year. However, no such charge will be imposed
to the extent that the net asset value of the Class C shares redeemed does not
exceed (a) the current aggregate net asset value of Class C shares of that Fund
purchased more than one year prior to the redemption, plus (b) the current
aggregate net asset value of Class C shares of that Fund purchased through
reinvestment of dividends, or distributions, plus (c) increases in the net asset
value of the investor's Class C shares of that Fund above the total amount of
payments for the purchase of Class C shares of that Fund made during the
preceding one year.

      Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are paid to, and are
used in whole or in part by, the Distributor to defray its expenses related to
providing distribution related services to the Funds in connection with the sale
of the Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers
and agents. The combination of the contingent deferred sales charge and the
distribution fee facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the Class C shares
without a sales charge being deducted at the time of purchase.

REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES

      Shares may be redeemed directly from a Fund or through your Registered
Representative. Shares redeemed will be valued at the NAV per share next
determined after MSS receives the redemption request in "good order." "Good
order" with respect to a redemption request generally


                                      144
<PAGE>   370

means that for certificated shares, a stock power or certificate must be
endorsed, and for uncertificated shares a letter must be signed by the record
owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered, and the signature(s) must be
guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution. In cases where redemption is
requested by a corporation, partnership, trust, fiduciary or any other person
other than the record owner, written evidence of authority acceptable to MSS
must be submitted before the redemption request will be accepted. The
requirement for a signed letter may be waived on a redemption of $100,000 or
less which is payable to the shareholder(s) of record and mailed to the address
of record, or under such other circumstances as the Trust may allow. Send your
written request to The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, MA 02266-8401.

      Upon the redemption of shares the redeeming Fund will make payment in
cash, except as described below, of the net asset value of the shares next
determined after such redemption request was received, less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge.

      In times when the volume of telephone redemptions and exchanges is heavy,
additional phone lines will be added by MSS. However, in times of very large
economic or market changes, redemptions and exchanges may be difficult to
implement by the telephone. When calling MSS to make a telephone redemption or
exchange, shareholders should have available their account number and Social
Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers.

      The value of the shares redeemed from a Fund may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on portfolio performance during the period the
shareholder owned the shares.

REDEMPTION BY CHECK

      The Money Market Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank")
each reserve the right at any time to suspend the procedure permitting
redemption by check and intend to do so in the event that federal legislation or
regulations impose reserve requirements or other restrictions deemed by the
Trustees to be adverse to the interest of other shareholders of the Money Market
Fund. Shareholders who arrange to have checkwriting privileges will be subject
to the rules and regulations of the Bank pertaining to this checkwriting
privilege as amended from time to time. The applicable rules and regulations
will be made available by the Bank upon request when a shareholder establishes
checkwriting privileges.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN

      MSS acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and
fractional shares to provide the amount of the systematic withdrawal payment and
any contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. See the Prospectus for more
information.


                                      145
<PAGE>   371

DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND

      The Trust has agreed to redeem shares of each Fund solely in cash up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any
90-day period for any one shareholder. The Trust reserves the right to pay other
redemptions, either total or partial, by a distribution in kind of securities
(instead of cash) from the applicable Fund's portfolio. The securities
distributed in such a distribution would be valued at the same value as that
assigned to them in calculating the NAV of the shares being redeemed. If a
shareholder receives a distribution in kind, he or she should expect to incur
transaction costs when he or she converts the securities to cash.

SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS

      The Trust may suspend the right of redemption of shares of any Fund and
may postpone payment for any period: (i) during which the New York Stock
Exchange is closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during
which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (ii) when the SEC
determines that a state of emergency exists which may make payment or transfer
not reasonably practicable; (iii) as the SEC may by order permit for the
protection of the security holders of the Trust; or (iv) at any other time when
the Trust may, under applicable laws and regulations, suspend payment on the
redemption or repurchase of its shares.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES

      Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next determined
following receipt of a properly executed exchange request.


      Subject to the conditions and limitations described herein, Class A, Class
B and Class C shares of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of an identical class
of a MainStay Fund qualified for sale in the state of residence of the investor
or where an exemption from qualification is available and only with respect to
Funds that are available for sale to new investors. All exchanges are subject
to a minimum investment requirement. An exchange may be made by either writing
to MSS at the following address: The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston,
Massachusetts 02266-8401, or by calling MSS at 1-800-MAINSTAY (8:00 AM to 6:00
PM Eastern time).



      Any exchanges between a Fund and MainStay Equity Index Fund will be
subject to the conditions applicable to Class A share exchanges described
herein. No exchange privilege between Class B or Class C shares of the Funds
and MainStay Equity Index Fund is offered.


INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE THEY PLACE AN EXCHANGE
REQUEST.

      Generally, shareholders may exchange their Class A shares of a Fund for
Class A shares of another MainStay Fund, without the imposition of a sales
charge. Any such exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next
determined following receipt of a properly executed exchange request. However,
where a shareholder seeks to exchange Class A shares of the Money Market Fund
for Class A shares of another MainStay Fund which are subject to a front-


                                      146
<PAGE>   372

end sales charge, the applicable sales charge will be imposed on the exchange
unless the shareholder has previously paid a sales charge with respect to such
shares.


      Class B and Class C shares of a Fund may be exchanged for the same class
of shares of another MainStay Fund at the NAV next determined following receipt
of a properly executed exchange request, without the payment of a contingent
deferred sales charge; the sales charge will be assessed, if applicable, when
the shareholder redeems his or her shares without a corresponding purchase of
shares of another MainStay Fund. For purposes of determining the length of time
a shareholder owned Class B or Class C shares prior to redemption or repurchase
in order to determine the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, if any,
shares will be deemed to have been held from the date of original purchase of
the shares, regardless of exchanges into other Funds. However, where a
shareholder previously exchanged his or her Class B or Class C shares into the
Money Market Fund from another MainStay Fund, the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge will be assessed when the shares are redeemed from the
Money Market Fund even though the Money Market Fund does not otherwise assess a
contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions. Class B and Class C shares of
a Fund acquired as a result of subsequent investments, except reinvested
dividends and distributions, will be subject to the contingent deferred sales
charge when ultimately redeemed or repurchased without purchasing shares of
another MainStay Fund. In addition, if Class B or Class C shares of a Fund are
exchanged into Class B or Class C shares of the Money Market Fund, the holding
period for purposes of determining the contingent deferred sales charge (and
conversion into Class A shares with respect to Class B shares) stops until the
shares are exchanged back into Class B or Class C shares, as applicable, of
another MainStay Fund.


      Under the telephone exchange privilege, shares may only be exchanged among
accounts with identical names, addresses and Social Security or Taxpayer I.D.
numbers. Shares may be transferred among accounts with different names,
addresses and Social Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers only if the exchange
request is in writing and is received in "good order." If the dealer permits,
the dealer representative of record may initiate telephone exchanges on behalf
of a shareholder, unless the shareholder notifies the Fund in writing not to
permit such exchanges.

      It is the policy of The MainStay Funds to discourage frequent trading by
shareholders among the Funds in response to market fluctuations. Accordingly, in
order to maintain a stable asset base in each Fund and to reduce administrative
expenses borne by each Fund, except for systematic exchanges, exchanges
processed via MainStay's automated system and as to certain accounts for which
tracking data is not available, after five exchanges per calendar year a $10 fee
will be imposed on each trade date on which a shareholder makes an exchange and
additional exchange requests may be denied.

      For federal income tax purposes, an exchange is treated as a sale on which
an investor may realize a gain or loss. See "Understand the Tax Consequences"
for information concerning the federal income tax treatment of a disposition of
shares.

      The exchange privilege may be modified or withdrawn at any time upon prior
notice.

DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS FOR EQUITY INDEX FUND

      For the Equity Index Fund, Distributions will be paid in additional shares
based on the NAV at the close of business on the payment date of the
distribution, unless the shareholder elects to receive such distributions in
cash. Receipt of dividends in cash by a shareholder will


                                      147
<PAGE>   373

have the effect of reducing the number of Guaranteed Shares held by that
shareholder, and, therefore, the value of the Guarantee to that shareholder. If,
however, the Fund pays a dividend in cash to all shareholders for the purpose of
assuring the Fund's compliance with applicable provisions of the Code, any such
amounts paid in cash will reduce the Guaranteed Amount applicable to each
Guaranteed Share in the amount of the dividend paid.

      For shareholder convenience in monitoring the number and value of a
shareholder's Guaranteed Shares, the Fund currently intends, through reverse
share splits, to combine any additional shares received by a shareholder as
dividends and distributions from the Fund with each originally purchased share
of the Fund to which such dividends and distributions relate, so that a
Guaranteed Share of the Fund will mean a single share of the Fund as purchased
and include in its NAV the value of all dividends and distributions attributable
to such originally purchased share and paid up to that point in time. Following
a reverse share split, a shareholder who has elected to reinvest dividends and
distributions from the Fund will hold the same number of Guaranteed Shares in
the Fund as the shareholder held prior to the reverse share split, but each
share will have a higher NAV (reflecting the added value of the dividends paid).
Shareholders who elect to receive their dividends and distributions from the
Fund in cash will, following a reverse share split, own fewer Guaranteed Shares
of the Fund, but those shares will have the same higher per share NAV as all
other Fund shares. IN EITHER CASE, THE OVERALL VALUE OF A SHAREHOLDER'S
INVESTMENT IN THE FUND WILL BE UNAFFECTED BY A REVERSE SHARE SPLIT. If reverse
share splits are not authorized, a Guaranteed Share shall mean, on a given date,
that number of shares of the Fund that a shareholder would hold on that date if
he had bought a single share and then held it, plus all shares issued as
dividends and distributions attributable to such share through the Guarantee
Date. This single share and all other shares issued through the reinvestment of
any dividends and distributions attributable to such share will be treated as a
single unit to which the Guaranteed Amount will apply as described above for a
Guaranteed Share. Shareholders who elect to receive dividends and distributions
in cash would hold fewer shares of the Fund and, consequently, fewer units as to
which the Guaranteed Amount would apply. Equity Index Fund shares may be
redeemed by shareholders prior to their Guaranteed Date. However, any such
redeemed shares will lose the benefit of the Guarantee. Redemptions will be made
of shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time. For more
information regarding the redemption procedures for the Equity Index Fund, see
"Additional Information About Certain Funds -- The Equity Index Fund Guarantee."

      Within seven days after acceptance of a redemption request, the Equity
Index Fund is required to make payment of the NAV of the shares on the date the
order was received in proper form, except that where a request is made at least
30 days prior to a dividend or distribution record date to redeem the dividend
shares immediately upon issuance (to effectively receive the dividend in cash),
redemption and payment will occur at that time.

                          TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS

CASH OR DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING PLANS UNDER SECTION 401(k) FOR CORPORATIONS AND
SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS

      Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be purchased as an investment under a
specimen cash or deferred profit sharing plan intended to qualify under Section
401(k) of the Code (a "401(k) Plan") adopted by a corporation, a self-employed
individual (including sole proprietors and


                                      148
<PAGE>   374

partnerships), or other organization. All Funds, except the California Tax Free
Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may be used as funding
vehicles for qualified retirement plans including 401(k) plans, which may be
administered by third-party administrator organizations. NYLIFE Distributors
does not sponsor or administer such qualified plans at this time.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT ("IRA")

      Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be purchased as an underlying investment
for an IRA made available by NYLIFE Distributors. Three types of IRAs are
available -- a traditional IRA, the Roth IRA and the Education IRA.

      An individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of his or her earned income
to a traditional IRA. A married individual filing a joint return may also
contribute to a traditional IRA for a nonworking spouse. The maximum deduction
allowed for a contribution to a spousal IRA is the lesser of (i) $2,000 or (ii)
the sum of (a) the compensation includible in the working spouse's gross income
plus (b) any compensation includible in the gross income of the nonworking
spouse, reduced by the amount of the deduction taken by the working spouse. The
maximum deduction for an IRA contribution by a married couple is $4,000.

      An individual who has not attained age 70-1/2 may make a contribution to a
traditional IRA which is deductible for federal income tax purposes. For the
1999 tax year, a contribution is deductible only if the individual (and his or
her spouse, if applicable) has an adjusted gross income below a certain level
($51,000 for married individuals filing a joint return, with a phase-out of the
deduction for adjusted gross income between $51,000 and $61,000; $31,000 for a
single individual, with a phase-out for adjusted gross income between $31,000
and $41,000). These phase-out limits will gradually increase, eventually
reaching $50,000 - $60,000 for single filers in 2005 and thereafter (and
reaching $80,000 - $100,000 if married filing jointly in 2007 and thereafter).
In addition, a married individual may make a deductible IRA contribution even
though the individual's spouse is an active participant in a qualified
employer's retirement plan, subject to a phase-out for adjusted gross income
between $150,000 - $160,000 ($0-$10,000 for non-participant spouses filing a
separate return). However, an individual not permitted to make a deductible
contribution to an IRA may nonetheless make nondeductible contributions up to
the maximum contribution limit for that year. The deductibility of IRA
contributions under state law varies from state to state.

      Distributions from IRAs (to the extent they are not treated as a tax-free
return of nondeductible contributions) are taxable under federal income tax laws
as ordinary income. There are special rules for determining how withdrawals are
to be taxed if an IRA contains both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In
general, all traditional IRAs are aggregated and treated as one IRA, all
withdrawals are treated as one withdrawal, and then a proportionate amount of
the withdrawal will be deemed to be made from nondeductible contributions;
amounts treated as a return of nondeductible contributions will not be taxable.
Certain early withdrawals are subject to an additional penalty tax. However,
there are exceptions for certain withdrawals, including: withdrawals up to a
total of $10,000 for qualified first-time homebuyer expenses or withdrawals used
to pay "qualified higher education expenses" of the taxpayer or his or her
spouse, child or grandchild. There are also special rules governing when IRA
distributions must begin and the minimum amount of such distributions; failure
to comply with these rules can result in the imposition of an excise tax.


                                      149
<PAGE>   375

      Roth IRAs. Roth IRAs are a form of individual retirement account which
feature nondeductible contributions that may be made even after the individual
attains the age of 70-1/2. In certain cases, distributions from a Roth IRA may
be tax free. The Roth IRA, like the traditional IRA, is subject to a $2,000
($4,000 for a married couple) contribution limit (taking into account both Roth
IRA and traditional IRA contributions). The maximum contribution that can be
made is phased-out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income between $95,000 and
$110,000 ($150,000 - $160,000 if married filing jointly). If the Roth IRA has
been in effect for five years, and distributions are (1) made on or after the
individual attains the age of 59-1/2; (2) made after the individual's death; (3)
attributable to disability; or (4) used for "qualified first-time home buyer
expenses," they are not taxable. If these requirements are not met,
distributions are treated first as a return of contributions and then as taxable
earnings. Taxable distributions may be subject to the same excise tax described
above with respect to traditional IRAs. All Roth IRAs, like traditional IRAs,
are treated as one IRA for this purpose. Unlike the traditional IRA, Roth IRAs
are not subject to minimum distribution requirements during the account owner's
lifetime. However, the amount in a Roth IRA is subject to required distribution
rules after the death of the account owner.

      Education IRAs. A taxpayer may make non-deductible contributions of up to
$500 per year per beneficiary to an Education IRA. Contributions cannot be made
after the beneficiary becomes 18 years old. The maximum contribution is phased
out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000
($150,000 - $160,000 if married filing jointly). Earnings are tax-deferred until
a distribution is made. If a distribution does not exceed the beneficiary's
"qualified higher education expenses" for the year, no part of the distribution
is taxable. If part of a distribution is taxable, a penalty tax will generally
apply as well. Any balance remaining in an Education IRA when the beneficiary
becomes 30 years old must be distributed and any earnings will be taxable and
subject to a penalty tax upon distribution.

      All income and capital gains deriving from IRA investments in the Fund are
reinvested and compounded tax-deferred until distributed from the IRA. The
combination of annual contributions to a traditional IRA, which may be
deductible, and tax-deferred compounding can lead to substantial retirement
savings. Similarly, the combination of tax free distributions from a Roth IRA or
Education IRA combined with tax-deferred compounded earnings on IRA investments
can lead to substantial retirement and/or education savings.

403(b)(7) TAX SHELTERED ACCOUNT

      Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be purchased as the underlying investment
for tax sheltered custodial accounts (403(b)(7) TSA plans) made available by
NYLIFE Distributors. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations described
in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code (such as hospitals, churches, religious,
scientific, or literary organizations and educational institutions) or a public
school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)(7) TSA plan.

GENERAL INFORMATION

      Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing, pension, and other retirement plans, IRAs, and tax-deferred annuities
other than those offered by the Fund depending on the provisions of the relevant
plan. Third-party administrative services, available for some corporate plans,
may limit or delay the processing of transactions.


                                      150
<PAGE>   376

      The custodial agreements and forms provided by the Funds' Custodian and
Transfer Agent designate New York Life Trust Company as custodian for IRAs and
403(b)(7) TSA plans (unless another trustee or custodian is designated by the
individual or group establishing the plan) and contain specific information
about the plans. Each plan provides that dividends and distributions will be
reinvested automatically. For further details with respect to any plan,
including fees charged by New York Life Trust Company, tax consequences and
redemption information, see the specific documents for that plan.

      The federal tax laws applicable to retirement plans, IRAs and 403(b)(7)
TSA plans are extremely complex and change from time to time. Therefore, an
investor should consult with his or her own professional tax adviser before
establishing any of the tax-deferred retirement plans described above.

                      CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS

      From time to time, quotations of the Money Market Fund's "yield" and
"effective yield" may be included in advertisements or communications to
shareholders. These performance figures are calculated in the following manner:

      A. Yield -- the net annualized yield based on a specified seven-calendar
day period calculated at simple interest rates. Yield is calculated by
determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a
hypothetical preexisting account having a balance of one share at the beginning
of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from
shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value of the account at
the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period return. The yield is
annualized by multiplying the base period return by 365/7. The yield figure is
stated to the nearest hundredth of one percent. The yield of the Class A, Class
B and Class C shares of the Money Market Fund for the seven-day period ended
December 31, 1999 was 5.24%, 5.24% and 5.24%, respectively.

      B. Effective Yield -- the net annualized yield for a specified
seven-calendar day period assuming a reinvestment of dividends (compounding).
Effective yield is calculated by the same method as yield except the yield
figure is compounded by adding one, raising the sum to a power equal to 365
divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, according to the following
formula: Effective Yield = [(Base Period Return + 1) 365/7] - 1. The effective
yield of the Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Money Market Fund for
the seven-day period ended December 31, 1999 was 5.38%, 5.38% and 5.38%,
respectively.

      The yield and effective yield of the Money Market Fund reflect the
reduction of certain fees otherwise payable and voluntary expense limitations.
Had there been no reduction of fees or expense limitations, the yield and
effective yield of the Money Market Fund would have been 5.08% and 5.21%,
respectively, for Class A shares, 5.08% and 5.21%, respectively, for Class B
shares and 5.08% and 5.21%, respectively, for Class C shares for the seven-day
period ended December 31, 1999.

      As described above, yield and effective yield are based on historical
earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. The "effective
yield" will be slightly higher than the "yield" because of the compounding
effect of the assumed reinvestment of dividends. Yield and effective yield will
vary based on changes in market conditions and the level of expenses.


                                      151
<PAGE>   377

      From time to time a Fund, other than the Money Market Fund, may publish
its yield and/or average annual total return in advertisements and
communications to shareholders. Total return and yield are computed separately
for Class A and Class B shares. The average annual total return of each Fund is
determined for a particular period by calculating the actual dollar amount of
the investment return on a $1,000 investment in the Fund made at the maximum
public offering price at the beginning of the period, and then calculating the
annual compounded rate of return which would produce that amount. Total return
for a period of one year is equal to the actual return of the Fund during that
period and reflects fee waivers and reimbursements in effect for each period.
This calculation assumes a complete redemption of the investment and the
deduction of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge at the end of the
period in the case of Class B shares. In the case of Class A shares, the
calculation assumes the maximum sales charge is deducted from the initial $1,000
purchase order. It also assumes that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The
performance information shown below for the period ended December 31, 1999
provides performance figures for both Class A and Class B shares of the Funds,
except in the case of the Equity Index Fund which offers only one class of
shares, Class A shares.

      In considering any average annual total return quotation, investors should
remember that the maximum initial sales charge reflected in each quotation for
Class A shares is a one-time fee which will have its greatest impact during the
early stages of an investor's investment in the Fund. The actual performance of
your investment will be affected less by this charge the longer you retain your
investment in the Fund.

      Quotations of each Fund's average annual total return will be calculated
according to the following SEC formula:

      P(1+T)(n) = ERV

where:

      P  =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

      T  =  average annual total return

      ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the 1, 5 or 10-year periods at the end of the 1, 5, or 10-year
periods (or fractional portion thereof)

      Each Fund may quote total rates of return in addition to its average
annual total return. Such quotations are computed in the same manner as the
average annual compounded rate, except that such quotations will be based on a
Fund's actual return for a specified period as opposed to its average return
over 1, 5, and 10-year periods. In considering any total rate of return
quotation, investors should remember that the maximum initial sales charge
reflected in each quotation for Class A shares is a one-time fee which will have
its greatest impact during the early stages of an investor's investment in the
Fund. The actual performance of your investment will be affected less by this
charge the longer you retain your investment in the Fund.

      The average annual total returns of the Class A shares of the following
Funds for the 1-year and, as applicable, 5-year and 10-year periods ended
December 31, 1999 and the period from inception to December 31, 1999 were as
follows:*


                                      152
<PAGE>   378

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Average
                                             Year     Five Years    Ten Years        Annual
                                            Ended        Ended        Ended           Total        Inception
Fund                                       12/31/99    12/31/99     12/31/99        Return(a)         Date
- ----                                       --------    --------     --------        ---------         ----
<S>                                        <C>         <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund                        33.96%          --           --           32.32%        6/1/98
California Tax Free Fund                   (10.98)%       3.80%           --            4.36%       10/1/91
Capital Appreciation Fund (b)                18.03%      26.97%       21.84%           17.22%        5/1/86
Convertible Fund (b)                         26.54%      14.63%       14.31%           10.91%        5/1/86
Equity Income Fund                           18.23%          --           --           13.92%        6/1/98
Equity Index Fund                            16.39%      26.66%           --           19.13%      12/20/90
Global High Yield Fund                       12.84%          --           --          (3.60)%        6/1/98
Government Fund (b)                         (7.18)%       5.42%        5.36%            5.96%        5/1/86
Growth Opportunities Fund                    22.54%          --           --           26.57%        6/1/98
High Yield Corporate
  Bond Fund (b)                               5.36%      11.04%       11.95%            9.84%        5/1/86
International Bond Fund (b)                (12.35)%       6.13%           --            5.81%       9/13/94
International Equity Fund (b)                20.53%      11.83%           --           10.63%       9/13/94
MAP Equity Fund (c)                              --          --           --               --        6/9/99
New York Tax Free Fund                      (9.48)%       4.32%           --            4.77%       10/1/91
Research Value Fund                          11.84%          --           --            9.33%        6/1/98
Small Cap Growth Fund                        96.19%          --           --           57.81%        6/1/98
Small Cap Value Fund                          0.27%          --           --          (6.07)%        6/1/98
Strategic Income Fund                       (2.30)%          --           --            3.27%       2/28/97

Strategic Value Fund                          7.35%          --           --            5.45%      10/22/97
Tax Free Bond Fund (b)                     (10.94)%       3.97%        4.72%            5.10%        5/1/86
Total Return Fund (b)                         10.05      19.20%       14.48%           13.96%      12/29/87
Value Fund (b)                                2.37%      12.63%       12.53%           10.76%        5/1/86
</TABLE>

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

*     Assumes the deduction of the maximum applicable initial sales charge.

(a)   From inception to 12/31/99.

(b)   Performance figures for the Funds' Class A shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class B shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on differences
in their expense structures.

(c)   Class A shares of the Fund have been offered since June 9, 1999. Total
return information for the Fund's Class I shares is as follows: 1 year: 6.85%, 5
years: 22.89%, 10 years, 15.41%. Class I shares have lower expenses and Class A
shares include a 4.75% sales load. Performance figures for the Class I shares
reflect the performance of the Funds predecessor entities as described in the
Prospectus.

      The average annual total returns of the Class B shares of the following
Funds for the 1-year and, as applicable, 5-year and 10-year periods ended
December 31, 1999, and the period from inception to December 31, 1999 were as
follows:*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Average
                                         Year       Five Years    Ten Years         Annual
                                        Ended         Ended         Ended            Total         Inception
           Fund                        12/31/99      12/31/99      12/31/99        Return(a)          Date
           ----                        --------      --------      --------        ---------          ----
<S>                                    <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund                    35.78%            --            --           34.11%          6/1/98
</TABLE>


                                      153
<PAGE>   379

<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>
California Tax Free Fund (b)           (11.59)%         4.17%            --            4.79%         10/1/91
Capital Appreciation Fund                18.90%        27.47%        22.15%           17.44%          5/1/86
Convertible Fund                         27.90%        14.94%        14.57%           11.10%          5/1/86
Equity Income Fund                       19.16%            --            --           14.86%          6/1/98
Global High Yield Fund                   12.01%            --            --          (4.19)%          6/1/98
Government Fund                         (8.42)%         5.35%         5.49%            6.05%          5/1/86
Growth Opportunities Fund                23.80%            --            --           28.03%          6/1/98
High Yield Corporate
  Bond Fund                               4.51%        11.10%        12.10%            9.95%          5/1/86
International Bond Fund                (13.49)%         6.06%            --            5.89%         9/13/94
International Equity Fund                21.60%        12.01%            --           10.91%         9/13/94
MAP Equity Fund (c)                          --            --            --              --           6/9/99
New York Tax Free Fund (b)              (10.23)%        4.67%            --            5.18%         10/1/91
Research Value Fund                      12.56%            --            --           10.11%          6/1/98
Small Cap Growth Fund                   101.02%            --            --           60.35%          6/1/98
Small Cap Value Fund                      0.35%            --            --          (5.76)%          6/1/98
Strategic Income Fund                   (3.46)%            --            --            3.19%         2/28/97
Strategic Value Fund                      7.64%            --            --            6.11%        10/22/97
Tax Free Bond Fund                     (11.61)%         4.39%         5.10%            5.38%          5/1/86
Total Return Fund                        10.60%        19.64%        14.78%           14.22%        12/29/87
Value Fund                                2.51%        12.94%        12.81%           10.96%          5/1/86
</TABLE>

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

*     Assumes a complete redemption at the end of the period and the deduction
of the maximum applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

(a)   From inception to 12/31/99.

(b)   Performance figures for the Funds' Class B shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class A shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on differences
in their expense structures.

(c)   Class B shares of the Fund have been offered since June 9, 1999. Total
return information for the Fund's Class I shares is as follows: 1 year: 6.85%, 5
years: 22.89%, 10 years, 15.41%. Class I shares have lower expenses than Class A
shares and do not include a 4.75% sales load. Performance figures for the Class
I shares reflect the performance of the Funds predecessor entities as described
in the Prospectus.

                                      154
<PAGE>   380

       The average annual total returns of the Class C shares of the following
Funds for the 1-year and, as applicable, 5-year and 10-year periods ended
December 31, 1999, and the period from inception to December 31, 1999 were as
follows:*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     Average
                                                     Year          Five Years       Ten Years         Annual
                                                     Ended            Ended           Ended            Total           Inception
Fund                                               12/31/99         12/31/99         12/31/99        Return(a)            Date
- ----                                               --------         --------         --------        ---------            ----
<S>                                                <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>

Blue Chip Growth Fund                                39.78%               --              --            36.23%            6/1/98
California Tax Free Fund                            (7.87)%            4.51%              --             4.79%           10/1/99
Capital Appreciation Fund                            22.90%           27.62%          22.15%            17.44%            5/1/86
Convertible Fund                                     31.90%           15.17%          14.57%            11.10%            5/1/86
Equity Income Fund                                   23.16%               --              --            17.17%            6/1/98
Global High Yield Fund                               16.01%               --              --           (1.69)%            6/1/98
Government Fund                                     (4.56)%            5.68%           5.49%             6.05%            5/1/86
Growth Opportunities Fund                            27.80%               --              --            30.20%            6/1/98
High Yield Corporate
  Bond Fund                                           8.51%           11.36%          12.10%             9.95%            5/1/86
International Bond Fund                             (9.85)%            6.37%              --             6.03%           9/13/94
International Equity Fund                            25.60%           12.26%              --            11.03%           9/13/94
MAP Equity Fund (b)                                      --               --              --                --            6/9/99
New York Tax Free Fund                              (6.45)%            5.01%              --             5.18%           10/1/91
Research Value Fund                                  16.56%               --              --            12.47%            6/1/98
Small Cap Growth Fund                               105.02%               --              --            62.26%            6/1/98
Small Cap Value Fund                                  4.35%               --              --           (3.30)%            6/1/98
Strategic Income Fund                                 0.54%               --              --             4.18%           2/28/97
Strategic Value Fund                                 11.64%               --              --             7.37%          10/22/97
Tax Free Bond Fund                                  (7.89)%            4.72%           5.10%             5.38%            5/1/86
Total Return Fund                                    14.60%           19.83%          14.78%            14.22%          12/29/87
Value Fund                                            6.51%           13.19%          12.81%            10.96%            5/1/86
</TABLE>

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

*      Assumes a complete redemption at the end of the period and the deduction
of the maximum applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Performance figures
for the Funds' Class C shares (for all Funds except MAP Equity Fund), first
offered to the public on September 1, 1998, include the historical performance
of the Funds' Class B shares for the period from inception through August 31,
1998 Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on
differences in their expense structures.

(a)    From inception to 12/31/99.

(b)    Class C shares of the Fund have been offered since June 9, 1999. Total
return information for the Fund's Class I shares is as follows: 1 year: 6.85%, 5
years: 22.89%, 10 years, 15.41%. Class I shares have lower expenses than Class A
shares and include a 4.75% sales load. Performance figures for the Class I
shares reflect the performance of the Funds predecessor entities as described in
the Prospectus.


    The average annual total returns of the Class A shares of the following
Funds for the 1-year and as applicable, 5-year and 10-year periods ended
December 31, 1999, and the period from



                                      155


<PAGE>   381


inception to December 31, 1999, without deducting the applicable initial sales
charge were as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     Average
                                                       Year        Five Years      Ten Years         Annual
                                                      Ended           Ended          Ended            Total           Inception
Fund                                                12/31/99        12/31/99       12/31/99         Return(a)            Date
- ----                                                --------        --------       --------         ---------            ----
<S>                                                <C>             <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>

Blue Chip Growth Fund                                 41.75%              --             --            37.12%            6/1/98
California Tax Free Fund                             (6.79)%           4.77%             --             4.95%           10/1/91
Capital Appreciation Fund (b)                         24.90%          28.42%         22.53%            17.71%            5/1/86
Convertible Fund (b)                                  33.91%          15.93%         14.95%            11.37%            5/1/86
Equity Income Fund                                    25.11%              --             --            18.05%            6/1/98
Equity Index Fund                                     19.99%          27.44%             --            19.53%          12/20/90
Global High Yield Fund                                18.15%              --             --           (0.76)%            6/1/98
Government Fund (b)                                  (2.81)%           6.39%          5.85%             6.31%            5/1/86
Growth Opportunities Fund                             29.67%              --             --            31.17%            6/1/98
High Yield Corporate
  Bond Fund (b)                                       10.33%          12.07%         12.46%            10.21%            5/1/86
International Bond Fund (b)                          (8.22)%           7.11%             --             6.73%           9/13/94
International Equity Fund (b)                         27.54%          13.11%             --            11.82%           9/13/94
MAP Equity Fund (c)                                       --              --             --                --            6/9/99
New York Tax Free Fund                               (5.22)%           5.29%             --             5.35%           10/1/91
Research Value Fund                                   18.35%              --             --            13.30%            6/1/98
Small Cap Growth Fund                                107.61%              --             --            63.54%            6/1/98
Small Cap Value Fund                                   6.11%              --             --           (2.66)%            6/1/98
Strategic Income Fund                                  2.30%              --             --             4.96%           2/28/97
Strategic Value Fund                                  13.59%              --             --             8.21%          10/22/97
Tax Free Bond Fund (b)                               (6.75)%           4.93%          5.20%             5.45%            5/1/86
Total Return Fund (b)                                 16.46%          20.55%         15.13%            14.50%          12/29/87
Value Fund (b)                                         8.33%          13.91%         13.17%            11.22%            5/1/86
</TABLE>

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

(a)    From inception to 12/31/99.

(b)    Performance figures for the Funds' Class A shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class B shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on differences
in their expense structures.

(c)    Class A shares of the Fund have been offered since June 9, 1999. Total
return information for the Fund's Class I shares is as follows: 1 year: 12.18%,
5 years: 24.09%, 10 years, 15.98%. Class I shares have lower expenses than Class
A shares and do not include a 4.75% sales load. Performance figures for the
Class I shares reflect the performance of the Funds predecessor entities as
described in the Prospectus.

       The average annual total returns of the Class B shares of the following
Funds for the 1-year and as applicable, 5-year and 10-year periods ended
December 31, 1999, and the period from inception to December 31, 1999, without
deducting the applicable contingent deferred sales charge were as follows:



                                      156
<PAGE>   382




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     Average
                                                      Year         Five Years      Ten Years          Annual
                                                     Ended           Ended           Ended             Total             Inception
Fund                                                12/31/99        12/31/99        12/31/99         Return(a)              Date
- ----                                                --------        --------        --------         ---------              ----
<S>                                               <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>                <C>

Blue Chip Growth Fund                                 40.78%              --              --             36.23%             6/1/98
California Tax Free Fund (b)                         (6.94)%           4.51%              --              4.79%            10/1/91
Capital Appreciation Fund                             23.90%          27.62%          22.15%             17.44%             5/1/86
Convertible Fund                                      32.90%          15.17%          14.57%             11.10%             5/1/86
Equity Income Fund                                    24.16%              --              --             17.17%             6/1/98
Global High Yield Fund                                17.01%              --              --            (1.69)%             6/1/98
Government Fund                                      (3.60)%           5.68%           5.49%              6.05%             5/1/86
Growth Opportunities Fund                             28.80%              --              --             30.20%             6/1/98
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                         9.51%          11.36%          12.10%              9.95%             5/1/86
International Bond Fund                              (8.94)%           6.37%              --              6.03%            9/13/94
International Equity Fund                             26.60%          12.26%              --             11.03%            9/13/94
MAP Equity Fund (c)                                       --              --              --                 --             6/9/99
New York Tax Free Fund (b)                           (5.51)%           5.01%              --              5.18%            10/1/91
Research Value Fund                                   17.56%              --              --             12.47%             6/1/98
Small Cap Growth Fund                                106.02%              --              --             62.26%             6/1/98
Small Cap Value Fund                                   5.35%              --              --            (3.30)%             6/1/98
Strategic Income Fund                                  1.54%              --              --              4.18%            2/28/97
Strategic Value Fund                                  12.64%              --              --              7.37%           10/22/97
Tax Free Bond Fund                                   (6.96)%           4.72%           5.10%              5.38%             5/1/86
Total Return Fund                                     15.60%          19.83%          14.78%             14.22%           12/29/87
Value Fund                                             7.51%          13.19%          12.81%             10.96%             5/1/86
</TABLE>

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

(a)    From inception to 12/31/99.

(b)    Performance figures for the Funds' Class B shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class A shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on differences
in their expense structures.

(c)    Class B shares of the Fund have been offered since June 9, 1999. Total
return information for the Fund's Class I shares is as follows: 1 year: 12.18%,
5 years: 24.09%, 10 years, 15.98%. Class I shares have lower expenses than Class
A shares and do not include a 4.75% sales load. Performance figures for the
Class I shares reflect the performance of the Funds predecessor entities as
described in the Prospectus.

       The average annual total returns of the Class C shares of the following
Funds for the 1-year and as applicable, 5-year and 10-year periods ended
December 31, 1999, and the period from inception to December 31, 1999, without
deducting the applicable contingent deferred sales charge were as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     Average
                                                      Year         Five Years      Ten Years          Annual
                                                     Ended            Ended          Ended             Total            Inception
            Fund                                    12/31/99        12/31/99        12/31/99         Return(a)             Date
            ----                                    --------        --------        --------         ---------             ----
<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>

Blue Chip Growth Fund                                 40.78%              --              --             36.23%            6/1/98
California Tax Free Fund                             (6.94)%           4.51%              --              4.79%           10/1/91
Capital Appreciation Fund                             23.90%          27.62%          22.15%             17.44%            5/1/86
</TABLE>



                                      157
<PAGE>   383


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     Average
                                                      Year         Five Years      Ten Years          Annual
                                                     Ended            Ended          Ended             Total            Inception
            Fund                                    12/31/99        12/31/99        12/31/99         Return(a)             Date
            ----                                    --------        --------        --------         ---------             ----
<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>

Convertible Fund                                      32.90%          15.17%          14.57%             11.10%            5/1/86
Equity Income Fund                                    24.16%              --              --             17.17%            6/1/98
Global High Yield Fund                                17.01%              --              --            (1.69)%            6/1/98
Government Fund                                      (3.60)%           5.68%           5.49%              6.05%            5/1/86
Growth Opportunities Fund                             28.80%              --              --             30.20%            6/1/98
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                         9.51%          11.36%          12.10%              9.95%            5/1/86
International Bond Fund                              (8.94)%           6.37%              --              6.03%           9/13/94
International Equity Fund                             26.60%          12.26%              --             11.03%           9/13/94
MAP Equity Fund (b)                                       --              --              --                 --            6/9/99
New York Tax Free Fund                               (5.51)%           5.01%              --              5.18%           10/1/91
Research Value Fund                                   17.56%              --              --             12.47%            6/1/98
Small Cap Growth Fund                                106.02%              --              --             62.26%            6/1/98
Small Cap Value Fund                                   5.35%              --              --            (3.30)%            6/1/98
Strategic Income Fund                                  1.54%              --              --              4.18%           2/28/97
Strategic Value Fund                                  12.64%              --              --              7.37%          10/22/97
Tax Free Bond Fund                                   (6.96)%           4.72%           5.10%              5.38%            5/1/86
Total Return Fund                                     15.60%          19.83%          14.78%             14.22%          12/29/87
Value Fund                                             7.51%          13.19%          12.81%             10.96%            5/1/86
</TABLE>

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

*      Performance figures for the Funds' Class C shares (for all Funds except
MAP Equity Fund), first offered to the public on September 1, 1998, include the
historical performance of the Funds' Class B shares for the period from
inception through August 31, 1998. Performance data for the two classes after
this date vary based on differences in their expense structures.

(a)    From inception to 12/31/99.

(b)    Class B shares of the Fund have been offered since June 9, 1999. Total
return information for the Fund's Class I shares is as follows: 1 year: 12.18%,
5 years: 24.09%, 10 years, 15.98%. Class I shares have lower expenses than Class
A shares and do not include a 4.75% sales load. Performance figures for the
Class I shares reflect the performance of the Funds predecessor entities as
described in the Prospectus.

       The performance data quoted represents historical performance and the
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.

       The yield of each Fund, except the Money Market Fund, is computed by
dividing its net investment income (determined in accordance with the following
SEC formula) earned during a recent 30-day period by the product of the average
daily number of shares outstanding and entitled to receive dividends during the
period and the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
The results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semiannual) basis and then they
are annualized. Yield will be calculated using the following SEC formula:

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




                                      158
<PAGE>   384


where:

a =  interest earned during the period

b =  expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)

c =  the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were
     entitled to receive dividends

d =  the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period

       This yield figure does not reflect the deduction of any contingent
deferred sales charges which are imposed upon certain redemptions at the rates
set forth under "Redemptions and Repurchases" in the Prospectus.

       For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1999, the yield of each of the
following Funds was:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             30-Day Period Ended
                                                                                              December 31, 1999
                     Fund                                                   Class A               Class B                Class C
                     ----                                                   -------               -------                -------
<S>                                                                        <C>                    <C>                    <C>

California Tax Free Fund                                                      4.66                   4.63                   4.63
Global High Yield Fund                                                        9.23                   8.82                   8.82
Government Fund                                                               5.41                   4.93                   4.93
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                                                7.67                   7.26                   7.26
International Bond Fund                                                       3.14                   2.54                   2.54
New York Tax Free Fund                                                        5.02                   5.01                   5.01
Tax Free Bond Fund                                                            5.20                   5.15                   5.15
Strategic Income Fund                                                         6.11                   5.64                   5.64
</TABLE>

       The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund may publish its tax equivalent yield in advertisements and communications
to shareholders. The tax equivalent yield is calculated by determining the rate
of return that would have to be achieved on a fully taxable investment to
produce the after-tax equivalent of the Fund's yield, assuming certain tax
brackets for a Fund shareholder.

       The table below illustrates the taxable yield equivalent to a tax-free
yield of 5.50%.*+

       <TABLE>
       <CAPTION>
                                         To Equal a 5.50% Tax
            If                          Free Return, a Taxable
       Your Federal                    Investment Would Have to
       Marginal Tax                   Earn Without Fee Reduction
          Rate is:                         or Expense Limit
          --------                         ----------------
       <S>                              <C>
          15.00%                                 6.47%
          28.00%                                 7.64%
          31.00%                                 7.97%
          36.00%                                 8.59%
          39.60%                                 9.11%
       </TABLE>

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

*      This table reflects application of the regular Federal income tax only;
       other taxes may be applicable with respect to a particular shareholder.
       Such taxes could change the information shown. Tax rates are subject to
       change. Investors in the California and New York Tax Free Funds should in



                                      159
<PAGE>   385


       particular note that the chart does not reflect any state and local taxes
       that may be deductible in computing Federal income tax liability.

+      This table is for illustrative purposes only; investors should consult
       their tax advisers with respect to the tax implications of an investment
       in a Fund that invests primarily in securities, the interest on which is
       exempt from regular Federal income tax.

       A Fund may also include its current dividend rate in its prospectus, in
supplemental sales literature, or in communications to shareholders. The current
dividend rate of each Fund for a particular period is calculated by annualizing
total distributions per share from net investment income (including equalization
credits, excluding realized short-term capital gains and premiums from writing
options) during this period and dividing this amount by the maximum offering
price per share on the last day of the period. The current dividend rate does
not reflect all components of a Fund's performance including (i) realized and
unrealized capital gains and losses, which are reflected in calculations of a
Fund's total return, or (ii) the amortized discount and premium on debt
obligations in income using the current market value of the obligations, as is
currently required for yield calculations. In addition, the current dividend
rate does not take into account the imposition of any contingent deferred sales
charge on the redemption of Fund shares. Any performance figure which does not
take into account the contingent deferred sales charge would be reduced to the
extent such charge is imposed upon a redemption.

       Investors should note that the investment results of a Fund will
fluctuate over time, and any presentation of a Fund's yield, current dividend
rate, total return or tax-equivalent yield of any prior period should not be
considered as a representation of what an investment may earn or what an
investor's yield, current dividend rate, total return or tax-equivalent yield
may be in any future period.

       In addition, advertising for a Fund may indicate that investors may
consider diversifying their investment portfolios in order to seek protection of
the value of their assets against inflation. From time to time, advertising
materials for a Fund may refer to or discuss current or past business,
political, economic or financial conditions, including events as they relate to
those conditions, such as any U.S. monetary or fiscal policies and the current
rate of inflation. In addition, from time to time, advertising materials for a
Fund may include information concerning retirement and investing for retirement
and may refer to the approximate number of then-current Fund shareholders,
shareholder accounts and Fund assets.

       From time to time, advertising and sales literature for a Fund may
discuss the investment philosophy, personnel and assets under management of the
Fund's Manager and Subadvisor, and other pertinent facts relating to the
management of the Fund by the Subadvisor.

       From time to time any of the Funds may publish an indication of its past
performance as measured by independent sources such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Incorporated, Weisenberger Investment Companies Service, Donoghue's
Money Fund Report, Spot Market Prices, Barron's, BusinessWeek, Kiplinger's
Personal Finance, Financial World, Forbes, Money, Morningstar, Personal
Investor, Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance, and The Wall Street Journal.

       In addition, performance information for a Fund may be compared, in
advertisements, sales literature, and reports to shareholders, to: (i) unmanaged
indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the
Salomon Brothers Broad Investment Grade Bond Index, the Morgan Stanley Capital
International indexes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average,



                                      160
<PAGE>   386


Donoghue Money Market Institutional Averages, the Merrill Lynch 1 to 3 Year
Treasury Index, the Salomon Brothers World Government Benchmark Bond Index, the
Salomon Brothers non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index, the Lehman
Brothers Municipal Bond Index and the Lehman Brothers Government Corporate
Index; (ii) other groups of mutual funds tracked by Morningstar Inc. or Lipper
Analytical Services, widely used independent research firms which rank mutual
funds by overall performance, investment objectives and assets, or tracked by
other services, companies, publications or persons who rank mutual funds on
overall performance or other criteria; and (iii) the Consumer Price Index
(measure for inflation) and other measures of the performance of the economy to
assess the real rate of return from an investment in the Funds. Advertisements
for a Fund may also include general information about the performance of
unmanaged indexes with investment parameters similar to the Fund's. Unmanaged
indexes may assume the reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect
deductions for administrative and management costs and expenses.

       From time to time, advertisements for the Funds may include general
information about the services and products offered by the Funds, MainStay
Institutional Funds Inc. and New York Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiaries. For example, such advertisements may include statistical
information about those entities including, but not limited to, the number of
current shareholder accounts, the amount of assets under management, sales
information, the distribution channels through which the entities' products are
available, marketing efforts and statements about this information by the
entities' officers, directors and employees.

                                 TAX INFORMATION

TAXATION OF THE FUNDS

       The following summarizes certain federal income tax considerations
generally affecting the Funds and their stockholders. No attempt is made to
present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their
stockholders, and the discussion here is not intended as a substitute for
careful tax planning. The discussion is based upon provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the regulations promulgated
thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are
subject to change, which change may be retroactive. Prospective investors should
consult their own tax advisors with regard to the federal tax consequences of
the purchase, ownership, and disposition of Fund shares, as well as the tax
consequences arising under the laws of any state, foreign country, or other
taxing jurisdiction.

       Each Fund intends to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC")
under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company,
each Fund must, among other things: (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90%
of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain
securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock,
securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its
business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies ("Qualifying
Income Test"); (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter
of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets
is represented by cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, the securities
of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other
securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an
amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of
the value of its total assets is invested in the securities on any one issuer
(other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other



                                      161
<PAGE>   387


regulated investment companies), or of two or more issuers which the Fund
controls (as that term is defined in the relevant provisions of the Code) and
which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses
or related trades or businesses; and (iii) distribute at least 90% of the sum of
its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items,
dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains in excess of any net
long-term capital losses) and its net tax-exempt interest each taxable year. The
Treasury Department is authorized to promulgate regulations under which foreign
currency gains would constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying
Income Test only if such gains are directly related to investing in securities
(or options and futures with respect to securities). To date, no such
regulations have been issued.

       Certain requirements relating to the qualification of a Fund as regulated
investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage
in certain investment practices, including transactions in futures contracts and
other types of derivative securities transactions. In addition, if a Fund were
unable to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems relating to
foreign investments or due to the holding of illiquid securities, the Fund's
ability to qualify as a regulated investment company might be affected.

       A Fund qualifying as a regulated investment company generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and
net capital gains (any net long-term capital gains in excess of the net
short-term capital losses), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. Each
Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially
all of its investment company taxable income and any net capital gains.

       Generally, regulated investment companies, like the Fund, must distribute
amounts on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution
requirement in order to avoid a nondeductible 4% excise tax. Generally, to avoid
the tax, a regulated investment company must distribute during each calendar
year, (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (ii) at least 98% of its capital
gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for
the 12-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (iii) all
ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed
during such years. To avoid application of the excise tax, each Fund currently
intends to make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year
distribution requirement. A distribution is treated as paid on December 31 of
the calendar year if it is declared by a Fund in October, November or December
of that year to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid by the
Fund during January of the following calendar year. Such distributions are
taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the distributions are
declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

       Provided that a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, under
the Code, it generally will not be subject to any excise or income taxes in
Massachusetts. A Fund's investments, if any, in REMIC residual interests (as
explained previously in this SAI) or in Passive Foreign Investment Companies, as
explained below, may cause the Fund to become liable for certain taxes.
Investors that are tax-exempt organizations should carefully consider whether
distributions of a Fund's earnings will be subject to tax in their hands.

       Certain of the Funds have received a ruling from the IRS to the effect
that differing distributions between the classes of its shares will not result
in a Fund's dividends and other distributions being regarded as "preferential
dividends" under the Code. Generally, a preferential dividend is a dividend
which a Fund cannot treat as having been distributed for purposes of


                                      162
<PAGE>   388

(i)determining whether the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company for
federal tax purposes, and (ii) determining the Fund's tax liability.

CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- GENERAL

       Assuming a Fund qualifies as a RIC, distributions of taxable net
investment income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term
capital losses will be treated as ordinary income in the hands of shareholders,
whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares.

       If a Fund's investment income is derived exclusively from sources (such
as interest) other than dividends, no portion of such distributions will be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction available to corporations. If a
portion of a Fund's net investment income is derived from dividends from
domestic corporations, then a portion of such distributions may be eligible for
the corporate dividends-received deduction. The dividends-received deduction is
reduced to the extent shares of a Fund are treated as debt-financed under the
Code and is generally eliminated unless such shares are deemed to have been held
for more than 45 days. The 45-day holding period must occur during the 90-day
period beginning 45 days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend.
In the case of dividends on certain preferred stock, the holding period
requirement is 90 days during a 180-day period. In addition, the entire dividend
(including the deducted portion) is includable in the corporate shareholder's
alternative minimum taxable income. Finally, if such dividends are large enough
to constitute "extraordinary dividends" under Section 1059 of the Code and the
applicable holding period requirements are not met, the shareholder's basis in
its shares could be reduced by all or a portion of the amount of the dividends
that qualifies for the dividends-received deduction.

       Distributions of a fund's net capital gain, whether received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares, will generally be taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of how long a Shareholder has held the
Fund's Shares. Net capital gains from assets held for one year or less will be
taxed as ordinary income.

       Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from
the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the
extent of any capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares during
that six-month period. A loss realized upon a redemption of shares of a Fund
within 30 days before or after a purchase of shares of the same Fund (whether by
reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) may be disallowed in whole or in
part.

       If any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital
losses are retained by a Fund for reinvestment, requiring federal income taxes
to be paid thereon by that Fund, the Fund may elect to treat such capital gains
as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, such capital gains
would be taxable to the shareholders. Shareholders would be able to claim their
proportionate share of the federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains
as a credit against their own federal income tax liabilities and would be
entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of the relevant Fund shares by the
difference between their pro-rata share of such gains and their tax credit.

       Except for distributions by the Money Market Fund, distributions by a
Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of a Fund's shares. Should a
distribution reduce the net asset value below a shareholder's cost basis, such
distribution nevertheless would generally be taxable to the shareholder (except
to the extent the distribution is an exempt interest dividend as



                                      163
<PAGE>   389


described below) as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even
though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of
investment. In particular, investors should be careful to consider the tax
implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution. The price of shares
purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution.
Those investors purchasing shares just prior to a distribution will then receive
a partial return of their investment upon such distribution, which may
nevertheless be taxable to them.

       Distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Any distributions that are not from a Fund's net investment income or net
capital gain may be characterized as a return of capital to shareholders or, in
some cases, as capital gain. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in
the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax
purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of such share on
the reinvestment date.

CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- THE TAX-FREE FUNDS

       The Code permits the character of tax-exempt interest distributed by a
regulated investment company to "flow through" as tax-exempt interest to its
shareholders, provided that 50% or more of the value of its assets at the end of
each quarter of its taxable year is invested in state, municipal or other
obligations the interest on which is exempt under Section 103(a) of the Code.
Each of the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund (collectively, the "Tax Free Funds") intend to satisfy the 50% requirement
to permit their distributions of tax-exempt interest to be treated as such for
regular Federal income tax purposes in the hands of their shareholders.
Exempt-interest dividends must be taken into account by individual shareholders
in determining whether their total incomes are large enough to result in
taxation of up to 85% of their social security benefits and certain railroad
retirement benefits. None of the income distributions of the Tax Free Funds will
be eligible for the deduction for dividends received by corporations.

       Although a significant portion of the distributions by the Tax Free Funds
generally is expected to be exempt from federal taxes, each of these Funds may
under certain circumstances invest in obligations the interest from which is
fully taxable, or, although exempt from the regular federal income tax, is
subject to the alternative minimum tax. Similarly, gains from the sale or
exchange of obligations the interest on which is exempt from regular Federal
income tax will constitute taxable income to those Funds. Taxable income or gain
may also arise from securities lending transactions, repurchase agreements and
options and futures tansactions. Accordingly, it is possible that a significant
portion of the distributions of these Funds will constitute taxable rather than
tax-exempt income in the hands of a shareholder. Furthermore, investors should
be aware that tax laws may change, and issuers may fail to follow applicable
laws, causing a tax-exempt item to become taxable.

       In addition, a sale of shares in such Fund (including a redemption of
such shares and an exchange of shares between two mutual funds) will be a
taxable event, and may result in a taxable gain or loss to a shareholder.
Shareholders should be aware that redeeming shares of the Fund after tax-exempt
interest has been accrued by the Fund but before that income has been declared
as a dividend may be disadvantageous. This is because the gain, if any, on the
redemption will be taxable, even though such gains may be attributable in part
to the accrued tax-exempt interest which, if distributed to the shareholder as a
dividend rather than as redemption proceeds, might have qualified as an
exempt-interest dividend.



                                      164
<PAGE>   390



       Exempt-interest dividends from the Tax Free Funds; ordinary dividends
from the Tax Free Funds, if any; capital gains distributions from the Tax Free
Funds and any capital gains or losses realized from the sale or exchange of
shares may be subject to state and local taxes. However, the portion of a
distribution of the Funds' tax-exempt income that is attributable to state and
municipal securities issued within the shareholder's own state may not be
subject, at least in some states, to state or local taxes.

       Distributions derived from interest on certain private activity bonds
which is exempt from regular federal income tax are treated as a tax preference
item and may subject individual or corporate shareholders to liability (or
increased liability) for the alternative minimum tax. In addition, because a
portion of the difference between adjusted current earnings, as defined in the
Code, and alternative minimum taxable income is an addition to the alternative
minimum tax base, all distributions derived from interest which is exempt from
regular federal income tax are included in adjusted current earnings and may
subject corporate shareholders to or increase their liability for the
alternative minimum tax.

       Opinions relating to the validity of municipal securities and the
exemption of interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by bond
counsel to the issuers. The Tax Free Bond Fund, California Tax Free Fund and New
York Tax Free Fund, the Subadvisor and its affiliates, and the Funds' counsel
make no review of proceedings relating to the issuance of state or municipal
securities or the bases of such opinions.

       Due to the lack of adequate supply of certain types of tax-exempt
obligations, and other reasons, various instruments are being marketed which are
not "pure" state and local obligations, but which are thought to generate
interest excludable from taxable income under Code section 103. While a Fund may
invest in such instruments, it does not guarantee the tax-exempt status of the
income earned thereon or from any other investment. Thus, for example, were a
Fund to invest in an instrument thought to give rise to tax-exempt interest but
such interest ultimately were determined to be taxable, the Fund might have
invested more than 20% of its assets in taxable instruments. In addition, it is
possible in such circumstances that a Fund will not have met the 50% investment
threshold, described above, necessary for it to pay exempt-interest dividends.

DISCOUNT

       Certain of the bonds purchased by the Funds, such as zero coupon bonds,
may be treated as bonds that were originally issued at a discount. Original
issue discount represents interest for federal income tax purposes and can
generally be defined as the difference between the price at which a security was
issued (or the price at which it was deemed issued for federal income tax
purposes) and its stated redemption price at maturity. Original issue discount
is treated for federal income tax purposes as income earned by a Fund over the
term of the bond, and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements of
the Code. The annual amount of income earned on such a bond by a Fund generally
is determined on the basis of a constant yield to maturity which takes into
account the semiannual compounding of accrued interest.

       In addition, some of the bonds may be purchased by a Fund at a discount
which exceeds the original issue discount on such bonds, if any. This additional
discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes. The gain
realized on the disposition of any bond having market discount generally will be
treated as taxable ordinary income to the extent it does not exceed the accrued
market discount on such bond (unless a Fund elects to include market



                                      165
<PAGE>   391


discount in income in tax years to which it is attributable). Realized accrued
market discount on obligations that pay tax-exempt interest is nonetheless
taxable. Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for each day the
bond is held by a Fund at a constant rate over the time remaining to the bond's
maturity. In the case of any debt security having a fixed maturity date of not
more than one year from date of issue, the gain realized on disposition will be
treated as short-term capital gain.

USERS OF BOND-FINANCED FACILITIES

       Section 147(a) of the Code prohibits exemption from taxation of interest
on certain governmental obligations to persons who are "substantial users" (or
persons related thereto) of facilities financed thereby. No investigation as to
the users of the facilities financed by bonds in the portfolios of the Tax Free
Funds has been made by these Funds. Persons who may be "substantial users" (or
"related persons" of substantial users) of facilities financed by private
activity bonds should consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares of a
Fund since the acquisition of shares of the Tax Free Bond Fund, California Tax
Free Fund or New York Tax Free Fund may result in adverse tax consequences to
them.

TAXATION OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS

       Many of the options, futures contracts and forward contracts entered into
by a Fund will be classified as "Section 1256 contracts." Generally, gains or
losses on Section 1256 contracts are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Also, certain Section 1256 contracts held by
a Fund are "marked-to-market" at the times required pursuant to the Code with
the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were
realized. The resulting gain or loss generally is treated as 60/40 gain or loss,
except for foreign currency gain or loss on such contracts, which generally is
ordinary in character.

       Distribution of Fund gains from hedging transactions will be taxable to
shareholders. Generally, hedging transactions and certain other transactions in
options, futures and forward contracts undertaken by a Fund may result in
"straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the
character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund. In addition, losses realized
by a Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the
straddle rules rather than being taken into account in the taxable year in which
such losses are realized.

       Furthermore, certain transactions (including options, futures contracts,
notional principal contracts, short sales and short sales against the box) with
respect to an "appreciated position" in certain financial instruments may be
deemed a constructive sale of the appreciated position, requiring the immediate
recognition of gain as if the appreciated position were sold. Because only a few
regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, and
regulations relating to constructive sales of appreciated positions have yet to
be promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures and
forward contracts to a Fund are not entirely clear. The hedging transactions in
which a Fund engages may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized
by a Fund which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.

       A Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code
which are applicable to straddles. If a Fund makes any of the elections, the
amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the
affected straddle positions will be determined under



                                      166
<PAGE>   392


rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under
certain of the elections may accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from
the affected straddle positions.

       Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of
gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or
losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be
distributed to shareholders and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary
income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as
compared to a Fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.

       The diversification requirements applicable to a Fund's status as a
regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able
to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts or forward contracts.

       Regarding the Tax Free Bond Fund, the California Tax Free Fund and New
York Tax Free Fund, gains from certain transactions, including, for example,
transactions in options, futures, and other instruments, and from obligations
the interest on which is not exempt from Federal income tax, will be taxable
income to those Funds.

       The International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, Strategic Value
Fund and Strategic Income Fund may engage in swap transactions. The tax
treatment of swap agreements is not entirely clear in certain respects.
Accordingly, while the Funds intend to account for such transactions in a manner
they deem to be appropriate, the IRS might challenge such treatment. If such a
challenge were successful, status of a Fund as a regulated investment company
might be affected. The Funds intend to monitor developments in this area.

PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES

       Certain of the Funds may invest in shares of foreign corporations which
may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies
("PFICs"). In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC if at least
one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its
gross income is investment-type income. If a Fund receives a so-called "excess
distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may be subject to a
tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding
income is distributed by the Fund to Shareholders. In general, under the PFIC
rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over
the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund itself will be
subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so
allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to
the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Certain
distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares are
treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as
ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain
excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.

       A Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to
PFIC shares. Under an election that currently is available in some
circumstances, a Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income
its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether
distributions are received from the PFIC in a given year. If this election were
made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess
distributions, would not apply. Alternatively, a Fund may elect to mark to
market its PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year, with the result that
unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized and reported as
ordinary income. Any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual


                                      167
<PAGE>   393


disposition of PFIC Shares would be deductible as ordinary losses to the extent
of any net mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years.

       Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things,
the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the
recognition of income with respect to PFIC shares, as well as subject the Fund
itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be
distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary
income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as
compared to a Fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.

FOREIGN CURRENCY GAINS AND LOSSES

       Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange
rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues income or other receivables or
accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the
time a Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on the
disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on the
disposition of certain options, futures, forward and other contracts, gain or
loss attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under
the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount
of a Fund's net investment income to be distributed to its shareholders. If
Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income (which
includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess, if any, of net
short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) during the taxable
year, a Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, and
distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a
return of capital to shareholders or, in some cases, as capital gain, rather
than as an ordinary dividend.

COMMODITY INVESTMENTS

       A regulated investment company is required under the Code to derive at
least 90% of its gross income from certain qualifying sources. Qualifying income
includes, inter alia, interest, dividends, and gain from the sale of stock or
securities, but it does not include gain from the sale of commodities such as
gold and other precious metals.

DISPOSITIONS OF FUND SHARES

       Upon redemption, sale or exchange of shares of a Fund, a shareholder will
realize a taxable gain or loss, depending on whether the gross proceeds are more
or less than the shareholder's tax basis for the shares. Such gain or loss
generally will be a capital gain or loss if the shares of a Fund were capital
assets in the hands of the shareholder, and generally will be taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains if the shares had been held for more
than one year. A loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption, sale or
exchange of shares of a Fund with respect to which capital gain dividends have
been paid will, to the extent of such capital gain dividends, be treated as
long-term capital loss if such shares have been held by the shareholder for six
months or less at the time of their disposition. Furthermore, a loss realized by
a shareholder on the redemption, sale or exchange of shares of a Fund with
respect to which exempt-interest dividends have been paid will, to the extent of
such exempt-interest dividends, be disallowed if such shares have been held by
the shareholder for six months or less at the time



                                      168
<PAGE>   394


of their disposition. A loss realized on a redemption, sale or exchange also
will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced (whether
through reinvestment of distributions, or otherwise) within a period of 61 days
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.

       Shareholders should be aware that redeeming shares of a Fund after
tax-exempt interest has been accrued by the Fund but before that income has been
declared as a dividend may be disadvantageous. This is because the gain, if any,
on the redemption will be taxable, even though such gains may be attributable in
part to the accrued tax-exempt interest which, if distributed to the shareholder
as a dividend rather than as redemption proceeds, might have qualified as an
exempt-interest dividend.

       Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring
shares of either Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or
loss on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of a
Fund are exchanged within 90 days after the date they were purchased and new
shares are acquired without a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge pursuant
to a right acquired upon the initial purchase of shares. In that case, the gain
or loss recognized on the exchange will be determined by excluding from the tax
basis of the shares exchanged all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in
acquiring those shares. The portion of the sales charge affected by this rule
will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new shares and will be reflected
in their basis.

       If reverse stock splits are done, a share may have a split holding period
reflecting the fact that part of the share represents a reinvested dividend or
distribution.

TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

       All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported
by each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Shareholders are
also required to report tax-exempt interest. Dividends declared and payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in October, November or December, if
any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31 if paid
during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares, including exchanges
for shares of another Fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the
shareholder and generally are also subject to these reporting requirements. Each
shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser to determine the tax
status of a Fund distribution in his or her own state and locality (or foreign
country).

       Under the federal income tax law, a Fund will be required to report to
the IRS all distributions of income (other than exempt-interest dividends) and
capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund
shares (other than shares of the Money Market Fund), except in the case of
certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section
3406 of the Code, all such taxable distributions and proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of a Fund's shares may be subject to withholding of
federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of nonexempt shareholders who
fail to furnish a Fund with their taxpayer identification number and with
required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law
or if the IRS or a broker notifies a Fund that the number furnished by the
shareholder is incorrect. In addition, both the Fund and the shareholder are
potentially subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS if a correct, certified
taxpayer identification number is not furnished and used on required information
returns.


                                      169
<PAGE>   395


       If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and
proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the
amounts required to be withheld. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and
any amounts withheld are creditable against the shareholder's U.S. Federal tax
liability. Investors may wish to consult their tax advisers about the
applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

FOREIGN TAXES

       Investment income and gains received by a Fund from sources outside the
United States may be subject to foreign taxes which were paid or withheld at the
source. The payment of such taxes will reduce the amount of dividends and
distributions paid to the Funds' stockholders. Since the percentage of each
Fund's total assets (with the exception of the International Bond Fund and
International Equity Fund) which will be invested in foreign stocks and
securities will not be more than 50%, any foreign tax credits or deductions
associated with such foreign taxes will not be available for use by its
shareholders. The effective rate of foreign taxes to which a Fund will be
subject depends on the specific countries in which each Fund's assets will be
invested and the extent of the assets invested in each such country and,
therefore, cannot be determined in advance.

       The International Bond Fund and the International Equity Fund may qualify
for and make the election permitted under Section 853 of the Code so that
shareholders will be able to claim a credit or deduction on their federal income
tax returns for, and will be required to treat as part of the amounts
distributed to them, their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund
to foreign countries (which taxes relate primarily to investment income). The
U.S. shareholders of either of these Funds may claim a foreign tax credit or
deduction by reason of the Fund's election under Section 853 of the Code,
provided that more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the
close of the taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations. The
foreign tax credit and deduction available to shareholders is subject to certain
limitations imposed by the Code. Also, under Section 63 of the Code, no
deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by shareholders who do not itemize
deductions on their federal income tax returns, although any such shareholder
may claim a credit for foreign taxes and in any event will be treated as having
taxable income in respect to the shareholder's pro rata share of foreign taxes
paid by the Fund. It should also be noted that a tax-exempt shareholder, like
other shareholders, will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed
its pro rata portion of the income taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries.
However, that income will generally be exempt from taxation by virtue of such
shareholder's tax-exempt status, and such a shareholder will not be entitled to
either a tax credit or a deduction with respect to such income. The foreign tax
credit generally may offset only up to 90% of the alternative minimum tax in any
given year. Foreign taxes generally are not deductible in computing alternative
minimum taxable income.

STATE AND LOCAL TAXES - GENERAL

       The state and local tax treatment of distributions received from a Fund
and any special tax considerations associated with foreign investments of a Fund
should be examined by shareholders with regard to their own tax situations.

       Shareholders of the Tax Free Bond Fund, the California Tax Free Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions
from the Fund, including distributions which are exempt from federal income
taxes. Some states exempt from the state personal income tax distributions from
a Fund derived from interest on obligations issued by the



                                      170
<PAGE>   396


U.S. government or by such state or its municipalities or political
subdivisions. Each investor should consult his or her own tax adviser to
determine the tax status of distributions from the Funds in his or her own state
and locality.

EXPLANATION OF FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

       Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year, each Fund will issue to
each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all
distributions, including, in the case of the Tax Free Bond Fund, the California
Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, a statement of the percentage of the
prior calendar year's distributions which the Fund has designated as tax-exempt,
the percentage of such tax-exempt distributions treated as a tax-preference item
for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, and in, the case of the Tax Free
Bond Fund, the source on a state-by-state basis of all distributions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE EQUITY INDEX FUND

       The Fund believes the following is a reasonable construction of the
federal tax rules applicable to treatment of the Guarantee for federal income
tax purposes. However, since these rules are subject to differing
interpretations, investors should consult their tax advisors regarding their
investment in the Equity Index Fund.

       Receipt of amounts pursuant to the Guarantee should be treated as a
payment by NYLIFE in the nature of insurance rather than a distribution from the
Fund. As such, the payments will not be eligible for the dividends received
deduction available to corporations. The Fund believes that recipients may treat
receipt of the proceeds as reimbursement for the loss of the value of their
Fund's shares and reduce the basis of their Fund shares in the amount of the
guarantee payment rather than treating the payment as gross income.

       Shareholders may have to allocate the amount paid for their Fund shares
between the guarantee and the shares in determining the tax basis of their Fund
shares for purposes of determining gain or loss on sale, redemption, or other
disposition of those shares.

       It is anticipated that capital gain or loss from the disposition of
shares will be eligible for treatment as long-term or short-term capital gain or
loss depending upon the shareholder's actual holding period for the shares.
Investors should be aware that, under IRS regulations, as a result of the
Guarantee, a shareholder's holding period for Fund shares might be deemed not to
commence until the Guarantee is paid or expires. In that event, the capital gain
or loss on the disposition of Fund shares would be short-term capital gain or
loss until such time as the shares have been held continuously by the
shareholder for the requisite long-term holding period (currently more than one
year for Federal income tax purposes) after the expiration or payment of the
Guarantee. The holding period for shares received from reinvestment of dividends
and distributing will commence no earlier than the reinvestment date, but could
be delayed as described previously in this paragraph as a result of the
Guarantee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND AND NEW YORK TAX
FREE FUND

       Under California law, a mutual fund which qualifies as a regulated
investment company must have at least 50% of its total assets in obligations
exempt from California personal income



                                      171
<PAGE>   397


tax at the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to be eligible to
pay dividends which will be exempt from California personal income tax.
Generally, shareholders who are California residents will not incur California
personal income tax on the amount of exempt-interest dividends received by them
from the California Tax Free Fund and derived from California state and local
issues, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares. However, other
taxes, such as the franchise tax may apply. Shareholders will normally be
subject to California personal income tax on dividends paid from interest income
derived from taxable securities and from securities issued by states other than
California and its subsidiaries and on distributions of capital gains.

       Deductions for interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
shareholder to purchase or carry shares of the Fund may be disallowed in whole
or in part for California personal income tax purposes.

       Exempt-interest dividends paid by the New York Tax Free Fund from
interest on qualifying New York bonds generally are exempt from New York State
and New York City personal income taxes, but not corporate franchise taxes.
Dividends and distributions of the Fund derived from taxable income and capital
gains are not exempt from New York State and New York City taxes. Deductions for
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or
carry shares of the Fund may be disallowed in whole or in part for New York
State or New York City personal income tax purposes.

       Dividends from the California Tax Free Fund or New York Tax Free Fund
(including exempt-interest dividends), capital gains distributions from a Fund,
and any capital gains or losses realized from the sale or exchange of shares may
be subject to state and local taxes (as well as Federal taxes). However, the
portion of a distribution of a Fund's tax-exempt income that is attributable to
state and municipal securities issued within the shareholder's own state
generally will not be subject to state or local taxes. Individuals are often
exempt from state and local personal income taxes on distributions of tax-exempt
interest income derived from obligations of issuers located in the state in
which they reside when these distributions are received directly from these
issuers, but are usually subject to such taxes on income derived from
obligations of issuers located in other jurisdictions. Shareholders are urged to
consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own federal, state
and local tax situations.

ANNUAL STATEMENTS

       Each shareholder of the California Tax Free Fund will be sent after the
close of the calendar year an annual statement as to the federal income tax and
California state personal income tax status of his or her dividends and
distributions from the Fund for the prior calendar year. Any dividends
attributable to interest on municipal obligations that are not California
municipal securities will be taxable as ordinary dividends for California state
personal income tax purposes even if such dividends are excluded from gross
income for federal income tax purposes. These statements will also designate the
amount of exempt-interest dividends that is a specific preference item for
purposes of the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. Each
shareholder also will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the
close of the Fund's prior taxable year as to the federal income tax status of
his or her dividends and distributions which were received from the Fund during
the Fund's prior taxable year. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers as
to any other state and local taxes that may apply to these dividends and
distributions. The dollar amount of dividends excluded or exempt from federal
income taxation or California state personal income taxation, if any, will vary
for



                                      172
<PAGE>   398


each shareholder depending upon the size and duration of each shareholder's
investment in the Fund.

       Each shareholder of the New York Tax Free Fund will be sent after the
close of the calendar year an annual statement as to the federal income tax and
New York State and New York City personal income tax status of his or her
dividends and distributions from the Fund for the prior calendar year. These
statements will also designate the amount of exempt-interest dividends that is a
specified preference item for purposes of the federal individual and corporate
alternative minimum taxes. Each shareholder also will receive, if appropriate,
various written notices after the close of the Fund's prior taxable year as to
the federal income tax status of his or her dividends and distributions which
were received from the Fund during the Fund's prior taxable year. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisers as to any other state and local taxes that may
apply to these dividends and distributions. The dollar amounts of dividends
excluded or exempt from federal income taxation or New York State and City
personal income taxation and the dollar amount subject to federal income
taxation or New York State and City personal income taxation, if any, will vary
for each shareholder depending upon the size and duration of each shareholder's
investment in the Fund.

GENERAL INFORMATION

    The foregoing discussion generally relates to U.S. federal income tax law
as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). Each shareholder who
is not a U.S. person should consult his or her tax adviser regarding the U.S.
and non-U.S. tax consequences of ownership of shares of a Fund, including the
possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at
a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable U.S. income tax treaty) on
distributions of net investment income and short-term capital gains to him or
her.

                        ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION

GENERAL

       The Funds are separate series of an open-end investment company, The
MainStay Funds ("Trust"), established under the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts by a Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as amended. The
Tax Free Bond Fund was originally formed as the MacKay-Shields MainStay Tax Free
Bond Fund pursuant to a Declaration of Trust on January 9, 1986 and became a
series of the Trust pursuant to a reorganization which occurred on May 29, 1987.
The Total Return Fund commenced operations on December 29, 1987. The Equity
Index Fund commenced operations on December 20, 1990. The California Tax Free
Fund and New York Tax Free Fund commenced operations on October 1, 1991. The
International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund commenced operations on
September 13, 1994. The Strategic Income Fund and Strategic Value Fund commenced
operations on February 28 and October 22, 1997, respectively. The Blue Chip
Growth Fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, Growth Opportunities
Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund and Global High Yield Fund
commenced operations on June 1, 1998. The MAP Equity Fund was originally formed
as the Mutual Benefit Fund, a Delaware corporation. The Fund was renamed the
MAP-Equity Fund in 1995. The shareholders of the MAP-Equity Fund approved an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization at their June 3, 1999 meeting and the
Map-Equity Fund was reorganized as the MainStay MAP Equity Fund-Class I shares
on June 9, 1999. The organizational expenses of each Fund (except the MAP Equity
Fund) will be amortized and



                                      173
<PAGE>   399


deferred over a period not to exceed 60 months. The Declaration of Trust and
By-laws authorize the Trustees to establish additional series or "Funds" as well
as additional classes of shares.

VOTING RIGHTS

       Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share; however, separate
votes will be taken by each Fund or class on matters affecting an individual
Fund or a particular class of shares issued by a Fund. Shares have noncumulative
voting rights, which means that holders of more than 50% of the shares voting
for the election of Trustees can elect all Trustees and, in such event, the
holders of the remaining shares voting for the election of Trustees will not be
able to elect any person or persons as Trustees. Shares have no preemptive or
subscription rights and are transferable.

SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY

       Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the
trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Trust. Notice of such disclaimer will
normally be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or
executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification by the relevant Fund for any loss suffered by a shareholder as a
result of an obligation of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides that
the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any
shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment
thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a Fund would be
unable to meet its obligations. The Trustees believe that, in view of the above,
the risk of personal liability of shareholders is remote.

       The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he or she
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or
her office.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

       This SAI and the Prospectuses do not contain all the information included
in the Company's registration statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act
with respect to the securities offered hereby, certain portions of which have
been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The registration
statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined at the
offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

       Statements contained herein and in the Prospectuses as to the contents of
any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and,
in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.



                                      174
<PAGE>   400


SHARE OWNERSHIP OF THE FUNDS

       The following table sets forth information concerning beneficial and
record ownership, as of April 6, 2000 of the Funds' shares by each person who
beneficially or of record owned more than 5% of the voting securities of any
Fund:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>

Capital Appreciation Fund        New York Life Trust Company                                22.01%         2,201,661.7870
   Class A                       Client Accounts
                                 51 Madison Avenue RM  117A
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Capital Appreciation Fund        Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc. - for             23.91%           117,788.0040
   Class C                           the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn: Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Value Fund                       New York Life Trust Company                                12.56%           678,292.3740
   Class A                       Client Accounts
                                 51 Madison Avenue Rm  117A
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Value Fund                       Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc. for the           11.46%             4,169.1330
   Class C                       sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn: Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Value Fund                       Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                   6.39%             2,323.9770
   Class C                       00150304780
                                 333 West 34th St - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001

Value Fund                       Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                   7.06%             2,569.5400
   Class C                       00178165030
                                 333 West 34th St - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

Value Fund                       New York Life Trust Company                                 7.31%             2,661.0670
   Class C                       Cust for the IRA of
                                 Paul E Janetos Sr
                                 250 Rollins Rd
                                 Rollins Ford, NH  03869-5015
</TABLE>



                                      175
<PAGE>   401


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Convertible Fund                 Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for               5.50%             9,985.0350
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Convertible Fund                 Bear Stearns Securities Corp.                               8.81%            15,984.3020
   Class C                       FBO 028-62170-13
                                 1 Metrotech Center North
                                 Brooklyn, NY  11201-3870

Convertible Fund                 Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                  22.82%            41,425.7130
   Class C                       00106236339
                                 333 West 34th St - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001

High Yield Corporate Bond Fund   Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              13.61%         8,046,870.1100
   Class A                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T81
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

High Yield Corporate Bond Fund   Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              25.71%         2,965,247.3910
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97YK8
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Government Fund                  New York Life Trust Company                                22.32%           727,749.6850
   Class A                       Client Accounts
                                 51 Madison Avenue Rm 117A
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Government Fund                  Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              19.80%            13,317.2240
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Government Fund                  New York Life Trust Company                                 9.07%             6,104.1390
   Class C                       Cust for the IRA of
                                 Paul E Janetos Sr
                                 250 Rollins Rd
                                 Rollins Ford, NH  03869-5015
</TABLE>




                                      176
<PAGE>   402


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Government Fund                  Olga L. Standish                                           14.59%             9,818.0830
   Class C                       287 Winding Brook
                                 Walled Lake, MI  48390-3963

Government Fund                  Karen L. Allmon                                            15.35%            10,324.4630
   Class C                       2363 FM 16W
                                 Tyler, TX  75706

Money Market Fund Sweep Shares   BHC Securities Inc                                        100.00%       204,793,965.7200
                                 Attn:  Cash Sweeps Department
                                 One Commerce Square
                                 2005 Market Street
                                 Philadelphia, PA  19103-7042

Money Market Fund                Galovich Financial Planning                                 5.73%           330,227.6100
   Class C                       Services Profit Sharing Plan
                                 Fred S. Galovich TTEE
                                 736 W Ingomar Rd
                                 Ingomar, PA  15127

Money Market Fund                Painewebber for the benefit of  Larry K. Randa              5.79%           333,635.3600
   Class C                       Trustee for the Larry K. Randa Revocable Trust
                                 Dated 1-29-90
                                 8537 Clynderven
                                 Burr Ridge, IL  60521-8363

Money Market Fund                Painewebber for the benefit of Donna Kubik                  6.35%           366,014.4100
   Class C                       Larson Trustee for The Donna Kubik Larson
                                 Revocable Trust UAD 9-22-97
                                 8709 Royal Swan Lane
                                 Darien, IL  60561-8433

Tax Free Bond Fund               Painewebber for the benefit of Trident Arbitrage           10.55%           171,322.6860
   Class A                       Partners L P
                                 45 Grove Street
                                 New Canaan, CT  06840-5330

Tax Free Bond Fund               Schmitt Family Trust                                       11.16%           181,283.8650
   Class A                       DTD 9-13-91
                                 James S. Schmitt & Don L. Waters & Kim Schmitt
                                 Fogarty TTEES
                                 P.O. Box 1566
                                 Savannah, GA  31402-1566

Tax Free Bond Fund               Michael N. Marks                                           11.42%           185,455.4420
   Class A                       P.O. Box 320765
                                 Cocoa Beach, FL  32932-0765
</TABLE>



                                      177
<PAGE>   403


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Tax Free Bond Fund               David Katzin                                                5.61%            91,074.8790
   Class A                       6301 N 44th Street
                                 Paradise Valley, AZ  85253-3919

Tax Free Bond Fund               Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              36.42%            19,663.7790
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Tax Free Bond Fund               Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                  19.43%            10,491.2300
   Class C                       00150822950
                                 333 West 34th St - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001

Tax Free Bond Fund               George Detillot                                             6.06%             3,274.5970
   Class C                       TOD Designation on File
                                 9811 33rd Dr SE
                                 Everett, WA  98208-4375

Tax Free Bond Fund               Rene R. Torino                                             15.47%             8,350.7690
   Class C                       Marie C. Torino
                                 4747 Elizabeth Lane
                                 Brooklyn, OH  44144-3247

Tax Free Bond Fund               Olga L. Standish                                            9.84%             5,315.4850
   Class C                       287 Winding Brook
                                 Walled Lake, MI  48390-3963

Tax Free Bond Fund               Karla Sepulvado                                             5.09%             2,748.2070
   Class C                       P.O. Box 1360
                                 Zwolle, LA  71486-1360

Total Return Fund                New York Life Trust Company                                39.90%         2,744,864.9780
   Class A                       Client Accounts
                                 51 Madison Avenue Rm 117A
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Equity Index Fund                New York Life Trust Company                                 6.27%         1,665,876.8420
                                 Client Accounts
                                 51 Madison Avenue Rm 117A
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

California Tax Free Fund         PKSK Wong Family Partnership L P                            7.60%           106,349.5950
   Class A                       Chi Keung Wong TTEE
                                 Shuk Kwan Lam Wong TTEE
                                 3838 Divisadero Street
                                 San Francisco, CA  94123-1013
</TABLE>




                                      178
<PAGE>   404


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
California Tax Free Fund         NYLIFE Distributors Inc                                    19.38%           271,121.2630
   Class A                       c/o Al Leier
                                 P.O. Box 421
                                 Parsippany, NJ  07054-0421

California Tax Free Fund         Fiserv Securities, Inc.                                     5.99%            67,907.4450
   Class B                       FAO 40278915
                                 Attn:  Mutual Funds Dept
                                 One Commerce Square
                                 2005 Market Street, Suite 1200
                                 Philadelphia, PA  19103-7084

California Tax Free Fund         William J & Elinor G. Potikian                              7.38%            83,649.9360
   Class B                       Family Revocable Trust
                                 DTD 8-17-93
                                 Jacinda Potikian TTEE
                                 4475 N College
                                 Fresno, CA  93704-3806

California Tax Free Fund         Wedbush Morgan Securities                                   5.62%             5,559.1050
   Class C                       A/C 3235-5426
                                 1000 Wilshire Blvd.
                                 Los Angeles, CA  90017-2457

California Tax Free Fund         Janette A. Gil                                             11.42%            11,287.0010
  Class C                        888 E Serena Avenue
                                 Fresno, CA  93720-1732

California Tax Free Fund         Bon Ho Koo                                                 76.62%            75,751.4840
  Class C                        13013 E 166th Street
                                 Cerritos, CA  90703-2201

New York Tax Free Fund           NYLIFE Distributors Inc.                                   39.55%           499,488.3950
   Class A                       c/o Al Leier
                                 PO Box 421
                                 Parsippany, NJ  07054-0421

New York Tax Free Fund           Fiserv Securities, Inc.                                    51.50%             2,200.4280
   Class C                       FAO 40349791
                                 Attn:  Mutual Funds Dept.
                                 One Commerce Square
                                 2005 Market Street, Suite 1200
                                 Philadelphia, PA  19103-7084

New York Tax Free Fund           Michael P. Porter                                          46.61%             1,991.4190
   Class C                       75 S Howells Point Road
                                 Bellport, NY  11713-2621
</TABLE>




                                      179
<PAGE>   405


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
International Bond Fund          Dean Witter for the benefit of Michael Jordan               6.22%            90,155.3620
   Class A                       PO Box 250 Church Street Station
                                 New York, NY  10008-0250

International Bond Fund          NYLIFE Distributors                                        54.21%           785,338.6140
   Class A                       Attn: Al Leier
                                 260 Cherry Hill Rd
                                 Parsippany, NJ  07054-1108

International Bond Fund          Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                  29.08%             2,987.0050
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 P.O. Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052

International Bond Fund          Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc.                                11.10%             1,139.8910
   Class C                       281-75098-19
                                 PO Box 1476
                                 Baltimore, MD  21203-1476

International Bond Fund          Fiserv Securities, Inc.                                     5.27%               541.1470
   Class C                       FAO 40332700
                                 Attn:  Mutual Funds Dept.
                                 One Commerce Square
                                 2005 Market Street, Suite 1200
                                 Philadelphia, PA  19103-7084

International Bond Fund          Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc.                                50.46%             5,184.0600
   Class C                       281-75237-11
                                 PO Box 1476
                                 Baltimore, MD  21203-1476

International Equity Fund        New York Life Trust Company                                 6.42%           143,200.5430
   Class A                       Client Accounts
                                 51 Madison Avenue Rm 117A
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

International Equity Fund        NYLIFE Distributors                                        28.58%           637,713.7640
   Class A                       Attn: Al Leier
                                 260 Cherry Hill Rd
                                 Parsippany, NJ  07054-1108

International Equity Fund        Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                  11.27%             3,804.6670
   Class C                       00150308028
                                 333 West 34th Street- 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483
</TABLE>




                                      180
<PAGE>   406


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
International Equity Fund        Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                  18.81%             6,349.0060
   Class C                       00150351046
                                 333 West 34th Street - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

International Equity Fund        Attn:  Mutual Funds Dept.                                  14.71%             4,963.6000
   Class C                       Fiserv Securities Inc.
                                 FAO 40969823
                                 One Commerce Square
                                 2005 Market Street, Suite 1200
                                 Philadelphia, PA  19103-7084

International Equity Fund        New York Life Trust Company                                11.16%             3,767.8140
   Class C                       Cust. for the IRA of
                                 Paul E. Janetos Sr.
                                 250 Rollins Rd
                                 Rollins Ford, NH  03869-5015

Strategic Income Fund            New York Life Ins. General Account                         35.60%           759,184.1330
   Class A                       Attn:  Richard Schwartz
                                 260 Cherry Hill Rd
                                 Parsippany, NJ  07054-1187

Strategic Income Fund            Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                   8.50%             9,044.6260
   Class C                       00150304328
                                 333 West 34th Street - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

Strategic Income Fund            Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                   7.86%             8,362.8120
   Class C                       00115029304
                                 333 West 34th Street - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

Strategic Income Fund            Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                   5.14%             5,470.4600
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 PO Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052

Strategic Income Fund            Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                  16.40%            17,443.4230
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 PO Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052

Strategic Income Fund            Mazie A. Noll                                              10.42%            11,087.4560
   Class C                       Harold P. Kissinger
                                 Monroe A. Noll
                                 c/o Harold P. Kissinger
                                 114 West Main Street
                                 Reinholds, PA  17569-9704
</TABLE>




                                      181
<PAGE>   407


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Strategic Income Fund            Bradley Wood                                                5.07%             5,387.8650
   Class C                       11336 Old Prospect Hill Rd
                                 Glenn Dale, MD  20769-9422

Strategic Income Fund            Karen L. Allmon                                             6.27%             6,666.7000
   Class C                       2363 FM 16W
                                 Tyler, TX  75706

Strategic Income Fund            Christine L. Dangelo                                        6.22%             6,612.7690
   Class C                       8652 Afton Road
                                 Afton, MI  49705-9705

Strategic Value Fund             New York Life Ins. Co.                                     59.02%           965,932.3350
   Class A                       Attn:  Richard Schwartz
                                 260 Cherry Hill Rd
                                 Parsippany, NJ  07054-1187

Strategic Value Fund             Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              39.99%             6,343.2640
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Strategic Value Fund             Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                  16.69%             2,646.6240
   Class C                       00144363011
                                 333 West 34th St - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

Strategic Value Fund             Fiserv Securities, Inc.                                     6.03%               955.8950
   Class C                       FAO 40245425
                                 Attn:  Mutual Funds Dept.
                                 One Commerce Square
                                 2005 Market Street, Suite 1200
                                 Philadelphia, PA  19103-7084

Strategic Value Fund             Jerry Gold                                                  6.16%               977.3530
   Class C                       3119 Westchester Court
                                 St. Charles, MO  63303-3866

Strategic Value Fund             New York Life Trust Company                                 5.66%               897.3910
   Class C                       Cust for the IRA of Kirk C. Hansen
                                 Kirk C. Hansen
                                 PO Box 54
                                 Absarokee, MT  59001-0054
</TABLE>



                                      182
<PAGE>   408


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Small Cap Growth Fund            Shirley J. Schatz                                           5.86%           306,564.7440
   Class A                       Larry L. Schatz        JT TEN
                                 Tod Registration on File
                                 7518 Lillys Lane
                                 Villa Ridge, MO  63089-2781

Small Cap Growth Fund            New York Life Insurance Company                            17.22%           900,000.0000
   Class A                       Attn: Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Small Cap Growth Fund            Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc. - for             13.84%            74,924.0370
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Small Cap Growth Fund            Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                   6.24%            33,750.0000
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 PO Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052

Small Cap Value Fund             New York Life Insurance Company                            54.91%           902,024.0170
   Class A                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Small Cap Value Fund             New York Life Insurance Company                             5.73%           100,227.1220
   Class B                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Small Cap Value Fund             Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              34.85%            34,165.3160
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Small Cap Value Fund             Painewebber for the Benefit of                              6.99%             6,856.5400
   Class C                       Local 68
                                 Engineers Pension Fund
                                 PO Box 534
                                 W Caldwell, NJ  07007-0534

Small Cap Value Fund             Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                  15.68%            15,368.8520
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 PO Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052
</TABLE>




                                      183
<PAGE>   409


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Blue Chip Growth Fund            New York Life Insurance Company                            16.42%            900,000.000
   Class A                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Blue Chip Growth Fund            Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              12.30%            88,664.0940
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Equity Income Fund               New York Life Insurance Company                            56.13%           966,472.9920
   Class A                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Equity Income Fund               Painewebber for the Benefit of Painewebber CDN              8.47%             8,866.0050
   Class C                       FBO
                                 James L. Sandonato P/W Cust
                                 PO Box 3321
                                 Weehawken, NJ  07087-8154

Growth Opportunities Fund        New York Life Insurance Company                            45.71%           900,514.8050
   Class A                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Growth Opportunities Fund        Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for               5.85%             5,698.5700
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Growth Opportunities Fund        New York Life Trust Company                                 5.77%             5,614.7790
   Class C                       Cust for the IRA of Maureen S. Townsend
                                 1217 San Dieguito Drive
                                 Encinitas, CA  92024-5116

Growth Opportunities Fund        Robert C. Olmstead                                         10.75%            10,463.0640
   Class C                       Katie Olmstead
                                 4230 Hickory Oak Box 2
                                 Spring, TX  77389-4670
</TABLE>




                                      184
<PAGE>   410


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Research Value Fund              New York Life Insurance Company                            74.25%           944,166.5190
   Class A                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Research Value Fund              New York Life Insurance Company                            10.18%           104,964.8650
   Class B                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Research Value Fund              Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for               9.63%             9,951.4840
   Class C                        the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484

Research Value Fund              Wedbush Morgan Securities                                   5.34%             5,519.7310
   Class C                       A/C 7232-3665
                                 1000 Wilshire Blvd.
                                 Los Angeles, CA  90017-2457

Research Value Fund              Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                   7.52%             7,767.6050
   Class C                       00150308028
                                 333 West 34th Street - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

Research Value Fund              Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                  11.70%            12,087.2680
   Class C                       00150351046
                                 333 West 34th Street - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483

Global High Yield Fund           New York Life Insurance Company                            92.95%           900,000.0000
   Class A                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Global High Yield Fund           New York Life Insurance Company                            20.45%           100,000.0000
   Class B                       Attn:  Jean Hoysradt
                                 51 Madison Avenue
                                 New York, NY  10010-1603

Global High Yield Fund           Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc - for              15.69%             2,566.9200
   Class C                       the sole benefit of its customers
                                 Attn:  Fund Administration 97T98
                                 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 3rd Fl
                                 Jacksonville, FL  32246-6484
</TABLE>



                                      185
<PAGE>   411


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Percentage
   Name and Address                                                                      Outstanding          Owned
     Name of Fund                           Shareholder                                   Owned (1)           Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                                     <C>            <C>
Global High Yield Fund           Ranney Family Rev Living Trust                              7.35%             1,203.3690
   Class C                       DTD 10-28-92
                                 Raymond F. Ranney TTEE
                                 1915 N Vista
                                 Spokane, WA  99212-2416

Global High Yield Fund           Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                   5.88%               961.6800
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 PO Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052

Global High Yield Fund           Painewebber for the benefit of Emily E. Nagler             17.29%             2,829.0000
   Class C                       50 Glenbrook Rd
                                 Apt. #14H
                                 Stamford, CT  06902-2952

Global High Yield Fund           Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette                                  16.93%             2,769.9290
   Class C                       Securities Corporation Inc.
                                 PO Box 2052
                                 Jersey City, NJ  07303-2052

Global High Yield Fund           Mary E. Johns                                              16.71%             2,733.6830
   Class C                       3841 Tunnel Hill Rd., SW
                                 Cleveland, TN  37311-8347

Map Equity                       Salomon Smith Barney Inc.                                   5.16%            21,613.9650
   Class A                       00140502905
                                 333 West 34th Street - 3rd Fl
                                 New York, NY  10001-2483
</TABLE>

(1)    This information, not being within the knowledge of the Trust, has been
       furnished by each of the above persons. Beneficial ownership is as
       defined under Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act. Fractional shares have been
       omitted.

       NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is a corporation organized under the laws of
Delaware. NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYLIFE Inc.,
and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.

                                OTHER INFORMATION

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

       PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York, 10036, has been selected as independent accountants of the Trust. The
Funds' Annual Reports, which are incorporated by reference in this SAI, have
been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.



                                      186
<PAGE>   412


TRANSFER AGENT

       MainStay Shareholder Services, LLC ("MSS"), an affiliate of the Manager,
serves as the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for each of the
Funds. MSS has its principal office and place of business at 260 Cherry Hill
Road, Parsippany, New Jersey. Pursuant to its Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement dated April 28, 1997 with the Trust, MSS provides transfer agency
services, such as the receipt of purchase and redemption orders, the receipt of
dividend reinvestment instructions, the preparation and transmission of dividend
payments and the maintenance of various records of accounts. The Funds pay MSS
fees in the form of per account charges, as well as out-of-pocket expenses and
advances incurred by MSS. MSS has entered into a Sub-Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement with Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. ("BFDS") located at 2
Heritage Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171 and pays to BFDS per account,
and transaction fees and out-of-pocket expenses for performing certain transfer
agency and shareholder recordkeeping services.

CUSTODIANS

       The Bank of New York ("BONY") serves as custodian for the Equity Index
Fund, California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, International Equity
Fund, International Bond Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Strategic Value Fund, Blue
Chip Growth Fund, Equity Income Fund, Global High Yield Fund, Growth
Opportunities fund, Research Value Fund, Small Cap Growth Fund, Small Cap Value
Fund and the MAP Equity Fund. The Trust has also appointed BONY as its foreign
custody manager with respect to certain securities held outside of the United
States. BONY has its principal office at 48 Wall Street, New York, New York
10286.

       State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") serves as custodian
for the other MainStay Funds, including the Capital Appreciation Fund,
Convertible Fund, Total Return Fund, Value Fund, Government Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, Tax Free Fund, and Money Market Fund. State Street has its
principal office at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

LEGAL COUNSEL

       Dechert Price & Rhoads, 1775 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006,
passes upon certain legal matters in connection with the shares offered by the
Trust, and also acts as counsel to the Trust.

CODE OF ETHICS

       The Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics governing personal trading
activities of all Trustees, officers of the Trust and persons who, in connection
with their regular functions, play a role in the recommendation of any purchase
or sale of a security by the Trust or obtain information pertaining to such
purchase or sale or who have the power to influence the management or policies
of the Trust or the Manager or a Subadvisor unless such power is the result of
their position with the Trust or Manager or Subadvisor. Personal trading is
permitted by such persons; however they are generally required to preclear all
security transactions with the Trust's Compliance Officer or his designee and to
report all transactions on a regular basis. The Trust has developed procedures
for administration of the Code. The Subadvisors that are unaffiliated with New
York Life Insurance Company have adopted their own Codes of Ethics to govern the
personal trading activities of their personnel.



                                      187
<PAGE>   413


APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
- ------------------------------------

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
- ------------------------------------

Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged
to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and
are generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a
large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the
various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.

Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.

Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.

Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classified from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating



                                      188
<PAGE>   414


category; the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking; and the modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

Advance refunded issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in cash, held in
trust, reinvested in direct noncallable United States government obligations or
noncallable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government are
identified with a hatchmark (#) symbol, i.e., #Aaa.

Moody's assigns conditional ratings to bonds for which the security depends upon
the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition. These are bonds
secured by: (a) earnings of projects under construction; (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned in operating experience; (c) rentals that begin when
facilities are completed; or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. The parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon
completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition, e.g.,
Con.(Baa).

Municipal Short-Term Loan Ratings

MIG 1/VMIG 1: This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2/VMIG 2: This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3/VMIG 3: This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.

MIG 4/VMIG 4: This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

SG: This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this
category lack margins of protection.

Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations which have an original maturity not exceeding
one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on
funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access
to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.



                                      189
<PAGE>   415


PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally
be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.

NOT PRIME: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.

STANDARD & POOR'S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corporate and Municipal Long-Term Debt Ratings

Investment Grade

AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.

AA: Debt rated AA differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
very strong.

A: Debt rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is still strong.

BBB: Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.

Speculative Grade

Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt
will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but
the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely
impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation.



                                      190
<PAGE>   416


CCC: Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor. In the
event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not
likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or a similar action has been taken, but debt service payments are
continued.

D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable
grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be
made during such grace period. The D rating will also be used upon the filing of
a bankruptcy petition, or the taking of similar action, if debt service payments
are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are
rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings
measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.

Short-Term Rating Definitions

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by
Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are
designated with a plus sign(+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to
meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing
uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating
category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such



                                      191
<PAGE>   417


grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are
jeopardized.



                                      192
<PAGE>   418
NYLIFE LLC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AFFILIATES OF NEW YORK LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998


                                      193
<PAGE>   419


PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

                                                     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                                     11 Madison Avenue
                                                     New York NY 10010
                                                     Telephone (212) 596 8000
                                                     Facsimile (212) 591-4850

                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and
Member of NYLIFE LLC

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position
and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income,
of changes in member's equity/stockholder's equity and of cash flows present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NYLIFE LLC and its
subsidiaries (affiliates of New York Life Insurance Company) at December 31,
1999 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

As discussed in Note 2, the Company changed its basis of accounting from
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the New York State Insurance
Department to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

April 7, 2000


                                      194

<PAGE>   420


                          NYLIFE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (AFFILIATES OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              December 31,
                                                                                        1999               1998
                                                                                    --------------    ---------------
                                                                                              (in thousands)
<S>                                                                                 <C>               <C>
                                     ASSETS
Investments
    Equity securities                                                                $    221,590        $    22,928
    Fixed maturities:
      Available for sale                                                                  129,761             75,046
      Held to maturity                                                                      4,775              4,119
    MainStay funds at fair value                                                           33,507             35,622
    Other long-term investments                                                            53,296             16,889
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                 391,356            364,692
Restricted investments                                                                      5,663                  -
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of  $21,194 and
    $21,479, respectively)                                                                824,873            473,026
Interest and other receivables                                                             25,300             34,802
Deferred distribution costs (net of accumulated amortization of $204,879 and
    $217,930 respectively)                                                                180,027            226,756
Deferred policy acquistion costs                                                           67,213             46,269
Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation of $63,737 and $43,976,
    respectively)                                                                         123,998            103,451
Receivable from New York Life Insurance Company                                            83,534          1,315,849
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $37,858 and $8,808, respectively)          1,101,657            289,596
Other intangible assets                                                                   183,420             65,765
Other assets                                                                              142,525             82,572
                                                                                    --------------    ---------------

         Total assets                                                                $  3,572,495       $  3,157,382
                                                                                    ==============    ===============

                                LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY/STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

Accrued claims payable                                                                  $  854,158       $   339,992
Policy reserves                                                                            162,670           103,647
Participating policyholder liability                                                         3,815             3,378
Payable to New York Life Insurance Company                                                  39,222            35,759
Dividend payable to New York Life Insurance Company                                              -           373,924
Accrued expenses and other payables                                                        305,586           218,492
Income taxes payable                                                                        29,918             4,503
Notes payable                                                                              711,492         1,271,202
Net deferred tax liability                                                                 130,728 .          30,417
Other liabilities                                                                          119,033           136,955
                                                                                    --------------    ---------------

         Total liabilities                                                               2,356,622         2,518,269
                                                                                    --------------    ---------------

Minority interest                                                                          533,468           137,885

Member's equity                                                                          1,062,791                 -
Undistributed losses                                                                     (373,089)                 -
Common stock, par value $.10 per share (20,000 shares authorized, 3,850 shares
    issued and outstanding) and additional paid-in capital                                       -           912,839
Accumulated deficit                                                                              -         (415,159)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
   Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments (net of taxes of $(2,254) and
     $96, respectively)                                                                   (10,385)             1,097
   Cumulative translation adjustment                                                         3,088             2,451
                                                                                    --------------    ---------------
         Total member's equity/stockholder's equity                                        682,405           501,228
                                                                                    --------------    ---------------
         Total liabilities and member's equity/stockholder's equity                    $ 3,572,495       $ 3,157,382
                                                                                    ==============    ===============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.


                                      195

<PAGE>   421


                          NYLIFE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (AFFILIATES OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)

         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                For the Years ended December 31,
                                                                               1999            1998         1997
                                                                           ------------------------------------------
                                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>           <C>
Income:
   Fee income                                                               $  4,660,313    $ 3,177,181   $1,506,092
   Premium revenue - net of reinsurance                                           57,316         47,375       27,571
   Commission income                                                             183,020        146,661      113,590
   Interest and dividend income                                                   67,644         70,992       32,533
   Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments                      16,140       (73,953)      (6,462)
   Realized gain on sale of assets                                               182,930              -            -
   Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates                                      10,462            869      (3,833)
   Gain on issuance of additional shares by public subsidiary                    104,932            921        2,411
   Other income                                                                    8,891          4,801       30,941

                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------
   Total income                                                                5,291,648      3,374,847    1,702,843
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------

Expenses:
   Cost of prescription sales                                                  3,826,905      2,584,997    1,119,167
   Employee compensation                                                         188,974        147,588      111,203
   Selling expenses                                                              194,178        144,429      131,461
   Depreciation and amortization                                                 151,642        181,226      102,138
   Administrative charge from New York Life Insurance Company                     95,193         71,293       59,926
   Interest                                                                      100,068         54,670       13,197
   Professional fees                                                              61,309         44,797        6,768
   Benefit payments                                                               13,119         10,855        7,534
   Increase in policy reserves                                                    29,371         24,381       26,712
   Rent expense                                                                   22,413         13,737        9,815
   Administrative and other expenses                                             178,299         97,599       68,431
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------

   Total expenses                                                              4,861,471      3,375,572    1,656,352
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------

Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and
   minority interest                                                             430,177          (725)       46,491

Net income tax expense                                                           189,473         36,020       29,365
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------

Net income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest            240,704       (36,745)       17,126

Minority interest                                                                 91,663         23,343       18,225
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------

Net income (loss) from continuing operations                                 $   149,041   $   (60,088)   $  (1,099)

Discontinued operations:
   Net loss from discontinued operations (before measurement date),
     (net of income tax benefit of $8,756)                                             -              -     (27,911)
   Gain on disposal of NYLCare, including operating gains of $6,926
     during the phase out period (net of income taxes of $265,624)                     -        380,135            -
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------
     Net income (loss) from discontinued operations                                    -        380,135     (27,911)

Net income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
   change in accounting principle                                                149,041        320,047     (29,010)
Extraordinary Item
   Loss on early retirement of debt (net of income tax benefit of
   $4,492)                                                                       (7,150)              -            -
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (net of income
   tax benefit of $14,210)                                                      (26,389)              -            -
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------

Net Income (loss)                                                             $  115,502     $  320,047  $  (29,010)
Other Comprehensive income (losses)
   Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments (net of
     income taxes of $(2,350), $(790) and $1,650, respectively)                 (11,482)        (4,772)        7,084
   Cumulative translation adjustments                                                637             13      (1,412)
                                                                           --------------  ------------- ------------
Comprehensive income (loss)                                                  $   104,657    $   315,288  $  (23,338)
                                                                           ==============  ============= ============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                      196

<PAGE>   422


                          NYLIFE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (affiliates of New York Life Insurance Company)

  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBER'S EQUITY / STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

             For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Common                                                          Accumulated
                                      Stock &                                                             Other
                                     Additional                Investment                             Comprehensive
                                      Paid-In     Accumulated  Valuation    Member's    Undistributed     Income
                                      Capital       Deficit     Account      Equity         Losses        (Loss)        Total
                                      -------       -------     -------      ------         ------        ------        -----
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996 as
   previously reported               $1,066,921   $ (270,817)   $  99,527      $    -        $    -       $  2,635      898,266

Cumulative Effect of
   comprehensive change in basis
   of accounting (Note 2)                55,143      (61,455)    (99,527)           -             -              -    (105,839)

Balance at December 31, 1996, as
   adjusted                           1,122,064     (332,272)           -           -             -          2,635      792,427

Capital contributions                   101,087             -           -           -             -              -      101,087
Return of capital                     (124,900)             -           -           -             -              -    (124,900)
Net loss                                      -      (29,010)           -           -             -              -     (29,010)
Other comprehensive income
   (losses)
   Net unrealized gains on
   investments                                -             -           -           -             -          7,084        7,084
   Cumulative translation
   adjustment                                 -             -           -           -             -        (1,412)      (1,412)

                                     -----------  ------------ ----------- -----------  ------------  -------------  -----------
Balance at December 31, 1997          1,098,251     (361,282)           -           -             -          8,307      745,276

Capital contributions                   100,145             -           -           -             -              -      100,145
Return of capital                     (285,557)             -           -           -             -              -    (285,557)
Dividend                                      -     (373,924)           -           -             -              -    (373,924)
Net income                                    -       320,047           -           -             -              -      320,047
Other comprehensive income
   (losses)
   Net unrealized losses on
   investments                                -             -           -           -             -        (4,772)      (4,772)
   Cumulative translation
   adjustment                                 -             -           -           -             -             13           13
                                     -----------  ------------ ----------- -----------  ------------  -------------  -----------

Balance at December 31, 1998            912,839     (415,159)           -           -             -          3,548      501,228

Capital contributions                   147,590             -           -           -             -              -      147,590
Dividend                                      -      (73,432)           -           -             -              -     (73,432)
Net income                                    -       100,322           -           -             -              -      100,322
Other comprehensive income
   Net unrealized gains on
   investments                                -             -           -           -             -             23           23
   Cumulative translation
   adjustment                                 -             -           -           -             -            226          226
                                     -----------  ------------ ----------- -----------  ------------  -------------  -----------

Balance at September 30, 1999         1,060,429     (388,269)           -           -             -          3,797      675,957

Conversion to a Limited
   Liability Company                 (1,060,429)      388,269           -   1,060,429     (388,269)              -            -
Capital contributions                         -             -           -       2,362             -              -        2,362
Net income                                    -             -           -           -        15,180              -       15,180
Other comprehensive income
   (losses)
   Net unrealized losses on
   investments                                -             -           -           -             -       (11,505)     (11,505)
   Cumulative translation
   adjustment                                 -             -           -           -             -            411          411
                                     -----------  ------------ ----------- -----------  ------------  -------------  -----------

 Balance at December 31, 1999            $    -        $    -      $    -  $1,062,791   $ (373,089)      $ (7,297)    $ 682,405
                                     ===========  ============ =========== ===========  ============  =============  ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                      197

<PAGE>   423


                          NYLIFE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (affiliates of New York Life Insurance Company)

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               For the Years ended December 31,
                                                                            1999             1998             1997
                                                                            ----             ----             ----
                                                                                      (in thousands)
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>             <C>
Cash flow from operating activities:
   Net income (loss)                                                      $ 115,502        $ 320,047       $ (29,010)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                          151,642          190,015          122,888
     Gain on disposal of business, excluding operating gains                      -        (373,209)                -
     Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                   (18,392)         (11,889)          (7,077)
     Insurance reserves                                                      29,371           24,500           26,712
     Net realized gain on sale of interest in subsidiaries                        -                -         (19,932)
     Net realized gain on sale of assets                                  (182,930)                -                -
     Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments             (16,140)           65,017            6,462
     Equity in (earnings) loss of affiliates                               (10,462)              117            7,557
     Provision for deferred income tax expense                              107,730          (1,960)           12,289
     Minority interest                                                       91,663           23,413           18,288
     Gain on issuance of additional shares by public subsidiary           (104,932)            (921)          (2,411)
     Non recurring charges, net of cash paid                                 22,281            1,467                -
     Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                          11,642                -                -
     Other                                                                    5,423            8,554            8,202

Change in assets and liabilities, net of changes resulting from
   acquisitions or sales of subsidiaries:
     Premiums and accounts receivable                                     (221,994)           78,185         (91,791)
     Interest and other receivables                                           3,979          (8,302)           22,609
     Deferred distribution costs and other assets                          (74,908)        (136,728)        (109,121)
     Accrued expenses and other payables                                    318,341            5,061          171,002
     Net payable (receivable) to New York Life Insurance Company          1,235,774        (829,149)        (498,241)
     Claims payable                                                               -        (132,243)           11,029
     Net income taxes payable (receivable)                                   25,272           16,305            1,604
     Short-term notes payable                                             (790,295)          365,198          500,708
     Other liabilities                                                     (15,899)          (7,393)         (13,285)
     Net assets of dissolved subsidiaries                                         -                -           66,553
                                                                     ---------------   --------------  ---------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                         682,668        (403,915)          205,035

Cash flow from investing activities:
   Capital expenditures                                                    (43,839)         (45,363)         (38,826)
   Proceeds from sale of investments                                         51,999          289,655          214,642
   Purchase of investments                                                (180,476)        (164,007)        (163,439)
   Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net of cash sold and
     closing costs, net of taxes                                                  -          593,168            2,766
   Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired                      (721,049)        (460,137)                -
   Payments received on investments                                           7,558            2,537            8,693
   Other                                                                        453            4,603          (1,045)
                                                                     ---------------   --------------  ---------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                     $ (885,354)        $ 220,456         $ 22,791
                                                                     ---------------   --------------  ---------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                      198

<PAGE>   424


                          NYLIFE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (affiliates of New York Life Insurance Company)

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               For the Years ended December 31,
                                                                            1999             1998             1997
                                                                            ----             ----             ----
                                                                                      (in thousands)
<S>                                                                 <C>                <C>               <C>
Cash flow from financing activities:
   Capital contributions                                             $      147,590     $      97,534     $      95,471
   Dividends paid                                                         (447,356)                 -                 -
   Borrowings net of repayments under line of credit agreements                   -                 -          (97,446)
   Proceeds from long-term debt                                           1,290,950           360,000                 -
   Repayment of debt                                                    (1,060,312)          (31,082)           (8,173)
   Return of capital distribution                                                 -         (276,237)         (124,900)
   Contributions from limited partners                                       20,900                 -                 -
   Deferred financing fees                                                 (26,316)           (4,062)                 -
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                    6,438             2,021                 -
   Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                               299,378                 -                 -
   Other                                                                          -             (215)             1,597
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                         231,272           147,959         (133,451)
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

Effect of exchange rates on cash                                            (1,922)           (1,373)           (3,042)
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                         26,664          (36,873)            91,333

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                            364,692           401,565           310,232
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                           $      391,356     $     364,692     $     401,565
                                                                    ================   ===============   ===============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid
   (received) during the year for:
     Income taxes                                                    $       26,483     $     298,158     $    (11,776)
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

     Interest expense                                                $      104,675     $      47,492     $      10,998
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
   Net capital contributions                                         $        2,362     $     (6,709)     $       5,613
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

   Contributions from limited partners                               $       86,795     $           -     $           -
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------

   Dividends declared but not paid                                   $            -     $     373,924     $           -
                                                                    ----------------   ---------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                      199

<PAGE>   425


                          NYLIFE LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (AFFILIATES OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

The accompanying financial statements reflect the consolidation of NYLIFE LLC
(the "Company"), formerly NYLIFE Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of New York
Life Insurance Company ("New York Life"), and its subsidiaries, each of which
is wholly owned, except as noted:

ACTIVE SUBSIDIARIES

Avanti Corporate Health Systems Inc. ("Avanti")
Eagle Strategies Corp. ("Eagle")
MacKay Shields Financial LLC ("MacKay Shields") (Formerly MacKay-Shields
Financial Corporation) **
Madison Square Advisors LLC ("MSA") (Formerly Madison Square Advisors, Inc.)**
      NYLAP Manager LLC ("NYLCAP Manager") (Formed in 1999) **
            New York Life Capital Partners LLC ("NYLCP LLC"), (Formed in 1999)
            53% owned **
                  New York Life Capital Partners, LP ("NYLCP LP"), (Formed in
                  1999) 3% owned**
MainStay Management LLC ("MainStay Management") (Formerly MainStay Management,
Inc.) **
MainStay Shareholder Services LLC ("MSSI") (Formerly MainStay Shareholder
Services Inc.) **
Monitor Capital Advisors LLC ("Monitor Capital") (Formerly Monitor Capital
Advisors, Inc.) **
New York Life Benefit Services LLC ("Benefit Services") (Formerly New York Life
Benefit Services Inc.)**
New York Life Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation")
New York Life International, Inc. ("International Inc.") **
      New York Life Insurance, Ltd. ("Korea") (Formerly Kohap New York Life
      Insurance Ltd.)**
New York Life International Investment, Inc. ("NYL International")
New York Life Irrevocable Trust of 1996 ("Trust")
      New York Life Settlement Corporation ("NYLSET")
New York Life Trust Company ("NYL Trust")
New York Life UK Limited ("NYLUK")
NYLIFE Administration Corp. ("NYLACOR")
NYLIFE Distributors, Inc. ("NYLIFE Distributors") **
NYLIFE HealthCare Management, Inc. ("NYLIFE HealthCare")
      Express Scripts, Inc. ("ESI"), 39% owned, 86% voting stock
NYLIFE Refinery, Inc. ("NYLIFE Refinery")
NYLIFE Securities, Inc. ("NYLIFE Securities")
NYLINK Insurance Agency Corporation ("NYLINK")
NYLTemps, Inc. ("NYLTemps")
Prime Provider Corp. ("Prime Provider")

DISCONTINUED/DISSOLVED SUBSIDIARIES

Aegis Technologies, Inc. ("Aegis") (Dissolved in 1999)
Greystone Realty Corporation ("Greystone") (Dissolved in 1999)
MSC Holding, Inc. ("MSC"), (Dissolved in 1999) 85% owned
NYLCare NC Holdings, Inc. ("NC Holdings") (Discontinued in 1998)
NYLIFE Depositary Corporation ("Depositary") (Dissolved in 1999)
NYLIFE Funding, Inc. ("NYLIFE Funding") (Dissolved in 1998)
NYLCare Health Plans ("NYLCare") (Discontinued in 1998)
      New York Life and Health Insurance Company ("NYLHIC") (Discontinued in
      1998)
NYLIFE Resources, Inc. ("NYLIFE Resources") (Dissolved in 1998)
NYLIFE SFD Holding, Inc. ("SFD Holding") (Dissolved in 1999)
      Auto Funding II, LP ("Auto Funding") (Dissolved in 1999)
      NYLIFE Structured Asset Management Company, Ltd. ("SAMCO") (Dissolved in
      1999)
WellPath of Arizona Reinsurance Company ("WellPath") (Discontinued in 1998)
NYLIFE Equity ("NYLIFE Equity") (Dissolved in 1997)
NYLIFE Realty Inc. ("NYLIFE Realty") (Dissolved in 1997)

** Subsidiaries affected by the re-organization described in Note 18

                                      200

<PAGE>   426


The Company was originally incorporated under the laws of New York in 1984 as
NYLIFE Inc., and was converted to a Delaware limited liability company on
September 30, 1999. Effective October 1, 1999, MacKay Shields, MainStay
Management, Monitor Capital and MSA were also converted to limited liability
companies. Benefit Services and MSSI were converted to limited liability
companies on January 28, 2000.

The Company, through its subsidiaries, offers insurance products in certain
international markets; pharmacy benefit management services; investment
management, mutual fund, and pension products/services; securities brokerage
and capital financing.

International operations are conducted primarily through International Inc.,
which markets life, annuity and health insurance and pension products/services
through joint ventures and equity investments in Argentina, Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines and South Korea. In addition, International Inc.
has representative offices in the People's Republic of China and an investment
fund in India.

Pharmacy benefit management services in the United States and Canada are
conducted through ESI, and include network claims processing, mail pharmacy
services, benefit design consultation, drug utilization review, formulary
management, disease management, medical and drug data analysis services and
medical information management services. ESI also conducts business as an
Internet pharmacy through its 19.9% interest in PlanetRx.com Inc.

Asset management operations primarily consist of institutional asset management
and mutual fund related products and services offered through MacKay Shields,
Monitor Capital and MSA. Mutual fund distribution and administration services
are conducted through NYLIFE Distributors, MSSI and MainStay Management.
Pension and 401(k) products and related administrative and trust services are
offered through Benefit Services and NYL Trust.

Securities brokerage is conducted through NYLIFE Securities, whose operations
consist of acting as an introducing broker for clients and the distribution of
mutual fund products (including the MainStay Funds ("Funds") through a
soliciting dealer agreement with NYLIFE Distributors) and registered products
through New York Life's career agency force.

Capital financing operations are conducted through Capital Corporation, which
issues commercial paper and borrows from other sources for the purpose of
making loans to New York Life and its affiliates.

NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Prior to
1999, the consolidated financial statements had been prepared on the basis of
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the New York State Insurance
Department for valuing common stocks of subsidiaries, which is a comprehensive
basis of accounting other than GAAP. Financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997 have been restated in accordance with GAAP. The
cumulative effect of the comprehensive change in basis of accounting of
$105,839,000 has been recorded as a decrease to the beginning of the year
equity for the year ended December 31, 1997.

                                      201

<PAGE>   427

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. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

INVESTMENTS

Equity securities consist of both affiliated and unaffiliated securities.
Unaffiliated securities are stated at market value. Affiliated securities
represent unconsolidated subsidiaries and are accounted for under the equity
method of accounting with net earnings or losses included in net income and
unrealized appreciation and depreciation reflected as unrealized gains and
losses reported as a separate component of member's equity. Fixed maturities
are classified as either held to maturity and reported at amortized cost or
available for sale and reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains
and losses reported as a separate component of member's equity, net of deferred
tax. The investments in the Funds are recorded at fair value and are held by
MacKay Shields and MainStay Management, investment advisors; MSSI, a transfer
agent; and NYLIFE Securities and NYLIFE Distributors, broker-dealers. In
accordance with specialized accounting practices for broker-dealers, unrealized
gains and losses are included in net income. Real estate is recorded at cost
less accumulated depreciation. Other long-term investments primarily represent
investments in limited partnerships and are generally accounted for under the
equity method of accounting with net earnings or losses included in net income.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three
months or less. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates
fair value.

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short term maturities of
these instruments. The carrying value of equities, available for sale fixed
maturities and investments in real estate and the Funds approximates fair value
and is discussed in Note 6. The fair value of interest rate swaps was based on
quoted market prices, which reflect the present values of the difference
between estimated future fixed rate payments and future variable rate receipts.
The carrying value of notes payable approximates fair value and is discussed in
Note 9.

DEFERRED DISTRIBUTION COSTS

Deferred distribution costs primarily relate to commission expenses associated
with the distribution of Class B shares of the Funds, which are deferred and
amortized over a six year period on a straight-line basis.

During 1999, the Company changed its method of accounting for the costs related
to the distribution of Class B shares of the Funds. The Company is now
deferring only commission expenses associated with new sales of the Funds.
Certain other costs related to the distribution of the Funds, which were
previously deferred, are now being expensed as incurred. Management believes
that this method will more accurately reflect the matching of distribution
costs with the related revenue recognition. The cumulative effect of this
change for years prior to January 1, 1999 was $26,389,000, which is recorded in
the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Also, the effect of this change in 1999 reduced net income by $5,648,000.

                                      202

<PAGE>   428

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS

The costs of acquiring new business and certain costs of issuing and
underwriting policies that vary with and are primarily related to the
production of new business are deferred and recorded as an asset in the balance
sheet. These costs consist primarily of commissions, overrides, certain
expenses of issuing and underwriting contracts, and certain agency expenses.
For traditional life and periodic endowment products, such costs are amortized
over the life of the contract in proportion to estimated gross margins. The
assumptions for estimated gross margins are initially based on best estimates
and updating periodically to reflect actual experience. Unlocking is done
automatically as actual experience emerges. The effect of which is reflected in
the current year's amortization. For term life and certain riders, the deferred
policy acquisition costs are amortized over the life of the contract in
proportion to gross premiums. For non-participating limited pay policies the
deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized over the premium paying period
in proportion to gross premiums.

FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful
lives of the assets, generally 3 to 10 years, using the straight-line method of
depreciation.

GOODWILL

Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the value assigned to net assets
acquired in connection with acquisitions and is being amortized over 10 to 30
years, unless deemed to be impaired, in which case it is written off to the
extent considered unrecoverable (see Note 4).

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Other intangible assets consist of customer contracts, non-compete agreements
and deferred financing fees. These assets are carried at amortized cost and are
amortized on a straight-line basis over periods from 1 to 20 years.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company, through its investment in ESI, has entered into interest rate swap
agreements to manage exposure to interest rate risk (see Note 9). ESI does not
hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The
interest rate swaps are designated to hedge ESI's variable interest rate
payments. Amounts received or paid are accrued as interest receivable or
payable and as interest income or expense. The fair values of the interest rate
swap agreements are based on market prices. The fair value represents the
estimated amount ESI would receive or pay to terminate the agreements, taking
into consideration current interest rates.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities" ("FAS 133"), effective for fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2000. FAS 133 requires all derivatives be recognized as either assets
or liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and measure
those instruments at fair value. In addition, FAS 133 specifies the accounting
for changes in the fair value of a derivative based on the intended use of the
derivative and the resulting designation. ESI's present interest rate swaps
would be considered cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the change in the fair
values of the swaps will be reported on the consolidated statement of financial
position as an asset or liability. The corresponding unrealized gains or losses
representing the effective portion of the hedges will be initially recognized
in member's equity and other comprehensive income, and subsequently any changes
in unrealized gains or losses from the initial measurement date will be
recognized in earnings

                                      203

<PAGE>   429

concurrent with the interest expense on ESI's underlying variable rate debt. If
the Company had adopted FAS 133 as of December 31, 1999, it would have recorded
an unrealized gain of $6,867,000 as an asset and an increase in member's equity
and other comprehensive income during 1999.

POLICY RESERVES

Policy reserves include reserves for traditional life (including attached OPP
riders), periodic endowments, term life, other riders, non-participating
limited pay policies, and remaining short term and insignificant products. For
traditional life and periodic endowments, net level premium reserves are
calculated using dividend fund interest rates and guaranteed cash surrender
value mortality rates. For term life and other riders, net level premium
reserves are calculated using mortality, interest, expense, and persistency.
Mortality, interest, and expense are based on best estimate with a provision
for adverse deviation. Persistency reflects actual experience. For
non-participating limited pay policies, net level premium reserves are
calculated with additional reserves set up to account for the unearned revenue
liability.

PARTICIPATING POLICYHOLDER LIABILITY

The liability for participating policyholders' consists principally of
dividends earned and expected to be paid or credited during the subsequent
year. The allocation of dividends is determined by means of formulas, which
reflect the relative contribution of each group of policies to the results of
operations.

INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax
consequences/benefits, utilizing current tax rates, of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency have been translated
into U.S. dollars at the respective year-end exchange rates. Operating results
are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Foreign currency
translation gains and losses are credited or charged directly to the Cumulative
Translation Adjustment ("CTA") account in member's equity. The change in the
CTA account is due to the current year effect of the translation adjustment.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income.

FEE INCOME

Revenues from dispensing prescription and non-prescription medical products
from ESI's mail service pharmacies are recorded upon shipment. Revenue from
sales of prescription drugs by pharmacies in ESI's nationwide network and
pharmacy claims processing revenues are recognized when the claims are
processed. When ESI dispenses pharmaceuticals to members of health benefit
plans sponsored by their clients or have an independent contractual obligation
to pay its network pharmacy providers for benefits provided to members of its
clients' pharmacy benefit plans, ESI includes payments from plan sponsors for
these benefits as revenue and ingredient costs or payments to these pharmacy
providers in cost of prescription sales. If ESI is only administering the plan
sponsors' network pharmacy contracts, ESI records fees derived from ESI's
contracts with plan sponsors as revenue.

                                      204

<PAGE>   430

Through its subsidiaries, the Company receives fees for services provided under
agreements with its clients. The Company accrues fee income when earned.
Consulting and management fees are recognized in income as services are
rendered.

PREMIUM REVENUE RECOGNITION

Premiums are recognized as income when due. The associated benefits and
expenses are matched with income so as to result in the recognition of profits
over the life of the contracts. This match is accomplished by providing for
liabilities for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent
amortization of policy acquisition costs. For non-participating contracts with
a limited number of premium payments due over a period shorter than the period
over which benefits are provided, premiums are recorded as income when due. Any
excess profit which is defined by excess of gross over net premiums, is
deferred and recognized as income in a constant relationship to insurance in
force.

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS

Net realized gains are computed using the specific identification method. Costs
of investments are adjusted for impairments considered other than temporary.
Unrealized gains and losses of broker-dealers are included in net income in
accordance with specialized accounting practices.

COST OF PRESCRIPTION SALES

Costs of prescription sales include product costs, pharmacy claims payments and
other direct costs associated with dispensing prescription and non-prescription
medical products and claims processing operations, offset by fees received from
pharmaceutical manufacturers in connection with ESI's drug purchasing and
formulary management programs. Fees receivable from pharmaceutical
manufacturers are estimated on a quarterly basis, converting total
prescriptions dispensed to estimated rebatable scripts (i.e., those
prescriptions with respect to which ESI is contractually entitled to submit
claims for rebates) multiplied by the contractually agreed manufacturer rebate
amount. Estimated fees receivable from pharmaceutical manufacturers are
recorded when ESI determines that they are realizable, and realization is not
dependent upon future pharmaceutical sales. Estimates are revised once the
actual rebatable scripts are calculated and rebates are billed to the
manufacturer.

NOTE 3 - BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The development of deferred policy acquisition costs and policy reserves for
certain subsidiaries offering life insurance products requires management to
make estimates and assumptions regarding mortality, morbidity, lapses, expense
and investment experience. Such estimates are primarily based on historical
experience and future expectations. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. Management monitors actual experience, and, where circumstances
warrant, revises its assumptions and the related estimates of policy reserves
and claim liabilities.

As substantially all of the net assets of International Inc.'s subsidiaries and
NYLUK are held in foreign countries, there is a potential for adverse impact on
net assets arising from economic and political changes in these countries.

See Note 15 for description of specific commitments and contingencies.

                                      205

<PAGE>   431

NOTE 4 - IMPAIRMENTS

In 1998, NYLIFE Distributors amortized an additional $52,648,000 of deferred
12b-1 distribution costs in order to more appropriately align the deferred
asset with the anticipated recoverable sales charges. This adjustment was
necessitated in part, by the occurrence of significant redemptions that
qualified for waiver of otherwise payable contingent deferred sales charges.

In 1998, NYLUK decided to exit its investment in Life Assurance Holding
Corporation Limited, a UK holding company in which NYLUK has a 22.8% equity
interest. The lack of interest from serious potential buyers indicated that an
other than temporary impairment had occurred. As a result, a realized loss of
$45,698,000 was recorded during 1998.

In 1998, NYLIFE Healthcare owned 1,402,000 shares of common stock of FPA
Medical Management, Inc. ("FPA"). During the third quarter of 1998, FPA entered
into bankruptcy proceedings and NYLIFE Healthcare determined that an other than
temporary impairment had occurred. As a result, a realized loss of $33,300,000
was recorded during 1998.

Auto Funding was a limited partnership formed for the purpose of investing in a
series of trusts ("NAFCO Auto Trusts") consisting of prime and non-prime
automobile loans. During 1998, Auto Funding recorded realized losses of
$6,700,000 and $11,500,000, respectively, representing Auto Funding's remaining
investment in the NAFCO Auto Trust and the anticipated exercise of its option
to prepay the Investor Certificateholders in NAFCO Auto Trusts-2, 3 and B. The
write-offs were necessitated by the continued unpredictability of the
underlying collateral in NAFCO Auto Trusts. In 1997, Auto Funding recorded
realized losses of $4,600,000 and $2,600,000, respectively, on NAFCO Auto
Trusts and related capitalized costs.

NYLIFE Refinery determined that adverse market and operating conditions and
independent market value quotes were sufficient indicators of a potential
impairment for its investment in Refinery Holding Company, LP. As a result,
NYLIFE Refinery recorded a pre-tax realized loss of $6,010,000 and $17,219,000
on its investment during 1998 and 1997, respectively.

In 1997, the Company determined that Benefit Services projected operating
losses were indicative of a potential impairment. As a result, the Company
expensed $4,381,000 (included in administrative and other) of goodwill related
to the purchase of this subsidiary.

NOTE 5 - ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

ESI

On April 1, 1999, ESI purchased Diversified Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and
Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto Rico) Inc. (collectively DPS), from
SmithKline Beecham Corporation and SmithKline Beecham InterCredit BV for
approximately $715,000,000 (which includes purchase price adjustments for
working capital and transaction costs). ESI used approximately $48,000,000 of
its own cash and financed the remainder of the purchase price and related
acquisition costs through a $1.05 billion credit facility and a $150,000,000
senior subordinated bridge credit facility (see Note 9).

                                      206

<PAGE>   432

The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method and the
results of operations of the acquired entities have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since April 1, 1999. The purchase price has
been preliminary allocated based on the estimated fair values of net assets
acquired at the date of the acquisition. The excess of purchase price over
tangible net assets acquired has been preliminarily allocated to customer
contracts in the amount of $129,500,000 (included in other intangible assets)
which are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of 1-20 years and to goodwill in the amount of $734,485,000 which
is being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
life of 30 years. ESI filed an Internal Revenue Code SS.338 (h)(10) election,
making amortization expense tax deductible. In conjunction with the
acquisition, DPS retained the following liabilities (in thousands):

<TABLE>
               <S>                                    <C>
               Fair value of assets acquired             $1,010,159
               Cash paid for the capital stock            (714,678)
                                                      ---------------
               Liabilities retained                      $  295,481
                                                      ===============
</TABLE>

In June 1999, ESI completed a public offering of 5,175,000 shares of Class A
common stock and received $299,378,000 in net proceeds. In addition, employee
stock options were exercised throughout the year. NYLIFE Healthcare recognized
a pre-tax gain of $104,932,000, representing the difference in NYLIFE
HealthCare's interest in the net assets of ESI immediately after the public
offering and the historical book value of its investment in ESI. As a result of
these transactions, NYLIFE Healthcare's ownership of ESI decreased from 45% to
39% and its voting stock from 89% to 86%.

On August 31, 1999, ESI and YourPharmacy.com, Inc. ("YPC"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of ESI entered into an Asset Contribution and Reorganization
Agreement (the "Contribution Agreement") with PlanetRx, PRX Holdings, Inc.
("Holdings"), and PRX Acquisition Corp. ("Acquisition Sub"). Pursuant to the
Contribution Agreement, YPC agreed to contribute certain operating assets
constituting its e-commerce business in prescription and non-prescription drugs
and health and beauty aids to Holdings in exchange for 19.9% of the
post-initial public offering common equity of Holdings (the "IPO"), and
PlanetRx was also to assume certain obligations of YPC. Simultaneously with
this transaction, Acquisition Sub was to merge into PlanetRx and PlanetRx
shareholders would receive stock in Holdings, which would change its name to
"PlanetRx.com Inc.", which would conduct business as an Internet pharmacy.

On October 13, 1999, the transactions described in the Contribution Agreement
were consummated, YPC received 10,369,990 unregistered shares, or 19.9% of the
common equity of PlanetRx, and PlanetRx assumed options granted to YPC
employees, which converted into options to purchase approximately 1.8 million
shares of PlanetRx common stock. In connection with the IPO, ESI executed a 180
day lock-up agreement that prevents ESI from selling its shares until April 10,
2000. The consummation of the transaction occurred immediately preceding the
closing of PlanetRx's IPO of common stock. Based on the IPO price of $16 per
share, YPC received consideration valued at $165,920,000. ESI recorded a
one-time gain of $182,930,000 on the transaction, and a one-time stock
compensation expense (included in administrative and other expenses) of
$19,520,000 relating to the employee stock options. ESI's investment in
PlanetRx is accounted for on the cost method and it is reported under equities
at fair value. Additionally, as part of the Contribution agreement, PlanetRx
will pay ESI an annual fee of $11,650,000 and reimbursement for certain
expenses of $3,000,000 over a 5 year term, which can be extended to 10 years if
ESI meets certain performance measures. Additionally, ESI is eligible to
receive an incremental fee based upon the number of members who placed their
first

                                      207

<PAGE>   433

order for prescription drug or non-prescription merchandise with PlanetRx. ESI
recorded $2,912,000 of the annual fee and $88,000 of incremental fee in other
revenue and reduced selling and general administrative expenses by $750,000 for
reimbursement of certain expenses. As of December 31, 1999, ESI had PlanetRx
receivables of $5,732,000.

On April 1, 1998, ESI acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Value
Health, Inc. and Managed Prescriptions Network, Inc. (collectively, "ValueRx")
from Columbia/HCA HealthCare Corporation ("Columbia") for approximately
$460,000,000 in cash (which includes transaction costs and executive management
severance costs of approximately $6,700,000 and $8,300,000, respectively);
approximately $360,000,000 was obtained through a five year bank credit
facility (see Note 9) and the remainder from ESI's cash balances and short term
investments.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
and the results of operations of ValueRx have been included in the consolidated
financial statements since April 1, 1998. The purchase price has been allocated
based on the estimated fair values of net assets acquired at the date of the
acquisition. The excess of purchase price over tangible net assets acquired has
been allocated to other intangible assets, consisting of customer contracts and
non-compete agreements in the amount of $57,653,000, which are being amortized
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 2 to 20 years
and to goodwill in the amount of $278,113,000 which is being amortized using
the straight-line method over 30 years. The amortization expense from ValueRx
goodwill and customer contracts is non-deductible for income tax purposes. In
conjunction with the acquisition, ValueRx and its subsidiaries retained the
following liabilities (in thousands):

<TABLE>
                                 <S>                                      <C>
                                 Fair value of assets acquired            $ 659,166
                                 Cash paid for the capital stock          (460,137)
                                                                         -----------
                                 Liabilities retained                      $199,029
                                                                         ===========
</TABLE>


INTERNATIONAL INC.

Effective July 1, 1999, International Inc. acquired stock in Maxima S.A. AFJP,
La Buenos Aires-New York Life Seguros de Vida S.A. and La Buenos Aires-New York
Life Seguros de Retiro S.A. to increase its ownership in each of these
companies to 40%. In addition, effective July 1, 1999, International acquired a
40% ownership in Docthos, S.A., a company licensed to conduct health care
business in Argentina. The total cost to finance this investment was
$126,900,000. The excess of purchase price over the statutory net assets
acquired amounted to $108,298,000 and is included in goodwill on the
consolidated statement of financial position, and is being amortized using the
straight-line method over 20 years.

Effective October 31, 1999, International Inc. purchased the 49% ownership
interest in Korea that it did not previously own. Accordingly, Korea has been
consolidated in the financial statements subsequent to the date of purchase.
Prior to the date of purchase, Korea was accounted for under the equity method
of accounting.

Effective December 31, 1998, International Inc. sold all of its common stock in
New York Life Worldwide (Bermuda) Ltd. to an outside party for consideration
amounting to $3,812,000. No gain or loss was recognized on the transaction.
Under the terms of the sale contract, International Inc. has undertaken to
indemnify the outside party against liabilities, costs and expenses incurred
with regard to specified matters. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, provisions
included in other liabilities for such claims were $1,910,000 for both periods.
Management believes that adequate provision has been made for potential claims
that may arise.

                                      208

<PAGE>   434

NYLCARE

Through NYLCare, the Company offered health insurance and managed care
products. NYLCare was sold to Aetna on July 15, 1998. The sale included the
stock of the Company's wholly owned healthcare subsidiary, NYLCare, including
NYLHIC, a downstream subsidiary of NYLCare. The sales price of $1,070,000,000
resulted in an after-tax gain of $373,208,000. At December 31, 1999 and 1998,
no assets or liabilities related to the transaction remain on the statement of
financial position except outstanding amounts due to and from New York Life
(see Note 12).

For 1998 and 1997, the details of operating gains were as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1998              1997
                                                                          -------------    ----------------
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>
                     Revenues
                        Premium income                                      $1,379,507          $2,765,107
                        Premium ceded on reinsurance settlement              (569,687)                   -
                        Fee income                                              30,744              78,930
                        Other income                                            33,762              59,737
                                                                          -------------    ----------------
                        Total revenue                                          874,326           2,903,774

                     Expenses
                        HMO claims and capitation costs                      1,054,552           1,819,722
                        Health, disability and death benefit costs             159,092             630,661
                        Reserve transfer on reinsurance ceded                (569,687)                   -
                        Employee compensation                                  144,749             257,736
                        Selling, administrative and other expenses              71,172             232,259
                                                                          -------------    ----------------
                        Total expenses                                         859,878           2,940,378
                                                                          -------------    ----------------

                     Gain (loss) before income taxes                            14,448            (36,604)
                     Federal income tax expense (benefit)                        7,452             (8,756)
                     Minority interest                                              70                  63
                                                                          -------------    ----------------
                     Net income (loss)                                    $      6,926        $   (27,911)
                                                                          =============    ================
</TABLE>


NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS

EQUITIES

Estimated fair value of unaffiliated equity securities has been determined
using quoted market prices. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the distribution of
gross unrealized gains and losses on equity securities were as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Unrealized                   Estimated
                                Cost             Gains               Losses           Fair Value
                           -------------    -----------------------------------     --------------
<S>                        <C>              <C>                 <C>                 <C>
            1999            $   185,809      $            -      $      15,802       $    170,007
                           =============    ================    ===============     ==============

            1998            $     6,397      $          686      $           -       $      7,083
                           =============    ================    ===============     ==============
</TABLE>

Affiliated foreign unconsolidated equity investments total $51,583,000 and
$15,845,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

FIXED MATURITIES

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the maturity distribution of fixed maturities
was as follows (in thousands):

                                      209

<PAGE>   435



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1999                                1998
                                             -------------------------------    ---------------------------------
                                               Amortized         Estimated        Amortized          Estimated
    Available For Sale                            Cost          Fair Value          Cost            Fair Value
    ------------------                       ---------------    ------------    --------------     --------------
<S>                                          <C>                <C>             <C>                <C>
    Due in one year or less                   $       2,575      $    2,577      $      4,251       $      4,261
    Due after one year through five years            35,001          33,833            31,878             31,978
    Due after five years through ten years           34,556          32,676            22,160             22,824
    Due after ten years                              64,531          60,675            15,713             15,983
                                             ---------------    ------------    --------------     --------------
    Total                                     $     136,663      $  129,761      $     74,002       $     75,046
                                             ===============    ============    ==============     ==============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999                                1998
                                             -------------------------------    ---------------------------------
                                               Amortized         Estimated        Amortized          Estimated
    Held to Maturity                              Cost          Fair Value          Cost            Fair Value
    ----------------                         ---------------    ------------    --------------     --------------
<S>                                          <C>                <C>             <C>                <C>
    Due in one year or less                   $           -      $        -      $          -       $          -
    Due after one year through five years                 -               -                 -                  -
    Due after five years through ten years                -               -                 -                  -
    Due after ten years                               4,775           4,801             4,119              5,007
                                             ---------------    ------------    --------------     --------------
    Total                                     $       4,775      $    4,801      $      4,119       $      5,007
                                             ===============    ============    ==============     ==============
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the distribution of unrealized gains and losses
on fixed maturities was as follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    December 31, 1999

                                           Amortized                    Unrealized                   Estimated
           Available for Sale                Cost               Gains               Losses           Fair Value
    ---------------------------------    --------------     ----------------------------------    ---------------
    <S>                                  <C>                <C>                                   <C>
    U.S. Treasury and other
        U.S. Governmental Agencies        $      3,682       $          -      $          165      $       3,517
    Foreign Governments                         85,182                  -               6,750             78,432
    Corporate                                   47,799                136                 123             47,812
                                         --------------     --------------    ----------------    ---------------
    Total Available for Sale              $    136,663       $        136      $        7,038      $     129,761
                                         ==============     ==============    ================    ===============

            Held to Maturity
    ---------------------------------

    U.S. Treasury and other
        U.S. Governmental Agencies        $      4,775       $         26      $            -      $       4,801
                                         ==============     ==============    ================    ===============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    December 31, 1998
                                           Amortized                    Unrealized                  Estimated
           Available for Sale                Cost                Gains               Losses         Fair Value
    ---------------------------------    --------------     ----------------------------------    ---------------
    <S>                                  <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
    U.S. Treasury and other
        U.S. Governmental Agencies        $     11,168       $         31      $           55      $      11,144
    Foreign Governments                         26,211              1,530                 438             27,303
    Corporate                                   36,623                133                 157             36,599
                                         --------------     --------------    ----------------    ---------------
    Total Available for Sale              $     74,002       $      1,694      $          650      $      75,046
                                         ==============     ==============    ================    ===============

            Held to Maturity
    ---------------------------------

    U.S. Treasury and other
        U.S. Governmental Agencies        $      4,119       $        888      $            -      $       5,007
                                         ==============     ==============    ================    ===============
</TABLE>

                                      210

<PAGE>   436

Proceeds from investments in fixed maturities sold, matured, or repaid were
$30,807,000, $71,876,000, and $1,847,000, for 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Realized gains from investments in fixed maturities sold,
matured, or repaid were $264,000 and $5,827,000 for 1999 and 1998,
respectively, and realized losses were $289,000 and $88,000 for 1999 and 1998,
respectively. There were no realized gains or losses for 1997.

RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company, through Korea, had restricted
investments of $5,663,000 and $5,040,000 with the Financial and Insurance
Supervisory Board in South Korea in accordance with the requirements of the
South Korean Insurance Business Law ("Law").

TIME DEPOSITS

Time deposits, included in cash and cash equivalents, at December 31, 1999 and
1998, were  $11,626,000 and $6,077,000, respectively.

MAINSTAY FUNDS

At December 31, 1999, the total investment in the Funds includes investments in
individual funds as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Cost           Fair Value
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>
                     MainStay International Bond                       $ 7,870           $  7,123
                     MainStay International Equity                       6,433              9,714
                     MainStay Strategic Income                           6,085              5,617
                     MainStay New York Tax Free                          5,105              4,551
                     MainStay California Tax Free                        2,739              2,411
                     Institutional Short Term Bond                       1,858              1,753
                     Other MainStay/Institutional Funds                  1,560              2,338
                                                                  -------------     --------------
                              Total 1999                               $31,650            $33,507
                                                                  =============     ==============
                              Total 1998                               $33,646            $35,622
                                                                  =============     ==============
</TABLE>

OTHER LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

Other long-term investments include interests in limited partnerships
consisting primarily of leveraged buyout funds and an oil refinery with a total
value at December 31, 1999 and 1998 of $42,431,000 and $5,574,000,
respectively.


                                      211

<PAGE>   437


NOTE 7 - FIXED ASSETS

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, fixed assets, at cost, are comprised of the
following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1999            1998
                                                               ------------    ------------
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>
         Furniture                                                $ 25,653        $ 21,903
         Equipment                                                  56,019          47,017
         Computer hardware                                          18,585          14,171
         Computer software                                          58,012          38,270
         Leasehold improvements                                     22,905          19,342
         Other                                                       6,561           6,724
                                                               ------------    ------------
                                                                   187,735         147,427

         Less accumulated depreciation and amortization             63,737          43,976
                                                               ------------    ------------
         Total                                                    $123,998        $103,451
                                                               ============    ============
</TABLE>

During 1999 and 1998, $16,482,000 and $10,244,000 in software development costs
were capitalized in accordance with SOP 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of
Computer Software for Internal Use". Capitalized software development costs
totaled $42,838,000 and $27,516,000, at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Reductions, if any, in the carrying value of capitalized software
costs to net realizable value are included in administrative and other
expenses. Amortization expense associated with these costs in 1999, 1998 and
1997 was approximately $3,810,000, $1,968,000 and $622,000, respectively.

NOTE 8 - DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISTION COSTS

An analysis of deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December
31, 1999 and 1998 is as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                1999             1998
                                                                                         ------------     ------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C>
Balance at beginning of year before adjustment for unrealized gains on investments           $46,269          $34,796
   Current year additions                                                                     18,392           11,890
   Amortized during year                                                                       2,552            (417)
                                                                                         ------------     ------------
Balance at end of year                                                                       $67,213          $46,269
                                                                                         ============     ============
</TABLE>

NOTE 9 - NOTES PAYABLE

The carrying value of notes payable approximates fair value.

Notes payable, generally carried at the unpaid principal balance, consisted of
the following at December 31, 1999 and 1998 (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          1999               1998
                                                                                     ---------------     -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>                 <C>
    Capital Corporation's Debt Issuance (for 1999 and 1998, respectively, the
    weighted average cost is 6.05% and 5.19%)                                            $   75,611       $   865,906
    Term Credit Facility & Revolving Credit Facility (December 31, 1999 interest
    rate is 7.94%)                                                                          385,000           360,000
    9.625% Senior Notes due June 15, 2009                                                   250,873                 -
    Series C 9% Fixed Rate Secured Five Year Notes                                                -            20,578
    SFD Holding Loan payable to New York Life                                                     -            24,704
    Other                                                                                         8                14
                                                                                     ---------------     -------------
         Total                                                                             $711,492        $1,271,202
                                                                                     ===============     =============
</TABLE>

On April 1, 1999, ESI executed a $1.05 billion credit facility ("Credit
Facility") with a bank syndicate led by Credit Suisse First Boston and Bankers
Trust Company consisting of $750,000,000 in term loans, including $285,000,000
of Term A loans and $465,000,000 of Term B loans, and a $300,000,000 revolving
credit facility. The Term A loans and the revolving credit facility mature on
March 31, 2005.

                                      212

<PAGE>   438

The Credit Facility is secured by the capital stock of each of ESI's existing
and subsequently acquired domestic subsidiaries, excluding Practice Patterns
Science ("PPS"), Great Plains Reinsurance Company, ValueRx of Michigan Inc.,
Diversified NY IPA, Inc., and Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (Puerto
Rico), Inc. and is also secured by 65% of the stock of ESI's foreign
subsidiaries. The Credit Facility requires ESI to pay interest quarterly on an
interest rate spread based on several London Interbank Offered Rates ("LIBOR")
or base rate options plus an interest rate spread. Beginning in March 2001, ESI
is required to make annual principal payments on the Term A loans of
$42,750,000 in 2001, $57,000,000 in 2002 and 2003, $62,700,000 in 2004 and
$65,550,000 in 2005. The Credit Facility contains covenants that limit the
indebtedness ESI may incur, dividends paid and the amount of annual capital
expenditures. The covenants also establish a minimum interest coverage ratio, a
maximum leverage ratio, and a minimum fixed charged coverage ratio. In
addition, ESI is required to pay an annual fee of 0.5%, payable in quarterly
installments, on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility
($200,000,000 at December 31, 1999). At December 31, 1999, ESI was in
compliance with all covenants associated with the credit facility. In January
2000, ESI paid down the revolving credit facility by $30,000,000.

Also on April 1, 1999, ESI executed a $150,000,000 in senior subordinated
bridge credit facility from Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Bankers
Trust Company. The proceeds from the bridge credit facility and $890,000,000 in
borrowings from the Credit Facility were used to consummate the DPS acquisition
(see Note 5), and repay $360,000,000 outstanding under the pre-existing
$440,000,000 credit facility. This facility was retired in June 1999, upon
ESI's completion of its equity offering (see Note 5).

On June 16, 1999, ESI completed the offering of $250,000,000 in Senior Notes
which require interest to be paid semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. The
Senior Notes also provide ESI an opportunity to call the debt at specified
rates beginning in June 2004. The net proceeds from the Senior Notes offering,
along with a portion of the net proceeds from the equity offering and
$23,901,000 of ESI's own cash were used to repay $414,770,000 of the Term B
loans. In July 1999, ESI paid off the remaining Term B principal balance of
$50,230,000. As a result of the refinancing of the $440,000,000 credit facility
and the repayment of the Term B loans, ESI recognized a $7,150,000, net of tax,
extraordinary loss from the write-off of deferred financing fees. The Senior
Notes are unconditionally and joint and severally guaranteed by ESI's
wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries other than PPS, Great Plains Reinsurance
Company, ValueRx of Michigan, Inc., Diversified NY IPA, Inc., and Diversified
Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (Puerto Rico).

The Series C 9% Fixed Rate Secured Five Year Notes matured on August 16, 1999.
All outstanding principal and interest was paid from the proceeds on the
December 17, 1998 sale of the Series C alarm monitoring contracts. All of
SAMCO's security alarm monitoring contracts were sold in 1998 resulting in a
pre-tax gain of $16,600,000.

On November 1, 1993, SFD Holding entered into a loan agreement with New York
Life. The agreement allowed SFD Holding to borrow money pursuant to one or more
master notes (individually, a "Master Note," collectively, "Master Notes"),
each of which would not exceed one year in maturity and for amounts, in
aggregate, not to exceed $35,000,000 at any one time. Interest on any Master
Note borrowing accrues at the rate which is the annual simple interest
equivalent (computed on the actual daily principal balance based on a 360 day
year of twelve 30-day months) of 225 basis points above the one LIBOR published
in the Wall Street Journal on the 15th day of the preceding calendar month (or
if such day is not a day on which such newspaper is published, the next
succeeding day of such publication). In 1995, the loan agreement between SFD
Holding and New York Life was amended to accommodate the acquisition of prime
auto loans. The amendment provided for the following: (i) an increase in the
maximum borrowings to $70,000,000, (ii) an interest rate of 200 basis points
above the one month LIBOR for borrowings related to prime auto loan
acquisitions, and (iii) a change in the monthly interest payment date to the
20th of each month. On April 30, 1999, SFD Holding paid off the remaining
principal balance of the Master Note to New York Life. At December 31, 1998 the
amount outstanding under the Master Note was $24,704,000 and the accrued
interest totaled $160,000. During 1999, 1998

                                      213

<PAGE>   439

and 1997 SFD Holding made interest payments totaling $532,000, $2,183,000 and
$2,396,000, respectively, to New York Life pursuant to the Master Notes.

OTHER:

During 1999, ESI entered into an interest rate lock with Bankers' Trust Company
related to the offering of $250,000,000 Senior Notes. Upon issuance of the
Senior Notes, ESI received $2,135,000, which is being amortized over the term
of the Senior Notes. During 1999, interest expense was reduced by $116,000.

On April 3, 1998, to manage ESI's interest rate risk, ESI entered into an
interest rate swap agreement ("swap") with The First National Bank of Chicago,
a subsidiary of Bank One Corporation. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the swap
had a notional principal amount of $306,000,000 and $360,000,000, respectively.
Under the terms of the swap, ESI agreed to receive a floating rate of interest
on the amount of the term loan facility based on a three-month LIBOR rate in
exchange for payment of a fixed rate of interest of 5.88% per annum. The
notional principal amount of the swap began amortizing at $27,000,000 in April
1999, increasing to $36,000,000 in April 2000, to $45,000,000 in April 2001 and
to $48,000,000 in April 2002. As a result, ESI has, in effect, converted
$306,000,000 of its variable rate debt under the Credit Facility to fixed rate
debt at 5.88% per annum for the first four years of the Credit Facility, plus
the interest rate spread of 2.0%.

On June 17, 1999, ESI entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement
with Bankers Trust Company. The swap will not become effective until April 2000
and carried no notional principal amount as of December 31, 1999. Under the
terms of the agreement, ESI agreed to receive a floating rate of interest on
the notional principal amount based on a three-month LIBOR rate in exchange for
payment of a fixed rate of interest of 6.25% per annum. Beginning in April
2000, the notional principal amount will be $15,000,000 and will increase
semi-annually up to an approximate $137,000,000 in October 2002. For the
remainder of the agreement's term, the notional principal amount will amortize
until the agreement termination in April 2005. When the swap becomes effective,
ESI will, in effect, convert the notional principal amount of variable rate
debt under the Credit Facility to fixed rate debt at 6.25% per annum plus the
interest rate spread.

Along with New York Life, Capital Corporation is party to credit agreement with
a consortium of banks. This agreement totals $1,000,000,000 and consists of
$300,000,000, 364-day revolving credit facility ("Facility A") expiring on
August 2, 2000 and a $700,000,000, 5-year revolving credit facility ("Facility
B") expiring August 5, 2003. Annual facility fees for Facility A are .05% and
 .04% at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Annual facility fees for
Facility B are .06% at both December 31, 1999 and 1998. For Facility A and B,
borrowing rates are capped at spreads of .16% and .14% over LIBOR,
respectively. In addition, the credit agreement contains various covenants
pertaining to allowable activities of Capital Corporation. Neither Capital
Corporation nor New York Life has utilized the credit facility to date. The
allocated cost incurred related to the facilities was $210,000 and $146,000 for
1999 and 1998, respectively.

In January 1995, the Company entered into a credit agreement, expiring January
1, 2000, with New York Life whereby the Company can borrow up to an aggregate
principal amount of $200,000,000 at any one time. This agreement and any loans
made shall be automatically extended and renewed for additional one- year
periods, unless either the Company or New York Life notifies the other to
terminate the agreement. No loans were made during 1999. At December 31, 1999
and 1998 there was no outstanding principal under this agreement. Interest
expense amounted to $8,000, and $1,847,000 for 1998 and 1997, respectively.
There was no interest expense for 1999.

                                      214

<PAGE>   440

NOTE 10 - REINSURANCE

International Inc. through its subsidiaries enters into reinsurance agreements
in the normal course of its insurance business. Reinsurance on certain
individual lives is ceded to reduce the risks on any one life. International
Inc. through its subsidiaries remains liable for reinsurance ceded, if the
reinsurer fails to meet its obligations. Premiums ceded for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, in connection with these reinsurance
agreements, were $5,177,000, $30,307,000, and 29,434,000 respectively.
Commissions earned for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, in
connection with these reinsurance agreements, were $926,000, $12,248,000, and
$12,348,000 respectively. Reserve credits taken for reinsurance at December 31,
1999, 1998, and 1997 were $1,425,000, $974,000, and $8,434,000, respectively.

International Inc. through its subsidiaries also assumed life insurance from
third parties. Premiums assumed for the year ended December 31, 1998, in
connection with this reinsurance agreement, were $25,525,000. Commissions
incurred for the year ended December 31, 1998 in connection with this
reinsurance agreement were $11,327,000.

NOTE 11 - CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING

During the second quarter of 1999, ESI recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge
of $9,400,000 associated with the consolidation of its Plymouth, Minnesota
facility into its Bloomington, Minnesota facility. In December 1999, the
associated accrual was reduced by $2,301,000, primarily as a result of
subleasing a portion of the unoccupied space. The consolidation plan includes
the relocation of all employees at the Plymouth facility to the Bloomington
facility that began in August 1999 and will end in the third quarter of 2000.
Included in the restructuring charge are anticipated cash expenditures of
approximately $4,823,000 for lease termination fees and rent on unoccupied
space (which payments will continue through April 2001, when the lease expires)
and anticipated non-cash charges of approximately $2,276,000 for the write-down
of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures. The restructuring charge
does not include any costs associated with the physical relocation of the
employees.

During December 1999, ESI recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $2,633,000
associated with the outsourcing of its computer operations to EDS. The
principal actions of the plan included cash expenditures of approximately
$2,148,000 for the transition of 51 employees to the outsourcer and the
elimination of contractual obligations of ValueRx which had no future economic
benefit to ESI, and non-cash charges of approximately $485,000 due to the
reduction in the carrying value of certain capitalized software to its net
realizable value. Completion of this plan will occur during the first quarter
of 2000 when all cash payments will be made.

Also in December 1999, ESI recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $969,000
associated with restructuring ESI's PPS majority-owned subsidiary and the
purchase of the remaining PPS common stock from management. The charge consists
of cash expenditures of $559,000 relating to stock compensation expense and
$410,000 of severance payments to 9 employees (of which $133,000 was paid
during December 1999). This plan was completed in January 2000.

During the second quarter of 1998, ESI recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge
of $1,651,000 associated with closing the non-PBM service operations of its
wholly-owned subsidiary, PhyNet, Inc., and transferring certain functions of
ESI's Vision Corporation to another vision care provider. The restructuring
plan consisted of $416,000 of cash charges associated with the severance of 61
employees and non-cash charges of $1,235,000 relating to the write-down of
long-lived assets no longer providing benefit. ESI completed the remainder of
the restructuring actions during the third quarter of 1999.

All of the restructuring charges which include tangible assets to be disposed
of are written down to their net realizable value, less cost of disposal. ESI
expects recovery to approximate its cost of disposal.

                                      215

<PAGE>   441

Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value;
accordingly, actual results could vary from such estimates.

NOTE 12 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

NEW YORK LIFE

The Company and several of its subsidiaries are party to a service agreement
with New York Life, whereby New York Life provides services to the Company and
such subsidiaries, including office space, legal, accounting, administrative,
personnel and other services for which the Company and its subsidiaries are
billed. The Company and its subsidiaries are charged for these services based
upon (a) actual costs incurred, where they are separately identifiable and (b)
allocation of costs incurred by New York Life developed through analyses of
time spent on matters relating to the Company and its subsidiaries. Total
amounts billed under this agreement for 1999, 1998 and 1997 are $134,060,000,
$135,763,000 and $108,865,000, respectively.

The liabilities for post-retirement benefits other than pensions are held by
New York Life. The Company is allocated additional charges that are included in
the amounts billed above during 1999, 1998 and 1997, for its share of the net
periodic post-retirement benefits expense and post-employment benefits expense.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company owed New York Life $14,380,000 and
$14,369,000, respectively, for post-retirement benefits. At December 31, 1999
and 1998, the Company owed New York Life $1,491,000 and $5,651,000,
respectively, for post-employment benefits.

NYLACOR has an agreement with New York Life whereby all the expenses incurred
by New York Life related to the administration of the long term care product
are paid by NYLACOR and reimbursed by New York Life. These expenses and the
associated reimbursements for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
totaled $8,074,000, $3,142,000 and $1,860,000, respectively. At December 31,
1999 and 1998, $653,000 and $369,000, respectively, were due from New York Life
under this agreement.

The Company, through various subsidiaries, provides investment management
services to New York Life's general and separate accounts. Investment
management fees earned from these services for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998, and 1997 totaled $2,406,000, $4,382,000, and $8,842,000,
respectively. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were no amounts due from New
York Life under these agreements.

Eagle has an agreement with New York Life whereby Eagle provides financial
planning, training and materials to New York Life, its employees and agents.
For performance of these services, Eagle receives a consulting fee equal to all
costs and expenses (except commissions, depreciation and federal taxes) paid or
incurred by Eagle in performing such services, plus 5%. Consulting fees earned
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997 totaled $2,358,000,
$3,191,000, and $1,782,000, respectively. At December 31, 1999 and 1998,
$32,000 and $184,000, respectively, were due from New York Life under this
agreement.

Effective January 1, 1999, Benefit Services entered into a new agreement with
New York Life. Under this agreement, Benefit Services receives a fee on assets
invested in New York Life sponsored investment products by employee benefit
plans administered by Benefit Services. These fees amounted to $2,019,000 for
1999, all of which was due from New York Life at December 31, 1999. Prior to
this agreement, New York Life provided for the payment of a $14 subsidy to
Benefit Services per year, per eligible participant in an employee benefit plan
administered by Benefit Services, which had selected one or more of New York
Life's mutual funds as part of its investment portfolio. For 1998 and 1997,
Benefit Services recognized revenue of $2,210,000 and $1,430,000, respectively.
At December 31, 1998, $587,000 relating to the subsidy was due from New York
Life.

                                      216

<PAGE>   442

On October 1, 1997, (amended August 5, 1998) Capital Corporation entered into a
credit agreement with New York Life, whereby Capital Corporation agreed to make
loans to New York Life in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding
of up to, but not exceeding $1,000,000,000. At December 31, 1999 and 1998,
loans to New York Life were $75,370,000 and $867,077,000, respectively. During
1999, 1998 and 1997, New York Life made interest payments totaling $41,299,000,
$28,335,000, and $1,443,000 respectively. Interest receivable from New York
Life at December 31, 1999 and 1998 totaled $483,000 and $3,697,000,
respectively. This agreement and any loans made shall be automatically extended
and renewed for additional one-year periods, unless either Capital Corporation
or New York Life notifies the other to terminate the agreement. Additionally,
under a separate agreement, New York Life retains Capital Corporation as an
independent contractor to avail itself of Capital Corporation's expertise in
connection with the issuance of commercial paper. As compensation for such
services, New York Life has entered into an expense sharing agreement with
Capital Corporation, whereby Capital Corporation charges to New York Life the
costs and expenses paid or incurred by the Company. During 1999, 1998, and
1997, the total amounts under this agreement were $750,000, $626,000 and
$108,000, respectively.

Under separate agreements, New York Life retains NYLTEMPS and NYLINK as
independent contractors to avail itself of each company's expertise in the
areas of temporary employee services and enhancing agent relations,
respectively. As compensation for such services, New York Life is charged for
the costs and expenses paid or incurred by NYLTEMPS and NYLINK. During 1999,
1998, and 1997, the total amounts earned under these agreements were
$6,861,000, $9,541,000 and $9,216,000, respectively.

On July 15, 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement with New York Life,
whereby the net proceeds from the sale of NYLCare would be retained by New York
Life until the Company declared a return of capital or paid a dividend. During
1998, the Company received interest income in connection with this loan of
$13,387,000 from New York Life. On November 30, 1998, the Company returned
capital of $276,238,000 and declared a dividend (payable on January 4, 1999) of
$373,924,000. At December 31, 1998, the amount due from New York Life as a
result of the NYLCare sale was $447,356,000. On January 4, 1999, the
outstanding amount due from New York Life was received and the Company used the
proceeds to pay total dividends of $447,356,000, including the dividend payable
at December 31, 1998 and an additional dividend of $73,432,000 related to the
final negotiated sales proceeds.

NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION ("NYLIAC")/
MAINSTAY VP SERIES FUND, INC. ("VP FUNDS")

Under an agreement with NYLIAC, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life,
NYLIFE Securities directs and supervises NYLIAC's sale of variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies through separate accounts
maintained by NYLIAC. NYLIFE Securities' expenses incurred in connection with
the offering of these products are billed to New York Life. NYLIFE Securities
earned commission revenue under this agreement of approximately $146,529,000,
$117,446,000 and $85,690,000 during 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Related
expenses reimbursed by New York Life totaled $2,099,000, $1,716,000 and
$1,343,000 during 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. At December 31, 1999 and
1998, $23,000 and $782,376, respectively, was due from New York Life.

MainStay Management receives administrative fees from NYLIAC for services
provided to the MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc. which is an investment option for
certain separate accounts offered by NYLIAC. During 1999, 1998, 1997,
respectively, fees of $6,495,000, $4,531,000 and $0 were earned. At December
31, 1999 and 1998, $635,000 and $447,000, respectively, were due from NYLIAC.

The Company, through various subsidiaries, provides investment management
services to several of the VP Funds. Investment management fees earned from
these services for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997 totaled
$16,149,000, $9,595,000, and $6,331,000, respectively. At December 31, 1999 and
1998, $1,670,000 and $949,000, respectively, were due from the VP Funds.

                                      217

<PAGE>   443

MAINSTAY MUTUAL FUNDS ("FUNDS")

As Distributor of the Funds, NYLIFE Distributors has entered into various
agreements under which certain Funds have adopted Plans of Distribution ("the
Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Although the Plans are required to be approved annually by Trustees of the
Funds, the management of the Company believes that such annual approval will
continue indefinitely. NYLIFE Distributors earns distribution, service, and
redemption fees related to the affiliated Funds. Distribution fees are
calculated at an annualized rate of .75% of the Funds' average daily net assets
under each of the Plans, except for the Tax Free Bond, California Tax Free, and
New York Tax Free funds for which the fee rate is .25%. Service fees are
calculated at an annualized rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of
certain Funds, as compensation for services rendered to shareholders of the
Funds and for the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Redemption fees are
received for certain redemptions of Fund shares for which no initial sales
charge was received, at rates which decline from 5.0% to 0% of the net asset
value of shares redeemed over a six year period. In addition, NYLIFE
Distributors receives an initial sales charge on sales of certain Fund shares
subject to rates which decline from 5.5% of the offering price to 0% depending
on the size of the investment. At December 31, 1999 and 1998 receivables from
the Funds approximated $12,080,000 and $10,486,000, respectively. For 1999,
1998 and 1997, NYLIFE Distributors earned fees and commissions on the Funds as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1999            1998           1997
                                            ------------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>            <C>
                 Distribution Fees              $81,471        $75,376         $49,248
                 Service Fees                   $33,890        $30,091         $25,240
                 Redemption Fees                $15,261        $12,713         $ 9,703
                 Commissions                    $16,711        $12,368         $ 9,631
</TABLE>

As of October 27, 1997, MainStay Management began to serve as Manager to each
of the MainStay Retail Funds and, as of November 22, 1997, as Manager to each
of the Institutional Funds (collectively, the "Funds") pursuant to a Management
Agreement with the Funds. MainStay Management assumed responsibility for
oversight of the portfolio management services provided by the sub-advisors
(which includes affiliates MacKay Shields, MSA, Monitor Capital and New York
Life) and for managing the Funds' business affairs, which includes furnishing
the Funds with office facilities and providing ordinary clerical, recordkeeping
and bookkeeping services. As Manager of the Funds, MainStay Management receives
a fee that ranges between .50% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the
Funds. As the Accounting Service Agent, MainStay Management receives a separate
fee that generally is less than .05% of average daily net assets of certain
Funds on an annual basis. At December 31, 1999 and 1998 receivables from the
Funds approximated $10,109,000 and $8,618,000, respectively. For 1999, 1998 and
1997, MainStay Management earned fees and commissions on the Funds as follows
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1999            1998           1997
                                            ------------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>            <C>
                 Management Fees             $  108,832       $ 96,016       $  14,109
                 Service Fees                $    1,870       $  1,593       $     249
</TABLE>

MSSI is the transfer agent and shareholder servicing agent for Funds. MSSI
provides shareholder services and acts as the transfer agent for the Fund's
authorized and issued shares of beneficial interest, dividend disbursing agent
and agent in connection with any accumulation, letter of intent or similar
purchase plans provided to shareholders of record to the Fund and set out in
the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. For performance of
transfer agent and servicing duties, the Fund agrees to pay MSSI an annual
maintenance fee for each shareholder account. Transfer agent fees earned by the
Company amounted to $27,082,958, $23,934,000, and $9,935,000 during 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, transfer agent fees
receivable amounted to $2,361,000 and $2,083,000.

                                      218

<PAGE>   444

NOTE 13 - FOREIGN OPERATIONS

The Company's subsidiaries conduct insurance and investment management
operations outside the United States and Canada. The assets, liabilities, and
net (loss) income of these foreign operations at December 31, 1999 and 1998 and
for the years then ended are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1999              1998
                                                                  -------------     -------------
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>
                          Consolidated Subsidiaries:
                              Assets                                  $376,041          $200,370
                              Liabilities                              296,919           221,977
                              Revenue                                  125,959            10,523
                              Net Loss                                (18,973)          (42,281)

                          Non-Consolidated Subsidiaries:
                              Assets                                  $806,532          $511,133
                              Liabilities                              674,727           388,991
                              Revenue                                  275,272           106,168
                              Net Income                                36,253            49,222
</TABLE>

Dividend income earned by NYLUK on its investment in LAHC was $5,136,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1997. There were no dividends for the years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998.

As part of NYLUK's sale of its common stock of Windsor Life Assurance Company
to LAHC in 1994, NYLUK became party to a Warranty and Indemnity Deed
(guaranteed by the Company) which indemnified the outside investors against
liabilities, costs and expenses with regard to specified matters, including the
sale of personal pension plans between 1988 and 1994. The Financial Service
Authority and the Personal Investment Authority issued a joint policy statement
on the next phase of the pension sales practices review and redress program.
The extension of this review and redress program will lead to additional claims
against NYLUK for the expenses incurred in connection with the extension of
this program. NYLUK had established a $122,734,000 reserve for the maximum
liability under the Warranty and Indemnity Deed. As of December 31, 1999, the
reserve reported on the statement of financial position in other liabilities
net of payment of claims and foreign currency translation is $87,879,000.

NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES

Through the date of conversion to limited liability company status, NYLIFE LLC
and its 80% or more owned domestic subsidiaries were members of an affiliated
group which joined in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return
with New York Life. Following their conversion, the income or loss of NYLIFE
LLC and certain other subsidiaries which were also converted to limited
liability companies, are included in NYLIC's federal, state, and local taxable
income. Subsidiaries that were not converted continue to be members of the same
affiliated group and continue to join in filing a consolidated tax return with
New York Life.

The tax allocation agreement both before and after the limited liability
company conversions provide that each company will be allocated its share of
tax expense or benefit determined generally on a separate company basis, but
may, where applicable, allocate the tax benefits of operating or capital losses
utilizable in the respective returns. Estimated payments for taxes are made
between the related companies both before and after the conversion. State,
local, and foreign tax returns generally are filed separately. The income tax
(payable) and receivable included ($2,264,000) and $3,054,000 due to and from
New York Life as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, pursuant to the
tax allocation agreement.

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for each year are as follows (in
thousands):

                                      219

<PAGE>   445

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1999            1998              1997
                                              -------------    ------------     --------------
<S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>
       Current
                Federal                            $53,045         $25,722            $ 7,272
                State                               13,361          11,723              8,976
                Foreign                              1,126             534                470
                                              -------------    ------------     --------------
                Total Current                       67,532          37,979             16,718
                                              -------------    ------------     --------------

       Deferred
                Federal                            112,663         (5,152)             12,241
                State                                9,278           3,193                406
                                              -------------    ------------     --------------
                Total Deferred                     121,941         (1,959)             12,647
                                              -------------    ------------     --------------

                Total                             $189,473         $36,020            $29,365
                                              =============    ============     ==============
</TABLE>

Total income tax expense (benefit) is different from the amount computed using
the statutory federal tax rate of 35% in 1999, 1998 and 1997 for the following
reasons (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1999             1998              1997
                                                                   --------------    ------------    ---------------
<S>                                                                <C>               <C>             <C>

     Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate                     $150,562        $  (254)            $16,272
     Tax exempt investment income and capital gains                        (127)           (157)              (174)
     State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit             14,715           9,696              6,098
     Amortization of goodwill                                              7,998          20,971              3,300
     Net foreign taxes                                                     1,126             534                470
     Equity in non-consolidated affiliates                                 (317)            (23)                178
     Non-deductible losses with respect to foreign operations              2,958          12,498              7,791
     Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries                                5,788           2,030              1,596
     Provision to return reconciliation                                    4,662            (48)            (3,587)
     Other                                                                 2,108         (9,227)            (2,579)
                                                                   --------------    ------------    ---------------
            Total income tax expense (benefit)                          $189,473         $36,020            $29,365
                                                                   ==============    ============    ===============
</TABLE>

                                      220

<PAGE>   446


The net deferred tax liability at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, is
attributable to the following temporary differences (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1999             1998
                                                                   --------------    ------------
<S>                                                                <C>               <C>
     Deferred tax asset:

     Non-deductible reserves                                         $     7,650     $    10,156
     Deferred compensation                                                 5,750           4,978
     Investments in affiliates and partnerships                            4,932           4,660
     Deferred rent                                                           177             283
     Depreciation                                                          8,409           7,708
     Unrealized investment losses                                          6,082               7
     Employee benefits                                                     6,646           8,098
     Accrued expenses - ESI                                               30,188          33,400
     Other                                                                   545           4,050
                                                                   --------------    ------------
            Gross deferred tax asset                                      70,379          73,340

     Deferred tax liability:

     Deferred distribution costs                                        (63,009)        (79,709)
     Unrealized appreciation of subsidiary                              (46,734)        (10,008)
     ESI-Gain on sale of assets                                         (62,987)               -
     Depreciation                                                        (8,384)           (178)
     Undistributed earnings of ESI                                      (18,469)        (12,322)
     Unrealized investment gains                                           (424)               -
     Other                                                               (1,100)         (1,223)
                                                                   --------------    ------------
            Gross deferred tax liability                               (201,107)       (103,440)

     Valuation allowance                                                       -           (317)
                                                                   --------------    ------------
     Net deferred tax liability                                       $(130,728)       $(30,417)
                                                                   ==============    ============
</TABLE>

In 1998 the valuation allowance principally related to net operating losses of
particular subsidiaries, the use of which was subject to the separate return
limitation year (SRLY) rules. As a result of the liquidation of these
subsidiaries, management has concluded that the allowance is no longer needed.

NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

LEASES

The subsidiaries lease office space, distribution facilities, and certain
office equipment under various agreements with various expiration dates. The
leases contain provisions for payment of real estate taxes, building
maintenance, electricity and rent escalations.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with
original or remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 1999
are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Operating Leases
<S>                                                                         <C>
          2000                                                               $   18,353
          2001                                                                   17,192
          2002                                                                   15,554
          2003                                                                   15,169
          2004                                                                   15,158
          2005 & thereafter                                                      65,427
                                                                           -------------
          Total                                                                 146,853
                                                                           -------------

          Less future sublease rental receipts                                    6,738
                                                                           -------------
          Total                                                              $  140,115
                                                                           =============
</TABLE>

                                      221

<PAGE>   447

Assets recorded under capital leases and the related accumulated depreciation
are listed below. Amortization of these assets is included in depreciation and
amortization expense (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               December 31,
                                                          1999             1998
                                                       ------------     ------------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>
          Assets recorded under capital  leases              $ 382            $ 513
          Accumulated depreciation                           (284)            (328)
                                                       ------------     ------------
          Total                                              $  98            $ 185
                                                       ============     ============
</TABLE>

OTHER

During 1990, the Company entered into an agreement to provide a guarantee for
the benefit of the shareholders of the MainStay Equity Index Fund. The
guarantee provides that if, after ten years from date of purchase, the net
asset value, with all dividend and capital gains distributions reinvested, is
less than the original offering price, the Company will reimburse the
shareholders for their loss of principal and restore the net asset value to the
original offering price, including the return of any front-end sales charge. If
shares are redeemed prior to or after the one day guarantee date, the investor
loses the benefit of the guarantee with respect to those shares.

The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various legal actions
arising from its operations. Most of these actions seek substantial or
unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The Company is also from time to
time involved as a party in various governmental, administrative and
investigative proceedings and inquiries. Given the uncertain nature of
litigation and regulatory inquiries, the outcome of the above and other actions
pending against the Company cannot be predicted. The Company nevertheless
believes that the ultimate outcome of all pending litigation should not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position; however, it is
possible that settlements or adverse determinations in one or more actions or
other proceedings in the future could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operating results for a given year.

The Company along with NYLIFE Securities and NYLIFE Distributors has a support
agreement whereby the Company has agreed to absorb any liability which may be
allocated to NYLIFE Securities and NYLIFE Distributors as a result of a lawsuit
alleging misrepresentations and misappropriation of funds by a New York Life
agent. At December 31, 1999, plaintiffs were seeking over $122,500,000 in
compensatory and punitive damages. At this time, neither the probability of
loss nor the amount of the plaintiffs recovery, if any, can be estimated.

NYLIFE Securities has a support agreement whereby the Company has agreed to
absorb any liability which may be allocated to NYLIFE Securities as a result of
an NASD arbitration proceeding brought by a former NYLIFE Securities registered
representative and alleging defamation and other claims. The former registered
representative is seeking $20,000,000 in compensatory and punitive damages in
this proceeding. At this time, neither the probability of loss nor the amount
of the registered representative's recovery, if any, can be estimated.

Additionally, certain subsidiaries are subject to minimum net worth
restrictions pursuant to regulatory requirements and the terms of limited
partnership and debt agreements. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the net worth
of these subsidiaries exceeded the related requirements.

In the ordinary course of business (which includes the business conducted by
DPS and ValueRx prior to ESI acquiring them on April 1, 1999 and April 1, 1998,
respectfully), various legal proceedings, investigations or claims pending have
arisen against ESI and its subsidiaries (ValueRx and DPS continue to be a party
to proceedings that arose prior to their April 1, 1998 and April 1, 1999
respective acquisition dates). The effect of these actions on future financial
results is not subject to reasonable estimation because considerable
uncertainty exists about the outcomes. The ultimate liabilities resulting from
any

                                      222

<PAGE>   448

such lawsuits, investigations or claims now pending are not expected to
materially affect ESI's consolidated financial position, results of operations,
or cash flows.

For the year ended December 31, 1999, approximately 78.7% of ESI's
pharmaceutical purchases were through one wholesaler. ESI believes that other
alternative sources are readily available and that no other concentration risks
exist at December 31, 1999.

NOTE 16 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

LONG TERM PERFORMANCE PLAN

MacKay Shields adopted Long-Term Performance Plans ("the Plans") in 1988 and
1995. Awards under the Plans are based upon the attainment of specific goals as
set forth in each Plan. The plans are long-term in nature and require
participants to enter into multi-year employment contracts. Payments under the
1988 Plan commenced in 1996 and extend through March 2000. In accordance with
the provisions of the 1988 Plan, participants are also entitled to income on
the unpaid amount of their award. In 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, MacKay
Shields recorded dividend and interest income in the amount of $91,000,
$332,000 and $1,018,000 on the cash and investments segregated to fund the Plan
obligation. The accrual of income due to participants on the unpaid liability
is included in the consolidated statement of operations and other liabilities
on the consolidated statement of position. A portion of the amount payable may
be adjusted based upon the investment performance of certain registered
investment companies managed by MacKay Shields. Awards under the 1995 Plan are
based on performance during the 1995 to 1997 time period, and are payable
commencing in 1999 and extending through 2001. The amount payable to
participants in the year 2000 relating to these Plans is $3,465,000.

During 1989, International Inc. adopted a long-term performance plan, which
entitled key professionals to receive a performance award, if specified goals
were attained.

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

In December 1998, ESI's Board of Directors approved an employee stock purchase
plan, effective March 1, 1999, that qualifies under Section 423 of the Internal
Revenue Code and permits all employees, excluding certain management level
employees, to purchase shares of ESI's Class A Common Stock. Participating
employees may elect to contribute up to 10% of their salary to purchase common
stock at the end of each six month participation period at a purchase price
equal to 85% of the fair market value of ESI's Class A common stock at the end
of the participation period. Class A Common Stock reserved for future employee
purchases under the plan was 240,000 shares at December 31, 1999.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

In December, 1998, the Compensation Committee of ESI's Board of Directors
approved a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, effective January 1, 1999,
that provides benefits payable to eligible key employees at retirement,
termination or death. Benefit payments are funded by a combination of
contributions from participants and ESI. Participants become fully vested in
ESI contributions on the third anniversary of the end of the plan year for
which the contribution is credited to their account. For 1999, the annual ESI
contribution will be equal to 6% of each participant's total annual
compensation, with 25% being invested in ESI's Class A common stock and the
remaining being allocated to a variety of investment options. As a result of
the implementation, ESI accrued as compensation expense $224,000 in 1999 and
$797,000 in 1998 as a past service contribution which is equal to 8% of each
participant's total annual cash compensation for the period of the
participant's past service with ESI in a senior executive capacity. At December
31, 1999, 50,000 shares of Class A common stock have been reserved for future
plan contributions.

During 1998, NYLACOR enabled employees to participate in the NYLIC Executive
Officers' Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plan and Field Sales Employees'
Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan").
The Deferred Compensation Plan enables eligible employees

                                      223

<PAGE>   449

to defer receipt of an elected percentage of their annual compensation to a
later date. Annually, the Company matches 100% of eligible employee
contributions up to 3% of each participant's eligible compensation. A liability
equal to the market value of the participants' contributions plus Company
matching contributions is included in accrued expenses and other payables in
the accompanying balance sheet. The Deferred Compensation Plan liability at
December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $167,000 and $76,000, respectively. Deferred
Compensation Plan Company matching contributions were $2,000 for both years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

OTHER

Certain subsidiaries sponsor defined contribution retirement, 401(k) and profit
sharing plans for employees. Contributions to these plans during 1999, 1998 and
1997, totaled $4,953,000, $2,680,000 and $2,094,000, respectively.

NOTE 17 - ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

NON EMPLOYEE AGREEMENTS

On December 31, 1995, ESI entered into a ten-year corporate alliance with
Premier Purchasing Partners, LP (American Healthcare Systems Purchasing
Partners, LP, the "Partnership"), an affiliate of Premier, Inc. ("Premier").
Under the terms of the transaction, ESI is Premier's preferred vendor of
pharmacy benefit management services to Premier's shareholder systems and their
managed care affiliates and will issue shares of its Class A Common Stock as an
administrative fee to the Partnership based on the attainment of certain
benchmarks, principally related to the number of members receiving ESI pharmacy
benefit management services under the arrangement, and to the achievement of
certain joint purchasing goals. In accordance with the terms of the agreement,
ESI issued 454,546 shares of Class A Stock to Premier in May 1996, and may be
required to issue up to 4,500,000 shares to the Partnership over a period up to
the first five years of the agreement if the Partnership exceeds all
benchmarks. The shares issued were valued at $11,250,000 using ESI's closing
price on December 31, 1995, the date the agreement was consummated, and are
being amortized over the then remaining term of the agreement. Amortization
expense amounted to $1,320,000, $1,164,000 and $1,164,000 in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. Except for certain exemptions from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), any shares issued to the
Partnership cannot be traded until they have been registered under the 1933 Act
and any applicable state securities laws. No additional shares have been earned
by Premier through December 31, 1999.

Effective January 1, 1996, ESI executed a multi-year contract with The
Manufacturers Life Insurance Company ("Manulife"), to introduce pharmacy
benefit management services in Canada. Manulife's Group Benefits Division
continues to work with ESI Canada to provide these services. Under the terms of
the agreement, ESI is the exclusive third-party provider of pharmacy benefit
management services to Manulife's Canadian clients. ESI will also issue shares
of Class A Common Stock as an advance discount to Manulife based upon
achievement of certain volumes of Manulife pharmacy claims processed. No shares
will be issued until after the fourth year of the agreement based on volumes
reached in years two through four. ESI anticipates issuing no more than 474,000
shares to Manulife over a period up to the first six years of the agreement.
Except for certain exemptions from registration under the 1933 Act, any shares
issued to Manulife cannot be traded until they have been registered under the
1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws. In accordance with the terms
of the agreement, no stock has been issued since inception.

If Manulife has not exercised an early termination option at the end of the
sixth or tenth year of the agreement, ESI will issue at each of those times a
ten-year warrant as an advance discount to purchase up to approximately 237,000
additional shares of ESI's Class A Common Stock exercisable at 85% of the
market price at those times. The actual number of shares for which such warrant
is to be issued will be based on the volume of Manulife pharmacy claims
processed in year six and year ten, respectively.

                                      224

<PAGE>   450

Pursuant to an agreement with Coventry Corporation, an operator of health
maintenance organizations located principally in Pennsylvania and Missouri, on
January 3, 1995, ESI issued 50,000 shares of Class A Common Stock as an advance
discount to Coventry in a private placement. These shares were valued at $13.69
per share, the split-adjusted per share market value of our Class A Common
Stock on November 22, 1994, which was the date the agreement was consummated
and the obligation of the parties became unconditional. No revision of the
consideration for the transaction occurred between November 22, 1994 and
January 3, 1995. The shares issued to Coventry were being amortized over a
six-year period. However, due to Coventry extending the agreement for only two
years, as discussed below, instead of three years, the estimated useful life of
the shares issued has been reduced to five years and ended in 1999.
Amortization expense was $171,000, $171,000 and $114,000 for each of the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Except for certain
exemptions from registration under the 1993 Act, these shares cannot be traded
until they have been registered under the 1933 Act and any applicable state
securities laws.

Effective January 1, 1998, Coventry renewed the agreement for a two-year term
through December 31, 1999. As part of the agreement, ESI issued warrants as an
advance discount to purchase an additional 50,000 shares of our Class A Common
Stock, exercisable at 90% of the market value at the time of renewal. During
1998, ESI expensed the advance discount, which represented 10% of the market
value.

EMPLOYEE STOCK-OPTIONS

ESI accounts for employee stock options in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board No. 25 (APB 25), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
Under APB 25, ESI applies the intrinsic value method of accounting and,
therefore, does not recognize compensation expense for options granted, because
options are only granted at a price equal to market value at the time of grant.
SFAS 123 prescribes the recognition of compensation expense based on the fair
value of options determined on the grant date. However, SFAS 123 grants an
exception that allows companies currently applying APB 25 to continue using
that method. ESI has, therefore, elected to continue applying the intrinsic
value method under APB 25. For companies that choose to continue applying the
intrinsic value method SFAS 123 mandates certain pro-froma disclosures as if
the fair value method has been utilized. Note that due to the adoption of the
methodology prescribed by FAS 123, the pro forma results shown below only
reflect the impact of options granted in 1999, 1998 and 1997. Because future
options may be granted and vesting typically occurs over a five year period,
the pro forma impact shown for 1999, 1998 and 1997 is not necessarily
representative of the impact in future years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    (in thousands, except per share data)             1999                     1998                    1997
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>                                      <C>                     <C>                       <C>
    Net income
       As reported                                         $150,218                   $42,674               $33,429
       Pro forma                                            142,753                    38,585                32,034
    Basic earnings per share
       As reported                                            $4.16                     $1.29                 $1.02
       Pro forma                                               3.95                      1.16                  0.98
    Diluted earnings per share
       As reported                                            $4.06                     $1.27                 $1.01
       Pro forma                                               3.86                      1.14                  0.97
</TABLE>

                                      225


<PAGE>   451


The fair value of options granted (which is amortized to expense over the
option vesting period in determining the pro forma impact), is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes multiple option-pricing model with the
following weighted average assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      1999                     1998                    1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                     <C>                       <C>
Expected life of option                            2-7 years                2-7 years               2-7 years
Risk-free interest rate                             4.6-6.3%                 4.1-5.9%                5.7-6.6%
Expected volatility of stock                          59%                      44%                     40%
Expected dividend yield                               None                     None                    None
</TABLE>

A summary of the status of ESI's three fixed stock option plans as of December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, and changes during the years ending on those dates is
presented below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1999                      1998                           1997
                                                    Weighted-                    Weighted-                       Weighted-
                                                     Average                      Average                         Average
                                                     Exercise                     Exercise                        Exercise
(share data in thousands)               Shares        Price         Shares         Price         Shares            Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>              <C>        <C>               <C>         <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year            2,780     $28.02             1,702     $17.21              1,677         $12.56
Granted                                       843      60.43             1,866      40.65                602          22.78
Exercised                                   (196)      30.28             (133)      14.71              (529)           8.80
Forfeited/cancelled                         (141)      50.35             (655)      38.82               (48)          17.56
                                     -------------               -------------                --------------
Outstanding at end of year                  3,286      35.24             2,780      28.02              1,702          17.21
                                     =============               =============                ==============
Options exercisable at year end             1,391                          800                           641
Weighted-average fair value of
  Options granted during the year         $ 32.40                      $ 18.07                       $  9.91
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options
outstanding at December 31, 1999:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Options Outstanding                                 Options Exercisable
                     -------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------
     Range of
  Exercise Prices          Number         Weighted-Average                                Number
  (share data in       Outstanding at        Remaining         Weighted-Average         Exercisable    Weighted-Average
    thousands)            12/31/99        Contractual Life      Exercise Price          at 12/31/99     Exercise Price
- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------    ---------------- -----------------
<S>                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>                      <C>              <C>
   $3.25 - 16.50                  728                4.55                $11.74                643             $11.34
   17.00 - 28.41                  716                7.21                 22.60                341              21.20
   28.50 - 42.39                  683                8.27                 34.72                227              33.04
   51.63 - 55.13                  875                9.53                 53.00                110              55.13
   65.25 - 88.56                  284                9.34                 73.97                 70              65.69
                     -------------------                                              ----------------
   $3.25 -88.56                 3,286                7.64                 35.24              1,391              23.50
</TABLE>

NOTE 18 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 1, 2000, New York Life reorganized its asset management operations
to be under a separate holding company known as New York Life Asset Management
LLC ("NYLAM"). As part of the reorganization, the Company distributed all of
the issued and outstanding shares of stock or limited liability company
interests of MacKay Shields, MSSI, NYLIFE Distributors, Benefit Services,
MainStay Management, Monitor Capital and MSA to New York Life. The assets,
equity and net income related to these asset management subsidiaries for the
year ended December 31, 1999 is as follows (in thousands):

                                      226

<PAGE>   452

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1999
                                                   ------------------
<S>                                                <C>
       Assets                                           $464,743
       Equity                                            242,092
       Net Income                                         20,492
</TABLE>

On January 1, 2000, the Company distributed all of the issued and outstanding
shares of Internatinal, Inc. to New York Life.  The assets, equity and net
income related to International Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1999 is as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999
                                                   ------------------
<S>                                                <C>
       Assets                                           $459,132
       Equity                                            247,519
       Net Income                                        (36,886)
</TABLE>

                                      227
<PAGE>   453




                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                            PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 23. EXHIBITS

a.     Exhibits:

       (1)    Fifth Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series
              of Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share dated
              October 26, 1992 - Previously filed as Exhibit 1(b) to
              Post-Effective Amendment No. 16*

       (2)    Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of Shares of
              Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share - Previously filed
              as Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11*

       (3)    Form of Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of
              Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.0l Per Share
              - Previously filed as Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
              23*

       (4)    Form of Declaration of Trust as Amended and Restated December 31,
              1994**

       (5)    Form of Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of
              Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share
              - Previously filed as Exhibit 1(e) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
              28*

       (6)    Form of Establishment and Designation of an Additional Series of
              Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share
              - Previously filed as Exhibit 1(g) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
              35*

       (7)    Establishment and Designation of an Additional Series of Shares of
              Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share - Previously filed
              as Exhibit 1(h) to Post--Effective Amendment No. 38*

       (8)    Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of Shares of
              Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.0l Per Share - Previously filed
              as Exhibit 1(i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47*

       (9)    Establishment and Designations of Class of Shares of Beneficial
              Interest, Par Value $0.01 Per Share - Previously filed as Exhibit
              a(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51*

       (10)   Establishment and Designations of Additional Series of Shares of
              Beneficial Interest, Par Value $0.01 Per Share - Previously filed
              as Exhibit a(11) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51*

b.     Amended and Restated By-Laws dated December 31, 1994 - Previously filed
       as Exhibit 2(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32*



<PAGE>   454



c.     See the Declaration of Trust, as amended and supplemented from time to
       time (Exhibit 23(a)(1)-(10)) and the Amended and Restated By-Laws dated
       December 31, 1994 (Exhibit 23(b))

d.    (1)  (a)        Form of Management Agreement between the MainStay
                      Funds and MainStay Management, Inc. **

           (b)        Amendment to Management Agreement between the MainStay
                      Funds and MainStay Management, Inc. **

      (2)  (a)        (i) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement - Strategic Value
                      Fund - Previously filed as Exhibit 5(b)(1) to
                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 38*

                      (ii) Amendment to Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement -
                      Strategic Value Fund **

           (b)        (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement - Blue Chip Growth Fund -
                      Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)(c) to Post-Effective
                      Amendment No. 51*

                      (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Blue Chip
                      Growth Fund **

           (c)        (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement - Growth Opportunities Fund
                      --Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)(d) to Post-Effective
                      Amendment No. 51*

                      (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Growth
                      Opportunities Fund **

           (d)        (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement - Research Value Fund -
                      Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)(e) to Post-Effective
                      Amendment No. 51*

                      (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Research Value
                      Fund **

           (e)        (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement - Small Cap Value Fund -
                      Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)(f) to Post-Effective
                      Amendment No. 51*

                      (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Small Cap Value
                      Fund **

           (f)        (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement - Equity Index Fund -
                      Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)(g) to Post-Effective
                      Amendment No. 51*

                      (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Equity Index
                      Fund **

           (g)        (i) Sub-Advisory Agreement - MacKay-Shields Financial
                      Service Corporation - Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)
                      (h) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51*

                      (ii) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - MacKay-
                      Shields Financial Service Corporation **





<PAGE>   455
            (h)   (i) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement - MAP Equity Fund -
                  Previously filed as Exhibit d(2)(i) to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 51*

                  (ii)  Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - MAP Equity Fund**

e.      (1) (a)   Distribution Agreement between the MainStay Funds and
                  NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (Composite including Capital
                  Appreciation, Value, Convertible, Global, Total Return,
                  National Resources/Gold Metals Fund, High Yield Corporate
                  Bond, Government, Tax Free Bond and Money Market Funds). **

            (b)   Distribution Agreement between MainStay Funds and NYLIFE
                  Distributors Inc. for the California Tax Free and New York
                  Tax Free Funds. **

            (c)   Distribution Agreement between MainStay Funds and NYLIFE
                  Distributors Inc. for the Equity Index Fund. **

            (d)   Distribution Agreement between MainStay Funds and NYLIFE
                  Distributors Inc. for the International Equity and
                  International Bond Funds. **

            (e)   Distribution Agreement between MainStay Funds and NYLIFE
                  Distributors Inc. for the Strategic Income, Strategic Value,
                  Blue Chip Growth, Research Value, Small Cap Value, Growth
                  Opportunities, Small Cap Growth, Equity Income, Global High
                  Yield and MAP Equity Funds. **

        (2) (a) Form of Soliciting Dealer Agreement **

f.      Inapplicable

g.      Special Custody Agreement with State Street Bank**

        (1)     Custodian Contract with State Street Bank and Trust Company**

               (i)    Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 6/23/98**

               (ii)   Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 1/27/97**

               (iii)  Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 5/12/89**

               (iv)   Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 6/30/88**

               (v)    Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 4/27/92**

               (vi)   Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 1O/25/88**

        (2)       Fee schedule for Custodian Contract with State Street Bank
                  and Trust Company**

        (3)       Custodian Contract with The Bank of New York

h.      (1) (a)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement - Previously filed
                  as Exhibit h(l)(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51*


<PAGE>   456
            (b)   Form of Sub-Transfer Agency Agreement - Previously filed as
                  Exhibit h(l)(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51*

        (2)       Form of Guaranty Agreement - Equity Index Fund**

        (3)       Form of Service Agreement with New York Life Benefit Services,
                  Inc. - Previously filed as Exhibit 9(g) to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 37*

        (4)       Fund Accounting Agreement - Previously filed as Exhibit h(8)
                  to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51*

i.      Opinion and consent of counsel - Previously filed as Exhibit 10 to
        Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 *

j.      Consent of Independent Accountants**

k.      Not Applicable.

1.      Investment representation letter relating to initial capital**

m.          (a)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class A shares)
                  -Previously filed as Exhibit m(1)(m) to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 51*

            (b)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-l (Class B shares)
                  -Previously filed as Exhibit m(1)(n) to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 51*

            (c)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class C shares)
                  -Previously filed as Exhibit m(1)(o) to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 51*

n.                Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule
                  18f-3 - Previously filed as Exhibit to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 52*

p.      Codes of Ethics

        (1)       The MainStay Funds**

        (2)       MacKay Shields LLC**

        (3)       MainStay Management LLC (See Exhibit P(1))

        (4)       Monitor Capital Advisors LLC**

        (5)       Madison Square Advisors Inc. (See Exhibit P(1))

        (6)       Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.**

        (7)       Gabelli Asset Management Company**

        (8)       John A. Levin & Co., Inc.**


<PAGE>   457
        (9)       Markston International LLC**

       (10)       NYLIFE Distributors, Inc.**

- ------------------------
        *       Incorporated herein by reference

        **      Filed herewith.


<PAGE>   458




ITEM 24.   PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT

        The following chart indicates the persons controlled by New York Life.
Ownership is 100% unless otherwise indicated. Subsidiaries of other subsidiaries
are indicated accordingly.

        Name of Organization  (Jurisdiction)(1)

MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc. (Maryland)(2)
MainStay Institutional Funds Inc. (formerly New York Life Institutional Funds)
(Maryland)(2)

New York Life Asset Management LLC (Delaware)
        MacKay Shields LLC (Delaware)
               MacKay Shields Domestic General Partner LLC (Delaware)
        Madison Square Advisors LLC (Delaware)
               NYLCAP Manager LLC (Delaware)
                      New York Life Capital Partners LLC (Delaware)
        MainStay Management LLC (Delaware)
        MainStay Shareholder Services LLC (Delaware)
        Monitor Capital Advisors LLC (Delaware)
        New York Life Asset Management Operating Company LLC (Delaware)
        New York Life Benefit Services LLC (Delaware)
        New York Life International Investment Asia Ltd. (Mauritius)
        NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (Delaware)
        New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (Delaware)

New York Life International, Inc. (Delaware)
        GEO New York Life, S.A. (Mexico)
        New York Life Insurance Ltd. (South Korea)
        La Buenos Aires New York Life Seguros de Vida S.A. (Argentina) 40%
        La Buenos Aires New York Life Seguros de Retiro S.A. (Argentina) 40%
        Maxima S.A. AFJP (Argentina) 40%
        New York Life Insurance Worldwide Ltd. (Hong Kong) [incorporated in
          Bermuda]
        New York Life International Holdings Ltd. (Mauritius)
        New York Life International India Fund LLC (Mauritius) (90%)
        New York Life Insurance (Philippines), Inc.
        New York Life Worldwide Capital, Inc. (DE)
        NYLI-VB Asset Management Co. LLC (Mauritius) (90%)
        P.T. Asuransi Jiwa Sewu-New York Life (50.2%) (Indonesia)




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

(1)     By including the indicated corporation in this list, New York Life is
        not stating or admitting that said corporations are under its actual
        control; rather, these corporations are listed here to ensure full
        compliance with the requirements of this Form N-lA.

(2)     This entity is an anaffiliated a registered investment company for
        which New York Life and/or its subsidiaries perform investment
        management, administrative, distribution and underwriting services. It
        is not a subsidiary of New York Life but is included for informational
        purposes only.



<PAGE>   459
         Seguros Monterrey, S.A.
                  Corporativo Seguros
                  Centro Nacional de Servicios y Operaciones
                  Centro de Capacitacion Monterrey
         Fianzas Monterrey, S.A.
                  Operadora FMA

Max New York Life Insurance Company PVD Ltd. (26%)
         New York Life Settlement Corporation

New York Life Irrevocable Trust of 1996(3)

NYLIFE LLC (Delaware)
         Avanti Corporate Health Systems, Inc. (Delaware)
                  Avanti of the District, Inc. (Maryland)
         Eagle Strategies Corp. (Arizona)
         New York Life Capital Corporation (Delaware)
         New York Life (U.K.) Ltd. (England)(4) (99.97%)
                  Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited (23%) (South Korea)
                       Windsor Life Assurance Company Limited (Indonesia)
                  Windsor Construction Company Limited

         New York Life International Investment Inc. (Delaware)
              Monetary Research Ltd. (Bermuda)
                  NYL Management Limited (formerly Quorum Capital Management
                     Limited) (England)
         New York Life International Investment Asia Ltd. (Mauritius)
         New York Life Trust Company (New York)
         NYLCare NC Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)
                  WellPath Community Health Plans LLC (North Carolina) (NYLCare
                     NC  Holdings, Inc. owns 25%; Duke Medical Strategies, Inc.
                         owns remaining 75%)
                     ETHIX Southeast, Inc. (North Carolina)
                     WPCHP Holdings, Inc. (formerly Sanus-New England, Inc.)
                     (Delaware)
                     WellPath Preferred Services LLC (99.9%; WPCHP
                     Holdings, Inc. owns other 0.1%) (Delaware)
                     WellPath Select Holdings LLC (99.9%; WPCHP
                     Holdings, Inc. owns other 0.1%) (North Carolina)
                                    WellPath Select, Inc. (formerly
                                          WellPath Community Health Plans, Inc.)
         NYLIFE Administration Corp. (Delaware)
         NYLIFE Structured Asset Management Company Ltd.
         NYLIFE HealthCare Management, Inc. (Delaware)
                  Express Scripts, Inc. (39.4% of total combined stock and 89.6%
                  of the voting rights) (Delaware)
                           Express Scripts Vision Corporation (Delaware)
                           ESI Canada Holdings, Inc. (Canada)
                                   ESI Canada, Inc. (Canada)
                           ESI/VRX Sales Development Co.
- -------------------------------
(3)      An unaffiliated trust formed solely for the purpose of holding shares
         of New York Life Settlement Corporation. It is not a subsidiary of New
         York Life but is included for informational purposes only.

(4)      One Share is held in the name of a Nominee as required by British law.


<PAGE>   460




                           Diversified Pharmaceutical Services (P.R.), Inc.
                           Diversified Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
                                Diversified NY IPA, Inc.
                           Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc.
                           ESI Utilization Management Co.
                           ESI Claims, Inc.
                           ESI Mail Pharmacy Services, Inc.
                           Great Plains Reinsurance Company
                           IVTx, Inc.
                           Practice Patterns Science, Inc.
                           Value Health, Inc.
                           ValueRx of Michigan, Inc.
                           Your Pharmacy.com,Inc.

         NYLIFE Refinery Inc.
         NYLIFE Securities Inc. (Delaware)
         NYLINK Insurance Agency Incorporated (Delaware)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Alabama, Incorporated (Alabama)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Hawaii, Incorporated (Hawaii)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Idaho, Incorporated (Idaho)(5)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, Incorporated
                 (Massachusetts)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Montana, Incorporated (Montana)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Nevada, Incorporated (Nevada)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of New Mexico, Incorporated (New Mexico)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Ohio, Incorporated (Ohio)(5)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Oklahoma, Incorporated (Oklahoma)(5)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Texas, Incorporated (Texas)(5)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Washington, Incorporated (Washington)
               NYLINK Insurance Agency of Wyoming, Incorporated (Wyoming)
         NYLTEMPS Inc.
         Prime Provider Corp.
                  Prime Provider Corp. of Texas
         WellPath of Arizona Reinsurance company (formerly Sanus Reinsurance
           Company)

NYLIFE Insurance Company of Arizona (Arizona)

ITEM 25.          INDEMNIFICATION

         New York Life Insurance Company maintains Directors & Officers
Liability insurance coverage totaling $100 million. The coverage limit applies
each year and has been extended to cover Directors, Trustees and Officers of the
Trust, and subsidiaries and certain affiliates of New York Life. Subject to the
policies' terms, conditions, deductible and retentions, Directors, Officers and
Trustees are covered for claims, including related expenses, made against them
while acting in their capacities as such. The primary policy in the amount of
$25 million is issued by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh,
PA, and the excess policies in the amount at $75 million are issued by various
insurance companies. The issuing insurance companies may be changed from time to
time and there is no assurance that any or all of the current coverage will be
maintained by New York Life.
- -------------------------
  (5)    These entities are unaffiliated insurance agencies for which New York
         Life and its subsidiaries perform administrative services. They are not
         subsidiaries of New York Life but are included for informational
         purposes only.


<PAGE>   461




       Article IV of Registrant's Declaration of Trust states as follows:

       Section 4.3. Mandatory Indemnification.

       (a)      Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph
b) below:

                  (i)      every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or
                           officer of the Trust shall be indemnified by the
                           Trust, or by one or more Series thereof if the claim
                           arises from his or her conduct with respect to only
                           such Series to the fullest extent permitted by law
                           against all liability and against all expenses
                           reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with
                           any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he
                           becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of
                           his being or having been a Trustee or officer and
                           against amounts paid or incurred by him in the
                           settlement thereof;

                  (ii)     the words "claim," "action," "suit," or
                           "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions,
                           suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, or other,
                           including appeals), actual or threatened; and the
                           words "liability" and "expenses" shall include,
                           without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs,
                           judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines,
                           penalties and other liabilities.

         (b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Trustee or
officer:

                  (i)      against any liability to the Trust or a Series
                           thereof or the Shareholders by reason of a final
                           adjudication by a court or other body before which a
                           proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful
                           misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
                           disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
                           his office;

                  (ii)     with respect to any matter as to which he shall have
                           been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good
                           faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in
                           the best interest of the Trust or a Series thereof;

                  (iii)    in the event of a settlement or other disposition not
                           involving a final adjudication as provided in
                           paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) resulting in a payment
                           by a Trustee or officer, unless there has been a
                           determination that such Trustee or officer did not
                           engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
                           negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
                           involved in the conduct of his office;

                  (A)      by the court or other body approving the settlement
                           or other disposition; or


<PAGE>   462




                   (B)     based upon a review of readily available facts (as
                           opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) by (x) vote of
                           a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on
                           the matter (provided that a majority of the
                           Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the
                           matter) or (y) written opinion of independent legal
                           counsel.

           (c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured
against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not
affect any rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter be
entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such Trustee or
officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators
and assigns of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights
to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust other than Trustees and
officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

           (d) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any
claim, action, suit, or proceedings of the character described in paragraph (a)
of this Section 4.3 shall be advanced by the Trust or a Series thereof to final
disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
recipient, to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not
entitled to indemnification under this Section 4.3, provided that either:

                   (i)     such undertaking is secured by surety bond or some
                           other appropriate security provided by the recipient,
                           or the Trust or a Series thereof shall be insured
                           against losses arising out of any such advances; or

                   (ii)    a majority of the Non-interested Trustees acting on
                           the matter (provided that a majority of
                           the Disinterested Trustees acts on the matter) or an
                           independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall
                           determine, based upon a review of readily available
                           facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that
                           there is reason to believe that the recipient
                           ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

         As used in this Section 4.3, a "Non-interested Trustee" is one who is
not (i) an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who has been
exempted from being an "Interested Person" by any rule, regulation or order of
the Commission), or (ii) involved in the claim, action, suit or proceeding.

         Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by

<PAGE>   463
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

ITEM 26. BUSINESS OR OTHER CONNECTION OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR

        The business of MainStay Management LLC, New York Life Insurance
Company, Gabelli Asset Management Company, John A. Levin & Co., Inc., Dalton,
Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., MacKay Shields LLC, Markston International, LLC
and Monitor Capital Advisors LLC is summarized under "Know with Whom You're
Investing" in the Prospectus constituting Part A of this Registration
Statement, which summary is incorporated herein by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of
MainStay Management LLC is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for MainStay Management LLC. (File No. 801-54912) and
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of
MacKay Shields LLC is currently listed in the investment adviser registration
on Form ADV for MacKay Shields LLC (File No. 801-5594) and is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of
Monitor Capital Advisors LLC is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for Monitor Capital Advisors LLC (File No. 801-
34412) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of New
York Life Insurance Company is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for New York Life Insurance Company (File No. 801-
19525) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of is
currently listed in the investment adviser registration on Form ADV for Gabelli
Asset Management Company (File No. 801-14132) and is hereby incorporated herein
by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of John
A. Levin & Co., Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser registration
on Form ADV for John A Levin & Co., Inc. (File No. 801-52602) and is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.

        The business or other connections of each director and officer of
Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. is currently listed in the investment
adviser registration on Form ADV for Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.
(File No. 801-36175) and is hereby incorporated here in by reference.

        The business and other connections of each director and officer of
Markston International, LLC is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for Markston International, LLC (File No. 801-56141)
and is hereby incorporated by reference.


<PAGE>   464
ITEM 27.        PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

a.     NYLife Distributors Inc. also acts as the principal underwriter for the
       MainStay Institutional Funds, Inc. (File No. 33-36962) and NYLIAC
       Variable Universal Life Separate Accounts I and II.

b.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (1)                          (2)                              (3)
      Name and Principal       Position and Office with           Positions and Office
      Business Address         NYLIFE Distributors Inc.              with Registrant
          ---------                ------------                         ---------
<S>                            <C>                                <C>
Davidson, Sheila (2)           Chief Compliance Officer               None

Boyce, Jefferson C.(2)         Director                               Senior Vice
                                                                      President

Brady, Robert E. (1)           Director and Vice President            None

Boccio, Frank M.(2)            Director                               None

Rock, Robert D.(2)             Director                               None

Gallo, Michael G.(2)           Director                               None

Hildebrand, Phillip J.(2)      Director                               None

Roussin, Stephen C.(3)         Director and Senior                    President and Chief
                               Vice President

Gordon, Mark (3)               President                              None


Flanagan, John A.(3)           Vice President and                     Chief Financial
                               Chief Financial Officer                Officer

Calhoun, Jay S.(2)             Vice President and Treasurer           None

Warga, Thomas J.(2)            Senior Vice President and              None
                               General Auditor

Livornese, Linda M.(2)         Vice President                         None

Murray, Thomas J.(2)           Corporate Vice President               None

Zuccaro, Richard W.(2)         Tax Vice President                     Tax Vice President

Krystel, David J.(2)           Vice President                         None

O'Byrne, John H.(2)            Vice President                         None

Adasse, Louis H.(2)            Corporate Vice President               None

Daoust, George R.(3)           Assistant Vice President               None
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   465
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                                    <C>
Arizmendi, Arphiela(3)          Assistant Vice President               Assistant Treasurer

Cirillo, Antoinette B.(3)       Assistant Vice President               Assistant Treasurer

Lorito, Geraldine(3)            Assistant Vice President               Assistant Treasurer

Gomez, Mark A.(2)               Secretary                              None

Jamison, Ronald M.(2)           Assistant Secretary                    None

Whittaker, Lori S.(2)           Assistant Secretary                    None
</TABLE>

(1)     260 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054

(2)     51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

(3)     Morris Corporate Center I, Building A, 300 Interpace Parkway,
Parsippany, NJ 07054

        (c) Inapplicable.

ITEM 28.       LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.

        Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained
by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules
promulgated thereunder are maintained at the offices of the Registrant, the
Manager and NYLIFE Distributors Inc., Morris Corporate Center I, Building A,
300 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, NJ 07054, at MacKay Shields LLC, 9 West 57th
Street, New York, NY 10019; Monitor Capital Advisors, LLC, 504 Carnegie Center,
Princeton, New Jersey 08540; New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison
Avenue, New York, NY 10010; GAMCO Investors, Inc., One Corporate Center, Rye,
NY 10580; John A. Levin & Co., Inc., One Rockefeller Plaza, 25th Floor, New
York, NY 10020; Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., 1100 Fifth Ave. South,
Suite 301, Naples, FL 34102; and Markston International, LLC, 1 North Lexington
Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. Records relating to the Registrant's transfer
agent are maintained by MainStay Shareholder Services Inc., 200 Cherry Hill
Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Records relating to the duties of the Registrant's
custodian for the Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund, Money Market Fund, Tax Free Fund, Total
Return Fund and Value Fund are maintained by State Street Bank and Trust
Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, MA 02171; and records relating to
Registrant's custodian for the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund, International Equity Fund, International Bond Fund, Equity Index Fund,
Strategic Income Fund and Strategic Value Fund are maintained by The Bank of
New York, 110 Washington Street, New York, NY 10286.

ITEM 29.       MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

        Inapplicable.

ITEM 30.       UNDERTAKINGS.

        The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to
shareholders upon request and without charge.



<PAGE>   466
                                   SIGNATURES

       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Parsippany and the State
of New Jersey, on the 28th day of April, 2000.

                                                  THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                                               By: /s/ Stephen C. Roussin*
                                               -----------------------------
                                               STEPHEN C. ROUSSIN, President

       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-
Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities indicated on April 28th, 2000.

         Signatures                               Title

/s/ Richard M. Kernan, Jr.*
- --------------------------
RICHARD H. KERNAN, JR.                    Chairman and Trustee


/s/ Stephen C. Roussin*                   President, Chief Executive Officer and
- --------------------------                Trustee
STEPHEN C. ROUSSIN


/s/ John A. Flanagan                      Vice President and Chief Financial
- --------------------------                Officer
JOHN A. FLANAGAN                         (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)


/s/ Edward J. Hogan*                      Trustee
- --------------------------
EDWARD J. HOGAN


/s/ Harry G. Hohn*                        Trustee
- --------------------------
HARRY G. HOHN



<PAGE>   467



/s/ Donald K. Ross*                                    Trustee
- ---------------------
DONALD K. ROSS


/s/ Nancy M. Kissinger*                                Trustee
- ----------------------
NANCY M. KISSINGER


/s/ Terry L. Lierman*                                  Trustee
- ----------------------
TERRY L. LIERMAN


/s/ John B. McGuckian*                                 Trustee
- ---------------------
JOHN B. McGUCKIAN


/s/ Donald E. Nickelson*                               Trustee
- ------------------------
DONALD E. NICKELSON


/s/ Richard S. Trutanic*                               Trustee
- -----------------------
RICHARD S. TRTJTANIC


/s/ Gary E. Wendlandt*                                 Trustee
- -----------------------
GARY E. WENDLANDT


*By: /s/ John A. Flanagan
- -------------------------
As Attorney-in-Fact


* Pursuant to powers of attorney filed herewith.


<PAGE>   468

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                       Title                             Date

/s/ Stephen C. Roussin
- ------------------------        President, Chief Executive        April 3, 2000
Stephen C. Roussin              Officer, and Trustee




<PAGE>   469

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                         Title                           Date

/s/ Richard M. Kernan, Jr.
- ---------------------------
Richard M. Kernan, Jr.            Chairman and Trustee            April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   470

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                      Title                          Date

/s/ Edward J. Hogan
- ---------------------
Edward J. Hogan                Trustee                        April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   471

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                       Title                         Date

/s/ Harry G. Hohn
- -------------------
Harry G. Hohn                   Trustee                       April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   472

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                        Date

/s/ Donald K. Ross
- ---------------------
Donald K. Ross                       Trustee                      April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   473

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for her in her name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                      Date

/s/ Nancy M. Kissinger
- --------------------------
Nancy M. Kissinger                   Trustee                    April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   474

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                   Date

/s/ Terry L. Lierman
- ------------------------
Terry L. Lierman                     Trustee                 April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   475

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                       Date

/s/ John B. McGuckian
- ------------------------
John B. McGuckian                    Trustee                     April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   476

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                      Date

 /s/ Donald E. Nickelson
- ---------------------------
Donald E. Nickelson                  Trustee                    April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   477

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                       Date

/s/ Richard S. Trutanic
- ------------------------
Richard S. Trutanic                  Trustee                     April 3, 2000




<PAGE>   478


        KNOWN ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes
and appoints each of Joseph J. McBrien, Judy R. Bartlett, Patrick Farrell, and
John Flanagan, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him in his name, place and stead,
to sign any and all Registration Statements applicable to the MainStay Fund and
any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the states, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Signature                            Title                      Date

/s/ Gary E. Wendlandt
- ----------------------
Gary E. Wendlandt                    Trustee                    April 3, 2000
<PAGE>   479




                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



Form of Declaration of Trust as Amended and Restated       Exhibit a(4)
December 31, 1994

Form of Management Agreement between the MainStay          Exhibit d(1)(a)
Funds and MainStay Management, Inc.

Amendment to Management Agreement between the              Exhibit d(1)(b)
MainStay Funds and MainStay Management, Inc.

Amendment to Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement -              Exhibit d(2)(a)(ii)
Strategic Value Fund

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Blue Chip            Exhibit d(2)(b)(ii)
Growth Fund

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Growth               Exhibit d(2)(c)(ii)
Opportunities Fund

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement -  Research Value      Exhibit d(2)(d)(ii)
Fund

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Small Cap            Exhibit d(2)(e)(ii)
Value Fund

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - Equity Index         Exhibit d(2)(f)(ii)
Fund

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - MacKay Shields       Exhibit d(2)(g)(ii)
LLC

Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement - MAP Equity           Exhibit d(2)(h)(ii)
Fund

Distribution Agreement between The MainStay Funds          Exhibit e(1)(a)
and NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (Composite including
Capital Appreciation, Value, Convertible, Global,
Total Return, National Resources/Gold Metals Fund,
High Yield Corporate Bond, Government, Tax Free Bond
and Money Market Funds).

Distribution Agreement between The MainStay Funds and      Exhibit e(1)(b)
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. for the California Tax Free
and New York Tax Free Funds.

Distribution Agreement between The MainStay Funds and      Exhibit e(1)(c)
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. for the Equity Index Fund.

Distribution Agreement between The MainStay Funds and      Exhibit e(1)(d)
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. for the International
Equity and International Bond Funds.



<PAGE>   480




Distribution Agreement between The MainStay Funds and  Exhibit e(1)(e)
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. for the Strategic Income,
Strategic Value, Blue Chip Growth, Research Value,
Small Cap Value, Growth Opportunities, Small Cap
Growth, Equity Income, Global High Yield and MAP
Equity Funds.

Form of Soliciting Dealer Agreement                   Exhibit e(2)(a)

Special Custody Agreement with State Street Bank      Exhibit g

Custodian Contract with State Street Bank and         Exhibit g(1)
Trust Company

Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 6/23/98         Exhibit g(1)(i)

Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 1/27/97         Exhibit g (1)(ii)

Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 5/12/89         Exhibit g (1)(iii)

Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 6/30/88         Exhibit g (1)(iv)

Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 4/27/92         Exhibit g (1)(v)

Amendment to Custodian Contract dated 10/25/88        Exhibit g (1)(vi)

Fee Schedule for Custodian Contract with State        Exhibit g(2)
Street Bank and Trust Company

Form of Guaranty Agreement - Equity Index Fund        Exhibit h(2)

Consent of Independent Accountants                    Exhibit j

Investment representation letter relating to          Exhibit l
initial capital

Code of Ethics - The MainStay Funds                   Exhibit p(1)

Code of Ethics - MacKay Shields LLC                   Exhibit p(2)

Code of Ethics - Monitor Capital Advisors LLC         Exhibit p(4)

Code of Ethics - Dalton, Greiner, Hartman,            Exhibit p(6)
Maher & Co.

Code of Ethics - Gabelli Asset Management Company     Exhibit p(7)

Code of Ethics - John A. Levin & Co. Inc.             Exhibit p(8)

Code of Ethics - Markston International, LLC          Exhibit p(9)

Code of Ethics - NYLIFE Distributors, Inc.            Exhibit p(10)




<PAGE>   1






                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS


                              DECLARATION OF TRUST


                             DATED JANUARY 9, 1986


                                       AS


                              AMENDED AND RESTATED


                                AUGUST 30, 1991


                                       AS


                              AMENDED AND RESTATED


                               DECEMBER 31, 1994
<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           Page
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
ARTICLE I         NAME AND DEFINITIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
       Section 1.1        Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
       Section 1.2        Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ARTICLE II        TRUSTEES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
       Section 2.1        General Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
       Section 2.2        Investments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
       Section 2.3        Legal Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
       Section 2.4        Issuance and Repurchase of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
       Section 2.5        Delegation; Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
       Section 2.6        Collection and Payment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
       Section 2.7        Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
       Section 2.8        Manner of Acting; By-laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
       Section 2.9        Miscellaneous Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
       Section 2.10       Principal Transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
       Section 2.11       Number of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
       Section 2.12       Election and Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
       Section 2.13       Resignation and Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
       Section 2.14       Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
       Section 2.15       Delegation of Power to Other Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

ARTICLE III       CONTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
       Section 3.1        Underwriting Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
       Section 3.2        Advisory or Management Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
       Section 3.3        Administration Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
       Section 3.4        Affiliations of Trustees or Officers, Etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
       Section 3.5        Compliance with 1940 Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

ARTICLE IV        LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS,
                  TRUSTEES AND OTHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
       Section 4.1        No Personal Liability of Shareholders Trustees, Etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
       Section 4.2        Non-Liability of Trustees, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
       Section 4.3        Mandatory Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
       Section 4.4        No Bond Required of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
       Section 4.5        No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . .14
       Section 4.6        Reliance on Experts, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
</TABLE>





                                       i
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
ARTICLE V         SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
       Section 5.1        Beneficial Interest.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
       Section 5.2        Rights of Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
       Section 5.3        Trust Only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
       Section 5.4        Issuance of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
       Section 5.5        Register of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
       Section 5.6        Transfer of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
       Section 5.7        Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
       Section 5.8        Treasury Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
       Section 5.9        Voting Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
       Section 5.10       Meetings of Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
       Section 5.11       Series Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
       Section 5.12       Class Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

ARTICLE VI        REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
       Section 6.1        Redemption of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
       Section 6.2        Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
       Section 6.3        Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
       Section 6.4        Effect of Suspension of Determination of Net Asset Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
       Section 6.5        Repurchase by Agreement.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
       Section 6.6        Redemption of Shareholder's Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
       Section 6.7        Redemption of Shares in order to Qualify as Regulated
                          Investment Company; Disclosure of Holding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
       Section 6.8        Reductions in Number of Outstanding Shares Pursuant to
                          Net Asset Value Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
       Section 6.9        Suspension of Right of Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

ARTICLE VII       DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE,
                  NET INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
       Section 7.1        Net Asset Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
       Section 7.2        Distributions to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
       Section 7.3        Determination of Net Income; Constant Net Asset Value;
                          Reduction of Outstanding Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
       Section 7.4        Power to Modify Foregoing Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

ARTICLE VIII      DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST OR A SERIES,
                  AMENDMENT, MERGERS, ETC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
       Section 8.1        Duration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
       Section 8.2        Termination of the Trust or a Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
       Section 8.3        Amendment Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
       Section 8.4        Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
       Section 8.5        Incorporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
</TABLE>





                                       ii
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
ARTICLE IX        REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27

ARTICLE X         MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
       Section 10.1       Filing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
       Section 10.2       Governing Law.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
       Section 10.3       Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
       Section 10.4       Reliance by Third Parties.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
       Section 10.5       Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
</TABLE>





                                      iii
<PAGE>   5

                              DECLARATION OF TRUST
                                       OF
                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                             DATED JANUARY 9, 1986

                            AS AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                AUGUST 30, 1991

                            AS AMENDED AND RESTATED
                               DECEMBER 31, 1994


         AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST made on this 31st day of
December, 1994 by Alice T. Kane, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, Terry L. Lierman,
Donald E. Nickelson, Ralph A. Pfeiffer, Jr., Robert P. Rittereiser, Donald
K. Ross, Richard S. Trutanic and Walter W. Ubl (the "Trustees");

         WHEREAS, there has heretofore been established a trust for the
investment and reinvestment of funds contributed thereto;

         WHEREAS, there was originally filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston a
Declaration of Trust, dated January 9, 1986, creating this trust under the name
"MacKay-Shields Series Fund" and an instrument, dated January 9, 1986,
establishing and designating six series of Shares of beneficial interest,
"MacKay-Shields Capital Appreciation Fund," "MacKay-Shields Value Fund,"
"MacKay-Shields Convertible Fund," "MacKay-Shields High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund," "MacKay-Shields High Yield Government Securities Fund," and
"MacKay-Shields Money Market Fund":

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
amendment, dated March 10, 1986, changing the name of the trust to
"MacKay-Shields Mainstay Series Fund";

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
amended and restated instrument, dated April 18, 1986, deleting the original
instrument establishing and designating series of Shares, and establishing and
designating six series of Shares, "MacKay-Shields Capital Appreciation Fund,"
"MacKay-Shields Value Fund," "MacKay-Shields Convertible Fund," "MacKay-Shields
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund," "MacKay-Shields Government Plus Fund," and
"MacKay-Shields Money Market Fund," and an amended and restated instrument,
dated April 28, 1986, deleting the amended and restated instrument dated April
18, 1986, and establishing and designating the same six series of Shares;
<PAGE>   6
         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
amended and restated Declaration of Trust, dated April 30, 1986;

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
amended and restated instrument, dated January 26, 1987, establishing and
designating, in addition to the six previously established series of Shares,
two new series of Shares, "MacKay-Shields Global Fund" and "MacKay-Shields Tax
Free Bond Fund";

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
amended and restated instrument, dated October 26, 1987, establishing and
designating, in addition to the eight previously established series of Shares,
two new series of Shares, "MacKay-Shields Total Return Fund" and
"MacKay-Shields Gold and Precious Metals Fund";

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
instrument, dated October 22, 1990, establishing and designating a new series
of Shares, "Equity Index Fund";

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
instrument, dated July 10, 1991, establishing and designating two new series of
Shares, "California Tax-Free Fund" and "New York Tax-Free Fund";

         WHEREAS, at a special meeting of Trust Shareholders held on August 30,
1991, the Shareholders of the Trust approved certain amendments to the
Declaration of Trust, including an amendment changing the name of the Trust to
"The Mainstay Funds";

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
amended and restated Declaration of Trust, dated August 30, 1991;

         WHEREAS, there was filed with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with the Clerk of the City of Boston an
instrument, dated July 25, 1994 establishing designating two new series of
Shares, "Mainstay International Bond Fund" and "Mainstay International Equity
Fund";

         WHEREAS, at a special meeting of Trust Shareholders held on December
28, 1994, the Shareholders of the Trust approved certain amendments to the
Declaration of Trust;

         WHEREAS, the Trustees desire to amend and restate such amended and
restated Declaration of Trust to reflect these changes as approved by
Shareholders; and





                                       2
<PAGE>   7
         WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.3 of the amended and restated
Declaration of Trust, the amendment and restatement of such Declaration has
been duly approved as herein provided;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees declare that the Declaration of Trust of
this trust be amended and restated as follows:

         All money and property contributed to the trust established hereunder
shall be held and managed in trust for the benefit of the holders, from time to
time, of the Shares of beneficial interest issued hereunder and subject to the
provisions hereof.


                                   ARTICLE I

                             NAME AND DEFINITIONS

         Section 1.1      Name.   The name of the trust created hereby is "The
Mainstay Funds" (the "Trust").

         Section 1.2      Definitions.    Wherever they are used herein, the
following terms have the following respective meanings:

                 (a)      "Administrator" means the party, other than the
Trust, to the contract described in Section 3.3 hereof.

                 (b)      "By-laws" means the By-laws referred to in Section
2.8 hereof, as from time to time amended.

                 (c)      "Class" means the two or more classes as may be
established and designated from time to time by the Trustees pursuant to
Section 5.12 hereof.

                 (d)      The terms "Commission" and "Interested Person," have
the meanings given them in the 1940 Act.  Except as otherwise defined by the
Trustees in conjunction with the establishment of any Series of Shares, the
term "vote of a majority of the Shares outstanding and entitled to vote" shall
have the same meaning as the term "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities" given it in the 1940 Act.

                 (e)      "Custodian" means any Person other than the Trust who
has custody of any Trust property as required by Section 17 (f) of the 1940
Act, but does not include a system for the central handling of securities
described in said Section 17(f).

                 (f)      "Declaration" means this Declaration of Trust as
amended from time to time. Reference in this Declaration of Trust to
"Declaration," "hereof," "herein," and "hereunder" shall be deemed to refer to
this Declaration rather than exclusively to the article or section in which
such words appear.





                                       3
<PAGE>   8
                 (g)      "Distributor" means the party, other than the Trust,
to the contract described in Section 3.1 hereof.

                 (h)      The "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended from time to time.

                 (i)      "Fund" or "Funds" individually or collectively means
the separate Series of Shares of The Mainstay Funds, together with the assets
and liabilities assigned thereto.

                 (j)      "His" shall include the feminine and neuter, as well
as the masculine, genders.

                 (k)      "Investment Adviser" means the party, other than the
Trust, to the contract described in Section 3.2 hereof.

                 (l)      "Person" means and includes individuals,
corporations, partnerships, trusts, associations, joint ventures and other
entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and
political subdivisions thereof.

                 (m)      "Series" individually or collectively means the
separate Series of The Mainstay Funds as may be established and designated from
time to time by the Trustees pursuant to Section 5.11 hereof.  Unless the
context otherwise requires, the term "Series" shall include Classes into which
shares of the Trust, or of a Series, may be divided from time to time.

                 (n)      "Shareholder" means record owner of Outstanding
Shares.

                 (o)      "Shares" means the equal proportionate units of
interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from
time to time, including the Shares of any and all Series and Classes which may
be established by the Trustees, and includes fractions of Shares as well as
whole Shares.  "Outstanding" Shares means those Shares shown from time to time
on the books of the Trust or its Transfer Agent as then issued and outstanding,
but shall not include Shares which have been redeemed or repurchased by the
Trust and which are at the time held in the Treasury of the Trust.

                 (p)      "Transfer Agent" means any Person other than the
Trust who maintains the Shareholder records of the Trust such as the list of
Shareholders, the number of Shares credited to each account, and the like.

                 (q)      "Trust" means The Mainstay Funds.

                 (r)      "Trust Property" means any and all property, real or
personal tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the account
of the Trust or the Trustees.

                 (s)      The "Trustees" means the person who has signed this
Declaration, so long as he shall continue in office in accordance with the
terms hereof, and all other persons who may





                                       4
<PAGE>   9
from time to time be duly elected, qualified and serving as Trustees in
accordance with the provisions of Article II hereof, and reference herein to a
Trustee or the Trustees shall refer to such person or persons in this capacity
or their capacities as trustees hereunder.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                   TRUSTEES

         Section 2.1      General Powers.   The Trustees shall have exclusive
and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust
to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust
Property and business in their own right, but with such powers of delegation as
may be permitted by this Declaration.  The Trustees shall have power to conduct
the business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its
branches and maintain offices both within and without the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, in any and all states of the United States of America, in the
District of Columbia and in any and all commonwealths, territories,
dependencies, colonies, possessions, agencies or instrumentalities of the
United States of America and of foreign governments, and to do all such other
things and execute all such instruments as they deem necessary, proper or
desirable in order to promote the interests of the Trust, although such things
are not herein specifically mentioned.  Any determination as to what is in the
interests of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive.
In construing the provisions of this Declaration, the presumption shall be in
favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.

                 The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be
construed as limiting the aforesaid power.  Such powers of the Trustees may be
exercised without order of or resort to any court.

         Section 2.2      Investments.    The Trustees shall have the power:

                 (a)      To operate as and carry on the business of an
investment company, and exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to
the conduct of such operations.

                 (b)      To invest in, hold for investment, or reinvest in,
securities, including common and preferred stocks; warrants; bonds, debentures,
bills, time notes and all other evidences of indebtedness; negotiable or
non-negotiable instruments; government securities, including securities of any
state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, or any governmental
or quasi-governmental agency or instrumentality; and money market instruments
including bank certificates of deposit, finance paper, commercial paper,
bankers' acceptances and all kinds of repurchase agreements, of any
corporation, company, trust, association, firm or other business organization
however established, and of any country, state, municipality or other political
subdivision, or any governmental or quasi-governmental agency or
instrumentality.

                 (c)      To acquire (by purchase, subscription or otherwise),
to hold, to trade in and deal in, to acquire any rights or options to purchase
or sell, to sell or otherwise dispose of, to





                                       5
<PAGE>   10
lend, to pledge any such securities and repurchase agreements, and to enter
into futures contracts and options on futures contracts of all descriptions.

                 (d)      To exercise all rights, powers and privileges of
ownership or interest in all securities and repurchase agreements included in
the Trust Property, including the right to vote thereon and otherwise act with
respect thereto and to do all acts for the preservation, protection,
improvement and enhancement in value of all such securities and repurchase
agreements.

                 (e)      To acquire (by purchase, lease or otherwise) and to
hold, use, maintain, develop and dispose of (by sale or otherwise) any
property, real or personal, including cash, and any interest therein.

                 (f)      To borrow money and in this connection issue notes or
other evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property; to endorse, guarantee, or
undertake the performance of any obligation or engagement of any other Person
and to lend Trust Property.

                 (g)      To aid by further investment any corporation,
company, trust, association or firm, any obligation of or interest in which is
included in the Trust Property or in the affairs of which the Trustees have any
direct or indirect interest; to do all acts and things designed to protect,
preserve, improve or enhance the value of such obligation or interest; to
guarantee or become surety on any or all of the contracts, stocks, bonds,
notes, debentures and other obligations of any such corporation, company,
trust, association or firm.

                 (h)      To enter into a plan or distribution and any related
agreements whereby the Trust may finance directly or indirectly any activity
which is primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares.

                 (i)      In general to carry on any other business in
connection with or incidental to any of the foregoing powers, to do everything
necessary, suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any purpose or the
attainment of any object or the furtherance of any power hereinbefore set
forth, either alone or in association with others, and to do every other act or
thing incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or connected with the
aforesaid business or purposes, objects or powers.

                 The foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and
powers, and the foregoing enumeration of specific powers shall not be held to
limit or restrict in any manner the general powers of the Trustees.

                 The Trustees shall not be limited to investing in obligations
maturing before the possible termination of the Trust, nor shall the Trustees
be limited by any law limiting the investments which may be made by
fiduciaries.

         Section 2.3      Legal Title.   Legal title to all the Trust Property
shall be vested in the Trustees as joint tenants except that the Trustees shall
have power to cause legal title to any Trust





                                       6
<PAGE>   11
Property to be held by or in the name of one or more of the Trustees, or in the
name of the Trust or any Series of the Trust, or in the name of any other
Person as nominee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine, provided that
the interest of the Trust therein is deemed appropriately protected.  The
right, title and interest of the Trustees in the Trust Property shall vest
automatically in each Person who may hereafter become a Trustee.  Upon the
termination of the term of office, resignation, removal or death of a Trustee
he shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the
Trust Property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust
Property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees.  Such vesting and
cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents
have been executed and delivered.

         Section 2.4      Issuance and Repurchase of Securities.    The
Trustees shall have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire,
cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer, and otherwise
deal in Shares and, subject to the provisions set forth in Articles VI and VII
and Section 5.11 hereof, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption,
retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property of the
Trust, whether capital or surplus or otherwise, to the full extent now or
hereafter permitted by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts governing
business corporations.

         Section 2.5      Delegation; Committees.   The Trustees shall have
power to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to officers,
employees or agents of the Trust the doing of such things and the execution of
such instruments either in the name of the Trust or any Series of the Trust or
the names of the Trustees or otherwise as the Trustees may deem expedient, to
the same extent as such delegation is permitted by the 1940 Act.

         Section 2.6      Collection and Payment.   Subject to Section 5.11
hereof, the Trustees shall have power to collect all property due to the Trust;
to pay all claims, including taxes, against the Trust Property; to prosecute,
defend, compromise or abandon any claims relating to the Trust Property; to
foreclose any security interest securing any obligations, by virtue of which
any property is owed to the Trust; and to enter into releases, agreements and
other instruments.

         Section 2.7      Expenses.    Subject to Section 5.11 hereof, the
Trustees shall have the power to incur and pay any expenses which in the
opinion of the Trustees are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the
purposes of this Declaration, and to pay reasonable compensation from the funds
of the Trust to themselves as Trustees.  The Trustees shall fix the
compensation of all officers, employees and Trustees.

         Section 2.8      Manner of Acting; By-laws.   Except as otherwise
provided herein or in the By-laws, any action to be taken by the Trustees may
be taken by a majority of the Trustees present at a meeting of Trustees (a
quorum being present), including any meeting held by means of a conference
telephone circuit or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, or by written
consents of the entire number of Trustees then in office.  The Trustees may
adopt By-laws not inconsistent with this Declaration to provide for the conduct
of the business of the Trust and may amend or repeal such By-laws to the extent
such power is not reserved to the Shareholders.





                                       7
<PAGE>   12
                 Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.8
and in addition to such provisions or any other provision of this Declaration
or of the By-laws, the Trustees may by resolution appoint a committee
consisting of less than the whole number of Trustees then in office, which
committee may be empowered to act for and bind the Trustees and the Trust, as
if the acts of such committee were the acts of all the Trustees then in office,
with respect to the institution, prosecution, dismissal, settlement, review or
investigation of any actions suit or proceeding which shall be pending or
threatened to be brought before any court, administrative agency or other
adjudicatory body.

         Section 2.9      Miscellaneous Powers.   Subject to Section 5.11
hereof, the Trustees shall have the power to: (a) employ or contract with such
Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the business
of the Trust or any Series thereof; (b) enter into joint ventures, partnerships
and any other combinations or associations; (c) remove Trustees or fill
vacancies in or add to their number, elect and remove such officers and appoint
and terminate such agents or employees as they consider appropriate, and
appoint from their own number, and terminate, any one or more committees which
may exercise some or all of the power and authority of the Trustees as the
Trustees may determine; (d) purchase, and pay for out of Trust Property or the
Property of the appropriate Series of the Trust, insurance policies insuring
the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, investment advisers,
distributors, selected dealers or independent contractors of the Trust against
all claims arising by reason of holding any such position or by reason of any
action taken or omitted by any such Person in such capacity, whether or not
constituting negligence, or whether or not the Trust would have the power to
indemnify such Person against such liability; (e) establish pension,
profit-sharing, share purchase, and other retirement, incentive and benefit
plans for any Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust; (f) to the
extent permitted by law, indemnify any person with whom the Trust or any series
thereof has dealings, including the Investment Adviser, Distributor, Transfer
Agent and selected dealers, to such extent as the Trustees shall determine; (g)
guarantee indebtedness or contractual obligations of others; (h) determine and
change the fiscal year of the Trust or any Series thereof and the method by
which its accounts shall be kept; and (i) adopt a seal for the Trust but the
absence of such seal shall not impair the validity of any instrument executed
on behalf of the Trust.

         Section 2.10     Principal Transactions.   Except in transactions not
permitted by the 1940 Act or rules and regulations adopted by the Commission,
the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities from or sell any
securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust or any Series thereof to, any
Trustee or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or
officer is a member acting as principal, or have any such dealings with the
Investment Adviser, Distributor or Transfer Agent or with any Interested Person
of such Person; and the Trust or a Series thereof may employ any such Person,
or firm or company in which such Person is an Interested Person, as broker,
legal counsel, registrar, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent or
custodian upon customary terms.

         Section 2.11     Number of Trustees.    The number of Trustees shall
initially be one (1), and thereafter shall be such number as shall be fixed
from time to time by a written instrument





                                       8
<PAGE>   13
signed by a majority of the Trustees, provided, however, that the number of
Trustees shall in no event be less than one (1) nor more than fifteen (15).

         Section 2.12     Election and Term.   Except for the Trustees named
herein or appointed to fill vacancies pursuant to Section 2.14 hereof, the
Trustees shall be elected by the Shareholders owning of record a plurality of
the Shares voting at a meeting of Shareholders on a date fixed by the Trustees.
Except in the event of resignation or removals pursuant to Section 2.13 hereof,
each Trustee shall hold office until such time as less than a majority of the
Trustees holding office have been elected by Shareholders.  In such event the
Trustees then in office will call a Shareholders' meeting for the election of
Trustees.  Except for the foregoing circumstances, the Trustees shall continue
to hold office and may appoint successor Trustees.

         Section 2.13     Resignation and Removal.    Any Trustee may resign
his trust (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in
writing signed by him and delivered to the other Trustees and such resignation
shall be effective upon such delivery, or at a later date according to the
terms of the instrument.  Any of the Trustees may be removed (provided the
aggregate number of Trustees after such removal shall not be less than one)
with cause, by the action of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. Any Trustee
may be removed at any meeting of Shareholders by vote of two thirds of the
Outstanding Shares. The Trustees shall promptly call a meeting of the
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any such
Trustee or Trustees when requested in writing so to do by the holders of not
less than ten percent of the Outstanding Shares and, in that connection, the
Trustees will assist shareholder communications to the extent provided for in
Section 16(c) under the 1940 Act.  Upon the resignation or removal of a
Trustee, or his otherwise ceasing to be a Trustee, he shall execute and deliver
such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require for the purpose of
conveying to the Trust or the remaining Trustees any Trust Property held in the
name of the resigning or removed Trustee.  Upon the incapacity or death of any
Trustee, his legal representative shall execute and deliver on his behalf such
documents as the remaining Trustees shall require as provided in the preceding
sentence.

         Section 2.14     Vacancies.   The term of office of a Trustee shall
terminate and a vacancy shall occur in the event of his death, resignation,
removal, bankruptcy, adjudicated incompetence or other incapacity to perform
the duties of the office of a Trustee.  No such vacancy shall operate to annul
the Declaration or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms
of the Declaration.  In the case of an existing vacancy, including a vacancy
existing by reason of an increase in the number of Trustees, subject (but only
after the Trust's initial registration statement under the Securities Act of
1933 shall have become effective) to the provisions of Section 16(a) of the
1940 Act, the remaining Trustees shall fill such vacancy by the appointment of
such other person as they in their discretion shall see fit, made by a written
instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees then in office.  Any such
appointment shall not become effective, however, until the person named in the
written instrument of appointment shall have accepted in writing such
appointment and agreed in writing to be bound by the terms of the Declaration.
An appointment of a Trustee may be made in anticipation of a vacancy to occur
at a later date by reason of retirement, resignation or increase in the number
of Trustees, provided that such





                                       9
<PAGE>   14
appointment shall not become effective prior to such retirement, resignation or
increase in the number of Trustees.  Whenever a vacancy in the number of
Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled as provided in this Section
2.14, the Trustees in office, regardless of their numbers shall have all the
powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon
the Trustees by the Declaration.  A written instrument certifying the existence
of such vacancy signed by a majority of the Trustees in office shall be
conclusive evidence of the existence of such vacancy.

         Section 2.15     Delegation of Power to Other Trustees.    Any Trustee
may, by power of attorney, delegate his power for a period not exceeding six
(6) months at any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees; provided that in
no case shall fewer than two (2) Trustees personally exercise the powers
granted to the Trustees under this Declaration except as herein otherwise
expressly provided.


                                  ARTICLE III

                                   CONTRACTS

         Section 3.1      Underwriting Contract.   The Trustees may in their
discretion from time to time enter into an exclusive or non-exclusive
underwriting contract or contracts providing for the sale of the Shares to net
the Trust or the applicable Series of the Trust not less than the amount
provided for in Section 7.1 of Article VII hereof, whereby the Trustees may
either agree to sell the Shares to the other party to the contract or appoint
such other party their sales agent for the Shares, and in either case on such
terms and conditions as may be prescribed in the By-laws, if any, and such
further terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article III or of the By-laws; and
such contract may also provide for the repurchase of the Shares by such other
party as agent of the Trustees.

         Section 3.2      Advisory or Management Contract.   The Trustees may
in their discretion from time to time enter into an investment advisory
contract or, if the Trustees establish multiple series, separate investment
advisory contracts with respect to each Series, whereby the other party, to
such contract or contracts shall undertake to manage the investment operations
of one or more Series of the Trust and the compositions of the portfolios of
such Series, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in
accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions and all
upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion
determine, including the grant of authority to such other party to determine
what securities shall be purchased or sold by the Trust or the applicable
Series of the Trust and what portion of its assets shall be uninvested, which
authority shall include the power to make changes in the Trust's investments.

         Section 3.3      Administration Agreement.   The Trustees may in their
discretion from time to time enter into an administration contract or, if the
Trustees establish multiple series, separate administration contracts with
respect to each Series, whereby the other party to such contract shall
undertake to manage the business affairs of the Trust or a Series of the Trust
and





                                       10
<PAGE>   15
furnish the Trust or a Series thereof office facilities, and shall be
responsible for the financial and accounting records to be maintained by the
Trust or a Series thereof (including those being maintained by the Trust's
custodian) other than those being maintained by the Investment Adviser of the
Trust or a Series thereof, and ordinary clerical, bookkeeping and record
keeping services at such office facilities, and other facilities and services,
if any, and all upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their
discretion determine.

         Section 3.4      Affiliations of Trustees or Officers, Etc.   The fact
that:

                          (i)     any of the Shareholders, Trustees or officers
         of the Trust is a shareholder, director, officer, partner, trustee,
         employee, manager, adviser or distributor of or for any partnership,
         corporation, trust, association or other organization or of or for any
         parent or affiliate of any organization, with which a contract of the
         character described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 above or for services
         as Custodian, Transfer Agent or disbursing agent or for related
         services may have been or may hereafter be made, or that any such
         organization, or any parent or affiliate thereof, is a Shareholder of
         or has an interest in the Trust, or that

                          (ii)    any partnership, corporation, trust,
         association or other organization with which a contract of the
         character described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 above or for services
         as Custodian, Transfer Agent or disbursing agent or for related
         services may have been or may hereafter be made also has any one or
         more of such contracts with one or more other partnerships,
         corporations, trusts, associations or other organizations, or has
         other business or interests

shall not affect the validity of any such contract or disqualify any
Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the
same or create any liability or accountability to this Trust or its
Shareholders.

         Section 3.5      Compliance with 1940 Act.   Any contract entered into
pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2 shall be consistent with and subject to the
requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act with respect to its continuance in
effect, its termination and the method of authorization and approval of such
contract or renewal thereof.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                   LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS,
                              TRUSTEES AND OTHERS

         Section 4.1      No Personal Liability of Shareholders Trustees, Etc.
No Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever to any
Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of
the Trust.  No Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be
subject to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than to the
Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of
the Trust, save only





                                       11
<PAGE>   16
that arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of his duties with respect to such Person; and all such Persons shall
look solely to the Trust Property, or to Property of one or more specific
Series of the Trust if the claim arises from the conduct of such Trustee,
officer, employee or agent with respect to only such Series, for satisfaction
of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
If any Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee, or agent, as such, of the
Trust, is made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability
of the Trust, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any personal
liability.  The Trust shall indemnify and hold each Shareholder harmless from
and against all claims and liabilities, to which such Shareholder may become
subject by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder, and shall
reimburse such Shareholder out of the Trust Property for all legal and other
expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim or
liability.  Indemnification and reimbursement required by the preceding
sentence shall be made only out of assets of the one or more Series whose
shares were held by said Shareholder at the time the act or event occurred
which gave rise to the claim against or liability of said Shareholder.  The
rights accruing to a Shareholder under this Section 4.1 shall not exclude any
other right to which such Shareholder may be lawfully entitled, nor shall
anything herein contained restrict the right of the Trust to indemnify or
reimburse a Shareholder in any appropriate situation even though not
specifically provided herein.

         Section 4.2      Non-Liability of Trustees, Etc.   No Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be liable to the Trust, its
Shareholders, or to any Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee, or agent
thereof for any action or failure to act (including without limitation the
failure to compel in any way any former or acting Trustee to redress any breach
of trust) except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

         Section 4.3      Mandatory Indemnification.   (a) Subject to the
exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:

                 (i)      every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or
         officer of the Trust shall be indemnified by the Trust, or by one or
         more Series thereof if the claim arises from his or her conduct with
         respect to only such Series, to the fullest extent permitted by law
         against all liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or
         paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding
         in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his
         being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or
         incurred by him in the settlement thereof;

                 (ii)     the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding"
         shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil,
         criminal, or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the
         words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation,
         attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines,
         penalties and other liabilities.

                 (b)      No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a
Trustee or officer:





                                       12
<PAGE>   17
                 (i)      against any liability to the Trust or a Series
         thereof or the Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by a
         court or other body before which a proceeding was brought that he
         engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
         reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
         office:

                 (ii)     with respect to any matter as to which he shall have
         been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the
         reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the
         Trust or a Series thereof:

                 (iii)    in the event of a settlement or other disposition not
         involving a final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) or (b)
         (ii) resulting in a payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there has
         been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in
         willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
         of the duties involved in the conduct of his office:

                          (A)     by the court or other body approving the
                 settlement or other disposition; or

                          (B)     based upon a review of readily available
                 facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) by (x) vote of
                 a majority of the Non-interested Trustees acting on the matter
                 (provided that a majority of the Non-interested Trustees then
                 in office act on the matter) or (y) written opinion of
                 independent legal counsel.

                 (c)      The rights of indemnification herein provided may be
insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall
not affect any other rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or
hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such
Trustee or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns of such a person.  Nothing contained herein shall
affect any rights to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust other than
Trustees and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

                 (d)      Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense
to any claim, actions suit or proceeding of the character described in
paragraph (a) of this Section 4.3 may be advanced by the Trust or a Series
thereof prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or
on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined
that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 4.3, provided
that either:

                 (i)      such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some
         other appropriate security provided by the recipient, or the Trust or
         Series thereof shall be insured against losses arising out of any such
         advances; or

                 (ii)     a majority of the Non-interested Trustees acting on
         the matter (provided that a majority of the Non-interested Trustees
         act on the matter) or an independent legal counsel in a written
         opinion shall determine, based upon a review of readily available





                                       13
<PAGE>   18
         facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason
         to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to
         indemnification.

                 As used in this Section 4.3, a "Non-interested Trustee" is one
who is not (i) an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who has
been exempted from being an "Interested Person" by any rule, regulation or
order of the Commission), or (ii) involved in the claim, action, suit or
proceeding.

         Section 4.4      No Bond Required of Trustees.    No Trustee shall be
obligated to give any bond or other security for the performance of any of his
duties hereunder.

         Section 4.5      No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust
Instruments, Etc.   No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person
dealing with the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or a
Series thereof shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of
any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer,
employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid,
loaned, or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer,
employee or agent.  Every obligation, contract, instrument, certificate, Share,
other security of the Trust or a Series thereof or undertaking, and every other
act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with the Trust shall be
conclusively presumed to have been executed or done by the executors thereof
only in their capacity as Trustees under this Declaration or in their capacity
as officers, employees or agents of the Trust or a Series thereof.  Every
written obligation, contract, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of
the Trust or a Series thereof or undertaking made or issued by the Trustees may
recite that the same is executed or made by them not individually, but as
Trustees under the Declaration, and that the obligations of the Trust or a
Series thereof under any such instrument are not binding upon any of the
Trustees or Shareholders individually, but bind only the Trust Property or the
Trust Property of the applicable Series, and may contain any further recital
which they or he may deem appropriate, but the omission of such recital shall
not operate to bind the Trustees individually.  The Trustees shall at all times
maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property or the Trust
Property of the applicable Series, its Shareholders, Trustees, officers,
employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to
cover possible tort liability, and such other insurance as the Trustees in
their sole judgment shall deem advisable.

         Section 4.6      Reliance on Experts, Etc.   Each Trustee and officer
of the Trust or employee of the Trust or a Series thereof shall, in the
performance of his duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with
regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith
upon the books of account or other records of the Trust or a Series thereof,
upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust or a Series
thereof by any of its officers or employees or by the Investment Adviser, the
Administrator, the Distributor, Transfer Agent, selected dealers, accountants,
appraisers or other experts or consultants selected with reasonable care by the
Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such
counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.





                                       14
<PAGE>   19
                                   ARTICLE V

                         SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

         Section 5.1      Beneficial Interest.   The interest of the
beneficiaries hereunder shall be divided into transferable shares of beneficial
interest, all of one class, except as provided in Section 5.11 and Section 5.12
hereof, par value $.01 per share.  The number of shares of beneficial interest
authorized hereunder is unlimited.  All Shares issued hereunder including,
without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a dividend in Shares or a
split of Shares, shall be fully paid and non-assessable.

         Section 5.2      Rights of Shareholders.   The ownership of the Trust
Property of every description and the right to conduct any business
hereinbefore described are vested exclusively in the Trustees, and the
Shareholders shall have no interest therein other than the beneficial interest
conferred by their Shares, and they shall have no right to call for any
partition or division of any property, profits, rights or interests of the
Trust nor can they be called upon to share or assume any losses of the Trust or
suffer an assessment of any kind by virtue of their ownership of Shares.  The
Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights in this Declaration
specifically set forth.  The Shares shall not entitle the holder to preference,
preemptive, appraisal, conversion or exchange rights, except as the Trustees
may determine with respect to any Series of Shares.

         Section 5.3      Trust Only.   It is the intention of the Trustees to
create only the relationship of Trustee and beneficiary between the Trustees
and each Shareholder from time to time.  It is not the intention of the
Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock
association, corporation, bailment or any form of legal relationship other than
a trust.  Nothing in this Declaration of Trust shall be construed to make the
Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of
a joint stock association.

         Section 5.4      Issuance of Shares.    The Trustees in their
discretion may, from time to time without vote of the Shareholders, issue
Shares, in addition to the then issued and outstanding Shares and Shares held
in the treasury, to such party or parties and for such amount and type of
consideration, including cash or property, at such time or times and on such
terms as the Trustees may deem best, and may in such manner acquire other
assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with
the assumption of, liabilities) and businesses.  In connection with any
issuance of Shares, the Trustees may issue fractional Shares and Shares held in
the treasury.  The Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the Shares
of the Trust or, if the Shares be divided into Series, of any series of the
Trust, into a greater or lesser number without thereby changing the
proportionate beneficial interests in the Trust or in the Trust Property
allocated or belonging to such Series.  Contributions to the Trust or Series
thereof may be accepted for, and Shares shall be redeemed as, whole Shares
and/or 1/1,000ths of a Share or integral multiples thereof.

         Section 5.5      Register of Shares.    A register shall be kept at
the principal office of the Trust or an office of the Transfer Agent which
shall contain the names and addresses of the





                                       15
<PAGE>   20
Shareholders and the number of Shares held by them respectively and a record of
all transfers thereof.  Such register shall be conclusive as to who are the
holders of the Shares and who shall be entitled to receive dividends or
distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights of Shareholders.  No
Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any dividend or
distribution, nor to have notice given to him as herein or in the By- laws
provided, until he has given his address to the Transfer Agent or such other
officer or agent of the Trustees as shall keep the said register for entry
thereon.  It is not contemplated that certificates will be issued for the
Shares; however, the Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the issuance
of share certificates and promulgate appropriate rules and regulations as to
their use.

         Section 5.6      Transfer of Shares.    Shares shall be transferable
on the records of the Trust only by the record holder thereof or by his agent
thereunto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees or the
Transfer Agent of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with such
evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of
other matters as may reasonably be required.  Upon such delivery the transfer
shall be recorded on the register of the Trust.  Until such record is made, the
Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all
purposes hereunder and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar
nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice
of the proposed transfer.

         Any person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of the
death, bankruptcy, or incompetence of any Shareholder, or otherwise by
operation of law, shall be recorded on the register of Shares as the holder of
such Shares upon production of the proper evidence thereof to the Trustees or
the Transfer Agent, but until such record is made, the Shareholder of record
shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereunder and
neither the Trustees nor any Transfer Agent or registrar nor any officer or
agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of such death, bankruptcy or
incompetence, or other operation of law.

         Section 5.7      Notices.   Any and all notices to which any
Shareholder may be entitled and any and all communications shall be deemed duly
served or given if mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to any Shareholder of
record at his last known address as recorded on the register of the Trust.

         A notice of a meeting, an annual report and any other communication to
Shareholders need not be sent to a Shareholder (i) if an annual report and a
proxy statement for two consecutive Shareholder meetings have been mailed to
such Shareholder's address and have been returned as undeliverable, (ii) if
all, and at least two, checks (if sent by first class mail) in payment of
dividends on Shares during a twelve-month period have been mailed to such
Shareholder's address and have been returned as undeliverable or (iii) in any
other case in which a proxy statement concerning a meeting of security holders
is not required to be given pursuant to the Commission's proxy rules as from
time to time in effect under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, provided in
all cases that such notice of meeting, annual report or other communication is
not required to be sent or delivered to the Shareholder pursuant to any other





                                       16
<PAGE>   21
provision of the federal securities laws.  However, delivery of such proxy
statements, annual reports and other communications shall resume if and when
the Shareholder delivers or causes to be delivered to the Trust written notice
setting forth such Shareholder's then-current address.

         Section 5.8      Treasury Shares.   Shares held in the treasury shall,
until resold pursuant to Section 5.4, not confer any voting rights on the
Trustees, nor shall such Shares be entitled to any dividends or other
distributions declared with respect to the Shares.

         Section 5.9      Voting Powers.   The Shareholders shall have power to
vote only (i) for the election and removal of Trustees as provided in Sections
2.12 and 2.13; (ii) with respect to any investment advisory contract entered
into pursuant to Section 3.2; (iii) with respect to termination of the Trust or
a Series thereof as provided in Section 8.2; (iv) with respect to any amendment
of this Declaration to the extent and as provided in Section 8.3; (v) with
respect to any merger, consolidation or sale of assets as provided in Section
8.4; (vi) with respect to incorporation of the Trust to the extent and as
provided in Section 8.5; (vii) to the same extent as the stockholders of a
Massachusetts business corporation as to whether or not a court action,
proceeding or claim should or should not be brought or maintained derivatively
or as a class action on behalf of the Trust or a Series or Class thereof or the
Shareholders thereof (provided, however, that a Shareholder of a particular
Series or Class shall not be entitled to bring or maintain a derivative or
class action on behalf of any other Series or Class); (viii) with respect to
any plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (or any successor rule) under the 1940
Act, and related matters; (ix) with respect to such additional matters relating
to the Trust as may be required by this Declaration, the By-laws or any
registration of the Trust as an investment company under the 1940 Act with the
Commission (or any successor agency) or as the Trustees may consider necessary
or desirable.  Each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter
on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to
a proportionate fractional vote, except that the Trustees may, in connection
with the establishment of any Series or Class of Shares, establish or reserve
the right to establish conditions under which the several Series or Classes
shall have separate voting rights or, if a Series or Class would not, in the
sole judgment of the Trustees, be materially affected by a proposal, no voting
rights.  If separate Series of Shares are established, Shares shall be voted by
individual Series on any matter submitted to a vote of Shareholders of the
Trust except as provided in Section 5.11(f) hereof.  There shall be no
cumulative voting in the election of Trustees.  Until Shares are issued, the
Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action
required by law, this Declaration or the By-laws to be taken by Shareholders.
The By-laws may include further provisions for Shareholders' votes and meetings
and related matters.

         Section 5.10     Meetings of Shareholders.   Meetings of the
Shareholders of the Trust may be called at any time by the President, and shall
be called by the President or the Secretary at the request, in writing or by
resolution, of a majority of the Trustees, or at the written request of the
holder or holders of ten percent (10%) or more of the total number of Shares
then issued and outstanding of the Trust entitled to vote at such meeting.
Meetings of the Shareholders of any Series of the Trust shall be called by the
President or the Secretary at the written request of the holder or holders of
ten percent (10%) or more of the total number of Shares then issued and





                                       17
<PAGE>   22
outstanding of such Series of the Trust entitled to vote at such meeting.  Any
such request shall state the purpose of the proposed meeting.

         Section 5.11     Series Designation.   The Trustees, in their
discretion, may authorize the division of Shares into two or more Series, and
the different Series shall be established and designated and the variations in
the relative rights and preferences as between the different Series shall be
fixed and determined, by the Trustees; provided, that all Shares shall be
identical except that there may be variations so fixed and determined between
different Series as to investment objective, purchase price, right of
redemption, special and relative rights as to dividends and on liquidation,
conversion rights, and conditions under which the several Series shall have
separate voting rights, all of which are subject to the limitations set forth
below.  All references to Shares in this Declaration shall be deemed to be
shares of any or all Series as the context may require.

                 If the Trustees shall divide the Shares of the Trust into two
or more Series, the following provisions shall be applicable:

                 (a)      The number of authorized Shares and the number of
Shares of each Series that may be issued shall be unlimited.  The Trustees may
classify or reclassify any unissued Shares or any Shares previously issued and
reacquired of any Series into one or more Series that may be established and
designated from time to time.  The Trustees may hold as treasury shares (of the
same or some other Series), reissue for such consideration and on such terms as
they may determine, or cancel any Shares of any Series reacquired by the Trust
at their discretion from time to time.

                 (b)      All consideration received by the Trust for the issue
or sale of Shares of a particular Series, together with all assets in which
such consideration is invested or reinvested, all income, earnings, profits,
and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or
liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived from any
reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, shall
irrevocably belong to that Series for all purposes, subject only to the rights
of creditors of such Series and except as may otherwise be required by
applicable tax laws, and shall be so recorded upon the books of account of the
Trust.  In the event that there are any assets, income, earnings, profits, and
proceeds thereof, funds, or payments which are not readily identifiable as
belonging to any particular Series, the Trustees shall allocate them among any
one or more of the Series established and designated from time to time in such
manner and on such basis as they, in their sole discretion, deem fair and
equitable.  Each such allocation by the Trustees shall be conclusive and
binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes.  No holder of
Shares of any Series shall have any claim on or right to any assets allocated
or belonging to any other Series.

                 (c)      The assets belonging to each particular Series shall
be charged with the liabilities of the Trust in respect of that Series and all
expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that Series, and any
general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which
are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall be
allocated and charged by the Trustees to and among any one or more of the
Series established and designated from time to time in such manner and on such
basis as the Trustees in their sole





                                       18
<PAGE>   23
discretion deem fair and equitable.  Each allocation of liabilities, expenses,
costs, charges and reserves by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding
upon the holders of all Series for all purposes.  The Trustees shall have full
discretion, to the extent not inconsistent with the 1940 Act, to determine
which items are capital; and each such determination and allocation shall be
conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders.  The assets of a particular
Series of the Trust shall, under no circumstances, be charged with liabilities
attributable to any other Series of the Trust.  All persons extending credit
to, or contracting with or having any claim against a particular Series of the
Trust shall look only to the assets of that particular Series for payment of
such credit, contract or claim.

                 (d)      The power of the Trustees to pay dividends and make
distributions shall be governed by Section 7.2 of this Declaration with respect
to any one or more Series or classes which represents the interests in the
assets of the Trust immediately prior to the establishment of two or more
Series or classes.  With respect to any other Series or class, dividends and
distributions on Shares of a particular Series or class may be paid with such
frequency as the Trustees may determine, which may be daily or otherwise,
pursuant to a standing resolution or resolutions adopted only once or with such
frequency as the Trustees may determine, to the holders of Shares of that
Series or class, from such of the income and capital gains, accrued or
realized, from the assets belonging to that Series or class, as the Trustees
may determine, after providing for actual and accrued liabilities belonging to
that Series or class.  All dividends and distributions on Shares of a
particular Series or class shall be distributed pro rata to the Shareholders of
that Series or class in proportion to the number of Shares of that Series or
class held by such Shareholders at the time of record established for the
payment of such dividends or distribution.

                 (e)      Each Share of a Series of the Trust shall represent a
beneficial interest in the net assets of such Series.  Each holder of Shares of
a Series shall be entitled to receive his pro rata share of distributions of
income and capital gains made with respect to such Series.  Upon redemption of
his Shares or indemnification for liabilities incurred by reason of his being
or having been a Shareholder of a Series, such Shareholder shall be paid solely
out of the funds and property of such Series of the Trust. Upon liquidation or
termination of a Series of the Trust, Shareholders of such Series shall be
entitled to receive a pro rata share of the net assets of such Series.  A
Shareholder of a particular series of the Trust shall not be entitled to
participate in a derivative or class action on behalf of any other Series or
the Shareholders of any other Series of the Trust.

                 (f)      Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, on any
matter submitted to a vote of Shareholders of the Trust, all Shares then
entitled to vote shall be voted by individual Series, except for the election
of Trustees and except to the extent the 1940 Act or Rule 18f-2 or any
successor rule thereunder requires that Shares be voted in the aggregate and
not by individual Series.  Except as otherwise provided in this Article V, the
Trustees shall have the power to determine the designations, preferences,
privileges, limitations and rights, including voting and dividend rights, of
each class and Series of Shares.





                                       19
<PAGE>   24
                 The establishment and designation of any Series of Shares
shall be effective upon the execution by a majority of the then Trustees of an
instrument setting forth such establishment and designation and the relative
rights and preferences of such Series, or as otherwise provided in such
instrument.  Each instrument referred to in this section shall have the status
of an amendment to this Declaration.

         Section 5.12     Class Designation.   The Trustees, in their
discretion, may authorize the division of the Shares of the Trust, or, if any
Series be established, the Shares of any Series, into two or more Classes, and
the different Classes shall be established and designated, and the variations
in the relative rights and preferences as between the different Classes shall
be fixed and determined, by the Trustees; provided, that all Shares of the
Trust or of any Series shall be identical to all other Shares of the Trust or
the same Series, as the case may be, except that there may be variations
between different classes as to allocation of expenses, right of redemption,
special and relative rights as to dividends and on liquidation, conversion
rights and conditions under which the several classes shall have separate
voting rights.  All references to Shares in this Declaration shall be deemed to
be Shares of any or all Classes as the context may require.

                 If the Trustees shall divide the Shares of the Trust or any
Series into two or more Classes, the following provisions shall be applicable:

                 (a)      All provisions herein relating to the Trust, or any
Series of the Trust, shall apply equally to each Class of Shares of the Trust
or of any Series of the Trust, except as the context requires otherwise.

                 (b)      The number of Shares of each Class that may be issued
shall be unlimited. The Trustees may classify or reclassify any unissued Shares
of the Trust or any Series or any Shares previously issued and reacquired of
any Class of the Trust or of any Series into one or more Classes that may be
established and designated from time to time.  The Trustees may hold as
treasury Shares (of the same or some other Class), reissue for such
consideration and on such terms as they may determine, or cancel any Shares of
any Class reacquired by the Trust at their discretion from time to time.

                 (c)      Liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves
related to the distribution of, and other identified expenses that should
properly be allocated to, the Shares of a particular Class may be charged to
and borne solely by such Class and the bearing of expenses solely by a Class of
Shares may be appropriately reflected (in a manner determined by the Trustees)
and cause differences in the net asset value attributable to, and the dividend,
redemption and liquidation rights of, the Shares of different Classes.  Each
allocation of liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves by the
Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all Classes
for all purposes.

                 (d)      The establishment and designation of any Class of
Shares shall be effective upon the execution of a majority of the then Trustees
of an instrument setting forth such establishment and designation and the
relative rights and preferences of such Class, or as otherwise provided in such
instrument.  The Trustees, may, by an instrument executed by a





                                       20
<PAGE>   25
majority of their number, abolish any Class and the establishment and
designation thereof.  Each instrument referred to in this paragraph shall have
the status of an amendment to this Declaration.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                      REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES

         Section 6.1      Redemption of Shares.    All Shares of the Trust
shall be redeemable, at the redemption price determined in the manner set out
in this Declaration.  Redeemed or repurchased Shares may be resold by the
Trust.

                 The Trust shall redeem the Shares of the Trust or any Series
thereof at the price determined as hereinafter set forth, upon the
appropriately verified written application of the record holder thereof (or
upon such other form of request as the Trustees may determine) at such office
or agency as may be designated from time to time for that purpose by the
Trustees.  The Trustees may from time to time specify additional conditions,
not inconsistent with the 1940 Act, regarding the redemption of Shares in the
Trust's then effective prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933.

         Section 6.2      Price.   Shares shall be redeemed at their net asset
value determined as set forth in Section 7.1 hereof as of such time as the
Trustees shall have theretofore prescribed by resolution. In the absence of
such resolution, the redemption price of Shares deposited shall be the net
asset value of such Shares next determined as set forth in Section 7.1 hereof
after receipt of such application.

         Section 6.3      Payment.   Payment of the redemption price of Shares
of the Trust or any Series thereof shall be made in cash or in property to the
Shareholder at such time and in the manner, not inconsistent with the 1940 Act
or other applicable laws, as may be specified from time to time in the Trust's
then effective prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933, subject to the
provisions of Section 6.4 hereof.

         Section 6.4      Effect of Suspension of Determination of Net Asset
Value.   If, pursuant to Section 6.9 hereof, the Trustees shall declare a
suspension of the determination of net asset value with respect to Shares of
the Trust or any Series thereof, the rights of Shareholders (including those
who shall have applied for redemption pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof but who
shall not yet have received payment) to have Shares redeemed and paid for by
the Trust or a Series thereof shall be suspended until the termination of such
suspension is declared.  Any record holder who shall have his redemption right
so suspended may, during the period of such suspension, by appropriate written
notice of revocation at the office or agency where application was made, revoke
any application for redemption not honored and withdraw any certificates on
deposit.  The redemption price of Shares for which redemption applications have
not been revoked shall be the net asset value of such Shares next determined as
set forth in Section 7.1 after the termination of such suspension, and payment
shall be made within seven (7) days after the date





                                       21
<PAGE>   26
upon which the application was made plus the period after such application
during which the determination of net asset value was suspended.

         Section 6.5      Repurchase by Agreement.    The Trust may repurchase
Shares directly, or through the Distributor or another agent designated for the
purpose, by agreement with the owner thereof at a price not exceeding the net
asset value per share determined as of the time when the purchase or contract
of purchase is made or the net asset value as of any time which may be later
determined pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof, provided payment is not made for the
Shares prior to the time as of which such net asset value is determined.

         Section 6.6      Redemption of Shareholder's Interest.   The Trust
shall have the right at any time without prior notice to the Shareholder to
redeem Shares of any Shareholder for their then current net asset value per
Share if at such time the Shareholder owns Shares of any Series having an
aggregate net asset value per Series of less than $1,000 subject to such terms
and conditions as the Trustees may approve, and subject to the Trust's giving
general notice to all Shareholders of its intention to avail itself of such
right, either by publication in the Trust's prospectus, if any, or by such
other means as the Trustees may determine.

         Section 6.7      Redemption of Shares in order to Qualify as Regulated
Investment Company; Disclosure of Holding.   If the Trustees shall, at any time
and in good faith, be of the opinion that direct or indirect ownership of
Shares or other securities of the Trust has or may become concentrated in any
Person to an extent which would disqualify the Trust or any Series of the Trust
as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code, then the
Trustees shall have the power by lot or other means deemed equitable by them
(i) to call for redemption by any such Person a number, or principal amount, of
Shares or other securities of the Trust or any Series of the Trust sufficient
to maintain or bring the direct or indirect ownership of Shares or other
securities of the Trust or any Series of the Trust into conformity with the
requirements for such qualification and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue
Shares or other securities of the Trust or any Series of the Trust to any
Person whose acquisition of the Shares or other securities of the Trust or any
Series of the Trust in question would result in such disqualification.  The
redemption shall be effected at the redemption price and in the manner provided
in Section 6.1.

                 The holders of Shares or other securities of the Trust shall
upon demand disclose to the Trustees in writing such information with respect
to direct and indirect ownership of Shares or other securities of the Trust as
the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, or to comply with the requirements of any other taxing authority.

         Section 6.8      Reductions in Number of Outstanding Shares Pursuant
to Net Asset Value Formula.   The Trust may also reduce the number of
outstanding Shares of the Trust or of any Series of the Trust pursuant to the
provisions of Section 7.3.

         Section 6.9      Suspension of Right of Redemption.   The Trust may
declare a suspension of the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment
 mmor redemption for the whole or any





                                       22
<PAGE>   27
part of any period (i) during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed other
than customary weekend and holiday closings, (ii) during which trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is restricted, (iii) during which an emergency exists
as a result of which disposal by the Trust or a Series thereof of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Trust or a Series thereof fairly to determine the value of its net
assets, or (iv) during any other period when the Commission may for the
protection of security holders of the Trust by order permit suspension of the
right of redemption or postponement of the date of payment or redemption;
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Commission shall govern
as to whether the conditions prescribed in (ii), (iii), or (iv) exist.  Such
suspension shall take effect at such time as the Trust shall specify but not
later than the close of business on the business day next following the
declaration of suspension, and thereafter there shall be no right of redemption
or payment on redemption until the Trust shall declare the suspension at an
end, except that the suspension shall terminate in any event on the first day
on which said stock exchange shall have reopened or the period specified in
(ii) or (iii) shall have expired (as to which in the absence of an official
ruling by the Commission, the determination of the Trust shall be conclusive).
In the case of a suspension of the right of redemption, a Shareholder may
either withdraw his request for redemption or receive payment based on the net
asset value existing after the termination of the suspension.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                       DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE,
                          NET INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS

         Section 7.1      Net Asset Value.    The value of the assets of the
Trust or of any Series of the Trust may be determined on the basis of the
amortized cost of such securities, by appraisal of the securities owned by the
Trust or of any Series of the Trust, or by such other method as shall be deemed
to reflect the fair value thereof, determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Trustees.  From the total value of said assets, there shall be
deducted all indebtedness, interest, taxes, payable or accrued, including
estimated taxes on unrealized book profits, expenses and management charges
accrued to the appraisal date, net income determined and declared as a
distribution and all other items in the nature of liabilities which shall be
deemed appropriate, as incurred by or allocated to any Series or Class thereof
of the Trust.  The resulting amount which shall represent the total net assets
of the Trust or Series or Class thereof shall be divided by the number of
Shares of the Trust or Series or Class thereof outstanding at the time and the
quotient so obtained shall be deemed to be the net asset value of the Shares of
the Trust or Series or Class thereof.  The net asset value of the Shares shall
be determined at least once on each business day, as of the close of trading on
the New York Stock Exchange or as of such other time or times as the Trustees
shall determine.  The power and duty to make the daily calculations may be
delegated by the Trustees to the Investment Adviser, the Administrator, the
Custodian, the Transfer Agent or such other Person as the Trustees by
resolution may determine.  The Trustees may suspend the daily determination of
net asset value to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.





                                       23
<PAGE>   28
         Section 7.2      Distributions to Shareholders.   The Trustees shall
from time to time distribute ratably among the Shareholders of the Trust or of
a Series thereof such proportion of the net profits, surplus (including paid-in
surplus), capital, or assets of the Trust or such Series held by the Trustees
as they may deem proper.  Such distributions may be made in cash or property
(including without limitation any type of obligations of the Trust or Series or
any assets thereof), and the Trustees may distribute ratably among the
Shareholders of the Trust or Series thereof additional Shares of the Trust or
Series thereof issuable hereunder in such manner, at such times, and on such
terms as the Trustees may deem proper.  Such distributions may be among the
Shareholders of the Trust or Series thereof at the time of declaring a
distribution or among the Shareholders of the Trust or Series thereof at such
other date or time or dates or times as the Trustees shall determine.  The
Trustees may in their discretion determine that, solely for the purposes of
such distributions, Outstanding Shares shall exclude Shares for which orders
have been placed subsequent to a specified time on the date the distribution is
declared or on the next preceding day if the distribution is declared as of a
day on which Boston banks are not open for business, all as described in the
then effective prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933.  The Trustees may
always retain from the net profits such amount as they may deem necessary to
pay the debts or expenses of the Trust or a Series thereof or to meet
obligations of the Trust or a Series thereof, or as they may deem desirable to
use in the conduct of its affairs or to retain for future requirements or
extensions of the business.  The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders
such dividend reinvestment plans, cash dividend payout plans or related plans
as the Trustees shall deem appropriate.

                 Inasmuch as the computation of net income and gains for
federal income tax purposes may vary from the computation thereof on the books,
the above provisions shall be interpreted to give the Trustees the power in
their discretion to distribute for any fiscal year as ordinary dividends and as
capital gains distributions, respectively, additional amounts sufficient to
enable the Trust or a Series thereof to avoid or reduce liability for taxes.

         Section 7.3      Determination of Net Income; Constant Net Asset
Value; Reduction of Outstanding Shares.    Subject to Section 5.11 hereof, the
net income of the Series of the Trust shall be determined in the manner the
Trustees shall provide by resolution.  Expenses of the Trust or of a Series
thereof, including the advisory or management fee shall be accrued each day.
Such net income may be determined by or under the direction of the Trustees as
of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which
such market is open or as of such other time or times as the Trustees shall
determine, and, except as provided herein, all the net income of any Series of
the Trust, so determined, may be declared as a dividend on the Outstanding
Shares of those Series.  If, for any reason, the net income of any Series of
the Trust determined at any time is a negative amount, the Trustees shall have
the power with respect to such Series (i) to offset each Shareholder's pro rata
share of such negative amount from the accrued dividend account of such
Shareholder, or (ii) to reduce the number of Outstanding Shares of such Series
by reducing the number of Shares in the account of such Shareholder by that
number of full and fractional Shares which represents the amount of such excess
negative net incomes or (iii) to cause to be recorded on the books of the Trust
an asset account in the amount of such negative net income, which account may
be reduced by the amount, provided





                                       24
<PAGE>   29
that the same shall thereupon become the property of the Trust with respect to
such Series and shall not be paid to any Shareholder, of dividends declared
thereafter upon the Outstanding Shares of such Series on the day such negative
net income is experienced, until such asset account is reduced to zero; or (iv)
to combine the methods described in clauses (i) and (ii) and (iii) of this
sentence, in order to cause the net asset value per Share of such Series to
remain at a constant amount per Outstanding Share immediately after each such
determination and declaration.  The Trustees shall also have the power to fail
to declare a dividend out of net income for the purpose of causing the net
asset value per share to be increased to a constant amount.  The Trustees shall
have full discretion to determine whether any cash or property received shall
be treated as income or as principal and whether any item of expense shall be
charged to the income or the principal account, and their determination made in
good faith shall be conclusive upon the Shareholders.  In the case of stock
dividends received, the Trustees shall have full discretion to determine, in
the light of the particular circumstances, how much if any of the value thereof
shall be treated as income, the balance, if any, to be treated as principal.
The Trustees shall not be required to adopt, but may at any time adopt,
discontinue or amend the practice of maintaining the net asset value per Share
of a Series at a constant amount.

         Section 7.4      Power to Modify Foregoing Procedures.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this Article VII, but
subject to Section 5.11 hereof, the Trustees may prescribe, in their absolute
discretion, such other bases and times for determining the per Share net asset
value of the Shares of the Trust or a Series thereof or net income of the Trust
or a Series thereof, or the declaration and payment of dividends and
distributions as they may deem necessary or desirable.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Trustees may establish several Series of
Shares in accordance with Section 5.11, and declare dividends thereon in
accordance with Section 5.11(d).



                                  ARTICLE VIII

                  DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST OR A SERIES,
                            AMENDMENT, MERGERS, ETC.

         Section 8.1      Duration.    The Trust shall continue without
limitation of time but subject to the provisions of this Article VIII.

         Section 8.2      Termination of the Trust or a Series.   (a) The Trust
or any Series thereof may be terminated by an instrument in writing signed by a
majority of the Trustees, or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the Shares of the Trust or Series outstanding and entitled to vote,
at any meeting of Shareholders.  Upon the termination of the Trust or the
Series,

                          (i)     The Trust or the Series shall carry on no
         business except for the purpose of winding up its affairs.

                          (ii)    The Trustees shall proceed to wind up the
         affairs of the Trust or the Series and all of the powers of the
         Trustees under this Declaration shall continue until





                                       25
<PAGE>   30
         the affairs of the Trust shall have been wound up, including the power
         to fulfill or discharge the contracts of the Trust or the Series,
         collect its assets, sell, convey, assign, exchange, transfer or
         otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining Trust Property
         or Trust Property allocated or belonging to such Series to one or more
         persons at public or private sale for consideration which may consist
         in whole or in part of cash, securities or other property of any kind,
         discharge or pay its liabilities, and do all other acts appropriate to
         liquidate its business; provided that any sale, conveyance,
         assignment, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or
         substantially all the Trust Property or Trust Property allocated or
         belonging to such Series shall require Shareholder approval in
         accordance with Section 8.4 hereof.

                          (iii)   After paying or adequately providing for the
         payment of all liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases,
         indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their
         protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining Trust Property
         or the remaining property of the terminated Series, in cash or in kind
         or partly each, among the Shareholders of the Trust or the Series
         according to their respective rights.

                 (b)      After termination of the Trust or the Series and
distribution to the Shareholders as herein provided, a majority of the Trustees
shall execute and lodge among the records of the Trust and file with the Office
of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts an instrument in writing
setting forth the fact of such termination, and the Trustees shall thereupon be
discharged from all further liabilities and duties with respect to the Trust or
the terminated Series, and the rights and interests of all Shareholders of the
Trust or the terminated Series shall thereupon cease.

         Section 8.3      Amendment Procedure.   (a) This Declaration may be
amended by a vote of the holders of a majority of the Shares outstanding and
entitled to vote or by any instrument in writing, without a meeting, signed by
a majority of the Trustees and consented to by the holders of a majority of the
Shares outstanding and entitled to vote.  The Trustees may also amend this
Declaration without the vote or consent of Shareholders if they deem it
necessary to conform this Declaration to the requirements of applicable federal
laws or regulations or the requirements of the regulated investment company
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code but the Trustees shall not be liable
for failing so to do.  The Trustees may also amend this Declaration without the
vote or consent of Shareholders if they deem it necessary or desirable to
change the name of the Trust or to make any other changes in the Declaration
which do not materially adversely affect the rights of Shareholders hereunder.

                 (b)      No amendment may be made under this Section 8.3 which
would change any rights with respect to any Shares of the Trust or Series
thereof by reducing the amount payable thereon upon liquidation of the Trust or
Series thereof or by diminishing or eliminating any voting rights pertaining
thereto, except with the vote or consent of the holders of two-thirds of the
Shares of the Trust or such Series outstanding and entitled to vote.  Nothing
contained in this Declaration shall permit the amendment of this Declaration to
impair the exemption from





                                       26
<PAGE>   31
personal liability of the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and
agents of the Trust or to permit assessments upon Shareholders.

                 (b)      A certificate signed by a majority of the Trustees
setting forth an amendment and reciting that it was duly adopted by the
Shareholders or by the Trustees as aforesaid or a copy of the Declarations as
amended, and executed by a majority of the Trustees, shall be conclusive
evidence of such amendment when lodged among the records of the Trust.

         Section 8.4      Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets.    The
Trust or any Series thereof may merge or consolidate with any other
corporation, association, trust or other organization or may sell, lease or
exchange all or substantially all of the Trust Property or the property of any
Series, including its good will, upon such terms and conditions and for such
consideration when and as authorized at any meeting of Shareholders of the
Trust or Series called for the purpose by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the Shares of the Trust or Series.

         Section 8.5      Incorporation.    With the approval of the holders of
a majority of the Shares of the Trust or a Series thereof outstanding and
entitled to vote, the Trustees may cause to be organized or assist in
organizing a corporation or corporations under the laws of any jurisdiction or
any other trust, partnership, association or other organization to take over
all of the Trust Property or the Trust Property allocated or belonging to such
Series or to carry on any business in which the Trust shall directly or
indirectly have any interest, and to sell, convey and transfer the Trust
Property or the Trust Property allocated or belonging to such Series to any
such corporation, trust, association or organization in exchange for the shares
or securities thereof or otherwise, and to lend money to, subscribe for the
shares or securities of, and enter into any contracts with any such
corporation, trust, partnership, association or organization, or any
corporation, partnership, trust, association or organization in which the Trust
or such Series holds or is about to acquire shares or any other interest.  The
Trustees may also cause a merger or consolidation between the Trust or any
successor thereto and any such corporation, trust, partnership, association or
other organization if and to the extent permitted by law, as provided under the
law then in effect.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring
approval of Shareholders for the Trustees to organize or assist in organizing
one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships, associations or other
organizations and selling, conveying or transferring a portion of the Trust
Property to such organization or entities.



                                   ARTICLE IX

                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

                 The Trustees shall at least semiannually submit to the
Shareholders a written financial report of the transactions of the Trust,
including financial statements which shall at least annually be certified by
independent public accountants.





                                       27
<PAGE>   32
                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 10.1     Filing.    This Declaration and any amendment hereto
shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and in such other places as may be required under the laws of
Massachusetts and may also be filed or recorded in such other places as the
Trustees deem appropriate.  Each amendment so filed shall be accompanied by a
certificate signed and acknowledged by a Trustee stating that such action was
duly taken in a manner provided herein, and unless such amendment or such
certificate sets forth some later time for the effectiveness of such amendment,
such amendment shall be effective upon its filing.  A restated Declaration,
integrating into a single instrument all of the provisions of the Declaration
which are then in effect and operative, may be executed from time to time by a
majority of the Trustees and shall, upon filing with the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, be conclusive evidence of all amendments
contained therein and may hereafter be referred to in lieu of the original
Declaration and the various amendments thereto.

         Section 10.2     Governing Law.   This Declaration is executed by the
Trustees and delivered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with reference
to the laws thereof, and the rights of all parties and the validity and
construction of every provision hereof shall be subject to and construed
according to the laws of said State.

         Section 10.3     Counterparts.   This Declaration may be
simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original, and such counterparts, together, shall constitute one and
the same instrument, which shall be sufficiently evidenced by any such original
counterpart.

         Section 10.4     Reliance by Third Parties.   Any certificate executed
by an individual who, according to the records of the Trust appears to be a
Trustee hereunder, certifying: (a) the number or identity of Trustees or
Shareholders, (b) the due authorization of the execution of any instrument or
writing, (c) the form of any vote passed at a meeting of Trustees or
Shareholders, (d) the fact that the number of Trustees or Shareholders present
at any meeting or executing any written instrument satisfies the requirements
of this Declaration, (e) the form of any By-laws adopted by or the identity of
any officers elected by the Trustees, or (f) the existence of any fact or facts
which in any manner relate to the affairs of the Trust, shall be conclusive
evidence as to the matters so certified in favor of any Person dealing with the
Trustees and their successors.

         Section 10.5     Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations.   (a)
The provisions of this Declaration are severable, and if the Trustees shall
determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in
conflict with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code or with other applicable laws and regulations, the
conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this
Declaration; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of
the remaining provisions of this Declaration or render invalid or improper any
action taken or omitted prior to such determination.





                                       28
<PAGE>   33
                 (b)      If any provision of this Declaration shall be held
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and
shall not in any manner affect such provisions in any other jurisdiction or any
other provision of this Declaration in any jurisdiction.





                                       29
<PAGE>   34
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument this
13th day of March , 1995, to be effective as of December 31, 1994.




                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Alice T. Kane, as Trustee and not individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, as Trustee and not
                        individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Terry L. Lierman, as Trustee and not individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Donald E. Nickelson, as Trustee and not
                        individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Ralph A. Pfeiffer, Jr., as Trustee and not
                        individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Robert P. Rittereiser, as Trustee and not
                        individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Donald K. Ross, as Trustee and not individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Richard S. Trutanic, as Trustee and not individually



                        ----------------------------------------------------
                        Walter W. Ubl, as Trustee and not individually






                                       30

<PAGE>   1
                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                              MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT


                          Agreement, made as of the 21st day of October, 1997
between THE MAINSTAY FUNDS, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), on
behalf of its series (each, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") as set
forth on Schedule A, as amended from time to time, and MainStay Management,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Manager").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

                          WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act");

                          WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust (the "Shares") are divided into separate series, each of which is
established pursuant to a written instrument executed by the Trustees of the
Trust and the Trustees may from time to time terminate such series or establish
and terminate additional series; and

                          WHEREAS, each Fund desires to retain the Manager to
render investment advisory and related administrative services to the Fund, and
the Manager is willing to render such services on the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth;

                          NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

              1.          Appointment.  Each Fund hereby appoints MainStay
Management, Inc. to act as manager to the Fund for the period and on the terms
set forth in this Agreement. The Manager accepts such appointment and agrees to
render the services herein described, for the compensation herein provided.

              2.          Duties as Manager.  Subject to the supervision of the
Trustees of the Trust, the Manager shall administer each Fund's business
affairs and manage the investment operations of each Fund and the composition
of the portfolio of each Fund, including the purchase, retention and
disposition of securities therein, in accordance with the investment
objectives, policies and restrictions of each Fund, as stated in the currently
effective Prospectus (as hereinafter defined) and subject to the following
understandings:

                          (a)     The Manager shall (i) furnish each Fund with
office facilities; (ii) be responsible for the financial and accounting records
required to be maintained by each Fund (excluding those being maintained by the
Fund's Custodian, Transfer Agent and Accounting Services Agent except as to
which the Manager has supervisory functions) and other than those being
maintained by the Fund's sub-adviser, if any; and (iii) furnish each Fund with
ordinary clerical, bookkeeping and recordkeeping services at such office
facilities.
<PAGE>   2
                          (b)     The Manager shall provide supervision of each
Fund's investments and determine from time to time what investments or
securities will be purchased, retained, sold or lent by the Fund, and what
portion of the Fund's assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

                          (c)     The Manager shall use its best judgment in
the performance of its duties under this Agreement.

                          (d)     The Manager, in the performance of its duties
and obligations under this Agreement, shall act in conformity with the
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and Prospectus (each as hereinafter defined) of
the Trust and with the instructions and directions of the Trustees of the Trust
and will conform to and comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and all
other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

                          (e)     The Manager, and any sub-adviser to whom such
authority has been delegated, shall determine the securities to be purchased or
sold by each Fund and will place orders pursuant to its determination with or
through such persons, brokers or dealers (including NYLIFE Securities Inc.) in
conformity with the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the
Trust's Registration Statement and Prospectus (each as hereinafter defined) or
as the Trustees may direct from time to time. It is recognized that, in
providing a Fund with investment supervision or the placing of orders for
portfolio transactions, the Manager or any sub-adviser will give primary
consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution.
Consistent with this policy, the Manager or any sub-adviser may consider the
financial responsibility, research and investment information and other
services provided by brokers or dealers who may effect or be a party to any
such transaction or other transactions to which other clients of the Manager or
any sub-adviser may be a party. It is understood that none of the Funds, the
Trust nor the Manager or any sub-adviser has adopted a formula for allocation
of a Fund's investment transaction business. It is also understood that it is
desirable for each Fund that the Manager or any sub-adviser have access to
supplemental investment and market research and security and economic analyses
provided by certain brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher
cost to a Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers on
the basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient execution.
Therefore, the Manager or any sub-adviser is authorized to place orders for the
purchase and sale of securities for a Fund with such certain brokers, subject
to review by the Trust's Trustees from time to time with respect to the extent
and continuation of this practice.  It is understood that the services provided
by such brokers may be useful to the Manager or any sub-adviser in connection
with its services to other clients.

                          On occasions when the Manager or any sub-adviser
deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of a Fund
as well as other clients, the Manager or any sub-adviser, to the extent
permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no
obligation to, aggregate the securities to be so sold or purchased in order to
obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient
execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as
well as expenses incurred in the transaction,





                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   3
will be made by the Manager or any sub-adviser in the manner it considers to be
the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to that Fund
and to such other clients.

                          (f)     The Manager shall maintain all books and
records with respect to each Fund's securities transactions required by
sub-paragraphs (b)(5), (6), (9) and (10) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under
the 1940 Act and any other books and records required to be maintained by it
under the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder and shall render to the Trust's
Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably
request.

                          (g)     The Manager shall provide the Trust's
Custodian on each business day with information relating to the execution of
all portfolio transactions pursuant to standing instructions.

                          (h)     With respect to any or all Series of the
Trust, including the Funds, the Manager may enter into one or more contracts
("Sub-Advisory or Sub-Administration Contract") with a sub-adviser or
sub-administrator in which the Manager delegates to such sub-adviser or
sub-administrator any or all its duties specified in this Agreement, provided
that each Sub-Advisory or Sub-Administration Contract meets all applicable
requirements of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.

              3.          Manager Personnel.  The Manager shall authorize and
permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected or
appointed as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in
which they are elected or appointed.  Services to be furnished by the Manager
under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such
directors, officers, or employees.

              4.          Books and Records.  The Manager shall keep the Funds'
books and records required to be maintained by it, pursuant to paragraph 2
hereof. The Manager agrees that all records which it maintains for a Fund are
the property of such Fund, and it will surrender promptly to the Fund any of
such records upon the Fund's request. The Manager further agrees to preserve
for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 as promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission's under the 1940 Act any such records as
are required to be maintained by the Manager pursuant to paragraph 2 hereof.

              5.          Services Not Exclusive.  The services furnished by
the Manager hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and the Manager shall be
free to furnish similar services to others so long as its services under this
Agreement are not impaired thereby.

              6.          Documents.  The Trust has delivered to the Manager
copies of each of the following documents and will deliver to it all future
amendments and supplements, if any:

                          (a)     Declaration of Trust of the Trust, filed with
the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (such Declaration of Trust,
as in effect on the date hereof and as amended from time to time, is herein
called the "Declaration of Trust");





                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   4
                          (b)     By-Laws of the Trust (such By-Laws, as in
effect on the date hereof and as amended from time to time, are herein called
the "By-Laws");

                          (c)     Certified Resolutions of the Trustees of the
Trust authorizing the appointment of the Manager and approving the form of this
Agreement;

                          (d)     Written Instrument to Establish and Designate
Separate Series of Shares;

                          (e)     Registration Statement under the 1940 Act and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form N-1A (the "Registration
Statement"), as filed with the Commission, relating to each Fund and each
Fund's Shares and all amendments thereto;

                          (f)     Notification of Registration of the Trust
under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the Commission and all amendments
thereto; and

                          (g)     Each form of Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information of the Trust (such Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented
from time to time, being herein called collectively the "Prospectus").

              7.          Expenses.  (a) In connection with the services
rendered by the Manager under this Agreement, the Manager will bear all of the
following expenses:

                                  (i)      the salaries and expenses of all
personnel of the Trust and the Manager, except the fees and expenses of
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Manager or of the Trust; and

                                  (ii)     all expenses incurred by the Manager
in connection with managing the investment operations of each Fund and
administering the ordinary course of each Fund's business, other than those
assumed by the Funds herein;

                          (b)     each Fund assumes and will pay its expenses,
including but not limited to those described below (where any such category
applies to more than one series of the Trust, each Fund shall be liable only
for its allocable portion of the expenses):

                                  (i)      the fees and expenses of Trustees
who are not interested persons of the Manager or of the Trust;

                                  (ii)     the fees and expenses of each Fund's
custodian which relate to (A) the custodial function and the recordkeeping
connected therewith, (B) the maintenance of the required accounting records of
the Funds not being maintained by the Manager, (C) the pricing of the Funds'
Shares, including the cost of any pricing service or services which may be
retained pursuant to the authorization of the Trustees of the Trust, and (D)
for both mail and wire orders, the cashiering function in connection with the
issuance and redemption of the Funds' Shares;





                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   5
                                  (iii)    the fees and expenses of the Trust's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent, which may be the custodian, which
relate to the maintenance of each shareholder account;

                                  (iv)     the charges and expenses of legal
counsel (including an allocable portion of the cost of maintaining an internal
legal and compliance department) and independent accountants for the Trust;

                                  (v)      brokers' commissions and any issue
or transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with its securities
transactions on behalf of the Funds;

                                  (vi)     all taxes and business fees payable
by the Trust or the Funds to federal, state or other governmental agencies;

                                  (vii)    the fees of any trade association of
which the Trust may be a member;

                                  (viii)   the cost of share certificates
representing Fund Shares;

                                  (ix)     the fees and expenses involved in
registering and maintaining registrations of the Trust and of its Shares with
the Commission, registering the Trust as a broker or dealer and qualifying its
Shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of
the Trust's registration statements and prospectuses for filing under federal
and state securities laws for such purposes;

                                  (x)      allocable communications expenses
with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and
Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing reports to
shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders;

                                  (xi)     litigation and indemnification
expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course
of the Trust's business; and

                                  (xii)    any expenses assumed by the Funds
pursuant to a Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act.

              8.          Organization Expenses.  Each Fund hereby agrees to
reimburse the Manager for the organization expenses of, and the expenses
incurred in connection with, the initial offering of Shares of that Fund.

              9.          Compensation.  For the services provided and the
facilities furnished pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust will pay to the
Manager as full compensation therefor a fee at an annual rate, as set forth
opposite each Fund's name on Schedule A, of the average daily net assets of
each Fund.





                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   6
                          This fee will be computed daily and will be paid to
the Manager monthly. This fee will be chargeable only to the respective Fund,
and no other series of the Trust shall be liable for the fee due and payable
hereunder. No Fund shall be liable for any expense of any other series of the
Trust.

              10.         Standard of Care.  Subject to the applicable law, the
Manager shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered
by a Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates,
except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence
on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it
of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

              11.         Duration and Termination.  This Agreement shall
continue in effect with respect to each Fund for a period of more than two
years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually with respect to that Fund in conformity with the
requirements of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder; provided, however, that
this Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time, without
the payment of any penalty, by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
that Fund, or by the Manager at any time, without the payment of any penalty,
on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the other
party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

              12.         Other Business.  Nothing in this Agreement shall
limit or restrict the right of any of the Manager's directors, officers, or
employees who may also be a Trustee, officer, or employee of the Trust to
engage in any other business or to devote his time and attention in part to the
management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or dissimilar
nature, nor limit or restrict the Manager's right to engage in any other
business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, trust,
firm, individual or association.

              13.         Independent Contractor.  Except as otherwise provided
herein or authorized by the Trustees of the Trust from time to time, the
Manager shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor
and shall have no authority to act for or represent any Fund or the Trust in
any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of any Fund or the Trust.

              14.         Trust Materials.  During the term of this Agreement,
the Trust agrees to furnish the Manager at its principal office all
prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature or
other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of a Fund or to the
public, which refer to the Manager in any way, prior to use thereof and, not to
use such material if the Manager reasonably objects in writing within five
business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt
thereof. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the Trust will continue
to furnish to the Manager copies of any of the above-mentioned materials which
refer in any way to the Manager. The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make
available to the Manager such other information relating to the business
affairs of each Fund as the Manager at any time, or from time to time,
reasonably requests in order to discharge its obligations hereunder.





                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   7
              15.         Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended in writing
by mutual consent, but the consent of each of the Funds, if required, must be
obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Rules
thereunder.

              16.         Notice.  Any notice or other communication required
to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered
or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Manager at Morris
Corporate Center I, Building A, 300 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, New Jersey
07054; or (2) to the Trust at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

              17.         Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

              18.         Limitation of Liability of the Trust and the
Shareholders. It is understood and expressly stipulated that none of the
Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders of the Trust shall be personally
liable hereunder. The name "The MainStay Funds" is the designation of the Trust
for the time being under the Declaration of Trust and all persons dealing with
the Trust must look solely to the property of the Trust for the enforcement of
any claims against the Trust, as neither the Trustees, officers, agents or
shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on
behalf of the Trust. No series of the Trust shall be liable for any claims
against any other series of the Trust.

              19.         Use of Name.  Each Fund may use any name including
the word "MainStay" only for so long as this Agreement or any other agreement
between the Manager or any other affiliate of New York Life Insurance Company
and the Trust or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect,
including any similar agreement with any organization which shall have
succeeded to the Manager's business as investment adviser. At such time as such
an agreement shall no longer be in effect, the respective Fund will (to the
extent that it lawfully can) cease to use such name or any other name indicting
that it is advised by or otherwise connected with the Manager or any
organization which shall have so succeeded to its business.

              20.         Miscellaneous.  The captions in this Agreement are
included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any
of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If
any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not
be affected thereby. As used in this Agreement, terms shall have the same
meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act. Where the effect of a requirement
of the federal securities laws reflected in any provision of this Agreement is
made less restrictive by a rule, regulation or order of the Commission, whether
of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to
incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order. This Agreement may be
signed in counterpart.

                          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused
this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day
and year first above written.





                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   8
                           THE MAINSTAY FUNDS, on behalf of
                           each series listed on Schedule A


                           By:
                               ----------------------------------------
                               Name: Stephen C. Roussin
                               Title: President and Chief Executive Officer


                           MAINSTAY MANAGEMENT, INC.


                           By:
                               ----------------------------------------
                               Name: Anthony W. Polis
                               Title:  Vice President and Chief
                                       Financial Officer






                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   9
                                   SCHEDULE A

                (as revised, April 27, 1998 and March 15, 1999)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND                                                        ANNUAL RATE*
<S>                                                               <C>
California Tax Free Fund                                          0.50%

Capital Appreciation Fund                                         0.72%

Convertible Fund                                                  0.72%

Equity Index Fund                                                 0.50%

Government Fund                                                   0.60%

High Yield Corporate Bond Fund                                    0.60%

International Bond Fund                                           0.70%

International Equity Fund                                         1.00%

Money Market Fund                                                 0.50%**

New York Tax Free Fund                                            0.50%

Strategic Income Fund                                             0.60%

Strategic Value Fund                                              0.75%

Tax Free Bond Fund                                                0.60%

Total Return Fund                                                 0.64%

Value Fund                                                        0.72%***

Blue Chip Growth Fund                                             1.00%

Research Value Fund                                               0.85%

Small Cap Value Fund                                              1.00%

Growth Opportunities Fund                                         0.70%

Small Cap Growth Fund                                             1.00%

Equity Income Fund                                                0.70%

Global High Yield Fund                                            0.70%

MAP Equity Fund                                                   0.75%
</TABLE>

*        of each Fund's average daily net assets
**       up to $300 million; .450% from $300 to $700 million; .40% from $700
         million to $1 billion; and .35% in excess of $1 million.
***      up to $200 million; .65% from $200 million to $500 million; and .50%
         in excess of $500 million.





                                     - 9 -

<PAGE>   1
                       AMENDMENT TO MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

                 WHEREAS, MainStay Management, Inc. ("MainStay Management") is
a party to a Management Agreement dated October 27, 1997 (the "Agreement") with
The MainStay Funds (the "Trust") on behalf of each of the Series of the Trust
listed on Schedule A of the Agreement;

                 WHEREAS, MainStay Management has converted from a corporation
to a limited liability company under Delaware law;

                 WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The MainStay Funds at its
meeting on September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect
the conversion of MainStay Management to a limited liability company; and

                 NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                 Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby
amended to delete each reference to MainStay Management, Inc. in its entirety
and replace it with MainStay Management LLC.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of
the 1st day of October, 1999.


                                     The MainStay Funds



                                     By:
 -------------------------------        -------------------------------
 Attest



 -------------------------------     ----------------------------------
 Title                               Title

                                     MainStay Management LLC



                                     By:
 -------------------------------        -------------------------------
 Attest



 -------------------------------     ----------------------------------
 Title                               Title


<PAGE>   1
                      AMENDMENT TO SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

                 WHEREAS, Mainstay Management, Inc. ("Mainstay Management") and
MacKay-Shields Financial Corp. ("MacKay-Shields") are parties to an investment
sub-advisory, on behalf of the Mainstay Strategic Value Fund series of The
Mainstay Funds, dated October 21, 1997 (the "Agreement");

                 WHEREAS, Mainstay Management has converted from a corporation
to a limited liability company under Delaware law;

                 WHEREAS, and MacKay-Shields has converted from a corporation
to a limited liability company under Delaware law;

                 WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The MainStay Funds at its
meeting on September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect
the conversion of each of Mainstay Management, Ins. and MacKay-Shields
Financial Corp. to limited liability companies; and

                 NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                 Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby
amended to delete each reference to Mainstay Management, Ins. in its entirety
and replace it with MainStay Management LLC and to delete each reference to and
MacKay-Shields Financial Corp.  in its entirety and replace it with MacKay
Shields LLC.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers hereunto daily
attested as of the 1st day of October, 1999.


                                     MainStay Management LLC


                                     By:
 -------------------------------        ---------------------------
 Attest



 -------------------------------     ------------------------------
 Title                               Title

                                     MacKay Shields LLC



                                     By:
 -------------------------------        ---------------------------
 Attest



 -------------------------------     ------------------------------
 Title                               Title

<PAGE>   1
                                    AMENDMENT
                                       TO
                             SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, GAMCO Investors, Inc. is a party to an investment sub-advisory
agreement with MainStay Management Inc. ("MainStay Management"), on behalf of
the MainStay Blue Chip Growth Fund series of The MainStay Funds, dated May 31,
1998 (the "Agreement");

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The MainStay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of MainStay Management to a limited liability company; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
       delete each reference to MainStay Management in its entirety and replace
       it with MainStay Management LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.


                                       MainStay Management LLC

                                 By:
- ----------------------------           ----------------------------
Attest


                                 By:
- ----------------------------           ----------------------------
Title                                  Title

                                       GAMCO Investors, Inc.

                                 By:
- ----------------------------           ----------------------------
Attest

                                 By:
- ----------------------------           ----------------------------
Title                                  Title



<PAGE>   1
                                                             EXHIBIT d(2)(c)(ii)

                                    AMENDMENT

                                       TO

                             SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management, Inc. ("MainStay Management") and Madison
Square Advisors, Inc. ("MSA") are parties to an investment

       sub-advisory agreement, on behalf of the MainStay Growth Opportunities
series of The MainStay Funds, dated May 20, 1998 (the "Agreement");

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management Inc. has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, MSA has converted from a corporation to a limited liability
company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The MainStay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of each of MainStay Management and MSA to limited liability
companies; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
       delete each reference to MainStay Management, Inc. in its entirety and
       replace it with MainStay Management LLC and to delete each reference to
       Madison Square Advisors, Inc. in its entirety and replace it with Madison
       Square Advisors LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.

                                               MainStay Management LLC

                                               By:
- ---------------------------------                 -----------------------------
Attest

Secretary                                      Senior Vice President
- ---------------------------------              --------------------------------
Title                                          Title


                                               Madison Square Advisors LLC


                                               By:
- ---------------------------------                 -----------------------------
Attest


Managing Director                              President
- ---------------------------------              --------------------------------
Title                                          Title


<PAGE>   1
                                    AMENDMENT
                                       TO
                             SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, John A. Levin & Co., Inc. is a party to an investment
sub-advisory agreement with Mainstay Management Inc. ("MainStay Management"), on
behalf of the Mainstay Research Value Fund series of The Mainstay Funds, dated
May 31, 1998 (the "Agreement");

       WHEREAS, Mainstay Management has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The Mainstay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of MainStay Management to a limited liability company; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
       delete each reference to Mainstay Management in its entirety and replace
       it with Mainstay Management LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.

                                         MainStay Management LLC

                                   By:
- ----------------------------             ----------------------------
Attest

                                   By:
- ----------------------------             ----------------------------
Title                                    Title

                                         John A. Levin & Co., Inc.

                                   By:
- ----------------------------             ----------------------------
Attest

                                   By:
- ----------------------------             ----------------------------
Title                                    Title

<PAGE>   1
                                   AMENDMENT
                                       TO
                             SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. is a party to an
investment sub-advisory agreement with MainStay Management Inc. ("MainStay
Management"), on behalf of the MainStay Small Cap Value Fund series of The
MainStay Funds, dated May 31, 1998 (the "Agreement");

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The MainStay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of MainStay Management to a limited liability company; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
       delete each reference to MainStay Management in its entirety and replace
       it with MainStay Management LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.

                                        MainStay Management LLC

                                 By:
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------
Attest

                                 By:
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------
Title                                   Title

                                        Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co.

                                 By:
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------
Attest

                                 By:
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------
Title                                   Title

<PAGE>   1
                      AMENDMENT TO SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management, Inc. ("MainStay Management") and Monitor
Capital Advisors, Inc. ("Monitor") are parties to an investment sub-advisory
agreement, on behalf of the MainStay Equity Index Fund series of The MainStay
Funds, dated October 27, 1997 (the "Agreement");

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, Monitor has converted from a corporation to a limited liability
company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The MainStay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of each of MainStay Management and Monitor to limited liability
companies; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
delete each reference to MainStay Management, Inc. in its entirety and replace
it with MainStay Management LLC and to delete each reference to Monitor in its
entirety and replace it with Monitor Capital Advisors LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.


                                        MainStay Management LLC



                                        By:
- -----------------------------------        ----------------------------
Attest


- -----------------------------------     -------------------------------
Title                                   Title

                                        Monitor Capitol Advisors LLC



                                        By:
- -----------------------------------        ----------------------------
Attest


- -----------------------------------     -------------------------------
Title                                   Title


<PAGE>   1



                      AMENDMENT TO SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, Mainstay Management, Inc. ("Mainstay Management") and
McKay-Shields Financial Corp. ("MacKay-Shields") are parties to an investment
sub-advisory agreement, dated October 27, 1997 (the "Agreement"), on behalf of
the series of The MainStay Funds listed on Schedule A of the Agreement;

       WHEREAS, MainStay Management has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, MacKay-Shields has converted from a corporation to a limited
liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The Mainstay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of each of MainStay Management and MacKay-Shields to limited
liability companies; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
delete each reference to Mainstay Management, Inc. in its entirety and replace
it with MainStay Management LLC and to delete each reference to MacKay-Shields
in its entirety and replace it with MacKay Shields LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.


                                      MainStay Management LLC



                                      By:
- ------------------------------           ---------------------------------
Attest


- ------------------------------        ------------------------------------
Title                                 Title

                                      MacKay Shields LLC

                                      By:

- ------------------------------           ---------------------------------
Attest


- ------------------------------        ------------------------------------
Title                                 Title


<PAGE>   1
                       AMENDMENT TO SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

       WHEREAS, Markston International, LLC is a party to an investment
subadvisory agreement with Mainstay Management Inc. ("MainStay Management"), on
behalf of the MainStay MAP Equity Fund series of The Mainstay Funds, dated June
1, 1999 (the "Agreement");

       WHEREAS, Mainstay Management has converted from a corporation to a
limited liability company under Delaware law;

       WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of The Mainstay Funds at its meeting on
September 13, 1999 approved an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the
conversion of MainStay Management to a limited liability company; and

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

       Effective as of October 1, 1999, the Agreement is hereby amended to
delete each reference to MainStay Management in its entirety and replace it with
Mainstay Management LLC.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this amendment to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and attested as of the 1st day of
October, 1999.


                                    MainStay Management LLC



                                    By:
- -------------------------------        --------------------------------
Attest


- -------------------------------     -----------------------------------
Title                               Title

                                    Markston International, LLC



                                    By:
- -------------------------------        --------------------------------
Attest


- -------------------------------     -----------------------------------
Title                               Title

<PAGE>   1
                               C O M P O S I T E


                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                      [MAINSTAY CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND]
                             [MAINSTAY VALUE FUND]
                          [MAINSTAY CONVERTIBLE FUND]
                             [MAINSTAY GLOBAL FUND]
                          [MAINSTAY TOTAL RETURN FUND]
                 [MAINSTAY NATURAL RESOURCES/GOLD METALS FUND]
                   [MAINSTAY HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND]
                          [MAINSTAY GOVERNMENT FUND]
                         [MAINSTAY TAX FREE BOND FUND]
                          [MAINSTAY MONEY MARKET FUND]

                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


        AGREEMENT made as of this 1st day of January, 1994, between THE MAINSTAY
FUNDS, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), on behalf of the [MAINSTAY
CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND, MAINSTAY VALUE FUND, MAINSTAY CONVERTIBLE FUND,
MAINSTAY GLOBAL FUND, MAINSTAY TOTAL RETURN FUND, MAINSTAY NATURAL
RESOURCES/GOLD FUND, MAINSTAY HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND, MAINSTAY
GOVERNMENT FUND, MAINSTAY TAX FREE BOND FUND, and MAINSTAY MONEY MARKET FUND,]
(the "Funds"), and NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC., a New York corporation (the
"Distributor").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a diversified open-end management
investment company and it is in the interest of the Trust to offer its shares of
beneficial interest (the "Shares") for sale continuously;

        WHEREAS, the Shares of the Trust are divided into separate series
including the Funds, each of which has been established pursuant to a written
instrument executed by the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees may from time
to time terminate such series or establish and terminate additional series of
the Trust;

        WHEREAS, the Trust currently has an effective registration statement
filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and
the 1940 Act.

        WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement
with each other with respect to the continuous offering of the Shares of the
series of the Trust, effective as of January 1, 1994.

        NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

<PAGE>   2

        Section 1.      Appointment of the Distributor. The Trust hereby
appoints the Distributor its exclusive agent to sell and to arrange for the
sale of the Shares of the series of the Trust, including both issued and
treasury shares, on the terms and for the period set forth in this Agreement,
and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act
hereunder; except that the Distributor shall not act as agent for the Trust in
the sale of shares of the Money Market Fund to any other Fund advised by
MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation.

        Section 2.      Services and Duties of the Distributor.

        (a)     The Distributor agrees to sell, as agent for the Trust, from
time to time during the term of this Agreement, the Shares of each series of
the Trust (whether unissued or treasury shares, in the Trust's sole discretion)
upon the terms described in the Prospectus. As used in this Agreement, the term
"Prospectus" shall mean the Prospectus, which may include separate prospectuses
for each series of the Trust, and the Statement of Additional Information
included as part of the Trust's Registration Statement, as such Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, and the term "Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration
Statement most recently filed from time to time by the Trust with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and effective under the 1933 Act and the
1940 Act, as such Registration Statement is amended by any amendments thereto
at the time in effect.

        (b)     Upon the effective date of this Agreement, the Distributor will
hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the Distributor, for
the purchase of the Shares of any series of the Trust and will accept such
orders on behalf of any series of the Trust as of the time of receipt of such
orders and will transmit such orders as are so accepted to the Trust's transfer
and dividend disbursing agent as promptly as practicable. Purchase orders shall
be deemed effective at the times and in the manner set forth in the Prospectus.

        (c)     The Distributor in its discretion may purchase from the series
of the Trust as principal and may sell Shares of each series to such registered
and qualified retail dealers as it may select. In making agreements with such
dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as agent for the
Trust or for the series of the Trust.

        (d)     The offering price of the Shares of each series of the Trust
shall be the net asset value (as defined in the Declaration of Trust of the
Trust and determined as set forth in the Prospectus) per Share of each series
next determined following receipt of an order, plus the applicable sales
charge, if any, determined as set forth in the Prospectus. The Trust shall
furnish the Distributor, with all possible promptness, an advice of each
computation of net asset value.

        (e)     The Distributor shall not be obligated to sell any certain
number of Shares and nothing herein contained shall prevent the Distributor
from entering into like distribution arrangements with other investment
companies so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not
impaired thereby.


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

        (f)     The Distributor is authorized on behalf of the series of the
Trust to purchase Shares of any series of the Trust presented to it by dealers
at the price determined in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the
Prospectus.

        Section 3.      Duties of the Fund.

        (a)     The Trust agrees to sell Shares of its various series so long
as it has Shares of any such series available for sale except for such times at
which the sale of Shares of any such series has been suspended by order of the
Trustees or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and to deliver
certificates (if any) for, or cause the Trust's transfer and dividend
disbursing agent to issue confirmations evidencing, such Shares of any such
series registered in such names and amounts as the Distributor has requested in
writing, as promptly as practicable after receipt by the series of the Trust of
payment therefor at the net asset value thereof and written request of the
Distributor therefor.

        (b)     The Trust shall keep the Distributor fully informed with regard
to its affairs and shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of the series of
the Trust, and this shall include one certified copy, upon request by the
Distributor, of all financial statements prepared by the Trust and audited by
its independent accountants and such reasonable number of copies of its most
current Prospectus and annual and interim reports as the Distributor may
request and shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to sell and
arrange for the sale of the Shares of the series of the Trust and in the
performance of the Distributor under this Agreement.

        (c)     The Trust shall take, from time to time, all such steps,
including payment of the related filing fee, as may be necessary to register
the Shares under the 1933 Act and to make available for sale such number of
Shares as the Distributor may be expected to sell. The Trust agrees to file
from time to time such amendments, reports and other documents as may be
necessary in order that there may be no untrue statement of a material fact in
a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary in order that there may be
no omission to state a material fact in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus which omission would make the statements therein misleading.

        (d)     The Trust shall use its best efforts to qualify and maintain
the qualification of an appropriate number of Shares of its series for sale
under the securities laws of such states as the Distributor and the Trust may
approve, and, if necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, to qualify
and maintain the qualification of the Trust as a broker or dealer in such
states; provided that the Trust shall not be required to amend its Declaration
of Trust or By-laws to comply with the laws of any state, to maintain an office
in any state, to change the terms of the offering of its Shares in any state
from the terms set forth in its Registration Statement and Prospectus, to
qualify as a foreign corporation in any state or to consent to service of
process in any state other than with respect to claims arising out of the
offering of its Shares. The Distributor shall furnish such information and
other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by the
Trust in connection with such qualifications.



                                       3
<PAGE>   4
        Section 4.     Expenses.

        (a)     Each separate series of the Trust shall bear all costs and
expenses of the continuous offering of its shares, including such common costs
and expenses which will be allocated among the series, in connection with: (i)
fees and disbursements of its counsel and independent accountants, (ii) the
preparation, filing and printing of any registration statements and/or
Prospectuses required by and under the federal securities laws, (iii) the
preparation and mailing of annual and interim reports, Prospectuses and proxy
materials to shareholders, (iv) the qualifications of the Shares for sale and
of the Trust pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof and the cost and expenses payable
to each such state for continuing qualification therein and (v) any expenses
assumed by the Trust pursuant to a Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity
with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

        (b)     The Distributor shall bear: (i) the costs and expenses of
preparing, printing and distributing any materials not prepared by the Trust
and other materials used by the Distributor in connection with its offering of
Shares of each series of the Trust for sale to the public, including the
additional cost of printing copies of the Prospectus and of annual and interim
reports to shareholders, other than copies thereof required for distribution to
existing shareholders or for filing with any federal securities authorities,
(ii) any expenses of advertising incurred by the Distributor in connection with
such offering and (iii) the expenses of registration or qualification of the
Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses
of continuing such registration or qualification.

        Section 5.      Fees. In addition to any fees received pursuant to the
Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
as described in section 4(a) and (b) herein, the Distributor shall also be
entitled to retain all proceeds derived from the imposition of contingent
deferred sales charges as described in the Trust's Prospectus.

        Section 6.      Indemnification. The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend
and hold the Distributor, its officers and directors and any person who
controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free
and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and
expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands
or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the
Distributor, its officers, directors or any such controlling person may incur
under the 1933 Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any
alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in either
thereof or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading,
except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or
are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished in writing by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus; provided, however, that this indemnity
agreement, to the extent that it might require indemnity of any person who is
also an officer or Trustee of the Trust or who controls the Trust within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, shall not inure to the benefit of such
officer, Trustee or controlling person unless a court of competent jurisdiction
shall determine, or it shall have been determined by controlling precedent,
that such result would not be


                                       4

<PAGE>   5

against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act; and further provided, that
in no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as to protect the
Distributor against any liability to the Trust or to its security holders to
which the Distributor would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or
by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.
The Trust's agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers and directors
and any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned upon the
Trust's being promptly notified of any action brought against the Distributor,
its officers or directors, or any such controlling person, such notification to
be given by letter or telegram addressed to the Trust at its principal business
office. The Trust agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement
of any litigation or proceedings against the Trust or any of its officers or
Trustees in connection with the issue and sale of the Shares of any series of
the Trust.

        The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Trust, its
officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust, if any, within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and harmless from and against any
and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of
investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Trust, its Trustees or
officers or any such controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act or under
common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense
incurred by the Trust, its Trustees or officers or such controlling person
resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of or be based upon any
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in information furnished
in writing by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged
omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required
to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary to make
such information not misleading. The Distributor's agreement to indemnify the
Trust, its Trustees and officers, and any such controlling person as aforesaid
is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor's being promptly notified of any
action brought against the Trust, its officers or Trustees or any such
controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor at its
principal business office.

        Section 7.      Compliance with Securities Laws. The Trust represents
that it is registered as a diversified open-end management investment company
under the 1940 Act, and agrees that it will comply with all of the provisions
of the 1940 Act and of the rules and regulations thereunder. The Trust and the
Distributor each agree to comply with all of the applicable terms and
provisions of the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act and, subject to the provisions of
Section 3(d) hereof, all applicable state "Blue Sky" laws, including but not
limited to the broker-dealer registration requirements. The Distributor agrees
to comply with all of the applicable terms and provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to the
broker-dealer registration requirements.



                                       5
<PAGE>   6

        Section 8.      Term of Agreement: Termination. This Agreement shall
commence on the date first set forth above. This Agreement shall continue in
effect for a period more than two years from the date hereof only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with
the requirements of the 1940 Act.

        This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined by the 1940 Act). In addition, this Agreement may be
terminated by either party at any time, without penalty, on not more than sixty
days' nor less than thirty days' written notice to the other party.

        Section 9.      Notices. Any notice required to be given pursuant to
this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered
mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Distributor at 51 Madison Avenue, New York,
N.Y. 10010, or (2) to the Trust at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

        Section 10.     Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

        Section 11.     Liability of Shareholders. Trustees, etc. It is
understood and expressly stipulated that none of the Trustees, officers, agents
or shareholders in the Trust shall be personally liable hereunder. The name
"The MainStay Funds" is the designation of the Trustees for the time being
under a Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as amended, and all persons
dealing with the Trust must look solely to the property of the Trust for the
enforcement of any claims against the Trust as neither the Trustees, officers,
agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered
into on behalf of the Trust. No series of the Trust shall be liable for any
claims against any other series of the Trust.


                                       NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.



                                       By:
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer



                                       THE MAINSTAY FUNDS



                                       By:
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer






                                       6






<PAGE>   1
                        MAINSTAY CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND

                         MAINSTAY NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND



                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

                  AGREEMENT made as of this 1st day of January, 1994, between
MAINSTAY CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND and MAINSTAY NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND (the
"Funds"), series of THE MAINSTAY FUNDS, a Massachusetts business trust (the
"Trust"), and NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC., a New York corporation (the
"Distributor").

                             W I T N E S S E T H :

                  WHEREAS, the Funds are registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as non-diversified mutual
funds and it is in the interest of each Fund to offer its shares of beneficial
interest (the "Shares") for sale in a public offering;

                  WHEREAS, the Funds and the Distributor wish to enter into an
agreement with each other with respect to the initial offering of the Shares of
each Fund, to commence after the effectiveness of the Funds' initial
registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act"), and the 1940 Act.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                  Section 1.    Appointment of the Distributor.

                  The Funds hereby appoint the Distributor as the Funds'
exclusive agent to sell and to arrange for the sale of the Shares of each Fund,
on the terms and for the period set forth in this Agreement, and the
Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act hereunder.

                  Section 2.    Services and Duties of the Distributor.

                  (a) The Distributor agrees to sell, as agent for the Funds,
during the term of this Agreement, the Shares of each Fund upon the terms
described in the Prospectus. As used in this Agreement, the term "Prospectus"
shall mean the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information included
as part of the Funds Registration Statement, as such Prospectus and Statement
of Additional Information may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and
the term "Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration Statement most
recently filed from time to time by the Funds with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and effective under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, as such
Registration Statement is amended by any amendments thereto at the tie in
effect.

                  (b) Upon commencement of each Fund's operations, the
Distributor will hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the
Distributor, for the purchase of the Shares of each Fund and will accept such
orders on behalf of each Fund as of the time of receipt of such orders and will
transmit such orders as are so accepted to the Funds' transfer and dividend


<PAGE>   2
disbursing agent as promptly as practicable. Purchase orders shall be deemed
effective at the times and in the manner set forth in the Prospectus.

                  (c) The Distributor in its discretion may purchase from each
Fund as principal and may sell Shares of each Fund to such registered and
qualified retail dealers as it may select. In making agreements with such
dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as agent for the
Funds.

                  (d) The Distributor shall not be obligated to sell any
certain number of Shares and nothing herein contained shall prevent the
Distributor from entering into like distribution arrangements with other
investment companies so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is
not impaired thereby.

                  (e) The Distributor is authorized on behalf of the Funds to
purchase Shares of the Funds presented to it by dealers at the price determined
in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the Prospectus.

                  Section 3.    Duties of Each Fund.

                  (a) Each Fund agrees to sell its Shares so long as it has
Shares available for sale except for such times at which the sale of Shares of
that Fund has been suspended by order of the Trustees or order of the
Securities and Exchange Commission; and to deliver certificates (if any) for,
or cause the Funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent to issue
confirmations evidencing, such Shares registered in such names and amounts as
the Distributor has requested in writing, as promptly as practicable after
receipt by that Fund of payment therefor at the net asset value thereof and
written request of the Distributor therefor.

                  (b) Each Fund shall keep the Distributor fully informed with
regard to its affairs and shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all
information, financial statement and other papers which the Distributor may
reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of
that Fund, and this shall include one certified copy, upon request by the
distributor, of all financial statements prepared by the Fund and audited by
its independent accountants and such reasonable number of copies of its most
current Prospectus ad annual and interim reports as the Distributor may request,
and shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to sell and arrange
for the sale of the Shares of the Fund and in the performance of the
Distributor under this Agreement.

                  (c) Each Fund shall take, from time to time, all such steps,
including payment of the related filing fee, as may be necessary to register
the Shares under the 1933 Act and to make available for sale such number of
Shares as the Distributor may be expected to sell. Each Fund agrees to file
from time to time such amendments, reports and other documents as may be
necessary in order that there may be no untrue statement of a material fact in
the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary in order that there may
be no omission to state a material fact in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus which omission would make the statements therein misleading.

                  (d) Each Fund shall use its best efforts to qualify and
maintain the qualification of an appropriate number of Shares of that Fund for
sale under the securities laws of
                                      -2-

<PAGE>   3
such states as the Distributor and the Fund may approve, and, if necessary or
appropriate in connection therewith, to qualify and maintain the qualification
of the Trust as broker or dealer in such states; provided that the Trust shall
not be required to amend its Declaration of Trust or By-laws to comply with the
laws of any state, to maintain an office in any state, to change the terms of
the offering of its Shares in any state from the terms set forth in its
Registration Statement and Prospectus, to qualify as a foreign corporation in
any state or to consent to service of process in any state other than with
respect to claims arising out of the offering of its Shares. The Distributor
shall furnish such information and other material relating to its affairs and
activities as may be required by the Funds in connection with such
qualifications.

                  Section 4.    Expenses.

                  (a) Each Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the
initial offering of its Shares in connection with: (i) fees and disbursements
of its counsel and independent accountants; (ii) the preparation, filing and
printing of any registration statements and/or prospectuses required by and
under the federal securities laws; (iii) the preparation and mailing of annual
and interim reports, prospectuses and proxy materials to shareholders; and (iv)
the qualifications of the Shares for sale and of the Trust pursuant to Section
3(d) hereof and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for continuing
qualification therein.

                  (b) The Distributor shall bear: (i) the costs and expenses or
preparing, printing and distributing any materials not prepared by the Funds
and other materials used by the Distributor in connection with its offering of
Shares of the Funds for sale to the public, including the additional cost of
printing copies of the Prospectus and of annual and interim reports to
shareholders, other than copies thereof required for distribution to existing
shareholders or for filing with any federal securities authorities; (ii) any
expenses of advertising incurred by the Distributor in connection with such
offering; and (iii) the expenses of registration or qualification of the
Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses
of continuing such registration or qualification.

                  Section 5.    Fees.

                  As compensation for the services it agrees to perform
hereunder, the Distributor shall be entitled to retain its portion of the sales
charge imposed on sales of the Shares on such terms and subject to such
conditions as are described in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information of the Funds.

                  Section 6.    Indemnification.

                  Each Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the
Distributor, its officers and directors and any person who controls the
Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the
Distributor, its officers, directors or any such controlling person may incur
under the 1933 Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any alleged
omission to

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

state a material fact required to be stated in either thereof or
necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading, except
insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out of or are
based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in
writing by the Distributor to the Funds for use in the Registration Statement
or Prospectus; provided, however, that this indemnity agreement, to the extent
that it might require indemnity of any person who is also an officer or Trustee
of the Trust or who controls the Funds within the meaning of Section 15 of the
1933 Act, shall not inure to the benefit of such officer, Trustee or
controlling person unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine, or
it shall have been determined by controlling precedent, that such result would
not be against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act; and further
provided, that in no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as
to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Funds or to its
security holders to which the Distributor would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this
Agreement. The Funds' agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers and
directors and any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned
upon the Funds being promptly notified of any action brought against the
Distributor, its officers or directors, or any such controlling person, such
notification to be given by letter or telegram addressed to each Fund at its
principal business office. Each Fund agrees promptly to notify the Distributor
of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Trust or any
of its officers or Trustees in connection with the issue and sale of the Shares
of the Fund.

                  The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold each
Fund, its officers and Trustees and any person who controls that Fund, if any,
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and harmless from and
against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the
cost of investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities
and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Fund, its
Trustees or officers or any such controlling person may incur under the 1933
Act or under common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such
liability or expense incurred by the Fund, its Trustees or officers or such
controlling person resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of or
be based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in
information furnished in writing by the Distributor to that Fund for use in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any
alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information
required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary
to make such information not misleading. The Distributor's agreement to
indemnify each Ind, its Trustees and officers, and any such controlling person
as aforesaid is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor's being promptly
notified of any action brought against that Fund, its officers or Trustees or
any such controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor
at its principal business office.

                  Section 7.    Compliance with Securities Law.

                  Each Fund represents that it is registered as a open-end,
non-diversified mutual fund under the 1940 Act, and agrees that it will comply
with all of the provisions of the 1940 Act and of the rules and regulations
thereunder. The Funds and the Distributor each agree to comply with all of the
applicable terms and provisions of the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act and, subject to
the

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
provisions of Section 3(d) hereof, all applicable state Blue Sky laws,
including but not limited to the broker-dealer registration requirements. The
Distributor agrees to comply with all of the applicable terms and provisions of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to
the broker-dealer registration requirements.

                  Section 8.    Term of Agreement; Termination.

                  This Agreement shall commence on the date first set forth
above. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period more than two years
from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved
at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

                  This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment (as defined by the 1940 Act). In addition, this Agreement may be
terminated by either party at any time, without penalty, on not more than sixty
(60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days' written notice to the other party.

                  Section 9.    Notices.

                  Any notice required to be given pursuant to this Agreement
shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage
prepaid, (1) to the Distributor at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010, or
(2) to the Funds at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

                  Section 10.   Governing Law.

                  This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

                  Section 11.   Liability of Shareholders. Trustees. etc.

                  It is understood and expressly stipulated that none of the
Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders in the Fund shall be personally
liable hereunder. The name The Mainstay Funds is the designation of the Trust
for the time being under a declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as
amended, and all persons dealing with the Trust must look solely to the
property of the Trust for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust as
neither the Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal
liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Trust. The Trust was
formerly designated the MacKay-Shields MainStay Series Fund. No series of the
Trust shall be liable for any claims against any other series of the Trust.

                                      MAINSTAY CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND
                                      MAINSTAY NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
                                      series of The MainStay Funds


                                      By:
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         President  and Chief Executive Officer

                                   -5-
<PAGE>   6

                                      NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.


                                      By:
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      -6-

<PAGE>   1
                           MAINSTAY EQUITY INDEX FUND

                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT



         AGREEMENT made as of this 1st day of January, 1994, between MAINSTAY
EQUITY INDEX FUND (the "Fund") a series of the MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES
FUND, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), and NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS
INC., a New York corporation (the "Distributor").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end non-diversified mutual fund
and it is in the interest of the Fund to offer its shares of beneficial
interest (the "Shares") for sale in an initial public offering and in possible
Subsequent Offerings at the discretion of the Fund's Trustees;

         WHEREAS, THE Fund and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement
with each other with respect to the initial offering of the Shares of the Fund,
to commence after the effectiveness of its initial registration statement filed
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the
1940 Act, which offering is expected to end on December 12, 1990, subject to
extension, and with respect to any Subsequent Offerings which may be made to the
public in separate offerings as described in the prospectus for the Fund.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

         Section 1. Appointment of the Distributor. The Fund hereby appoints
the Distributor its exclusive agent to sell and to arrange for the sale of the
Shares of the Fund, including both issued and treasury shares, on the terms and
for the period set forth in this Agreement, and the Distributor hereby accepts
such appointment and agrees to act hereunder.

          Section 2.    Services and Duties of the Distributor.

          (a) The Distributor agrees to sell, as agent for the Fund,
during the initial offering and any Subsequent Offerings, during the term of
this Agreement, the Shares of the Fund (whether unissued or treasury shares, in
the Fund's sole discretion) upon the terms described in the Prospectus. As used
in this Agreement, the term Prospectus shall mean the Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information included as part of the Fund's Registration
Statement, as such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, and the term "Registration
Statement" shall mean the Registration Statement most recently filed from time
to time by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission and effective
under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, as such Registration Statement is amended
by any amendments thereto at the time in effect.

          (b) Upon commencement of the Fund's operations, the Distributor will
hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the Distributor, for
the purchase of the Shares of the

<PAGE>   2
Fund and will accept such orders on behalf of the Fund as of the time of
receipt of such orders and will transit such orders as are so accepted to the
Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent as promptly as practicable.
Purchase orders shall be deemed effective at the times and in the manner set
forth in the Prospectus.

          (c) The Distributor in its discretion may purchase from the
Fund as principal and may sell Shares of the Fund to such registered and
qualified retail dealers as it may select. In making agreements with such
dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as agent or for
the Fund.

          (d) The Shares of the Fund are being offered initially at a
public offering price of $10.00 per share, which assumes an investment at an
initial net asset value of $9.45 per share and a maximum sales charge of .55
per share. The maximum sales charge is 5.5% of the public offering price and
5.82 of the net amount invested. There are sales charge reductions on large
orders as shown in the Prospectus. Shares offered in Subsequent Offerings will
be sold to investors at the then-current net asset value the Fund ("closing
price") as of the closing date of the Subsequent Offering, plus a sales charge,
as set forth in the Prospectus.

          (e) The Distributor shall not be obligated to sell any
certain number of Shares and nothing herein contained shall prevent the
Distributor from entering into like distribution arrangements with other
investment companies so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is
not impaired thereby.

          (f) The Distributor is authorized on behalf of the Fund to
purchase Shares of the Fund presented to it by dealers at the price determined
in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the Prospectus.

          Section 3.    Duties of the Fund.

          (a) The Fund agrees to sell shares of the Fund so long as it
has Shares of the Fund available for sale except for such times at which the
sale of Shares of the Fund has been suspended by order of the Trustees or order
of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and to deliver certificates (if any)
for, or cause the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent to issue
confirmations evidencing, such Shares of the Fund registered in such names and
amounts as the Distributor has requested in writing, as promptly as practicable
after receipt by the Fund of payment therefor at the net asset value thereof
and written request of the Distributor therefor.

          (b) The Fund shall keep the Distributor fully informed with
regard to its affairs and shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all
information, financial statements and other papers which the distributor may
reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of the
Fund, and this shall include one certified copy, upon request by the
distributor, of all financial statements prepared by the Fund and audited by its
independent accountants and such reasonable number of copies of its most current
Prospectus and annual and interim reports as the Distributor may request, and
shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to sell and arrange for
the sale of the Shares of the Fund and in the performance of the Distributor
under this Agreement.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

          (c) The Fund shall take, from time to time, all such steps,
including payment of the related filing fee, as may be necessary to register
the Shares under the 1933 Act and to make available for sale such number of
Shares as the Distributor may be expected to sell. The Fund agrees to file from
time to time such amendments, reports and other documents as may be necessary
in order that there may be no untrue statement of a material fact in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary in order that there may be
no omission to state a material fact in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus which omission would make the statements therein misleading.

          (d) The Fund shall use its best efforts to qualify and
maintain the qualification of an appropriate number of Shares of the Fund for
sale under the securities laws of such states as the Distributor and the Fund
may approve, and, if necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, to
qualify and maintain the qualification of the Fund as a broker or dealer in
such states; provided that the Fund shall not be required to amend its
Declaration of Trust or By-laws to comply with the laws of any state, to
maintain an office in any state, to change the terms of the offering of its
Shares in any state from the terms set forth in its Registration Statement and
Prospectus, to qualify as a foreign corporation in any state or to consent to
service of process in any state other than with respect to claims arising out
of the offering of its Shares. The Distributor shall furnish such information
and other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by
the Fund in connection with such qualifications.

          Section 4.    Expenses.

          (a) The Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the initial
offering and any Subsequent Offerings of its Shares in connection with: (i)
fees and disbursements of its counsel and independent accountants; (ii) the
preparation, filing and printing of any registration statements and/or
prospectuses required by and under the federal securities laws; (iii) the
preparation and mailing of annual and interim reports, prospectuses and proxy
materials to shareholders; and (iv) the qualifications of the Shares for sale
and of the Fund pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof and the cost and expenses
payable to each such state for continuing qualification therein.

          (b) The Distributor shall bear: (i) the costs and expenses of
preparing, printing and distributing any materials not prepared by the Fund and
other materials used by the Distributor in connection with its offering of
Shares of the Fund for sale to the public, including the additional cost of
printing copies of the Prospectus and of annual and interim reports to
shareholders, other than copies thereof required for distribution to existing
shareholders or for filing with any federal securities authorities; (ii) any
expenses of advertising incurred by the Distributor in connection with such
offering; and (iii) the expenses of registration or qualification of the
Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses
of continuing such registration or qualification.

          Section 5. Indemnification. The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold the Distributor, its officers and directors and any person who controls
the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
Distributor, its officers, directors or any such controlling person may incur
under the 1933 Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any
alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in either
thereof or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading,
except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or
are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished in writing by the Distributor to the Fund for use in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus; provided, however, that this indemnity agreement, to
the extent that it might require indemnity of any person who is also an officer
or Trustee of the trust or who controls the Fund within the meaning of Section
15 of the 1933 Act, shall not inure to the benefit of such officer, Trustee or
controlling person unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine, or
it shall have been determined by controlling precedent, that such result would
not be against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act; and further
provided, that in no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as
to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Fund or to its security
holders to which the Distributor would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this
Agreement. The Fund's agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers and
directors and any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned
upon the Fund's being promptly notified of any action brought against the
Distributor, its officers or directors, or any such controlling person, such
notification to be given by letter or telegram addressed to the Fund at its
principal business office. The Fund agrees promptly to notify the Distributor
of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Fund or any of
its officers or Trustees in connection with the issue and sale of the Shares of
the Fund.

         The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Fund, its
officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Fund, if any, within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and harmless from and against any
and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of
investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Fund, its Trustees or
officers or any such controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act or under
common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense
incurred by the Fund, its Trustees or officers or such controlling person
resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of or be based upon any
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in information furnished
in writing by the Distributor to the Fund for use in the Registration Statement
or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged omission to
state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated
in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary to make such
information not misleading. The Distributor's agreement to indemnify the Fund,
its Trustees and officers, and any such controlling person as aforesaid is
expressly conditioned upon the Distributor's being promptly notified of any
action brought against the Fund, its officers or Trustees or any such
controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor at its
principal business office.

         Section 6. Compliance with Securities Laws. The Fund represents that
it is registered as an open-end, non-diversified mutual fund under the 1940
Act, and agrees that it will comply

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
with all of the provisions of the 1940 Act and of the rules and regulations
thereunder. The Fund and the Distributor each agree to comply with all of the
applicable terms and provisions of the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act and, subject to
the provisions of Section 3(d) hereof, all applicable state Blue Sky laws,
including but not limited to the broker-dealer registration requirements. The
Distributor agrees to comply with all of the applicable therms and provisions
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited
to the broker-dealer registration requirements.

         Section 7.     Terms of Agreement; Termination. This Agreement shall
commence on the date first set forth above. This Agreement shall continue in
effect for a period more than two years from the date hereof only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with
the requirements of the 1940 Act.

         This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined by the 1940 Act). In addition, this Agreement may be
terminated by either party at any time, without penalty, on not more than sixty
(60) days' nor less than thirty (30) days' written notice to the other party.

         Section 8.     Notices.  Any notice required to be given pursuant to
this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered
mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Distributor at 51 Madison Avenue, New York,
N.Y. 10010, or (2) to the Fund at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

         Section 9.     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

         Section 10. Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. It is understood
and expressly stipulated that none of the Trustees, officers, agents or
shareholders of the Fund shall be personally liable hereunder. The name
MacKay-Shields MainStay Series Fund is the designation of the Trustees for the
time being under a Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1985, as amended, and
all persons dealing with the Trust must look solely to the property of the
Trust for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust as neither the
Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for
obligations entered into on behalf of the Trust. No series of the Trust shall
be liable for any claims against any other series of the Trust.

                                      -5-

<PAGE>   6
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above
written.

                                     NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.


                                     By:
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        President and Chief Executive Officer


                                     MAINSTAY EQUITY INDEX FUND


                                     By:
                                        ----------------------------------
                                        President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      -6-

<PAGE>   1
                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                       MAINSTAY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
                        MAINSTAY INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT



         AGREEMENT made as of this 25th day of August, 1994, between THE
MAINSTAY FUNDS, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), and NYLIFE
DISTRIBUTORS INC., a New York corporation (the "Distributor").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a diversified open-end management
investment company and it is in the interest of the Trust to offer its shares
of beneficial interest (the "Shares") for sale continuously;

         WHEREAS, the Shares of the Trust are divided into separate series,
each of which has been established pursuant to a written instrument executed by
the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees may from time to time terminate
such series or establish and terminate additional series of the Trust;

         WHEREAS, the Trust currently has an effective registration statement
filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and
the 1940 Act; and

         WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement
with each other with respect to the continuous offering of the Shares of the
series of the Trust, effective as of August 25, 1994;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

         Section 1.     Appointment of the Distributor. The Trust hereby
appoints the Distributor its exclusive agent to sell and to arrange for the
sale of the Shares of the series of the Trust, including both issued and
treasury shares, on the terms and for the period set forth in this Agreement,
and the  Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act
hereunder.

         Section 2.     Services and Duties of the Distributor.

         (a) The Distributor agrees to sell, as agent for the Trust, from time
to time during the term of this Agreement, the Shares of each series of the
Trust (whether unissued or treasury shares, in the Trust's sole discretion)
upon the terms described in the Prospectus. As used in this Agreement, the term
"Prospectus" shall mean the Prospectus, which may include separate prospectuses
for each series of the Trust, and the Statement of Additional Information
included


<PAGE>   2
as part of the Trust's Registration Statement, as such Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, and the term "Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration
Statement most recently filed from time to time by the Trust with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and effective under the 1933 Act and the
1940 Act, as such Registration Statement is amended by any amendments thereto
at the time in effect.

         (b) Upon the effective date of this Agreement, the Distributor will
hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the Distributor, for
the purchase of the Shares of any series of the Trust and will accept such
orders on behalf of any series of the Trust as of the time of receipt of such
orders and will transmit such orders as are so accepted to the Trust's transfer
and dividend disbursing agent as promptly as practicable. Purchase orders shall
be deemed effective at the times and in the manner set forth in the Prospectus.

         (c) The Distributor in its discretion may purchase from the series of
the Trust as principal and may sell Shares of each series to such registered
and qualified retail dealers as it may select. In making agreements with such
dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as agent for the
Trust or for the series of the Trust.

         (d) The offering price of the Shares of each series of the Trust shall
be the net asset value (as defined in the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and
determined as set forth in the Prospectus) per Share of each series next
determined following receipt of an order, plus the applicable sales charge, if
any, determined as set forth in the Prospectus. The Trust shall furnish the
Distributor, with all possible promptness, an advice of each computation of net
asset value.

         (e) The Distributor shall not be obligated to sell any certain number
of Shares and nothing herein contained shall prevent the Distributor from
entering into like distribution arrangements with other investment companies so
long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not impaired thereby.

         (f) The Distributor is authorized on behalf of the series of the Trust
to purchase Shares of any series of the Trust presented to it by dealers at the
price determined in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the
Prospectus.

         Section 3.     Duties of the Fund.

         (a) The Trust agrees to sell Shares of its various series so long as
it has Shares of any such series available for sale except for such times at
which the sale of Shares of any such series has been suspended by order of the
Trustees or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and to deliver
certificates (if any) for, or cause the Trust's transfer and dividend
disbursing agent to issue confirmations evidencing, such Shares of any such
series registered in such names and amounts as the Distributor has requested in
writing, as promptly as practicable after receipt by the series of the Trust of
payment therefor at the net asset value thereof and written request of the
Distributor therefor.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

         (b) The Trust shall keep the Distributor fully informed with regard to
its affairs and shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of the series of
the Trust, and this shall include one certified copy, upon request by the
Distributor, of all financial statements prepared by the Trust and audited by
its independent accountants and such reasonable number of copies of its most
current Prospectus and annual and interim reports as the Distributor may
request and shall cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to sell and
arrange for the sale of the Shares of the series of the Trust and in the
performance of the Distributor under this Agreement.

         (c) The Trust shall take, from time to time, all such steps, including
payment of the related filing fee, as may be necessary to register the Shares
under the 1933 Act and to make available for sale such number of Shares as the
Distributor may be expected to sell. The Trust agrees to file from time to time
such amendments, reports and other documents as may be necessary in order that
there may be no untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement
or Prospectus, or necessary in order that there may be no omission to state a
material fact in the Registration Statement or Prospectus which omission would
make the statements therein misleading.

         (d) The Trust shall use its best efforts to qualify and maintain the
qualification of an appropriate number of Shares of its series for sale under
the securities laws of such states as the Distributor and the Trust may approve,
and, if necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, to qualify and
maintain the qualification of the Trust as a broker or dealer in such states;
provided that the Trust shall not be required to amend its Declaration of Trust
or By-laws to comply with the laws of any state, to maintain an office in any
state, to change the terms of the offering of its Shares in any state from the
terms set forth in its Registration Statement and Prospectus, to qualify as a
foreign corporation in any state or to consent to service of process in any
state other than with respect to claims arising out of the offering of its
Shares. The Distributor shall furnish such information and other material
relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by the Trust in
connection with such qualifications.

         Section 4.     Expenses.

         (a) Each separate series of the Trust shall bear all costs and
expenses of the continuous offering of its Shares, including such common costs
and expenses which will be allocated among the series, in connection with: (i)
fees and disbursements of its counsel and independent accountants, (ii) the
preparation, filing and printing of any registration statements and/or
Prospectuses required by and under the federal securities laws, (iii) the
preparation and mailing of annual and interim reports, Prospectuses and proxy
materials to shareholders, (iv) the qualifications of the Shares for sale and of
the Trust pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof and the cost and expenses payable to
each such state for continuing qualification therein and (v) any expenses
assumed by the Trust pursuant to a Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity
with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

         (b) The Distributor shall bear: (i) the costs and expenses of
preparing, printing and distributing any materials not prepared by the Trust
and other materials used by the Distributor in connection with its offering of
Shares of each series of the Trust for sale to the public, including the
additional cost of printing copies of the Prospectus and of annual and interim
reports to shareholders, other than copies thereof required for distribution to
existing shareholders or for filing with any federal securities authorities,
(ii) any expenses of advertising incurred by the Distributor in connection with
such offering and (iii) the expenses of registration or qualification of the
Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses
of continuing such registration or qualification.

         Section 5. Fees. In addition to any fees received pursuant to the
Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
as described in section 4(a) and (b) herein, the Distributor shall also be
entitled to retain all proceeds derived from the imposition of contingent
deferred sales charges as described in the Trust's Prospectus.

         Section 6. Indemnification. The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold the Distributor, its officers and directors and any person who controls
the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the
Distributor, its officers, directors or any such controlling person may incur
under the 1933 Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any
alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in either
thereof or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading,
except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or
are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished in writing by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus; provided, however, that this indemnity
agreement, to the extent that it might require indemnity of any person who is
also an officer or Trustee of the Trust or who controls the Trust within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, shall not inure to the benefit of such
officer, Trustee or controlling person unless a court of competent jurisdiction
shall determine, or it shall have been determined by controlling precedent,
that such result would not be against public policy as expressed in the 1933
Act; and further provided, that in no event shall anything contained herein be
so construed as to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Trust
or to its security holders to which the Distributor would otherwise be subject
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its
obligations under this Agreement. The Trust's agreement to indemnify the
Distributor, its officers and directors and any such controlling person as
aforesaid is expressly conditioned upon the Trust's being promptly notified of
any action brought against the Distributor, its officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or telegram
addressed to the Trust at its principal business office. The Trust agrees
promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or
proceedings

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

against the Trust or any of its officers or Trustees in connection with the
issue and sale of the Shares of any series of the Trust.

         The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Trust, its
officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust, if any, within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and harmless from and against any
and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of
investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Trust, its Trustees or
officers or any such controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act or under
common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense
incurred by the Trust, its Trustees or officers or such controlling person
resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of or be based upon any
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in information furnished
in writing by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged
omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required
to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary to make
such information not misleading. The Distributor's agreement to indemnify the
Trust, its Trustees and officers, and any such controlling person as aforesaid
is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor's being promptly notified of any
action brought against the Trust, its officers or Trustees or any such
controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor at its
principal business office.

         Section 7. Compliance with Securities Laws. The Trust represents that
it is registered as a diversified open-end management investment company under
the 1940 Act, and agrees that it will comply with all of the provisions of the
1940 Act and of the rules and regulations thereunder. The Trust and the
Distributor each agree to comply with all of the applicable terms and provisions
of the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act and, subject to the provisions of Section 3(d)
hereof, all applicable state "Blue Sky" laws, including but not limited to the
broker-dealer registration requirements. The Distributor agrees to comply with
all of the applicable terms and provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, including but not limited to the broker-dealer registration
requirements.

         Section 8.     Term of Agreement: Termination.   This Agreement shall
commence on the date first set forth above. This Agreement shall continue in
effect for a period more than two years from the date hereof only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with
the requirements of the 1940 Act.

         This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined by the 1940 Act). In addition, this Agreement may be
terminated by either party at any time, without penalty, on not more than sixty
days' nor less than thirty days' written notice to the other party.

         Section 9.     Notices.   Any notice required to be given pursuant to
this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered
mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Distributor at 51 Madison Avenue, New York,
N.Y. 10010, or (2) to the Trust at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

         Section 10.    Governing Law.   This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

         Section 11. Liability of Shareholders Trustees, etc. It is understood
and expressly stipulated that none of the Trustees, officers, agents or
shareholders in the Trust shall be personally liable hereunder. The name "The
MainStay Funds" is the designation of the Trustees for the time being under a
Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as amended, and all persons dealing
with the Trust must look solely to the property of the Trust for the
enforcement of any claims against the Trust as neither the Trustees, officers,
agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered
into on behalf of the Trust. No series of the Trust shall be liable for any
claims against any other series of the Trust.


                                           NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.



                                           By:
                                               ------------------------------
                                                Title:  President


                                           THE MAINSTAY FUNDS



                                           By:
                                               ------------------------------
                                           Title:  President

                                      -6-

<PAGE>   1

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


         AGREEMENT made as of this 28th day of February, 1997, between THE
MAINSTAY FUNDS, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), on behalf of the
series listed on Appendix A, as amended from time to time (hereinafter referred
to as the "Series"), and NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC., a New York corporation (the
"Distributor").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a diversified open-end management
investment company and it is in the interest of the Trust to offer its shares
of beneficial interest (the "Shares") for sale continuously;

         WHEREAS, the Shares of the Trust are divided into separate series,
each of which has been established pursuant to a written instrument executed by
the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees may from time to time terminate
such sees or establish and terminate additional series;

         WHEREAS, the Trust currently has an effective registration statement
filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and
the 1940 Act;

         WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement
with each other with respect to the continuous offering of the Shares of the
Series, effective as of February 28, 1997;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

         Section 1.     Appointment of the Distributor. The Trust hereby
appoints the Distributor its exclusive agent to sell and to arrange for the
sale of the Shares of the Series, including both issued and treasury shares, on
the terms and for the period set forth in this Agreement, and the Distributor
hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act hereunder.

         Section 2.     Services and Duties of the Distributor.

         (a)    The Distributor agrees to sell, as agent for the Trust, from
time to time during the term of this Agreement, the Shares of each Series
(whether unissued or treasury shares, in the Trust's sole discretion) upon the
terms described in the Prospectus. As used in this Agreement, the term
"Prospectus" shall mean the Prospectus, which may include separate prospectuses
for each Series, and the Statement of Additional Information included as part
of the Trust's Registration Statement, as such Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and
the term "Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration Statement most
recently filed from time to time by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and effective under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, as such
Registration Statement is amended by any amendments thereto at the time in
effect.


<PAGE>   2

         (b) Upon the effective date of this Agreement, the Distributor will
hold itself available to receive orders, satisfactory to the Distributor, for
the purchase of the Shares of any Series and will accept such orders on behalf
of any Series as of the time of receipt of such orders and will transmit such
orders as are so accepted to the Trust's transfer and dividend disbursing agent
as promptly as practicable. Purchase orders shall be deemed effective at the
times and in the manner set forth in the Prospectus.

         (c) The Distributor in its discretion may purchase Shares from the
Series as principal and may sell Shares of each Series to such registered and
qualified retail dealers as it may select. In making agreements with such
dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as agent for the
Trust or for the Series.

         (d) The offering price of the Shares of each Series shall be the net
asset value (as defined in the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and determined
as set forth in the Prospectus) per Share of each Series next determined
following receipt of an order, plus the applicable sales charge, if any,
determined as set forth in the Prospectus. The Trust shall furnish the
Distributor, with all possible promptness, an advice of each computation of net
asset value.

         (e) The Distributor shall not be obligated to sell any certain number
of Shares and nothing herein contained shall prevent the Distributor from
entering into like distribution arrangements with other investment companies so
long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not impaired thereby.

         (f) The Distributor is authorized on behalf of the Series to purchase
Shares of any Series presented to it by dealers at the price determined in
accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, the Prospectus.

         Section 3.     Duties of the Trust.

         (a) The Trust agrees to sell Shares of its various Series so long as
it has Shares of any such Series available for sale except for such times at
which the sale of Shares of any such Series has been suspended by order of the
Trustees or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and to deliver
certificates (if any) for, or cause the Trust's transfer and dividend
disbursing agent to issue confirmations evidencing, such Shares of any such
Series registered in such names and amounts as the Distributor has requested in
writing, as promptly as practicable after receipt by the Series of payment
therefor at the net asset value thereof and written request of the Distributor
therefor.

         (b) The Trust shall keep the Distributor fully informed with regard to
its affairs and shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of the Series,
and this shall include one certified copy, upon request by the Distributor, of
all financial statements prepared by the Trust and audited by its independent
accountants and such reasonable number of copies of its most current Prospectus
and annual and interim reports as the Distributor may request and shall
cooperate fully in the efforts of the Distributor to sell and

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
arrange for the sale of the Shares of the Series and in the performance of the
Distributor under this Agreement.

         (c) The Trust shall take, from time to time, all such steps, including
payment of the related filing fee, as may be necessary to register the Shares
under the 1933 Act and to make available for sale such number of Shares as the
Distributor may be expected to sell. The Trust agrees to file from time to time
such amendments, reports and other documents as may be necessary in order that
there may be no untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement
or Prospectus, or necessary in order that there may be no omission to state a
material fact in the Registration Statement or Prospectus which omission would
make the statements therein misleading.

         (d) The Trust shall use its best efforts to qualify and maintain the
qualification of an appropriate number of Shares of its Series for sale under
the securities laws of such states as the Distributor and the Trust may
approve, and, if necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, to qualify
and maintain the qualification of the Trust as a broker or dealer in such
states; provided that the Trust shall not be required to amend its Declaration
of Trust or By-laws to comply with the laws of any state, to maintain an office
in any state, to change the terms of the offering of its Shares in any state
from the terms set forth in its Registration Statement and Prospectus, to
qualify as a foreign corporation in any state or to consent to service of
process in any state other than with respect to claims arising out of the
offering of its Shares. The Distributor shall furnish such information and
other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by the
Trust in connection with such qualifications.

         Section 4.     Expenses.

         (a) Each separate Series shall bear all costs and expenses of the
continuous offering of its Shares, including such common costs and expenses
which will be allocated among the Series, in connection with: (i) fees and
disbursements of its counsel and independent accountants, (ii) the preparation,
filing and printing of any registration statements and/or Prospectuses required
by and under the federal securities laws, (iii) the preparation and mailing of
annual and interim reports, Prospectuses and proxy materials to shareholders,
(iv) the qualifications of the Shares for sale and of the Trust pursuant to
Section 3(d) hereof and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for
continuing qualification therein and (v) with respect to those Series listed on
Appendix B, as amended from time to time, any expenses assumed by the Trust
pursuant to a Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act.

         (b) The Distributor shall bear: (i) the costs and expenses of
preparing, printing and distributing any materials not prepared by the Trust
and other materials used by the Distributor in connection with its offering of
Shares of each Series for sale to the public, including the additional cost of
printing copies of the Prospectus and of annual and interim reports to
shareholders, other than copies thereof required for distribution to existing
shareholders or for filing with any federal securities authorities, (ii) any
expenses of advertising incurred by the Distributor in connection with such
offering and (iii) the expenses of registration or qualification of the
Distributor as a dealer or broker under federal or state laws and the expenses
of continuing such registration or qualification.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>   4
         Section 5. Fees. With respect to those Series listed on Appendix B, as
amended from time to time, in addition to any fees received pursuant to the
Plan of Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
as described in section 4(a) and (b) herein, the Distributor shall also be
entitled to retain all proceeds derived from the imposition of contingent
deferred sales charges as described in the Trust's Prospectus and any other
fees or sales charges described in the Trust's Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information.

         Section 6. Indemnification. The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold the Distributor, its officers and directors and any person who controls
the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the
Distributor, its officers, directors or any such controlling person may incur
under the 1933 Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based
upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any
alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in either
thereof or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading,
except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or
are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished in writing by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus; provided, however, that this indemnity
agreement, to the extent that it might require indemnity of any person who is
also an officer or Trustee of the Trust or who controls the Trust within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, shall not inure to the benefit of such
officer, Trustee or controlling person unless a court of competent jurisdiction
shall determine, or it shall have been determined by controlling precedent,
that such result would not be against public policy as expressed in the 1933
Act; and further provided, that in no event shall anything contained herein be
so construed as to protect the Distributor against any liability to the Trust
For to its security holders to which the Distributor would otherwise be subject
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its
obligations under this Agreement. The Trust's agreement to indemnify the
Distributor, its officers and directors and any such controlling person as
aforesaid is expressly conditioned upon the Trust's being promptly notified of
any action brought against the Distributor, its officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or telegram
addressed to the Trust at its principal business office. The Trust agrees
promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or
proceedings against the Trust or any of its officers or Trustees in connection
with the issue and sale of the Shares of any Series.

         The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Trust, its
officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust, if any, within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and harmless from and against any
and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of
investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Trust, its Trustees or
officers or any such controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act or under
common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense
incurred by the Trust, its Trustees or officers or such controlling person
resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of or be based upon any

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in information furnished
in writing by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged
omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required
to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary to make
such information not misleading. The Distributor's agreement to indemnify the
Trust, its Trustees and officers, and any such controlling person as aforesaid
is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor's being promptly notified of any
action brought against the Trust, its officers or Trustees or any such
controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor at its
principal business office.

         Section 7. Compliance with Securities Laws. The Trust represents that
it is registered as a diversified open-end management investment under the 1940
Act, and agrees that it will comply with all of the provisions of the 1940 Act
and of the rules and regulations thereunder. The Trust and the Distributor each
agree to comply with all of the applicable terms and provisions of the 1940
Act, the 1933 Act and, subject to the provisions of Section 3(d) hereof, all
applicable state "Blue Sky" laws, including but not limited to the
broker-dealer registration requirements. The Distributor agrees to comply with
all of the applicable terms and provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, including but not limited to the broker-dealer registration
requirements.

         Section 8. Term of Agreement; Termination. This Agreement shall
commence on the date first set forth above. This Agreement shall continue in
effect for a period more than two years from the date hereof only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with
the requirements of the 1940 Act.

         This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined by the 1940 Act). In addition, this Agreement may be
terminated by either party at any time, without penalty, on not more than sixty
days' nor less than thirty days' written notice to the other party.

         Section 9.     Notices.  Any notice required to be given pursuant to
this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered
mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Distributor at 51 Madison Avenue, New York,
N.Y. 10010, or (2) to the Trust at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

         Section 10.    Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

                                      -5-

<PAGE>   6
         Section 11. Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. It is understood
and expressly stipulated that none of the Trustees, officers, agents or
shareholders in the Trust shall be personally liable hereunder. The name "The
MainStay Funds" is the designation of the Trust for the time being under a
Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as amended, and all persons dealing
with the Trust must look solely to the property of the Trust for the
enforcement of any claims against the Trust as neither the Trustees, officers,
agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered
into on behalf of the Trust. No Series shall be liable for any claims against
any other Series.

                                      NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.


                                      By:
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                      THE MAINSTAY FUNDS


                                      By:
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Title: Senior Vice President
                                      -6-

<PAGE>   7
                                                                    APPENDIX A


                          SERIES OF THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
                                  TO WHICH THIS
                         DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT APPLIES




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SERIES                                                                         DATE ADDED TO AGREEMENT
- ------                                                                         -----------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>
MainStay Strategic Income Fund                                                  February 28, 1997
MainStay Strategic Value Fund                                                    October 22, 1997
MainStay Blue Chip Growth                                                          June 1, 1998
Fund MainStay Research Value Fund                                                  June 1, 1998
MainStay Small Cap Value Fund                                                      June 1, 1998
MainStay Growth Opportunities Fund                                                 June 1, 1998
MainStay Small Cap Growth Fund                                                     June 1, 1998
MainStay Equity Income Fund                                                        June 1, 1998
MainStay Global High Yield Fund                                                    June 1, 1998
MainStay MAP Equity Fund                                                           June 9, 1998
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   8
                                                                   APPENDIX B



                   SERIES WHICH HAVE ADOPTED RULE 12B-1 PLANS


MainStay Blue Chip Growth Fund
MainStay Equity Income Fund
MainStay Global High Yield Fund
MainStay Growth Opportunities Fund
MainStay MAP Equity Fund
MainStay Research Value Fund
MainStay Small Cap Growth Fund
MainStay Small Cap Value Fund
MainStay Strategic Income Fund
MainStay Strategic Value Fund

<PAGE>   1
                            NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.
                                51 MADISON AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10010

                           SOLICITING DEALER AGREEMENT

Gentlemen:

We are the principal underwriter of the shares of the Mainstay Funds and other
open-end investment companies sponsored, advised or administered by any
affiliate of New York Life Insurance Company, (hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "Funds" and individually as the "Fund"). As such, we have
the exclusive right to buy shares from the Funds for resale ("Shares"). As
principal, we hereby offer to sell Shares to you, acting as principal and not
as broker or agent for, or employee of, us or the Funds, upon the following
terms and conditions:

1.    The terms of the offering of the Shares are more fully described in the
      current prospectus for each Fund (hereinafter referred to as the
      "Prospectus"), receipt of which you hereby acknowledge. Capitalized
      terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective
      meanings assigned to such terms in the Prospectus. To the extent that a
      Prospectus contains provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of
      this Agreement, the terms of the Prospectus shall be controlling.

2.    You confirm that you have reasonable grounds to believe, based on
      information made available to you by us through the Prospectus and
      other materials, that all necessary material facts are adequately and
      accurately disclosed in the Prospectus.

3.    You hereby represent, warrant and covenant that you are, and shall
      remain, duly and validly incorporated, validly existing, and in good
      standing as a corporation under the laws of the State in which you are
      incorporated, with full and proper power and authority to enter into
      and perform this Agreement. You further covenant that the corporate
      officer signing on behalf of you is properly authorized to execute this
      Agreement, and that this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
      contract between you and us enforceable in accordance with its terms
      (except to the extent that the enforceability of the indemnification
      provisions contained herein may be limited under federal securities
      law).

4.    You represent and confirm that you and your registered principals are not
      presently the subject of an action by any securities regulatory authority
      and agree to promptly notify us in the event of any such action. You also
      represent and warrant that for sales of Shares to the public, you and
      your agents and employees are and will remain duly registered and
      licensed to offer and sell Shares in those jurisdictions in which you do
      so. You will not offer the Funds for sale in any state where they are not
      qualified for sale, or exempt from qualification, under the Blue Sky Laws
      and regulations of such state or where you are not qualified to act as a
      dealer. You further covenant that you will promptly notify us of any
      change in your or your agents' or employees' duly registered or licensed
      status in any jurisdiction in which you or your agents or employees have
      been offering or selling Shares.
<PAGE>   2

5.    You represent, warrant and covenant that you are registered as a
      broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or that you
      are exempt from such registration, and that you are a member of the
      National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), or that you
      are exempt from NASD membership. If you are a foreign broker-dealer,
      you further agree that you are registered under the Securities Exchange
      Act of 1934 and will conform to the NASD's Conduct Rules when making
      sales of Shares and you agree to make sales of Shares only to
      purchasers within the United States. You agree that you will
      immediately advise us of any termination or suspension of your
      broker-dealer registration or NASD membership.

6.    You agree to abide by the NASD's Conduct Rules as well as all
      applicable State and Federal laws and rules and regulations of
      authorized regulatory agencies thereunder. You agree not to offer or
      sell any Shares except under circumstances that will result in
      compliance with the applicable Federal and State securities laws, rules
      and regulations and the NASD's Conduct Rules, including a review by you
      of the product's suitability for the client. You will furnish to each
      person to whom a sale or offer to sell Shares is made, a copy of the
      appropriate Fund's then-current Prospectus.

7.    You hereby represent that you are a member in good standing of the
      Mutual Fund Settlement, Entry and Registration Verification
      ("Fund/SERV") System of the SCC Division of the National Securities
      Clearing Corporation ("NSCC"), authorized to utilize the Fund/SERV
      Service in accordance with the NSCC's Rules and Regulations.

8.    It is understood that nothing in this Agreement, including the word
      "commissions," shall be construed to establish either of us as an
      agent, partner, or employee of the other, nor shall give you any
      authority to act as an agent for us. Nor shall anything in this
      Agreement be construed to establish you or any Fund as an agent,
      partner, or employee of the other, and it is understood that you have
      no authority to act as an agent for the Fund. In all sales of the
      Shares to the public, you shall act as a dealer for your own account,
      and neither we, any of our affiliates and subsidiaries, nor any Fund
      shall be liable for any of your acts or obligations as a dealer under
      this Agreement.

9.    You agree that all purchases of Shares from us shall be made only to
      cover orders already received by you or for your own bona fide
      investment.

10.   All orders for purchases of Shares received from you and accepted by us
      will be at the public offering price applicable to each order, as
      established by the then-effective Prospectus of the Fund for whose Shares
      the order is placed. You agree to place orders in accordance with the
      terms of the most current Prospectus, copies of which are attached
      hereto, and which may be modified from time to time. The current
      Prospectuses provide that all orders for the purchase and exchange of
      Fund shares accepted by you prior to the close of the New York Stock
      Exchange ("NYSE") must be transmitted prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time and
      all orders to repurchase Fund shares must be transmitted by 5:00 p.m.
      Eastern Time. However, should trading on the NYSE be halted prior to such
      time, all orders must be placed by the closing of the NYSE on that same
      business day. All orders are subject to acceptance by us in our sole
      discretion, and purchases become effective only upon confirmation. The
      procedure relating to the handling of orders shall be subject

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

      to instructions which we shall forward from time to time to you. We will
      not accept from you any conditional orders for the purchase, sale, or
      redemption of Shares, and you agree that prior to execution of an
      application for a purchase of Shares by a discretionary account, you will
      obtain (1) the prior written approval of the purchaser, and (2) a record
      of the date on which this discretion was granted.

11.   You agree that you will not withhold placing customers' orders relating
      to the Funds so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding.

12.   You agree that you will not purchase, as principal, any Shares of any
      Fund from others at a price lower than the redemption or repurchase
      price next quoted by us as agent for the Fund following receipt of the
      request for redemption or repurchase. Nothing in this Agreement,
      however, shall prevent you from selling Shares for the account of a
      record owner to us or the issuer at the redemption or repurchase price
      next quoted by us as agent for the Funds, and charging the record owner
      a fair commission for handling the transaction.

13.   Payment for Shares ordered from us must be received by us within three
      business days after our acceptance of your order, or within such shorter
      time as is prescribed by the Federal securities laws. If payment for the
      Shares is not so received by us, we reserve the right, without notice, to
      forthwith cancel the sale without any responsibility or liability on our
      part or on the part of the Funds; in which case you will be responsible
      for any loss, including loss of profit, suffered by the Funds resulting
      from your failure to make payment as aforesaid or, at our option, to sell
      the Shares ordered back to the issuer (in which case we may hold you
      responsible for any loss, including loss of profit, suffered by us
      resulting from your failure to make payment as aforesaid). You agree to
      indemnify us and hold us harmless for all losses, including actual and
      compensatory damages, as may be imposed on us by NSCC for your failure to
      timely deliver payment as required under the Rules and Regulations of
      NSCC and all agreements thereunder. You further agree that you will
      reimburse us for any losses we incur upon the payment of redemption
      proceeds for shares held by you.

14.   Unless otherwise agreed, upon request, delivery of certificates for
      Shares sold to you by us hereunder shall be made available for
      delivery, after payment of the purchase price, at the office of our
      agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street,
      Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

15.   You agree that if any Shares sold to you by us under the terms of this
      Agreement are repurchased by the issuer or by us as agent for the issuer,
      or are tendered for redemption, within seven business days after the date
      of our confirmation of the original purchase by you, you shall forfeit
      your right to any discount or other compensation received by or allowed
      to you on the sale of such Shares hereunder. We agree to notify you of
      any such repurchase or redemption within ten business days from the date
      on which a stock power, if no certificate for the Shares has been issued,
      or the certificate is delivered to us or to the issuer, and you agree to
      forthwith refund to us the full discount or other compensation received
      by or allowed to you. We further agree to pay such refund forthwith to
      the issuer.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>   4

16.   You will be compensated in accordance with the attached "Dealer
      Commission Schedule" which, anything herein to the contrary
      notwithstanding, is subject to change by us at any time and from time to
      time, but no such changes shall affect amounts payable to you as
      commissions on orders accepted by us prior to any such changes. You and
      we agree that the attached Dealer Commission Schedule is subject to the
      current Rule 12b-1 Plan, which is described in the current Prospectus
      (including the Statement of Additional Information) of each Fund, and
      that if the Board of Trustees of any Fund reduces or otherwise limits the
      fees paid to us pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan, you and we shall reduce
      the Dealer Commissions paid to you for any period in which the fee paid
      to us pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan was so reduced or otherwise
      limited. We shall notify you in writing within 3 business days of any
      such action by the Board of Trustees of any Fund. Within 30 days
      following this notice, you and we shall agree, in writing, to reduce, or
      otherwise limit, the Dealer Commissions due or paid for any period in
      which the fee due or paid to us pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan was
      reduced or otherwise limited. However, if you and we do not agree to such
      reduction or other limitations of the Dealer Commissions, then one of the
      following alternative actions shall occur:

      a.       Either you or we may terminate this Agreement immediately upon
               delivery of written notice to the other and all rights,
               duties, obligations and payments under this Agreement, except
               those contained in Sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, shall
               cease upon such termination; or

      b.       We and you may agree, in writing, to continue this Agreement
               without modification; or

      c.       We and you may agree, in writing, to another modification of
               this Agreement or other arrangement.

There will be no commissions payable to you on the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains.

17.   Neither you nor any other person, including persons associated with you,
      is authorized or permitted to give any information nor make any
      representations concerning the Shares or the Funds other than those
      contained in the Prospectuses or any supplemental sales literature
      supplied by us or approved by us in writing in advance for use in
      connection therewith (except that sales material provided by us that is
      designated as being for broker-dealer use only may not be disseminated to
      the public). Any supplemental sales literature, if distributed, must be
      preceded or accompanied by the Fund's Prospectuses. You agree that any
      information given or representations made on the basis of the
      supplemental sales literature shall be consistent with the related
      information and representations contained in the Prospectus. You further
      agree that you will not disseminate or publish any advertisement relating
      to your solicitation of purchases of Shares (including, without
      limitation, any so-called "tombstone" advertisement, or any advertisement
      relating to seminars) (i) the form of which has not been submitted to the
      NASD by us, and (ii) which has not been approved in writing by us.

18.   You agree that you will rely solely on the representations contained in
      the Prospectus and aforementioned supplemental sales literature when
      purchasing Shares from us.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

19.   We agree that additional copies of the Prospectus, supplemental sales
      literature, and application forms for the purchase of Shares will be
      supplied by us to you in reasonable quantities upon request.

20.   You agree that (i) any printed information furnished by us to you other
      than the Prospectus, periodic reports, and proxy solicitation
      materials, and (ii) qualifying the Shares in the various states, are
      solely our responsibility and not the responsibility of the Funds, and
      you further agree that the Funds shall have no liability or
      responsibility to you in these respects.

21.   You agree not to use the words "Mainstay Capital Appreciation Fund";
      "Mainstay Value Fund"; "Mainstay Convertible Fund"; "Mainstay High Yield
      Corporate Bond Fund"; "Mainstay Government Fund"; "Mainstay Money Market
      Fund"; "Mainstay Tax Free Bond Fund"; "Mainstay New York Tax Free Fund";
      "Mainstay California Tax Free Fund"; "Mainstay Total Return Fund";
      "Mainstay Equity Index Fund"; "Mainstay International Equity Fund;"
      "Mainstay International Bond Fund;" "Mainstay Strategic Income Fund";
      "Mainstay Strategic Value Fund"; "Mainstay Blue Chip Growth Fund";
      "Mainstay Research Value Fund"; "Mainstay Equity Income Fund"; "Mainstay
      Growth Opportunities Fund"; "Mainstay Small Cap Growth Fund"; "Mainstay
      Small Cap Value Fund"; "Mainstay Global High Yield Fund"; "Mainstay
      Funds"; "New York Life Insurance Company"; "Mainstay Management, Inc.";
      "MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation"; "Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.;"
      "MacKay Shields"; or any derivation or combination thereof, whether in
      writing, by radio or television, or through any other advertising media,
      without our prior written approval.

22.   You agree that we shall have full authority to take such action as we may
      deem advisable in respect to all matters pertaining to the offering, and
      we reserve the right to, in our discretion, suspend sales or withdraw the
      offering of Shares entirely, without prior notice to you. We shall be
      under no liability to you except for lack of good faith obligations
      expressly assumed by us in this Agreement, and liabilities under Section
      11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, and no obligations on our part shall
      be implied or inferred from this Agreement. You further agree to
      indemnify us for any liability arising out of: (a) the acts of your
      registered representatives or agents, including the unauthorized use of
      sales materials, misrepresentations or omissions, unlawful sales
      practices or failure to supervise; (b) claims by your agents for any type
      of remuneration or compensation; and (c) your failure to comply with the
      provisions of the Agreement. Each party hereto agrees to notify the other
      party within a reasonable time of any claims which might involve
      liability on the part of the other party. Nothing contained in this
      paragraph is intended to operate as, and the provisions of this paragraph
      shall not constitute, a waiver by you of compliance with any provisions
      of the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of
      the rules and regulations thereunder, or of the NASD's Conduct Rules.

23.   We agree that all disputes among the parties to this Agreement shall be
      submitted to arbitration in accordance with the NASD's Code of
      Arbitration Procedure or successor thereto, in effect at the time.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

24.   We agree that this Agreement shall not be assigned by either party
      without the written consent of the other.

25.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
      laws of the State of New York.

26.   Notices to be given shall be addressed as follows:

      If to us, to:

               NYLIFE Distributors Inc.
               300 Interpace Parkway - Bldg. A
               Parsippany, NJ 07054
               Attention: Frank Mistero, President

      If to you, to:


Unless the party to whom notice is to be given has specified an alternative
means of notification.

27.   The terms of this Agreement shall continue in force for one year from
      its effective date and thereafter shall automatically be renewed every
      year for a further one year period, provided either party may
      unilaterally terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written
      notice to the other party of its intention to do so. Notwithstanding
      the foregoing, we shall have the right to terminate this Agreement,
      without notice to you, if:

      a.       you or any of your registered principals become the subject of
               any investigation or disciplinary action by any governmental,
               regulatory, or judicial authority that has resulted, or for
               which it appears reasonably likely will result, in the loss or
               suspension of any registration, membership, or license
               referred to in Sections 4, 5 and 6 of this Agreement;

      b.       your ability to perform your obligations under this Agreement
               have become or are reasonably likely to become impaired; or

      c.       you otherwise breach any of the representations and warranties
               set forth in this Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement,
               all authorizations, rights and obligations shall cease except
               those contained in Sections 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25.

28.   All amendments to this Agreement shall be in writing. Notwithstanding
      the foregoing, NYLIFE Distributors Inc. reserves the right to amend
      this Agreement and the Schedules thereto at any time, and you agree
      that your submission of an order to purchase the Funds after written
      notice of any such amendment has been sent to you shall constitute your
      agreement to such amendment.
                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

29.   If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a
      statute, rule, regulation, decision of a Tribunal or otherwise, the
      remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and, to this
      extent, the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be
      severable.

                              NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.

                              By:
                                 ------------------------------------------
                                 Frank A. Mistero, President

                                 -----------------------------------------
                                  DATE

 ACCEPTED:

- ------------------------------------
 Firm Name

- ------------------------------------
 Address

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


By:
   ---------------------------------
Title:
       -----------------------------

Date:
      ------------------------------

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8


                           DEALER COMMISSION SCHEDULE


1.   For Mainstay Funds with a deferred sales charge ("Class B Shares"), a
     4% commission will be paid to you by NYLIFE Distributors Inc. with respect
     to initial purchases of Shares for your customers if the initial Shares
     purchased are less than $1,000,000 in aggregate net asset value.
     Commissions will be paid at the rate of 4% of net asset value of each
     subsequent purchase of Class B Shares for accounts that were established
     initially with the purchase of Shares valued at less than $1,000,000.
     Purchases of more than $1,000,000 in net asset value will not be accepted
     for Class B Shares; such purchases shall be accepted as Class A shares only
     and commissions for such purchases will be paid in accordance with
     Paragraph 3 below.

2.   For purchases of Mainstay Funds with an initial sales charge ("Class A
     Shares") of less than $1,000,000 in net asset value, commissions will be
     paid to you in accordance with the provisions of, and the schedules set
     forth in, the then applicable prospectus. The commissions to be paid on
     Class A Shares will vary depending upon the investment orientation of the
     Fund, the amount of the sale and the type of account for which the shares
     are purchased. Commissions for purchases of more than $1,000,000 in net
     asset value of Class A Shares will be paid in accordance with Paragraph 3
     below.

3.   If the initial Shares purchased are greater than $1,000,000 in aggregate
     net asset value, commissions will be paid as follows:

     a. a 1% commission will be paid on the portion of a sale from $1,000,000
        to $2,999,999;

     b. a 0.50% commission will be paid on the portion of a sale from
        $3,000,000 to $4,999,999; and

     c. a 0.40% commission will be paid on the portion of a sale of $5,000,000
        or more.

4.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Dealer
     Commission Schedule, Commissions shall not be paid with respect to
     purchases of Shares in the Money Market Fund or on the reinvestment of
     dividends or capital gains.

5.   After commissionable sales reach an aggregate amount of $250,000, an
     annual Service Fee of 25 basis points (0.25%) will be paid with respect
     to those commissionable Fund Shares held in a shareholder's account for
     one year or more. Such Service Fee shall be paid quarterly and shall be
     based upon the aggregate net asset value of the Shares remaining in the
     account. Service Fees in amounts of less than $25 will not be paid.


- ------------------------
 NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.


- ------------------------
 DATE


                                      -8-

<PAGE>   1
                        SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT AGREEMENT

                                  (Short Sales)

         AGREEMENT (hereinafter "Agreement") dated as of August 12, 1994, by and
among State Street Bank and Trust Company, in its capacity as custodian
hereunder (the "Bank"), The MainStay High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, (the
"Customer") and Bear, Stearns Securities Corp. (the "Broker").

         WHEREAS, Broker is a securities broker-dealer and is a member of
several national securities exchanges; and

         WHEREAS, Customer desires from time to time to execute various
security transactions, including short sales (which is permitted by Customer's
investment policies), and in connection therewith has executed Broker's
Customer Agreement which provides for margin transactions; and

         WHEREAS, to facilitate Customer's transactions in short sales of
securities, Customer and Broker desire to establish procedures for the
compliance by Broker with the provisions of Regulation T of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other applicable requirements
("Margin Rules"); and

         WHEREAS, to assist Broker and Customer in complying with the Margin
Rules, Bank is prepared to act as custodian to hold Collateral as defined
below.

         NOW, THEREFORE, be it agreed as follows:

         1.   DEFINITIONS

         As used, herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

         (a) "Adequate Margin" in respect of short sales shall mean such
collateral as is adequate in Broker's reasonable judgment under the Margin Rules
and the internal policies of Broker.

         (b) "Advice from Broker" or "Advice" mans a written notice sent to
Customer and Bank or transmitted by a facsimile sending device, except that
Advice for initial or additional Collateral or with respect to Broker's ability
to effect a short sale for the Customer may be given orally. With respect to
any short sale or Closing Transaction, the Advice from Broker shall mean a
standard confirmation in use by Broker and sent or transmitted to Customer and
Bank. With respect to substitutions or releases of Collateral, Advice from
Broker means a written notice signed by Broker and sent or transmitted to
Customer and Bank. An authorized agent of Broker will certify to Customer and
Bank the names and signatures of those employees who are authorized to sign
Advice from Broker, which certification may be amended from time to time. When
used herein, the term "Advise" means the act of sending an Advice from Broker.

         (c) "Closing Transaction" is a transaction in which Customer
purchases securities which have been sold short.

<PAGE>   2

         (d) "Collateral" shall mean cash or U.S. Government securities, or
other securities acceptable to Broker.

         (e) "Insolvency" means that (A) an order, judgment or decree has been
entered under the bankruptcy, reorganization, compromise, arrangement,
insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation or similar law
(herein called the "Bankruptcy law") of any competent jurisdiction adjudicating
the Customer insolvent; or (B) the Customer has petitioned or applied to any
tribunal for, or consented to the appointment of, or taking possession by, a
trustee, receiver, liquidator or similar official, of the Customer, or
commenced a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Law of the United States or any
proceedings relating to the Customer under the Bankruptcy Law of any other
competent jurisdiction, whether now or hereinafter in effect; or (C) any such
petition or application has been filed, or any such proceedings commenced,
against the Customer and the Customer by any act has indicated its approval
thereof, consent thereto or acquiescence therein, or an order for relief has
been entered an involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Law of the United States,
as now or hereinafter constituted, or an order, judgment or decree has been
entered appointing any such trustee, receiver, liquidator or similar official,
or approving the petition in any such proceedings, and such order, judgment or
decree remains unstayed and in effect for more than 60 days.

         (f) "Instructions from Customer" or "Instructions" means a request,
direction or certification in writing signed by Customer and delivered to Bank
and Broker or transmitted by a facsimile sending device. An officer of Customer
will certify to Bank and Broker the names and signatures of those persons
authorized to sign the instructions, which certification may be amended from
time to time. When used herein, the term "Instruct" shall mean the act of
sending an Instruction from Customer.

         (g) "Receipt of Payment" means receipt by Bank, of (1) a certified or
official bank check or wire transfer to Bank; (2) a written or telegraphic
advice from a registered clearing agency that funds have been or will be
credited to the account of Bank; or (3) a transfer of funds from any of Broker's
accounts maintained at Bank.

         (h) "Receipt of Securities" means receipt by Bank, of (1) securities
in proper form for transfer; or (2) a written or telegraphic advice from a
registered clearing agency that securities have been credited to the account of
Bank for the Special Custody Account.

         (i) "Special Custody Account" shall have the meaning assigned to that
term in Section 2 hereof.

         2.  SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT

         (a) Opening Custody Account. Bank shall open an account on its books
entitled "Special Custody Account for Bear, Stearns Securities Corp. as Pledgee
of The MainStay High Yield Corporate Bond Fund" ("Special Custody Account") and
shall hold therein all securities and similar property as shall be received and
accepted by it therein pursuant to this Agreement. Customer agrees to instruct
Bank in Instructions from Customer as to cash and specific securities which
Bank is to identify on its books and records as pledged to Broker as Collateral
in the Special Custody Account. Customer agrees that the value of such cash and
securities shall be at

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
least equal in value to what Broker shall initially and from time to time
Advise Customer in an Advice from Broker is necessary to constitute Adequate
Margin. Such Collateral (i) will be held by Bank for Broker as agent of Broker,
(ii) may be released only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and
(iii) except as required to be released hereunder to Broker, shall not be made
available to Broker or any other person claiming through Broker, including the
creditors of the Broker.

         (b) Security Interest. Customer hereby grants a continuing security
interest to Broker in the Collateral in the Special Custody Account. To perfect
Broker's security interest, Bank will hold the Collateral in the Special
Custody Account, subject to the interest therein of Broker as the pledgee and
secured party thereof in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Such
security interest will terminate at such time as Collateral is released as
provided herein. Bank shall have no responsibility for the validity or
enforceability of such security interest.

         (c) Confirmation. Bank will confirm in writing to Broker and Customer
all pledges, releases or substitutions of Collateral and will supply Broker and
Customer with a monthly statement of Collateral and transactions in the Special
Custody Account for such month. Bank will also advise Broker upon request of
the kind and amount of Collateral pledged to Broker.

         (d) Excess Collateral. Upon the request of Customer, Broker shall
Advise Bank and Customer of any excess of Collateral in the Special Custody
Account. Such excess shall at Customer's request be transferred therefrom upon
Advice from Broker. Customer represents and warrants to Broker that securities
included at any time in the Collateral shall be in good deliverable form (or
bank shall have the unrestricted power to put such securities into good
deliverable form) in accordance with the requirements of such exchanges as may
be the primary market or markets for such securities.

         (e) Accounts and Records. Bank will maintain accounts and records for
the Collateral in the Special Custody Account as more fully described in
sub-paragraph 5(a) below. The Collateral shall at all times remain the property
of the Customer subject only to the extent of the interest and rights therein of
Broker as the pledgee thereof.

         3.  ORIGINAL AND VARIATION MARGIN ON SHORT SALES

         (a) Short Sales. From time to time, Customer may place orders with
Broker for the short sale of securities. Prior to the acceptance of such orders
Broker will Advise Customer of Broker's ability to borrow such securities or
other properties and acceptance of short sale orders will be contingent upon
same.

         (b) Open Short Sales Balance. Broker shall, based on the closing
market price on the last business day of each week, compute the aggregate net
credit or debit balance on Customer's open short sales and Advise Customer by
11:00 A.M. New York time on the first business day of the following week (the
"Determination Day") of the amount of the net debit or credit, as the case may
be. If a net debit balance exists on the Determination Day, Customer will cause
an amount equal to such net debit balance to be paid to Broker by the close of
business on the Determination Day. If a net credit balance exists on the
Determination Day, Broker will pay such credit balance to Customer by the close
of business on the Determination Day. As Customers

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
open short positions are marked-to-market each week, payments will be made by
or to Customer to reflect changes (if any) in the credit or debit balances.
Broker will charge interest on debit balances, and Broker will pay interest on
credit balances. Balances will be appropriately adjusted when short sales are
closed out.

         4.  PLACING ORDERS

         It is understood and agreed that Customer, when placing with Broker
any order to sell short for Customer's account, will designate the order as
such and hereby authorizes Broker to mark such order as being "short", and when
placing with Broker any order to sell long for Customer's account, will
designate the order as such and hereby authorizes Broker to mark such order as
being "long". Any sell order which Customer shall designate as being for long
account as above provided is for securities then owned by Customer and, if such
securities are not then deliverable by Broker from any account of Customer, the
placing of such order shall constitute a representation by Customer that it is
impracticable for Customer then to deliver such securities to Broker but that
Customer shall deliver them by the settlement date or as soon as possible
thereafter.

         5.  RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE BANK

         (a) Generally. The Bank shall receive and hold in the Special Custody
Account, as custodian upon the terms of this Agreement, all Collateral
deposited and maintained pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and, except as
provided in sub-paragraph 5(b) below, shall receive and hold all monies and
other property paid, distributed or substituted in respect of such Collateral
or realized on the sale or other disposition of such Collateral; provided,
however, that the Bank shall have no duty to require any money or securities to
be delivered to it or to determine that the amount and form of assets delivered
to it comply with any applicable requirements. Collateral held in the Special
Custody Account shall be released only in accordance with this Agreement or as
required by applicable law. The Customer warrants its authority to deposit in
such account any money, securities and other property received by the Bank. The
Bank may hold the securities in the Special Custody Account in bearer, nominee,
book entry, or other form and in a depository or clearing corporation, with or
without indicating that the securities are held hereunder, provided, however,
that all securities held in the Special Custody Account shall be identified on
the Bank's records as subject to this Agreement and shall be in a form that
permits transfer without additional authorization or consent of the Customer.
The Customer and Broker hereby agree to hold the Bank and its nominees harmless
from any liability as holder of record.

         (b) Dividends and Interest. Any dividends or interest paid with
respect to the Collateral held in the Special Custody Account shall be paid by
the Bank to the Customer when collected unless the Bank has received contrary
Instructions from the Customer.

         (c) Reports. The Bank shall, as promptly as practical, provide Broker
and the Customer with written confirmation of each transfer into and out of the
Special Custody Account. The Bank also shall render to the Broker and the
Customer and/or Customer's designated agent a monthly statement of the
Collateral held in the Special Custody Account. In addition, the Bank will
advise the Broker and the Customer and/or Customer's designated agent,

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
upon request of the Broker or Customer, at any time of the type and amount of
Collateral held in the account; provided, however, that the Bank shall have no
responsibility for making any determination as to the value of such Collateral.

         (d) Limitation of Bank's Liability. The Bank's duties and
responsibilities are as set forth in this Agreement. The Bank shall act only
upon receipt of Advice from Broker regarding release or substitution of
Collateral. The Bank shall not be liable or responsible for anything done, or
omitted to be done by it in good faith and in the absence of negligence and may
rely and shall be protected in acting upon any notice, instruction or other
communication which it reasonably believes to be genuine and authorized. As
between Customer and the Bank, the terms of the Custodian Agreement shall apply
with respect to any losses or liabilities of such parties arising out of
matters covered by this Agreement. As between the Bank and Broker, Broker shall
indemnify and hold the Bank harmless with regard to any losses or liabilities
of the Bank (including counsel fees) imposed on or incurred by the Bank arising
out of any action or omission of the Bank in accordance with any Advice, notice
or instruction of Broker under this Agreement. In matters concerning or
relating to this Agreement, the Bank shall not be responsible for compliance
with any statute or regulation regarding the establishment or maintenance of
margin credit, including but not limited to Regulations T or X of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or with any rules or regulations of
the Office of the Controller of the Currency (or the Securities and Exchange
Commission). The Bank shall not be liable to any party for any acts or
omissions of the other parties to this Agreement.

         (e) Compensation. Bank shall be paid as compensation for its services
pursuant to this Agreement such compensation as may from time to time be agreed
upon in writing between Customer and Bank.

         6.  DEFAULT

         In the event of a default by Customer of its obligations (i) to
maintain adequate Margin as herein provided, (ii) to timely comply with any
obligation on Customer's part to be performed or observed under this Agreement
or in the Customer Agreement, (iii) to pay on demand by Broker any losses
sustained by Broker as may occur under circumstances contemplated in paragraph
3 above; or (iv) in the event of Customer's Insolvency, Broker has the right to
give notice (which notice may be by telegraph, facsimile transmission or hand
delivery) to Customer specifying such default and Broker may, no sooner than
2:00 P.M., New York time on the next business day after giving such notice to
Customer, if Customer continues to be in default or insolvent at the end of
such period, effect a Closing Transaction or buy-in of any securities of which
Customer's account may be short. In the event of a default, specified in
subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii) above, Broker shall also have the right, upon
like notice and grace period, to sell any and all Collateral in the Special
Custody Account and to give Advice to Bank to deliver such Collateral free of
payment to Broker, which Advice shall state that, pursuant to this Agreement,
the condition precedent to Broker's right to receive such Collateral free of
payment has occurred. The Bank will provide prompt telephone notice to Customer
of any receipt by Bank of Advice from Broker to deliver Collateral free of
payment, and shall promptly effect delivery of Collateral to Broker. Such sale
or purchase may be made according to Broker's judgment and may be made at
Broker's discretion, on the principal exchange or other market for such
securities, or in the event such principal market is closed, in a manner
commercially reasonable for such securities.

                                      -5-

<PAGE>   6

         7.  LIMITATION OF BROKER LIABILITY

         Broker shall not be liable for any losses, costs, damages, liabilities
or expenses suffered or incurred by Customer as a result of any transaction
executed hereunder, or any other action taken or not taken by Broker hereunder
for Customer's account at Customer's direction or otherwise, except to the
extent that such loss, cost, damage, liability or expense is the result of
Broker's own recklessness, willful misconduct or bad faith.

         8.  CUSTOMER REPRESENTATION

         Customer represents and warrants that the Collateral will not be
subject to any other liens or encumbrances.

         9.  TERMINATION

         Any of the parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by notice in
writing to the other parties hereto; provided, however, that the status of any
short sales, and of Collateral held at the time of such notice to margin such
short sales shall not be affected by such termination until the release of such
Collateral pursuant to applicable law or regulations or rules of any self
regulatory organization to which the Broker is subject. In the event of the
release of Collateral, the Collateral shall be transferred to Customer.

         10. NOTICE

         Written communications hereunder shall be telegraphed, sent by
facsimile transmission or hand delivered as required herein, when another
method of delivery is not specified, may be mailed first class postage prepaid,
except that written notice of termination shall be sent by certified mail,
addressed:

               (a)    if to Bank, to:

                      State Street Bank and Trust Company
                      1776 Heritage Drive
                      North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171
                      Attention: The MainStay Funds
                      Telephone: 617-985-4515
                      Telecopy: 617-985-4631

               (b)    if to Customer, to:

                      New York Life Insurance Company
                      51 Madison Avenue
                      New York, NY 10100
                      Attention: Tom Smith
                      Telephone No: 212-576-5773
                      Facsimile No: 212-576-8339

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

               (c)    if to Broker, to:

                      Bear, Stearns Securities Corp.
                      245 Park Avenue
                      New York, New York 10167
                      Attention: Michael Minikes, Treasurer
                      Telephone No.: 212-272-2009
                      Facsimile No.: 212-272-3099






         11. CONTROLLING LAW

         The construction and enforcement of this Agreement shall be subject to
and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first
above written.


                                THE MAINSTAY HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND
                                FUND

                                By:
                                          ------------------------------------

                                Title:
                                          ------------------------------------


                                STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                                By:
                                         -------------------------------------

                                Title:
                                         -------------------------------------


                                BEAR, STEARNS SECURITIES CORP.

                                By:
                                         -------------------------------------

                                Title:
                                         -------------------------------------

                                      -7-

<PAGE>   1









                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

                                     Between

                       MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND

                                       and

                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY



<PAGE>   2


                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

       This Contract between the MacKay-Shields Mainstay Series Fund, a business
trust organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, having its principal place of business at 51 Madison Avenue, New
York, New York 10010, hereinafter called the "Fund," and State Street Bank and
Trust Company, a Massachusetts corporation, having its principal place of
business at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, hereinafter
called the "Custodian,"

       WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities
and other assets; and

       WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in six series, (such
series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund and
made subject to this Contract in accordance with paragraph 14, being herein
referred to as the "Fund(s)");

       WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.     Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It

       The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets
pursuant to the provisions of its Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as
amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust"). The Fund agrees to
deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash owned by it, and all payments
of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with
respect to all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of beneficial
interest ("Shares") of the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time. The
Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of the Fund held or received
by the Fund and not delivered to the Custodian.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>   3

       Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Section
2.17), the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians,
but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the Trustees of the Fund, and
provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility or
liability to the Fund on account of any actions or omissions of any
sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to the Custodian.


2.     Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
       Custodian

       2.1. Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically
segregate for the account of the Fund all non-cash property, including all
securities owned by the Fund, other than securities which are maintained
pursuant to Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities
depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury, collectively referred to herein as "Securities System."

       2.2. Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities System
account of the Custodian only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be
continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the
following cases:

            1) upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and
receipt of payment therefor (for the purposes of this subsection, the term
"sale" shall include without limitation the disposition of a portfolio security
(i) upon the exercise of an option written by the Fund and (ii) upon the failure
of the Fund to make a successful bid with respect to a portfolio security, the
continued holding of which is contingent upon the making of such a bid);

            2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4

            3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.12 hereof;

            4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for portfolio securities of the Fund;

            5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;

            6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name
of the Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian or into
the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.11 or into
the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article I;
or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that,
in any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;

            7) To the broker selling the same for examination in accordance with
the "street delivery" custom;

            8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for
conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;

            9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities
or the surrender of interim receipts or

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5

temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that, in any such case,
the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

            10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by
the Fund, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon from
time to time by the Custodian and the Fund, which may be in the form of cash or
obligations issued by the United States government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, except that in connection with any loans for which collateral
is to be credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry system authorized
by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held liable or
responsible for the delivery of securities owned by the Fund prior to the
receipt of such collateral;

            11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only against receipt of
amounts borrowed;

            12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of The
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to
compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any
registered national securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Fund;

            13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any similar
organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Fund;

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6

            14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the holders of
shares in connection with distributions in kind, as may be described from time
to time in the Fund's currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information ("Prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for
repurchase or redemption; and

            15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the
Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities
to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be
made, declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes, and naming the
person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

       2.3. Registration of Securities. Securities held by the Custodian (other
than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund or in the
name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee
shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless the Fund has authorized in
writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other registered
investment companies having the same investment adviser as the Fund, or in the
nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.11 or nominee name of
any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1 which nominee shall in each
case be assigned exclusively to the Fund. All securities accepted by the
Custodian on behalf of the Fund under the terms of this Contract shall be in
"street name" or other good delivery form or shall be returned to the selling
broker or dealer who shall be advised of the reason therefor.

       2.4. Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the name of the Fund, subject only to draft or order by
the Custodian acting

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7

pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account or
accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for
the account of the Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank
account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended. Funds held by the Custodian for the Fund may be
deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the Banking Department of the
Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion
deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust
company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and that each such bank or trust company and the funds
to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall be approved by the
Trustees of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its
capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that
capacity.

       2.5. Payments for Shares. The Custodian shall receive from the
distributor for the Fund's Shares or from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and
deposit into the Fund's account such payments as are received for Shares of the
Fund issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide
timely notification at least once each business day to the Fund and the Transfer
Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of the Fund.

       2.6. Investment and Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement
between the Fund and the Custodian, the Custodian shall make federal funds
available to the Fund on the day following the receipt of the checks by the
Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares of the Fund
which are deposited into the Fund's account.

       2.7. Collection of Income. The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis
all income and other payments with respect to registered securities held
hereunder to which the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8

timely basis all income and other payments with respect to bearer securities if,
on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian
or agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Fund's
custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other income
items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect
interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income due the Fund on
securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the
responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in
connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or
data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery
to the Custodian of the income to which the Fund is properly entitled.

       2.8. Payment of Fund Moneys. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which
may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall pay out moneys of the Fund in the following cases only:

            1) Upon the purchase of securities, futures contracts or options on
futures contracts for the account of the Fund but only (a) against the delivery
of such securities, or evidence of title to futures contracts or options on
futures contracts, to the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust company
doing business in the United States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and has been
designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered, in the
case of registered securities, as provided in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper
form for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a Securities
System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.12 hereof or
(c) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund and the
Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i)

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9

against delivery of the securities either in certificate form or through an
entry crediting the Custodian's account in which it holds securities as
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers at the Federal Reserve Bank with
such securities or (ii) in the case of purchase by the Fund of securities owned
by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") for its own account,
against (A) delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Fund, (B)
earmarking certificates for such securities to show ownership by the Fund or
transfer of such securities from State Street's proprietary account at the
Federal Reserve Bank to its account described in (i) above, unless the
securities are already held in the latter account, (C) the entry on the records
of State Street showing that such securities are held by the Fund, and (D)
delivery of written evidence of the agreement of State Street to repurchase such
securities from the Fund; provided that, upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall transfer to another bank or trust company qualified to act
as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, securities
held in a Securities System and purchased from State Street subject to State
Street's agreement to repurchase such securities;

            2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;

            3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Fund as
set forth in Section 2.10 hereof;

            4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of the Fund:
interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, filing
fees for the registration or qualification of securities and operating expenses
of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized
or treated as deferred expenses;

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10

            5) For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the
governing documents of the Fund;

            6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;

            7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the
Trustees or of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer of the
Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the
amount of such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such payment is to
be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.

       2.9. Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
In any and every case where payment for purchase of securities for the account
of the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities
purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from the Fund to so
pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such
securities to the same extent as if the securities had been received by the
Custodian, except that in the case of repurchase agreements entered into by the
Fund with a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Custodian
may transfer funds to the account of such bank prior to the receipt of written
evidence that the securities subject to such repurchase agreement have been
transferred by book-entry into a segregated non-proprietary account of the
Custodian maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or of the
safe-keeping receipt, provided that such securities have in fact been so
transferred by book-entry.

       2.10. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund. From
such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the limitations of
the Declaration of

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11

Trust and any applicable votes of the Trustees of the Fund pursuant thereto, the
Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make
funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the
Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In
connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the
Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to
wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming
shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the
Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of
Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of Shares,
when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls
as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.

       2.11. Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in
its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions
of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided,
however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of
its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.

       2.12. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Exchange Act, which acts as a securities depository, or in the book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies,
each of which is referred to herein as a "Securities System" in accordance with
applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules
and regulations, if any, and subject to tile following provisions:

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12

            1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in a Securities
System provided that such securities are represented in an account ("Account")
of the Custodian in the Securities System which shall not include any assets of
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers;

            2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by book-entry
those securities belonging to the Fund;

            3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the
account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that
payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of the Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities
System of transfers of securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the
Fund, be maintained for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to the Fund.
Upon request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer
to or from the account of the Fund in the form of a written advice or notice and
shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transactions in the Securities System for the account of the Fund.

            4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by
the Custodian on the Securities System's accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities
System;

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   13

            5) The Custodian shall have received the initial or annual
certificate, as the case may be, required by Article 10 hereof;

            6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund
resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of any negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any of its
or their employees or from failure of the Custodian or any such agent to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have against the Securities System; at the
election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against the Securities System or any other
person which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss or damage
if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or
damage.

       2.13. Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on
behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash
and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by the
Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions
of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures commission
merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance
with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any
registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government securities in
connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Fund or commodity
futures contracts

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   14

or options thereon purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of
compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by Investment Company Act
Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies, and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes,
but only , in the case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper
Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Trustees or of the
Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of
such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.

       2.14. Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall
execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with transfers of
securities.

       2.15. Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the
Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication of the manner in
which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund such
proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such
securities.

       2.16. Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. The Custodian
shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written information (including, without
limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of securities and expirations of
rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by
the Fund) received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   15

held for the Fund. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian
shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written information received by the
Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and
from the party (or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Fund
desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any
other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least one
business day prior to they date on which the Custodian is to take such action.

       2.17. Proper Instructions. Proper Instructions as used throughout this
Contract means a writing signed or initialled by one or more person or persons
as the Trustees shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall
set forth the specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a
specific statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral
instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably
believes them to have been given by a person authorized to give such
instructions with respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all
oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by the Trustees
of the Fund accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the
Trustees, Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly
between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Trustees of
the Fund and the Custodian are satisfied :hat such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Fund's assets.


       2.18. Actions Permitted without Express Authority. The Custodian may in
its discretion, without express authority from the Fund:

            1) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;

            2) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   16

            3) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of the Fund except as otherwise directed by the
Trustees of the Fund.

       2.19. Evidence of Authority. The Custodian shall be protected in acting
upon any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument
or paper believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or
on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of
a vote of the Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority
of any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or
of any action by the Trustees pursuant to the Declaration of Trust as described
in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.

3.     Duties of Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside of
       the United States.

       3.1. Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. In accordance with Section 1,
the Custodian is authorized and instructed to employ as sub-custodians for the
Fund's securities and other assets maintained outside of the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated on
Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, together with a certified resolution of the Trustees of the Fund,
the Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to
time to designate additional foreign institutions and foreign securities
depositories to act as sub-custodians. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from
the Fund, the Custodian shall cease the employment of any one or more of such
sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   17

       3.2. Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and
other assets maintained in the custody of the Foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities," as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Fund's foreign securities transactions.

       3.3. Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be agreed
upon in writing by the Custodian and the fund, assets of the Fund shall be
maintained in foreign securities depositories only through arrangements
implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof.

       3.4. Segregation of Securities. The Custodian shall identify on its books
as belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each
foreign sub-custodian. Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a
foreign banking institution shall require that such institution establish a
custody account for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund and physically segregate
in the account, securities and other assets of the Fund, and, in the event that
such institution deposits the Fund's securities in a foreign securities
depository, that it shall identify on its books as belonging to the Custodian,
as agent for the fund, the securities so deposited (all collectively referred to
as the "Account").

       3.5. Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall provide that: (a) the Fund's assets will not
be subject to any rights, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind
in favor of the foreign banking institutions or its creditors, except a claim of
payment for their safe custody or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for
the Fund's assets will be freely transferable without the payment of money or
value other than for custody or administration; (c) adequate records will be
maintained

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   18

identifying the assets as belonging to the Fund; (d) officers of or auditors
employed by, or other representatives of the Custodian, including to the extent
permitted under applicable law the independent public accountants for the Fund,
will be given access to the books and records of the foreign banking institution
relating to its actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets
of the Fund held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to the
instructions of the Custodian or its agents.

       3.6. Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the
Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of any
foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar as such
books and records relate to the performance of such foreign banking institution
under its agreement with the Custodian.

       3.7. Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from
time to time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities
and other assets of the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
limited to an identification of entities having possession of the Fund's
securities and ether assets and advices or notifications of any transfers of
securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign banking
institution for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund indicating, as to securities
acquired for the Fund, the identity of the entity having physical possession of
such securities.


       3.8. Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by
the parties, the Custodian shall make or cause its foreign sub-custodian to
transfer, exchange or deliver foreign securities owned by the Fund, but except
to the extent explicitly provided herein only in one of the circumstances
specified in Section 2.2.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   19

       (b) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out
or cause its foreign sub-custodians to pay out monies of the Fund, but except to
the extent explicitly provided herein only in one of the circumstances specified
in Section 2.9.

       (c) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of the Fund and
delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund may be effected in
accordance with the customary or established securities trading or securities
processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the
transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering securities to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or
dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving later payment for
such securities from such purchaser or dealer.

       (d) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian may
be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same extent as set
forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract and the Fund agrees to hold any such
nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such securities.

       3.9. Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to
which the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian and
each Account from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim arising out of or in connection with the institution's performance of such
obligations. At the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated
to the rights of the Custodian with respect to arty claims against a foreign
banking institution as a consequence of

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   20

any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim.

       3.10. Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts
or omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth
with respect to sub-custodians generally in Section 1 of this Contract and,
regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking
institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as
contemplated by Section 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for any
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from, or caused by,
the direction of or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody of any
securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not limited
to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions,
or acts of war or terrorism.

       3.11. Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually
to the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be similar in
kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian will promptly inform the
Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the
financial condition of a foreign sub-custodian or is notified by a foreign
banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian that there appears to be
a substantial likelihood that its shareholders' equity will decline below $200
million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders'
equity has declined below $200 million (in each case computed in accordance with
generally accepted U.S. accounting principles ).

       3.12. Branches of U.S. Banks. Except as otherwise set forth in this
Contract, the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Fund
assets maintained in a foreign

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   21

branch of a banking institution which is a "bank" as defined by Section 2(a) (5)
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which meets the qualification
set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The appointment of any such branch as a
sub-custodian shall be governed by Article 1 of this Contract.

4.     Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
       of Net Asset Value and Net Income.

       The custodian shall keep the books of account of the Fund and compute the
net asset value per share of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Custodian
shall also calculate daily the net investment income of the Fund as described in
the Fund's currently effective Prospectus and shall advise the Fund and the
Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net investment income and, if
instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund try do so, shall advise the
Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net investment income among
its various components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and
the daily income of the Fund shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective Prospectus. The Custodian shall
submit to all regulatory and administrative bodies having jurisdiction over the
services provided pursuant to this Contract, present or future, any information,
reports, or other material which any such body by reason of this Contract may
request or require pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. The Custodian
shall not disclose or use any records it has prepared by reason of this Contract
in any manner except as expressly authorized herein or directed by the Fund and
shall keep confidential any information obtained by reason of this Contract.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   22

5.     Records

       The Custodian shall create and maintain all records relating to its
activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2
thereunder, applicable federal and state tax laws and any other law or
administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to the Fund. All such
records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during the
regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by the Fund and
held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian,
include certificate numbers in such tabulations.

6.     Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant

       The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from time
to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection
with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-lA, and Form N-SAR or other reports to
the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other
requirements of such Commission.

7.     Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants

       The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities, futures contracts and options on futures

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   23

contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities
System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Contract;
sucks reports, which shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as
may reasonably be required by the Fund, to provide reasonable assurance that any
material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are
no such inadequacies, shall so state.

8.     Compensation of Custodian

       The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund and the Custodian.

9.     Responsibility of Custodian

       So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties.
The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out
the provisions of this Contract, but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be
without liability to the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good
faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be
without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with
respect to redemptions effected by check shall be in accordance with a separate
agreement, if any, entered into between the Custodian and the Fund.

       If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the reasonable opinion of the

                                      -22-
<PAGE>   24

Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund being
liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the
Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to .take such action, shall
provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to it.

       If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any
purpose, any property at any time held for the account on the Fund shall be
security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund
assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.

10.    Effective Period, Termination and Amendment

       This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue
in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be
amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.12 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Trustees of the Fund have approved the initial use of a
particular Securities System and the receipt of an annual certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Trustees have reviewed the use by
the Fund of such Securities System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; provided further, however, that
the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Declaration of
Trust, and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of its
Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by
giving notice as described above

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   25

to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the event of
the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the
Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a hike event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.

       Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian
such compensation as. may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements. To
the extent that the Custodian maintains records required by Section 31 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules thereunder, that
Custodian agrees that all such records and those records that the Fund and the
Custodian agree from time to time are the records of the Fund, will be
preserved, maintained at the expense of the Fund and made available in
accordance with such Rules and agreement and will be surrendered promptly to the
Fund at its request. Records surrendered hereunder shall be in machine readable
form, except to the extent that the Custodian has maintained such a record only
in paper form.

11.    Successor Custodian

       If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Trustees of the Fund,
the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at
the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all
securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the
successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in a Securities System.

       If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall,
in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Trustees of
the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such securities,
funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.

                                     -24-
<PAGE>   26

       In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Trustees shall have been delivered to the
Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become effective,
then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company,
which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian and all instruments held by the Custodian
relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Contract and to
transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the Fund's securities
held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be
the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.

       In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination, hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of vote referred to or of the
Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains
possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of
this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall
remain in full force and effect.

12.    Interpretive and Additional Provisions

       In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be

                                      -25-
<PAGE>   27

annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No interpretive or additional provisions
made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of
this Contract.

13.    Insurance.

       The Custodian shall at all times maintain insurance coverage deemed
adequate by the Custodian in light of its duties hereunder and its other
obligations and activities.

14.    Additional Funds

       In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series with respect to
which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the
terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian
agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a
Fund hereunder. The Custodian shall not unreasonably withhold approval of such
new series.

15.    Massachusetts Law to Apply

       This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth-of Massachusetts.

16.    Prior Contracts

       This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of the
Fund's assets.

       The name "MacKay-Shields Mainstay Series Fund" is the designation of the
Trustees for the time being under a Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986,
as amended, and all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the trust
property for the enforcement of any claims

                                      -26-
<PAGE>   28

against the Fund as neither the Trustees,, officers, agents nor Shareholders
assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the
Fund.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 24th day of March, 1986.


ATTEST                                  MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND


                                        By
- ---------------------                     ---------------------
     Secretary                                President


ATTEST                                  STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
                                        COMPANY


                                        By
- ---------------------                     ---------------------
 Assistant Secretary                          Vice President


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   29
                                        STATE STREET                  SCHEDULE A
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                         SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>                                      <C>
COUNTRY               SUBCUSTODIAN                              NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES

Argentina             Citibank, N.A.                            --

Australia             Westpac Banking Corporation               --

Austria               Erste Bank der Oesterreichischen
                      Sparkassen AG                             --

Bahrain               British Bank of the Middle East
                      (as delegate of The Hongkong and
                      Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)     --

Bangladesh            Standard Chartered Bank                   --

Belgium               Generale de Banque                        --

Bermuda               The Bank of Bermuda Limited               --

Bolivia               Banco Boliviano Americano S.A.            --

Botswana              Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited         --

Brazil                Citibank, N.A.                            --

Bulgaria              ING Bank N.V.                             --

Canada                Canada Trustco Mortgage Company           --

Chile                 Citibank, N.A.                            --

People's Republic     The Hongkong and Shanghai                 --
of China              Banking Corporation Limited,
                      Shanghai and Shenzhen branches


Colombia              Cititrust Colombia S.A.                   --
                      Sociedad Fiduciaria
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   30



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        STATE STREET                 SCHEDULE A
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                         SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES

COUNTRY             SUBCUSTODIAN                        NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>               <C>                                 <C>
Croatia             Privredna Banka Zagreb d.d.         --

Cyprus              Barclays Bank Plc.                  --
                    Cyprus Offshore Banking Unit

Czech Republic      Ceskoslovenska Obchodni             --
                    Banka, A.S.

Denmark             Den Danske Bank                     --

Ecuador             Citibank, N.A.                      --

Egypt               National Bank of Egypt              --

Estonia             Hansabank                           -

Finland             Merita Bank Limited                 --

France              Banque Paribas                      --

Germany             Dresdner Bank AG                    --

Ghana               Barclays Bank of Ghana Limited      --

Greece              National Bank of Greece S.A.        The Bank of Greece,
                                                        System for Monitoring Transactions in
                                                        Securities in Book-Entry Form

Hong Kong           Standard Chartered Bank             --

Hungary             Citibank Budapest Rt.               --

Iceland             Icebank Ltd.
</TABLE>

                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   31



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        STATE STREET                  SCHEDULE A
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                         SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES

COUNTRY               SUBCUSTODIAN                              NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                  <C>                                      <C>
India                 Deutsche Bank AG                          --

                      The Hongkong and Shanghai
                      Banking Corporation Limited

Indonesia             Standard Chartered Bank                   --

Ireland               Bank of Ireland                           --

Israel                Bank Hapoalim B.M.                        --

Italy                 Banque Paribas                            --

Ivory Coast           Societe Generale de Banques               --
                      en Cote d'Ivoire

Jamaica               Scotiabank Jamaica Trust and Merchant     --

Japan                 The Daiwa Bank, Limited                   Japan Securities Depository
                                                                Center

                      The Fuji Bank, Limited

Jordan                British Bank of the Middle East           --
                      (as delegate of The Hongkong and
                      Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Kenya                 Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited            --

Republic of Korea     The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
                      Corporation Limited

Latvia                JSC Hansabank-Latvija                     --

Lebanon               British Bank of the Middle East
                      (as delegate of The Hongkong and
                      Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

</TABLE>

                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   32


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                         SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES

COUNTRY              SUBCUSTODIAN                              NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                  <C>                                      <C>
Lithuania            Vilniaus Bankas AB                        --

Malaysia             Standard Chartered Bank                   --
                     Malaysia Berhad

Mauritius            The Hongkong and Shanghai                 --
                     Banking Corporation Limited

Mexico               Citibank Mexico, S.A.                     --

Morocco              Banque Commerciale du Maroc               --

Namibia              (via) Standard Bank of South Africa       -

The Netherlands      MeesPierson N.V.                          --

New Zealand          ANZ Banking Group                         --
                     (New Zealand) Limited

Norway               Christiania Bank og                       --
                     Kreditkasse

Oman                 British Bank of the Middle East           --
                     (as delegate of The Hongkong and
                     Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Pakistan             Deutsche Bank AG                          --

Peru                 Citibank, N.A.                            --

Philippines          Standard Chartered Bank

Poland               Citibank (Poland) S.A.                    --
                     Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A.

</TABLE>

                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   33

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         STATE STREET             SCHEDULE A
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                         SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES

COUNTRY                SUBCUSTODIAN                             NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                  <C>                                      <C>
Portugal               Banco Comercial Portugues                --

Romania                ING Bank N.V.                            --

Russia                 Credit Suisse First Boston AO, Moscow    --
                       (as delegate of Credit Suisse
                       First Boston, Zurich)

Singapore              The Development Bank                     --
                       of Singapore Limited

Slovak Republic        Ceskoslovenska Obchodna                  --
                       Banka, A.S.

Slovenia               Banka Creditanstalt d.d.                 --

South Africa           Standard Bank of South Africa Limited    --

Spain                  Banco Santander, S.A.                    --

Sri Lanka              The Hongkong and Shanghai                --
                       Banking Corporation Limited

Swaziland              Standard Bank Swaziland Limited          --

Sweden                 Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken            --

Switzerland            UBS AG                                   --

Taiwan - RO.C.         Central Trust of China                   --

Thailand               Standard Chartered Bank                  --

Trinidad & Tobago      Republic Bank Limited                    --

Tunisia                Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie   --

</TABLE>

                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   34


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        STATE STREET                  SCHEDULE A
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                         SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES

COUNTRY                SUBCUSTODIAN                             NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                  <C>                                      <C>
Turkey                 Citibank, N.A.                           --
                       Ottoman Bank

Ukraine                ING Bank, Ukraine                        --

United Kingdom         State Street Bank and Trust Company,     --
                       London Branch

Uruguay                Citibank, N.A.                           --

Venezuela              Citibank, N.A.                           --

Zambia                 Barclays Bank of Zambia Limited          --

Zimbabwe               Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited        --

Euroclear (The Euroclear System)/State Street London Limited

Cedel, S.A. (Cedel Bank, societe anonyme)/State Street London Limited

INTERSETTLE (for EASDAQ Securities)

</TABLE>


                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>   35



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         STATE STREET                 SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                    COUNTRY                      MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                          <C>
                   Argentina                     Caja de Valores S.A.

                   Australia                     Austraclear Limited

                                                 Reserve Bank Information and
                                                 Transfer System

                   Austria                       Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG
                                                 (Wertpapiersammelbank Division)

                   Belgium                       Caisse Interprofessionnelle de
                                                 Depot et de Virement de Titres
                                                 S.A.

                                                 Banque Nationale de Belgique

                   Brazil                        Companhia Brasileira de Liquidacao e
                                                 Custodia (CBLC)

                                                 Bolsa de Valores de Rio de Janeiro
                                                 All SSB clients presently use CBLC

                                                 Central de Custodia a de Liquidacao Financeira
                                                 de Titulos

                   Bulgaria                      Central Depository AD

                                                 Bulgarian National Bank

                   Canada                        The Canadian Depository
                                                 for Securities Limited

                   People's Republic             Shanghai Securities Central Clearing and
                   of China                      Registration Corporation

                                                 Shenzhen Securities Central Clearing Co., Ltd.

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.


                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>   36



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        STATE STREET                SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                    COUNTRY                      MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                          <C>
                   Croatia                       Ministry of Finance

                                                 National Bank of Croatia

                   Czech Republic                Stredisko cennych papiru

                                                 Czech National Bank

                   Denmark                       Vaerdipapircentralen (the Danish
                                                 Securities Center)

                   Egypt                         Misr Company for Clearing, Settlement,
                                                 and Central Depository

                   Estonia                       Eesti Vaartpaberite Keskdepositoorium

                   Finland                       The Finnish Central Securities
                                                 Depository

                   France                        Societe Interprofessionnelle
                                                 pour la Compensation des
                                                 Valeurs Mobilieres (SICOVAM)

                   Germany                       Deutsche Borse Clearing AG

                   Greece                        The Central Securities Depository
                                                 (Apothetirion Titlon AE)

                   Hong Kong                     The Central Clearing and
                                                 Settlement System

                                                 Central Money Markets Unit

                   Hungary                       The Central Depository and Clearing
                                                 House (Budapest) Ltd. (KELER)
                                                 [Mandatory for Gov't Bonds only;
                                                 SSB does not use for other securities]

                   India                         The National Securities Depository Limited

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.

                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>   37



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        STATE STREET                 SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                    COUNTRY                      MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                          <C>
                   Indonesia                     Bank Indonesia

                   Ireland                       Central Bank of Ireland
                                                 Securities Settlement Office

                   Israel                        The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Clearing
                                                 House Ltd.

                                                 Bank of Israel

                   Italy                         Monte Titoli S.p.A.
                                                 Banca d'Italia

                   Jamaica                       The Jamaican Central Securities Depository

                   Japan                         Bank of Japan Net System

                   Kenya                         Central Bank of Kenya

                   Republic of Korea             Korea Securities Depository Corporation

                   Latvia                        The Latvian Central Depository

                   Lebanon                       The Custodian and Clearing Center of
                                                 Financial Instruments for Lebanon
                                                 and the Middle East (MIDCLEAR) S.A.L.

                                                 The Central Bank of Lebanon

                   Lithuania                     The Central Securities Depository of Lithuania

                   Malaysia                      The Malaysian Central Depository Sdn. Bhd.

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.


                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>   38



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        STATE STREET                 SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                  COUNTRY                     MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>             <C>                          <C>

                 Malaysia. (cont.)            Bank Negara Malaysia,
                                              Scripless Securities Trading and Safekeeping
                                              System

                 Mauritius                    The Central Depository & Settlement
                                              Co. Ltd.

                 Mexico                       S.D. INDEVAL, S.A. de C.V.
                                              (Instituto para el Deposito de
                                              Valores)

                 Morocco                      Maroclear

                 The Netherlands              Nederlands Centraal Instituut voor
                                              Giraal Effectenverkeer B.V. (NECIGEF)

                                              De Nederlandsche Bank N.V.

                 New Zealand                  New Zealand Central Securities
                                              Depository Limited

                 Norway                       Verdipapirsentralen (the Norwegian
                                              Registry of Securities)

                 Oman                         Muscat Securities Market

                 Pakistan                     Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited

                 Peru                         Caja de Valores y Liquidaciones S.A.
                                              (CAVALI)

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.


                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>   39



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         STATE STREET                SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                    COUNTRY                      MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>             <C>                          <C>
                   Philippines                   The Philippines Central Depository, Inc.

                                                 The Registry of Scripless Securities
                                                 (ROSS) of the Bureau of the Treasury

                   Poland                        The National Depository of Securities
                                                 (Krajowy Depozyt Papierow Wartosciowych)

                                                 Central Treasury Bills Registrar

                   Portugal                      Central de Valores Mobiliarios (Central)

                   Romania                       National Securities Clearing, Settlement and
                                                 Depository Co.

                                                 Bucharest Stock Exchange Registry Division

                   Singapore                     The Central Depository (Pte)
                                                 Limited

                                                 Monetary Authority of Singapore

                   Slovak Republic               Stredisko Cennych Papierov

                                                 National Bank of Slovakia

                   Slovenia                      Klirinsko Depotna Druzba d.d.

                   South Africa                  The Central Depository Limited

                   Spain                         Servicio de Compensacion y
                                                 Liquidacion de Valores, S.A.

                                                 Banco de Espana,
                                                 Central de Anotaciones en Cuenta

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.



                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>   40



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         STATE STREET                SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                    COUNTRY                      MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>             <C>                          <C>
                   Sri Lanka                     Central Depository System
                                                 (Pvt) Limited

                   Sweden                        Vardepapperscentralen AB
                                                 (the Swedish Central Securities Depository)

                   Switzerland                   Schweizerische Effekten - Giro AG

                   Taiwan - R.O.C.               The Taiwan Securities Central
                                                 Depository Co., Ltd.

                   Thailand                      Thailand Securities Depository
                                                 Company Limited

                   Tunisia                       Societe Tunisienne Interprofessionelle de
                                                 Compensation et de Depot de
                                                 Valeurs Mobilieres

                                                 Central Bank of Tunisia

                                                 Tunisian Treasury

                   Turkey                        Takas ve Saklama Bankasi A.S.
                                                 (TAKASBANK)

                                                 Central Bank of Turkey

                   Ukraine                       The National Bank of Ukraine

                   United Kingdom                The Bank of England,
                                                 The Central Gilts Offce and
                                                 The Central Moneymarkets Offce

                   Uruguay                       Central Bank of Uruguay

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory 6 as a matter of market practice.


                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>   41



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         STATE STREET                SCHEDULE B
                                    GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                                    MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES

                    COUNTRY                      MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>             <C>                          <C>
                   Venezuela                     Central Bank of Venezuela

                   Zambia                        Lusaka Central Depository Limited

                                                 Bank of Zambia

</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a matter
of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.


                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>   42


                                   SCHEDULE C

                               MARKET INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PUBLICATION/TYPE OF INFORMATION            BRIEF DESCRIPTION
- -------------------------------            -----------------
(FREQUENCY)
<S>                                       <C>
The Guide to Custody in World Markets      An overview of safekeeping and settlement practices and procedures in each market
(annually)                                 in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers custodial services.


Global Custody Network Review              Information relating to the operating history and structure of depositories and
(annually)                                 subcustodians located in the markets in which State Street Bank and Trust Company
                                           offers custodial services, including transnational depositories.

Global Legal Surve                         With respect to each market in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers
(annually)                                 custodial services, opinions relating to whether local law restricts (i) access of a
                                           fund's independent public accountants to books and records of a Foreign Sub-Custodian
                                           or Foreign Securities System, (ii) the Fund's ability to recover in the event of
                                           bankruptcy or insolvency of a Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System, (iii)
                                           the Fund's ability to recover in the event of a loss by a Foreign Sub-Custodian or
                                           Foreign Securities System, and (iv) the ability of a foreign investor to convert cash
                                           and cash equivalents to U.S. dollars.

Subcustodian Agreements                    Copies of the subcustodian contracts State Street Bank and Trust Company has entered
(annually)                                 into with each subcustodian in the markets in which State Street Bank and Trust
                                           Company offers subcustody services to its US mutual fund clients.

Network Bulletins (weekly):                Developments of interest to investors in the markets in which State Street Bank and
                                           Trust Company offers custodial services.


Foreign Custody Advisories (as             With respect to markets in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers custodial
necessary):                                services which exhibit special custody risks, developments which may impact State
                                           Street's ability to deliver expected levels of service.
</TABLE>

                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>   43

                                   SCHEDULE D

MainStay Capital Appreciation Fund
MainStay Convertible Fund
MainStay GovernmentFund
MainStay High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
MainStay Money Market Fund
MainStay Tax Free Bond Fund
MainStay Total Return Fund
MainStay Value Fund

                                     - 26 -

<PAGE>   1

                         AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

            This Amendment to the Custodian Contract is made as of June 23, 1998
by and between The Mainstay Funds (the "Fund") and State Street Bank and Trust
Company (the "Custodian"). Capitalized terms used in this Amendment without
definition shall have the respective meanings given to such terms in the
Custodian Contract referred to below.

            WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian entered into a Custodian
Contract dated as of March 24, 1986 (as amended and in effect from time to time,
the or this "Contract"); and

            WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets, and the Fund has made each of its current series
listed on Schedule D hereto, which Schedule D may be amended from time to time,
subject to the Contract (each such series, together with all other series
subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to the Contract in
accordance with the terms thereof, a "Portfolio", and, collectively, the
"Portfolios"); and

            WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian desire to amend certain
provisions of the Contract to reflect revisions to Rule 17f-5 ("Rule 17f-5")
promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"); and

            WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian desire to amend and restate
certain other provisions of the Contract relating to the custody of assets of
each of the Portfolios held outside of the United States.

            NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereby agree to
amend the Contract, pursuant to the terms thereof, as follows:

I.          Article 3 of the Contract is hereby deleted, and Articles 4 through
            16 of the Contract are hereby renumbered, as of the effective date
            of this Amendment, as Articles 5 through 17, respectively.

II.         The amendment to the Contract dated May 12, 1989 with respect to
            maintenance of Fund securities in the custody of State Street London
            Limited is hereby deleted.

III.        New Articles 3 and 4 of the Contract are hereby added, as of the
            effective date of this Amendment, as set forth below.

3. THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

3.1. DEFINITIONS.

Capitalized terms in this Article 3 shall have the following meanings:

"Country Risk" means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of
holding Foreign Assets in a particular country including, but not limited to,
such country's political environment; economic and financial infrastructure
(including any Mandatory Securities Depositories



<PAGE>   2
operating in the country); prevailing or developing custody and settlement
practices; and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery
of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country.

"Eligible Foreign Custodian" has the meaning set forth in section (a)(1) of Rule
17f-5, including a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as
defined in Rule 17f-5), a bank holding company meeting the requirements of an
Eligible Foreign Custodian (as set forth in Rule 17f-5 or by other appropriate
action of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")), or a foreign
branch of a Bank (as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act) meeting the
requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act, except that the
term does not include Mandatory Securities Depositories.

"Foreign Assets" means any of the Portfolios' investments (including foreign
currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such
cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolios'
transactions in such investments.

"Foreign Custody Manager" has the meaning set forth in section (a)(2) of Rule
17f-5.

"Mandatory Securities Depository" means a foreign securities depository or
clearing agency that, either as a legal or practical matter, must be used if the
Fund determines to place Foreign Assets in a country outside the United States
(i) because required by law or regulation; (ii) because securities cannot be
withdrawn from such foreign securities depository or clearing agency; or (iii)
because maintaining or effecting trades in securities outside the foreign
securities depository or clearing agency is not consistent with prevailing or
developing custodial or market practices.

3.2. DELEGATION TO THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

The Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board of Trustees (the "Board"), or by
any other methodology permitted by applicable law and the Fund's Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust and Bylaws, hereby delegates to the Custodian,
subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5, the responsibilities set forth in this
Article 3 with respect to Foreign Assets held outside the United States, and the
Custodian hereby accepts such delegation, as Foreign Custody Manager of each
Portfolio.

3.3. COUNTRIES COVERED.

The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated
responsibilities defined below only with respect to the countries and custody
arrangements for each such country listed on Schedule A to this Contract, which
list of countries may be amended from time to time by the Fund with the
agreement of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager shall list
on Schedule A the Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Foreign Custody
Manager to maintain the assets of each Portfolio, which list of Eligible Foreign
Custodians may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the
Foreign Custody Manager. Mandatory Securities Depositories are listed on
Schedule B to this Contract, which Schedule B may be amended front time to time
by the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager will provide amended
versions of Schedules A and B in accordance with Section 3.7 of this Article 3.

                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   3


Upon the receipt by the Foreign Custody Manager of Proper Instructions to open
an account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in a country listed on
Schedule A, and the fulfillment by the Fund of the applicable account opening
requirements for such country, the Foreign Custody Manager shall be deemed to
have been delegated by the Board responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager with
respect to that country and to have accepted such delegation. Execution of this
Amendment by the Fund shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction to open an
account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in each country listed on
Schedule A in which the Custodian has previously placed or currently maintains
Foreign Assets pursuant to the terms of the Contract. Following the receipt of
Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the account
of a Portfolio with the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign
Custody Manager in a designated country, the delegation by the Board to the
Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager for that country shall be deemed to have
been withdrawn and the Custodian shall immediately cease to be the Foreign
Custody Manager of the Portfolio with respect to that country.

The Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of delegated
responsibilities with respect to a designated country upon written notice to the
Fund. Thirty days (or such longer period as to which the parties agree in
writing) after receipt of any such notice by the Fund, the Custodian shall have
no further responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager to a Portfolio with respect
to the country as to which the Custodian's acceptance of delegation is
withdrawn.

3.4. SCOPE OF DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITIES.

     3.4.1. SELECTION OF ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS.

Subject to the provisions of this Article 3, the Foreign Custody Manager may
place and maintain the Foreign Assets in the care of the Eligible Foreign
Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each country listed on
Schedule A, as amended from time to time.

In performing its delegated responsibilities as Foreign Custody Manager to place
or maintain Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Foreign
Custody Manager shall determine that the Foreign Assets will be subject to
reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country
in which the Foreign Assets will be held by that Eligible Foreign Custodian,
after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets,
including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1).

     3.4.2. CONTRACTS WITH ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS.

The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the contract (or the rules or
established practices or procedures in the case of an Eligible Foreign Custodian
that is a foreign securities depository or clearing agency) governing the
foreign custody arrangements with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by
the Foreign Custody Manager will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).

     3.4.3. MONITORING.

In each case in which the Foreign Custody Manager maintains Foreign Assets with
an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager, the
Foreign Custody Manager shall


                                     - 3 -

<PAGE>   4


establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the
Foreign Assets with such Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the contract
governing the custody arrangements established by the Foreign Custody Manager
with the Eligible Foreign Custodian (or the rules or established practices and
procedures in the case of an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign
Custody Manager which is a foreign securities depository or clearing agency
that is not a Mandatory Securities Depository). In the event the Foreign
Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible
Foreign Custodian it has selected are no longer appropriate, the Foreign
Custody Manager shall notify the Board in accordance with Section 3.7
hereunder.

3.5. GUIDELINES FOR THE EXERCISE OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY.

The Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, and the Custodian each expressly
acknowledge that the Foreign Custody Manager shall not be delegated any
responsibilities under this Article 3 with respect to Mandatory Securities
Depositories and the Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, expressly acknowledges
that the Foreign Custody Manager shall not consider any Country Risk in its
determinations and monitoring obligations hereunder and any selection of any
Eligible Foreign Custodian hereunder.

3.6. STANDARD OF CARE AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANNER OF A PORTFOLIO.

In performing the responsibilities delegated to it, the Foreign Custody Manager
agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person
having responsibility for the safekeeping of assets of management investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act would exercise.

3.7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

The Foreign Custody Manager shall report the withdrawal of the Foreign Assets
from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of such Foreign Assets with
another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Board amended Schedules A
or B at the end of the calendar quarter in which an amendment to either Schedule
has occurred. The Foreign Custody Manager shall make written reports notifying
the Board of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of
the Portfolios described in this Article 3 after the occurrence of the material
change.

3.8. REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO RULE 17f-5.

The Foreign Custody Manager represents to the Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as
defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5.

The Fund represents to the Custodian that the Board has determined that it is
reasonable for the Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the
responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Contract to the Custodian as the
Foreign Custody Manager of each Portfolio.


                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   5


3.9. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION OF THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

The Board's delegation to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of a
Portfolio shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall remain in effect
until terminated at any time, without penalty, by written notice from the
terminating party to the non-terminating party. Termination will become
effective thirty days after receipt by the non-terminating party of such notice.
The provisions of Section 3.3 hereof shall govern the delegation to and
termination of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Fund with respect
to designated countries.

4.   DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIOS HELD
     OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

4.1. DEFINITIONS.

Capitalized terms in this Article 4 shall have the following meanings:

"Foreign Securities System" means either a clearing agency or a securities
depository listed on Schedule A hereto or a Mandatory Securities Depository
listed on Schedule B hereto.

"Foreign Sub-Custodian" means a foreign banking institution serving as an
Eligible Foreign Custodian.

4.2. HOLDING SECURITIES.

The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the
foreign securities held by each Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities
System. The Custodian may hold foreign securities for all of its customers,
including the Portfolios, with any Foreign Sub-Custodian in an account that is
identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers,
provided however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to foreign
securities of the Portfolios which are maintained in such account shall identify
those securities as belonging to the Portfolios and (ii), to the extent
permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the
Custodian shall require that securities so held by the Foreign Sub-Custodian be
held separately front any assets of such Foreign Sub-Custodian or of other
customers of such Foreign Sub-Custodian.

4.3. FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEMS.

Foreign securities shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in a
designated country only through arrangements implemented by the Foreign
Sub-Custodian in such country pursuant to the terms of this Contract.

4.4. TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY ACCOUNT.

     4.4.1.  DELIVERY OF FOREIGN ASSETS.

The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall release and deliver foreign
securities of a Portfolio held by such Foreign Sub-Custodian, or in a Foreign
Securities System account, only


                                     - 5 -

<PAGE>   6


upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

(i)                     upon the sale of such foreign securities for the
                        Portfolio in accordance with commercially reasonable
                        market practice in the country where such Foreign Assets
                        are held or traded, including, without limitation: (A)
                        delivery against expectation of receiving later payment;
                        or (B) in the case of a sale effected through a Foreign
                        Securities System, in accordance with the rules
                        governing the operation of the Foreign Securities
                        System;

(ii)                    in connection with any repurchase agreement related to
                        foreign securities;

(iii)                   to the depository agent in connection with tender or
                        other similar offers for foreign securities of the
                        Portfolio;

(iv)                    to the issuer thereof or its agent when such foreign
                        securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise
                        become payable;

(v)                     to the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into
                        the name of the Custodian (or the name of the respective
                        Foreign Sub-Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian
                        or such Foreign Sub-Custodian) or for exchange for a
                        different number of bonds, certificates or other
                        evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or
                        number of units;

(vi)                    to brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for
                        examination or trade execution in accordance with market
                        custom; provided that in any such case the Foreign
                        Sub-Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability
                        for any loss arising from the delivery of such
                        securities prior to receiving payment for such
                        securities except as may arise from the Foreign
                        Sub-Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct;

(vii)                   for exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of
                        merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization
                        or readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such
                        securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
                        contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit
                        agreement;

(viii)                  in the case of warrants, rights or similar foreign
                        securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of
                        such warrants, rights or similar securities or the
                        surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities
                        for definitive securities;

(ix)                    for delivery as security in connection with any
                        borrowing by the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by
                        the Portfolio;

(x)                     in connection with trading in options and futures
                        contracts, including delivery as original margin and
                        variation margin;

(xi)                    in connection with the lending of foreign securities;
                        and


                                     - 6 -

<PAGE>   7


(xii)                   for any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of,
                        in addition to Proper Instructions, a copy of a
                        resolution of the Board or of an Executive Committee of
                        the Board so authorized by the Board, signed by an
                        officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an
                        Assistant Secretary that the resolution was duly adopted
                        and is in full force and effect (a "Certified
                        Resolution"), specifying the Foreign Assets to be
                        delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such
                        delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
                        proper trust purpose, and naming the person or persons
                        to whom delivery of such Foreign Assets shall be made.

     4.4.2. PAYMENT OF PORTFOLIO MONIES.

Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out, or direct the
respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to
pay out, monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

(i)                     upon the purchase of foreign securities for the
                        Portfolio, unless otherwise directed by Proper
                        Instructions, by (A) delivering money to the seller
                        thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such
                        seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later
                        delivery of such foreign securities; or (B) in the case
                        of a purchase effected through a Foreign Securities
                        System, in accordance with the rules governing the
                        operation of such Foreign Securities System;

(ii)                    in connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender
                        of foreign securities of the Portfolio;

(iii)                   for the payment of any expense or liability of the
                        Portfolio including but not limited to the following
                        payments: interest, taxes, investment advisory fees,
                        transfer agency fees, fees under this Contract, legal
                        fees, accounting fees, and other operating expenses;

(iv)                    for the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign
                        exchange contracts for the Portfolio, including
                        transactions executed with or through the Custodian or
                        its Foreign Sub-Custodians;

(v)                     in connection with trading in options and futures
                        contracts, including delivery as original margin and
                        variation margin;

(vi)                    in connection with the payment of dividends received
                        from securities sold short;

(vii)                   in connection with the borrowing or lending of foreign
                        securities; and

(viii)                  for any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of,
                        in addition to Proper Instructions, a Certified
                        Resolution specifying the amount of such payment,
                        setting forth the purpose for which such payment is to
                        be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper trust
                        purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such
                        payment is to be made.



                                     - 7 -

<PAGE>   8


     4.4.3. MARKET CONDITIONS; MARKET INFORMATION.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary, settlement and
payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of a Portfolio and delivery
of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of a Portfolio may be effected in
accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing
practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction
occurs, including, without limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or
dealer) with the expectation of receiving later payment for such Foreign Assets
from such purchaser or dealer.

The Custodian shall provide to the Board the information with respect to custody
and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs a Foreign
Sub-Custodian, including without limitation information relating to Foreign
Securities Systems, described on Schedule C hereto at the time or times set
forth on such Schedule. The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to time,
provided that no such revision shall result in the Board being provided with
substantively less information than had been previously provided hereunder.

4.5. REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN SECURITIES.

The foreign securities maintained in the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund (on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio) or in the name of the Custodian or in the
name of any Foreign Sub-Custodian or in the name of any nominee of the
foregoing, and the Fund agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any
liability as a holder of record of such foreign securities. The Custodian or a
Foreign Sub-Custodian shall not be obligated to accept securities on behalf of
the Fund (on behalf of the applicable Portfolio) under the terms of this
Contract unless the form of such securities and the manner in which they are
delivered are in accordance with reasonable market practice.

4.6. BANK ACCOUNTS.

The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to a Portfolio cash
(including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian.
Where the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not
facilitate the maintenance of, cash on the books of the Custodian, a bank
account or bank accounts opened and maintained outside the United States on
behalf of a Portfolio with a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall be subject only to
draft or order by the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian, acting pursuant
to the terms of this Contract to hold cash received by or from or for the
account of the Portfolio.

4.7. COLLECTION OF INCOME.

The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and
other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which a
Portfolio shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to the
Portfolio. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such
income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to
the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures.


                                     - 8 -

<PAGE>   9

4.8. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.

With respect to the foreign securities held under this Article 4, the Custodian
will use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and
other shareholder rights, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical
constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued. The
Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous
procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of
severely limiting the ability of the Fund to exercise shareholder rights.

4.9. COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN SECURITIES.

The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund written information
(including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of foreign
securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith) received by the
Custodian via the Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities
being held for the account of a Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange
offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund written information so
received by the Custodian from issuers of the foreign securities whose tender or
exchange is sought or from the party (or its agents) making the tender or
exchange offer. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of
any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with foreign
securities or other property of the Portfolio at any time held by it unless (i)
the Custodian or the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian is in actual possession of
such foreign securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper
Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or power, and both
(i) and (ii) occur at least three business days prior to the date on which the
Custodian is to take action to exercise such right or power.

4.10. LIABILITY OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS AND FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEMS.

Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian
shall, to the extent possible, require the Foreign Sub-Custodian to exercise
reasonable care in the performance of its duties and, to the extent possible, to
indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian from and against any loss, damage,
cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in connection with such
Foreign Sub-Custodian's performance of such obligations. At the election of the
Fund, the Fund shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian
with respect to any claims against a Foreign Sub-Custodian as a consequence of
any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that the Fund and any applicable Portfolio has not been made whole for any such
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.

4.11. TAX LAW.

The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now
or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the Portfolios
by the tax law of the United States or of any state or political subdivision
thereof. It shall be the responsibility of the Fund to notify the Custodian of
the obligations imposed on the Fund with respect to the Portfolios or the
Custodian as custodian of such Portfolios by the tax law of countries other than
those mentioned in the above sentence, including responsibility for withholding
and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and
governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to
such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist the Fund


                                     - 9 -

<PAGE>   10


with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law of
countries for which the Fund has provided such information.

4.12. LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN.

The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a Foreign
Sub-Custodian to the same extent as set forth with respect to sub-custodians
generally in the Contract and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in
the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian or a Foreign Securities Depository, the
Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or
acts of war or terrorism, or any other loss where the Sub-Custodian has
otherwise acted with reasonable care.

IV.         Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the terms and
            provisions of the Contract shall continue to apply with full force
            and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the
            Contract prior to this Amendment and this Amendment, the terms of
            this Amendment shall prevail. If the Custodian is delegated the
            responsibilities of Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to the terms of
            Article 3 hereof, in the event of any conflict between the
            provisions of Articles 3 and 4 hereof, the provisions of Article 3
            shall prevail.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative as of
the date first above written.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITNESSED BY                    STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
<S>                            <C>

- ----------------------
Marc L. Parsons                 By:
Associate Counsel                  ----------------------------------
                                Name:       Ronald E. Logue
                                Title:      Executive Vice President


WITNESSED BY                    STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

- ----------------------
Name:                           By:
Title:                             ----------------------------------
                                Name:
                                Title:
</TABLE>

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   11

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

WITNESSED BY                    THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

- -----------------------
Name:                           By:
Title:                             ----------------------------------
                                Name:
                                Title:
</TABLE>




                                     - 11 -

<PAGE>   1

                         AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


            Agreement made by and between State Street Bank and Trust Company
(the "Custodian") and the Mainstay Funds (formerly MacKay-Shields Mainstay
Series Fund) (the "Fund").

            WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a custodian
contract dated March 24, 1986 as amended June 30, 1988, October 25, 1988, May
12, 1989 and April 27, 1992 (the "Custodian Contract") governing the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the securities and
other assets of the Fund; and

            WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund desire to amend the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains the Fund's securities and other
non-cash property in the custody of certain foreign sub-custodians in conformity
with the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended;

            NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants
contained herein, the Custodian and the Fund hereby amend the Custodian Contract
by the addition of the following terms and provisions;

1. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary set forth in the Custodian
Contract, the Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash property for all
of its customers, including the Fund, with a foreign sub-custodian in a single
account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its
customers, provided however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect
to securities and other non-cash property of the Fund which are maintained in
such account shall identify by book-entry those securities and other non-cash
property belonging to the Fund and (ii) the Custodian shall require that
securities and other non-cash property so held by the foreign sub-custodian be
held separately from any assets of the foreign sub-custodian or of others.

2. Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the terms and
provisions of the Custodian Contract shall continue to apply with full force and
effect.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument
to be executed as a sealed instrument in its name and behalf by its duly
authorized representative this 27th day of January, 1997.

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                              By: /s/ Walter W. Ubl
                                 ----------------------------
                              Title: President
                                    -------------------------

                           STATE STREET BANK AND ST COMPANY

                             By:
                                 ----------------------------
                             Title:  Executive Vice President
                                   --------------------------



<PAGE>   1

                         AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


                  AGREEMENT made by and between State Street Bank and Trust
Company (the "Custodian") and MacKay-Shields Mainstay Series Fund (the "Fund").

                  WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a Custodian
Contract dated March 24, 1986 (the "Custodian Contract") governing the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the securities and
other assets of the Fund; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Custodian
Contract to provide for the maintenance of certain of the Fund's foreign
securities and other assets in the custody of State Street London Limited (the
"Trust Company"), a company incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom
with the power to act as a trustee and as a custodian of securities;

                  NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants
contained herein, the Custodian and the Fund hereby amend the terms of the
Custodian Contract and agree to the following terms and conditions:

                  1. The Fund hereby authorizes and instructs the Custodian to
employ the services of the Trust Company, as the sub-custodian in the United
Kingdom, to hold securities and other assets of the Fund, subject to the terms
of the Custodian Contract, as heretofore amended, and to the terms and
conditions hereof.

                  2. The securities to be held by the Trust Company shall be
limited to "foreign securities" as defined by paragraph (c) (1) of Rule 17f-5
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").

                  3. Cash held for the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be
maintained in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the
Custodian's London Branch, which account shall be subject to the direction of
the Custodian, the Trust Company, or both.

<PAGE>   2
                  4. The Custodian represents that it has obtained an order from
the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Section 6(c) of the 1940
Act, exempting the Custodian and the Fund from the provisions of Section 17(f)
of said Act, to the extent necessary to permit the securities and other assets
of the Fund to be maintained in the custody of the Trust Company.

                  5. In delegating custody duties and obligations to the Trust
Company as permitted hereunder, the Custodian agrees that it shall not be
relieved of any responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation
to the Trust Company, except such loss as may result from: (a) political risk
(including, but not limited to, exchange control restrictions, confiscation,
expropriation, nationalization, insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities)
or (b) other risk of loss (excluding bankruptcy or insolvency of the Trust
Company not caused by a political risk) for which neither the Custodian nor the
Trust Company would be liable (including, but not limited to, losses due to Acts
of God, nuclear incident and other losses under circumstances where the
Custodian and the Trust Company have exercised reasonable care).

                  6. Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the
terms and conditions of the Custodian Contract, as heretofore amended, shall
continue to apply with full force and effect.


                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   3



                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this
instrument to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized
representative and its seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 12th day of May ,
1989.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                               <C>
ATTEST                             MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND


                                   By:
- -------------------                   ---------------------------------
Thomas Elwood                            (Title)
Assistant Secretary                Brian Kawakami
                                   Secretary

ATTEST                             STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

By:                                By:
- -------------------                   ---------------------------------
Assistant Secretary                           Vice President
</TABLE>



                                     - 3 -


<PAGE>   1
                        AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

       AGREEMENT made this 30th day of June, 1988 by and between STATE STREET
BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (the "Custodian") and MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND
(the "Fund").

       WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a Custodian Contract
dated March 24, 1986 (the "Custodian Contract") which governs the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the securities and
other assets of the Fund;

       WHEREAS, the Fund desires to engage in the trading of Time Deposits in
connection with its investment activity;

       NOW THEREFORE, the Custodian and Fund hereby amend the terms of the
Custodian Contract and mutually agree to the following provisions.

       1.     Add to Section 2.8, the following:

              "or (d) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any
       bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to
       receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank
       pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined in Section 2.17"

       2.     Insert at the beginning of Section 2.9 the following phrase:
              "Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Agreement,"



<PAGE>   2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by a duly authorized representative as of
the aforementioned day and year.


ATTEST                            MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND

                                  By:
- --------------------------           ----------------------------------------
    Assistant Secretary                President and Chief Executive Officer

ATTEST                            STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                                  By:
- ---------------------------          ----------------------------------------
    Assistant Secretary                          Vice President



                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   1


                                   AMENDMENT

       The Custodian Contract dated March 24, 1986 between The MainStay Funds
(the "Fund") and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") is hereby
amended as follows:

       I.   Section 2.1 is amended to read as follows:

       "Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of the Fund all non-cash property, including all securities
owned by the Fund, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to
Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a
book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury,
collectively referred to herein as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper
of an issuer for which State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and
paying agent ("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12.A."

       II.  Section 2.2 is amended to read, in relevant part as follows:

       "Deliverer of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities System
account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book entry system
account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by
the parties, and only in the following cases:

                  1)                . . . .
                  .

                  .

                  .

                  15)               . . . ."
<PAGE>   2

       III.    Section 2.8(1) is amended to read in relevant part as follows:

       "Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may
       be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
       Custodian shall pay out moneys of the Fund in the following cases only:

                1)            Upon the purchase of securities, options, futures
                              contracts or options on futures contracts for the
                              account of the Fund but only (a) against the
                              delivery of such securities or evidence of title
                              to such options, futures contracts or options on
                              futures contracts, to the Custodian (or any bank,
                              banking firm or trust company doing business in
                              the United States or abroad which is qualified
                              under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
                              amended, to act as a custodian and has been
                              designated by the Custodian as its agent for this
                              purpose) registered in the name of the Fund or in
                              the name of a nominee of the Custodian referred to
                              in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for
                              transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected
                              through a Securities System, in accordance with
                              the conditions set forth in Section 2.12 hereof or
                              (c) in the case of a purchase involving the Direct
                              Paper System, in accordance with the conditions
                              set forth in Section 2.12A; or (d) in the case of
                              repurchase agreements entered into between the
                              Fund and the Custodian, or another bank, or a
                              broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i)
                              against delivery of the securities either in
                              certificate form or through an entry crediting the
                              Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank
                              with such securities or (ii) against delivery of
                              the receipt evidencing purchase by the Fund of
                              securities owned by the Custodian along with


                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   3

                              written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian
                              to repurchase such securities from the Fund or (e)
                              for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund
                              in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such
                              transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a
                              confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable
                              bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund
                              as defined in Section 2.17;"

        IV.    Following Section 2.12, there is inserted a new Section 2.12.A to
read as follows:

2.12.A "Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian
may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in the Direct Paper
System of the Custodian subject to the following
provisions:

        1)      No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
                System will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions;

        2)      The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct
                Paper System only if such securities are represented in an
                account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper System
                which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other than
                assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
                customers;

        3)      The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
                Fund which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
                identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;

        4)      The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
                account of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records
                of the Custodian to


                                     - 3 -

<PAGE>   4


                reflect such payment and transfer of securities to the account
                of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for
                the account of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the
                records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt
                of payment for the account of the Fund;

        5)      The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each
                transfer to or from the account of the Fund, in the form of a
                written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next business
                day following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund
                copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
                transaction in the Securities System for the account of the
                Fund;

        6)      The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report on its
                system of internal accounting control as the Fund may
                reasonably request from time to time."

   V.   Section 10 is hereby amended to read as follows:

   "Effective Period, Termination and Amendment

   This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid
to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30)
days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the
Custodian shall not act under Section 2.12 hereof in the absence of receipt of
an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the
Trustees of the Fund have approved the initial use of a particular Securities
System and the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or

                                     - 4 -

<PAGE>   5


an Assistant Secretary that the Trustees have reviewed the use by the Fund of
such Securities System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian shall not act
under Section 2.12.A hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate
of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Trustees have approved the
initial use of the Direct Paper System and the receipt of an annual certificate
of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Trustees have reviewed the
use by the Fund of the Direct Paper System; provided further, however, that the
Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of
its Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by
giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately
terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a conservator or
receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the
happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency
or court of competent jurisdiction.

                                     - 5 -



<PAGE>   1


                                AMENDMENT TO THE
                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

     AGREEMENT made this 25th day of October, 1988 by and between STATE STREET
BANK AND TRUST COMPANY ("Custodian") and MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND
(the "Fund").

                                WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a Custodian Contract
dated March 24, 1986 (as amended to date, the "Contract") which governs the
terms and conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the
securities and other assets of the Fund:

     NOW THEREFORE, the Custodian and the Fund hereby amend the terms of the
Custodian Contract and mutually agree to the following: Replace subsection 7)
of Section 2.2 Delivery of Securities with the following new subsection 7):

         7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Fund, to
         the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination
         in accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided that is any such
         case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
         loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving
         payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's
         own negligence or willful misconduct;

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by a duly authorized officer as of the
day and year first above written.

ATTEST                         MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND



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

ATTEST                         STATE STREET AND TRUST COMPANY



- -------------------            ------------------------------
Assistant Secretary            Vice President


<PAGE>   1

                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                             Custodian Fee Schedule

                       MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Administration

   Custody, Portfolio and Fund Accounting Service -- Maintain custody of fund
   assets. Settle portfolio purchases and sales. Report buy and sell fails.
   Determine and collect portfolio income. Made cash disbursements and report
   cash transactions. Maintain investment ledgers, provide selected portfolio
   transactions, position and income reports. Maintain general ledger and
   capital stock accounts. Prepare daily trail balance. Calculate net asset
   value daily. Provide selected general ledger reports. Securities yield or
   market value quotations will be provided to State Street by the fund.

   The administration fee shown below is an annual charge, billed and payable
   monthly, based on average monthly net assets.

                            ANNUAL FEES PER PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Fund Net Assets                                  Custody, Portfolio & Fund Acct.
- -----------------                                -------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
First $20 Million                                 1/12 of 1%
Next $80 Million                                  1/20 of 1%
Excess                                            1/50 of 1%

Minimum Monthly Charges                               $3,000
</TABLE>

II. Global Custody -- Services provided include:
    Cash Movements, Foreign Communications, Foreign Exchange (local currency
    settlements).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fund Net Assets                                  Annual Fees
- ---------------                                  -----------
<S>                                              <C>
First $50 Million                                18 Basis Points
Next $50 Million                                 15 Basis Points
Over $100 Million                                12 Basis Points

Minimum Per Client                               $5,000.00 Annually
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   2
III.   Portfolio Trades - For each line item processed

       State Street Bank Repos                                          $7.00

       DTC or Fed Book Entry                                           $12.00

       New York Physical Settlements                                   $25.00


IV.    Options

       Option charge for each option written or closing contract,
       per issue, per broker                                           $25.00

       Option expiration charge, per issue, per broker                 $15.00

       Option exercised charge, per issue, per broker                  $15.00

V.     Interest Rate Futures

       Transactions -- no security movement                             $8.00

VI.    Holdings Charge

       For each issue maintained -- monthly charge                      $5.00

VII.   Principal Reduction Payments

       Per paydown                                                     $10.00

VIII.  Dividend Charges (For items held at the Request of

       Traders over record date in street form)                        $50.00

IX.    Automated Pricing (per portfolio)

        Base Fee per month                                            $500.00

        Quote Charges

                 Equities                                                6.00
                 Bonds                                                  11.00
                 Options/Futures                                         6.00
                 Municipal Bonds                                        16.00



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3


X.     Out-of-Pocket Expenses

       A billing for the recovery of applicable out-of-pocket expenses will
       be made as of the end of each month.















       MacKay-Shields Capital Appreciation Fund
       MacKay-Shields Value Fund
       MacKay-Shields Convertible Fund
       MacKay-Shields Global Fund
       MacKay-Shields High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
       MacKay-Shields Government Plus Fund
       MacKay-Shields Tax Free Bond Fund
       MacKay-Shields Money Market Fund







                                             STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO.


By:                                          By
       ---------------------------------           ---------------------------

Title:  CFO                                  Title:  Vice President

Date:                                        Date:
       ---------------------------------           ---------------------------





                                      -3-


<PAGE>   1
                               GUARANTY AGREEMENT


          GUARANTY AGREEMENT made as of the 10th day of December 1990 between
NYLIFE Inc., a New York corporation, and the Guaranteed Equity Index Fund (the
"Fund"), a separate series of MacKay-Shields MainStay Series Fund, a
Massachusetts business trust, for the exclusive benefit of the shareholders of
the Fund.

          All defined terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them
in the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed under the Securities Act
of 1940, and Investment Company Act of 1940, which Registration Statement is
hereby incorporated by reference herein.

          1. On the fifth business day following a Guarantee Date NYLIFE shall
pay to the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent, for the exclusive
benefit of those Fund shareholders holding Guaranteed Shares to which such
Guarantee Date relates, money equal to the difference between the Guaranteed
Amount of such Guaranteed Shares and the net asset value of all such shares on
that date. The Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent will forward to
each shareholder holding such Guaranteed Shares his or her pro rata portion of
any moneys paid by NYLIFE.

          2. This Guaranty Agreement applies only with respect to Guaranteed
Shares, as described in the Prospectus. If the Fund should be required to pay a
dividend or distribution in cash to all shareholders prior to the Guarantee
Date, the amount of such distribution will reduce the Guaranteed Amount
applicable to each Guaranteed Share in the amount of the dividend paid.

          3. In the event NYLIFE is required to make payment under this Guaranty
Agreement, such payment will be made without recourse to New York Life Insurance
Company, any of its affiliated companies, or its employees, officers, directors
or agents.

          4. NYLIFE shall be obligated to make payments under this Guaranty
agreement five business days after a Guarantee Date and only with respect to
those Guaranteed Shares as to which the Guarantee Date applies.
<PAGE>   2

          5. The Fund has no interest in, and specifically disclaims any
interest in, the proceeds payable under the Guarantee, which are payable solely
to the shareholders holding Guaranteed Shares. Such shareholders are the sole
beneficiaries of this Agreement, and the designation of such shareholders as the
sole named beneficiaries of the Guarantee may not be changed by the Fund or such
shareholders. The Guarantee is neither transferable nor assignable by the Fund
or by such shareholders, nor may the Fund or such shareholders cancel the
Guarantee or waive any rights thereunder. The Guarantee cannot be surrendered by
either the Fund or its shareholders for cash, except in the event that payment
is made pursuant to paragraph 1. Neither the Fund nor its shareholders may use
the Guarantee as a pledge for a loan, nor may the Fund or its shareholders
obtain any loan from NYLIFE with respect to amounts that may be payable pursuant
to the Guarantee.

          6. This Guaranty Agreement will terminate (a) on the Guarantee Date,
if no amounts are payable pursuant to paragraph 1, or (b) if any amounts are
payable pursuant to paragraph 1, upon payment by NYLIFE of any amounts due
hereunder to the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent for distribution
to the Fund's shareholders.

          7. This Guaranty Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York..

          8. The Declaration of Trust of MacKay-Shields MainStay Series Fund
disclaims the personal liability of its shareholders, officers or Trustees and
any person seeking enforcement of this Agreement against the Fund must look
solely to the property and other assets of the Fund.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Guaranty Agreement has been executed for and
on behalf of the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.

                                             GUARANTEED EQUITY INDEX FUND,
                                             a series of
NYLIFE, INC.                                 MACKAY-SHIELDS MAINSTAY SERIES FUND


By:                                          By:
   -------------------------------                ----------------------------
   Anne F. Pollack                                Richard Hansen
   Title:  Vice President                         President

                                      -2-



<PAGE>   3
NEW YORK LIFE SECURITIES CORP.
51 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY  10010

                                 April 18, 1986


MacKay-Shields MainStay Series Fund
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY  10010

Dear Sirs:

Please be advised that the shares of beneficial interest, one cent ($.01) par
value, of the various series or Funds of MacKay-Shields MainStay Series Fund
(the "Trust") which we purchased from you on April 18, 1986 in the following
amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   No. of      Price Per        Aggregate
Fund                                               Shares        Share        Purchase Price
- ----                                               ------      ---------      --------------

<S>                                               <C>          <C>             <C>
MacKay-Shields Capital Appreciation
     Fund                                           1,600        $10.00           16,000

MacKay-Shields Value Fund                           1,600        $10.00           16,000

MacKay-Shields Convertible Fund                     1,600        $10.00           16,000


MacKay-Shields High Yield Corporate
     Bond Fund                                      1,800        $10.00           18,000

MacKay-Shields Government Plus
     Fund                                           1,800        $10.00           18,000

MacKay-Shields Money Market Fund                   16,000        $ 1.00           16,000
</TABLE>

were purchased for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof,
and that at the time of the purchase we did not, and we do not now, have any
present intention to redeem such shares.

                                       NEW YORK LIFE SECURITIES CORP.


                                       By:
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                Senior Vice President




<PAGE>   1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of The
MainStay Funds (the "Registration Statement") our report dated April 7, 2000,
relating to the financial statements of NYLIFE LLC and subsidiaries, which
appears in such Registration Statement, and to the incorporation by reference
of our report into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of our reports dated
February 22, 2000, relating to the financial statements and financial
highlights which appear in the December 31, 1999 Annual Reports to Shareholders
of The MainStay Funds, which are also incorporated by reference into the
Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the
headings "Financial Highlights" and "Independent Accountants" in such
Registration Statement.


/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
April 26, 2000

<PAGE>   1
                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
                                 CODE OF ETHICS

                           Adopted as of July 27, 1998

                             Pursuant to Rule 17j-1

               Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended

I.     Introduction and Application

       The MainStay Funds (the "Funds") recognize the importance of high ethical
standards in the conduct of its business and require that this Code of Ethics
(the "Code") be observed by each Access Person (defined below in Section III(A))
except as set forth immediately below. This Code is intended to apply to the
Funds, officers and trustees and other Access Persons who are employees of any
affiliate of the Funds, including its investment advisers. This Code does not
apply to investment advisers that are not affiliates of New York Life Insurance
Company. An unaffiliated investment adviser that enters into a sub-advisory
agreement to provide investment management services to a Fund will be expected
to have adopted and to comply with its own code of ethics. All recipients of the
Code are directed to read it carefully, retain it for future reference and abide
by the rules and policies set forth herein. Any questions concerning the
applicability or interpretation of such rules and policies, and compliance
therewith, should be directed to the Secretary of the Funds.

       Each Access Person is under a duty to exercise his or her authority and
responsibility for the benefit of the Funds and their shareholders, to place the
interests of the shareholders first and to refrain from having outside interests
conflicting with the interests of the Funds and their shareholders. Each such
person must avoid any circumstances which might adversely affect or appear to
affect his or her duty of complete loyalty to the Funds and their shareholders
in the discharge of his or her responsibilities, including the protection of
confidential information and corporate integrity. Each Access Person must
abstain from participation (or any other involvement) in "insider trading" in
contravention of any applicable law or regulation. The reputation of the Funds
and their affiliates for trustworthy financial services is a valuable asset
which all Access Persons are expected to preserve and protect.

       All personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with
the Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of
interest or any abuse of an individual's position of trust and responsibility.
All persons must abide by the fundamental standard that the Funds' personnel
should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

       While compliance with the provisions of the Code is anticipated, Access
Persons should be aware that in response to any violations, the Funds will take
whatever action is deemed appropriate under the circumstances including, but not
necessarily limited to, dismissal of such Access Person. Technical compliance
with the Code's procedures will not automatically insulate from scrutiny trades
which show a pattern of abuse of an individual's fiduciary duties to the Funds.
<PAGE>   2

II.    Purpose

       This Code has been adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Funds in
accordance with Rule 17j-1(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"). Rule 17j-1 (a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A)
generally prohibits fraudulent or manipulative practices with respect to
purchases or sales of securities held or to be acquired by investment companies,
if effected by persons associated with such companies. The purpose of this Code
is to provide regulations and procedures consistent with the Act, Rule 17j-1 and
recommendations contained in the May 9, 1994 Report of the Advisory Group on
Personal Investing of the Investment Company Institute. The basic tenets of Rule
17j-1:

       A. It is unlawful for any Access Person or principal underwriter for the
Funds, or any affiliated person of an investment adviser of or principal
underwriter for the Funds in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or
indirectly, by such person of a security held or to be acquired by the Funds:

          1. To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Funds;

          2. To make to the Funds any untrue statement of a material fact or to
omit to state to the Funds a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading;

          3. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which
operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any of the Funds; or

          4. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Funds.

III.   Definitions

       A. "Access Person" means:

          1. any Trustee or officer of the Funds;

          2. any employee of an affiliate of the Funds or its Investment
Advisers, who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes,
participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a
security by the Funds, or whose functions relate to the making of any
recommendations with respect to any purchase or sale of a security by the Funds;
and

          3. any other natural person, if any, who has the power to exercise a
controlling influence over the management or policies of the Funds or of an
Investment Adviser, unless such power is solely the result of his or her
position with the Funds, and who obtains information concerning recommendations
made to the Funds with regard to the purchase or sale of a security.

       B. "Beneficial Ownership" means ownership of securities or securities
accounts by or for the benefit of a person, or such person's "family member,"
including any account in which the employee, or family member of that person
holds a direct or indirect beneficial interest,

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

retains discretionary investment authority or exercises a power of attorney. The
term "family member" means any person's spouse, child or other relative, whether
related by blood, marriage or otherwise, who either resides with, or is
financially dependent upon, or whose investments are controlled by that person.
The term also includes any unrelated individual whose investments are controlled
and whose financial support is materially contributed to by the person, such as
a "significant other."

       C. "Compliance Officer" shall mean the person appointed by the Funds,
Board of Trustees to administer the Code and shall include other persons such
as, for example, Investment Adviser personnel, designated by the Compliance
Officer to administer the Code.

       D. "Independent Trustee" means a Trustee of the Funds who is not an
"interested person" of the Funds within the meaning of Section 2(a) (19) of the
1940 Act. The Secretary of the Funds will inform each trustee whether he or she
is an Independent Trustee.

       E. "Investment Adviser" means an entity listed in the Funds' current
prospectus that provides advice to the Funds with respect to the purchase and
sale of securities.

       F. "Investment Personnel" means any person who in connection with his or
her regular functions or duties makes, participates in or recommends the
purchase or sale of a security for the Funds.

       G. "Portfolio Manager" means a person entrusted with the direct
responsibility and authority to make investment decisions affecting the Funds.

IV.    Compliance Procedures

       A. Conflicts of Interest

          1. Each Access Person has the duty to disclose to the Funds and, if
such person is an officer, director or employee of an Investment Adviser, to the
Investment Adviser any interest whatsoever that he or she may have in any firm,
corporation, or business unit with which he or she is called upon to deal as a
part of his or her assigned duties with the Funds or an Investment Adviser or
any other activity that the Access Person reasonably believes presents a
potential conflict of interest. This disclosure should be timely so that the
Funds may take such action concerning the conflict as deemed appropriate by the
Secretary or the Compliance Officer.

          2. Investment Personnel may not accept gifts, other than de minims
gifts, from persons doing business with or on behalf of the Funds.

          3. Investment Personnel may not serve on the board of directors of a
publicly traded company or any business organized for profit other than New York
Life Insurance Company or an affiliated company unless prior authorization is
obtained from the Compliance Officer. Such authorization will be based on a
determination that the business of such corporation does not conflict with the
interest of the Funds and that service would be consistent with the best
interests of the Funds and their shareholders and is not prohibited by law. If
such service is authorized, procedures must be in place to isolate investment
personnel serving as directors of outside entities from those making investment
decisions on behalf of the Funds.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

       B. Preclearance of Personal Securities Transactions

          1. An Access Person must obtain prior approval from the Compliance
Officer before purchasing or selling, directly or indirectly, any security in
any account over which the Access Person exercises Beneficial Ownership.

          2. An Independent Trustee, or a non-Independent Trustee who is not an
officer of the Funds, New York Life Insurance Company or any of its affiliates,
need only obtain prior approval from the Compliance Officer before purchasing or
selling a security in any account over which the Independent Trustee exercises
Beneficial Ownership if he or she has actual knowledge at the time of the
purchase or sale that such security is being considered for purchase or sale by
the Funds or is being purchased or sold by the Funds. A security is "being
considered for purchase or sale" when a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security has been made and communicated to an Access Person or, with respect to
the person making the recommendation, when such person considers making such a
recommendation.

          3. Access Persons are not required to preclear the following
transactions:

               a. Purchases or sales of securities effected in any account which
is managed on a discretionary basis by a person other than such Access Person
and with respect to which such Access Person does not in fact influence or
control such transactions;

               b. Purchases which are part, of an automatic dividend or
distribution reinvestment plan;

               c. Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an
issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such
rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired; or

               d. Purchases or sales of shares of registered open-end investment
companies (commonly referred to as "mutual funds"): or

               e. (Purchases or sales of unit investment trusts "________")
which hold securities in vro-portion to an index..

       C. Other Rules Relating to Personal Securities Transactions

          1. Investment Personnel may not participate in any initial public
offering of securities in any account over which they exercise Beneficial
ownership except with the express written prior approval of the Secretary of the
Funds.

          2. Investment Personnel who have obtained prior approval and made an
investment in a private placement must disclose that investment to the
Compliance Officer, and, as applicable, to other relevant Investment Personnel
or any officer of the Funds if they play a part in any subsequent consideration
of an investment by the Funds in that issuer and such Investment Personnel
continues to hold such investment. Under such circumstances, the Funds, decision
to purchase securities of the private placement issuer should be subject to
independent review by Investment Personnel with no investment in the issuer.
                                       4
<PAGE>   5

          3. No Access Person may execute a securities transaction in any
account over which he or she exercises Beneficial ownership on a day when the
Funds have a pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security until such
order is executed or withdrawn. If the Access Person is an employee of an
Investment Adviser, this restriction shall apply only to those securities being
bought or sold by a Fund managed by that Investment Adviser. However, if the
Access Person has actual knowledge of securities being bought or sold by a Fund
managed by a different Investment Adviser, the Access Person shall be subject to
this restriction with respect to such securities. An Independent Trustee is
subject to this section (3) only if he or she has actual knowledge that the
Funds have a pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security.

          4. No Portfolio Manager may execute a personal securities transaction
within fewer than seven calendar days before and after any Fund which he or she
manages trades in that security.

          5. Investment Personnel may not profit from the purchase and sale or
sale and purchase of the same (or equivalent) securities within 60 calendar
days.

          6. Any profits realized from transactions prohibited by this Code,
including, among other things, any profits realized from a personal securities
transaction executed during the periods proscribed in (3), (4) or (5)
immediately set forth above, must be disgorged to the Funds.

V.     Reporting and Monitoring

       A. Each Access Person shall submit to the Compliance Officer a report on
the form attached as Exhibit B or a similar form provided by the Compliance
Officer covering the matters included in the form. The report must list
transactions in any security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of
such transaction acquires or disposes of, any Beneficial ownership in the
security.

          Reports shall be delivered to the Compliance Officer not
          later than 10 days after the end of the calendar quarter
          in which a transaction to which the report relates was
          effected. The Compliance Officer shall maintain such
          reports and such other records as are required by Rule
          17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

       B. An Independent Trustee of the Funds need only report a transaction if
such Trustee, at the time of that transaction, knew or, in the ordinary course
of fulfilling his official duties as a Trustee of the Funds, should have known
that, during the 15-day period immediately preceding or following the date of
the transaction by such Trustee, such security is or was purchased or sold by
the Funds.

       C. Each Access Person must direct his or her broker to provide to the
Compliance Officer copies of confirmations of all personal securities
transactions (including transactions in accounts in which the Access Person has
beneficial ownership) on a timely basis and to provide copies of all periodic
statements for all securities accounts over which the Access Person exercises
Beneficial Ownership.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

       D. The Compliance officer shall monitor personal trading activity of all
Access Persons pursuant to procedures established under this Code.

       E. All Investment Personnel shall be required to disclose all securities
subject to their Beneficial Ownership upon hire or upon the assumption of duties
which fall within the definition of Investment Personnel and on an annual basis
thereafter on the form attached as Exhibit C or on a similar form provided by
the Compliance Officer covering the matters included on the form.

       F. All reports furnished pursuant to this Section will be maintained on a
confidential basis and will be reasonably secured to prevent access to such
records by unauthorized personnel.

       G. Each Access Person shall complete an annual certification in the form
attached as Exhibit D (or as revised from time to time) that he or she has
received, read and understood the Code and that he or she is subject to and has
complied with each of the Code's provisions applicable to such person.

       H. The Compliance Officer shall prepare an annual report for the Board of
Trustees which, at a minimum summarizes the existing procedures concerning
personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the year;
identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action during the past
year; and identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or
procedures.

VI.    Exceptions

          The Compliance Officer, in consultation with internal legal counsel
for the Funds and the Local Compliance Officer, if applicable, may grant written
exceptions to provisions of the Code in circumstances which present special
hardship. The exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals
with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all
transactions. Exceptions shall be structured to be as narrow as is reasonably
practicable with appropriate safeguards designed to prevent abuse of the
exception. Any exception which is granted shall be reported to the Board of
Trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Trustees.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7


                                    EXHIBIT B

          QUARTERLY SECURITIES TRANSACTION REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED

This report is submitted by                                        (print name).

               I certify that the transactions listed below are the only
transactions effected in securities of which I had Beneficial Ownership as
defined in Section of the Code of Ethics during the quarter ended

<TABLE>
<S>             <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>
  DATE OF        TYPE OF
TRANSACTION                 TRANSACTION    TITLE OF       NO. OF      PRINCIPAL        BROKER/
                             SECURITY       SHARES        AMOUNT        PRICE           DEALER
</TABLE>


P = PURCHASE  S = SALE  E = EXERCISE OF OPTION

                                    Signature


                                       7
<PAGE>   8


                                    EXHIBIT C

        ANNUAL SECURITIES HOLDING REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

      This report is submitted by                 (print name).
                                 -----------------------------------------------

      I certify that the Securities listed below are the only securities of
which I had beneficial ownership as of the year ended December 31,

  TITLE/TYPE OF SECURITY           NO. OF SHARES               PRINCIPAL AMOUNT


                                    Signature


                                       8
<PAGE>   9


                                    EXHIBIT D

                             Annual Certification of
                      Compliance with the Code of Ethics of
                               The MainStay Funds

______________________________________________hereby certify that I have
received The MainStay Code of Ethics Adopted as of 199. Pursuant to Rule 17j-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (the "Code") and that I have
read and understood the Code. I further certify that I am subject to the Code
and have complied with each of the Code's provisions to which I am subject.

                                 Name:          Position:

December 31, 199__


                                       9
<PAGE>   10


                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
                          PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTRATION
                                       OF
                               THE CODE OF ETHICS

                                  JULY 27, 1998

I.     STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

       The purpose of these Procedures is to provide a mechanism for the
administration of The Code of Ethics dated July 27, 1998 (the "Code") of The
MainStay Funds (the "Fund"). A copy of the Code is attached to these Procedures.

II.    GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

- -      A compliance officer for the Funds (the "Fund Compliance Officer") will
       be appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Funds, Chairperson of the
       Board may appoint a replacement for the Fund Compliance Officer in the
       event that it becomes necessary to do so. The appointment of the new Fund
       Compliance Officer will be presented to the Board of Trustees for its
       ratification at the Board meeting next following such appointment.
- -      The Fund Compliance officer is responsible for administering the Code and
       recommending any modifications of these Procedures to ensure compliance
       with the provisions of the Code.
- -      If the Fund Compliance Officer determines that an element or elements of
       these Procedures fail to meet the objectives of the Code, the Fund
       Compliance Officer may modify the Procedures, after consultation with and
       approval by the Funds, Counsel. Any such modification will be presented
       to the Board of Trustees for its ratification at the Board meeting next
       following the modifications.

III.   COMPLIANCE OFFICERS

       A.   General Standards

- -           The Fund Compliance Officer may appoint an officer of a Funds,
            investment adviser to act as local Compliance Officer for that
            investment adviser (the "Local Compliance Officer"). The Fund
            Compliance
- -           Officer may, without prior approval, replace an existing Local
            Compliance Officer as conditions may warrant.
- -           Each Local Compliance officer will be responsible, subject to the
            limitations set forth below, for administering the Code within his
            or her organization.
            B. Appointments

       The current list of appointments of Fund Compliance officer and Local
Compliance Officers are set forth in Schedule 1 attached hereto.

IV.    PRECLEARANCE PROCEDURES

       A.   General Standards
                                       10
<PAGE>   11

            1. All Access Persons under the Code must obtain, pursuant to the
preclearance procedures set forth below, approval from the Fund Compliance
Officer (or his or her designees) or, as applicable, the Local Compliance
Officer prior to engaging in any proposed securities transaction, except for
certain transactions set forth below. Each Access Person will request
preclearance using the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Fund Compliance
Officer or Local Compliance Officer, as the case may be, may accept and process
an Access Person's request for preclearance verbally, provided that the Fund or
Local Compliance Officer completes the required preclearance form on behalf of
the Access Person at the time the request is made.

            2. It will be the responsibility of the Fund Compliance Officer, or
his or her designees, to preclear securities transactions for associated persons
of NYLIFE Distributors and for certain of the Funds' officers and Trustees who
are Access Persons of the Funds. To the extent necessary, the Fund Compliance
Officer may request the Local Compliance Officer of an investment adviser to
supply information about a security that the Access Person is requesting to buy
or sell. Each Local Compliance Officer will promptly supply this information, by
means of a facsimile transmission if requested to do so, using the form attached
hereto as Exhibit D.

            3. It will be the responsibility of the Local Compliance officers to
preclear securities transactions for employees of their respective investment
adviser who are Access Persons of the Funds.

            4. The Fund Compliance officer will maintain a current list of
Access Persons; each Local Compliance officer will provide the Fund Compliance
Officer with his or her organization's Access Person list and will promptly
notify the Fund Compliance Officer of any changes to that list.

      B.    Preclearance Contact Persons

- -           The principal contact persons for preclearance of trades are set
            forth in Schedule 2 attached hereto.
- -           The principal contact persons for information requested by the Fund
            Compliance Officer under Section IV.A.2. of these Procedures are set
            forth in Schedule 3 attached hereto.
            C. Steps for Preclearing a Securities Transaction
- -           Upon receipt of a request to preclear a securities transaction, the
            Fund Compliance Officer or Local Compliance Officer, as applicable,
            will follow the steps listed below, in the order presented, when
            determining whether to approve or deny the request.
                1. Determine whether any of the exceptions to the requirement to
preclear securities transactions listed below are available. The following types
of securities or transactions are not subject to the preclearance requirements:

                   a. Transactions over which the Access Person has no control
or influence.

                   b. Automatic dividend reinvestments.

                   Exercise of rights.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12


                      Transactions of open-end investment companies. NOTE:
                      Transactions of closed-end investment companies must be
                      precleared.

                      Transactions of unit investment trusts "UITS" which hold
                      securities in proportion to an index.

                      If the preclearance request involves one of the items
                      listed immediately above, the transaction may be approved
                      without further inquiry.

          2. Determine whether the transaction involves one of the following
types of securities or transactions:

             a. U.S. Government securities.

             b. Commercial paper.

             c. Exchange-traded futures contracts.

             d. If the preclearance request involves one of the items listed
immediately above, the transaction may be approved without further inquiry.

          3. Determine whether the transaction involves the purchase of a
security which is part of an initial public offering covered by Section IV. (C)
(1) of the Code.

             a. If the preclearance request is not made by Investment Personnel
(as that term is defined in the Code), the transaction may be approved without
further inquiry.

             b. If the preclearance request is made by Investment Personnel, the
transaction may not be precleared unless it is approved by the Secretary of the
Funds.

          4. Determine whether the transaction involves one of the provisions
set forth in Section IV.(C)(3)-(5) of the Code.

             If the transaction does not involve one of these provisions of the
             Code, the transaction may be approved without further inquiry.

          5. Determine whether the transaction involves:

             a. - 1000 shares or less in the aggregate, if the issuer has market
capitalization (outstanding shares multiplied by the current market price per
share) greater than /\ $5 billion; or

             b. 500 shares or less in the acrcTrecTate or, less than .001% of
the issuer's market capitalization, if the issuer has market capitalization
(outstanding shares multiplied by the current market price __) __ share)less
than $5 billion; or

             c. investment grade debt instruments less than $100,000.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

                If the preclearance request involves one of the items listed
                immediately above, the transaction may be approved without
                further inquiry.

          6. If the transaction is not covered by paragraphs 1 through 5 above,
the Fund or Local Compliance Officer will determine whether to approve or deny
the preclearance request.

       D. Private Placement Transactions

          Pursuant to the Code, Investment Personnel who have obtained
          preclearance to purchase and who continue to own a private placement
          must advise the Fund or Local Compliance Officer if they play a part
          in any subsequent consideration of an investment by any Fund in that
          issuer. The Fund's purchase of that private placement must be subject
          to independent review by Investment Personnel with no investment in
          the issuer.

V.     NON-COMPLIANT TRANSACTIONS

       A. Exception Report

          1. In the event that the Fund Compliance Officer or Local Compliance
Officer discovers any transaction not in compliance with the Code or these
Procedures, the Fund or Local Compliance Officer, as the case may be, will
prepare, on the day the Fund or Local Compliance Officer becomes aware of the
non-compliant transaction, an exception report identifying the non-compliant
transaction(s). The report will specify:

- -         The nature of the non-compliant transaction(s) or trade(s) (i.e., the
          provision of the Code or these Procedures involved).
- -         The name and type of each security involved.
- -         The name of the Fund(s), investment adviser(s), and Access Person(s)
          involved.
- -         The relevant dates (i.e., buy or trade date, settlement date, or sale
          date).
- -         Any gain or loss at the time the report is prepared.
                     An exception report prepared by the Local Compliance
                     Officer must be sent by facsimile transmission to the Fund
                     Compliance Officer on the same day the report is completed
                     by the Local Compliance Officer.

          B. Remedying Non-Compliant Transactions or Trades

- -         The Fund or Local Compliance Officer will follow the procedures listed
          below in the event an Access Person is found to have engaged in a
          non-compliant transaction.
                 1. ______________ of Profits

                 Any profits realized from a non-compliant transaction must be
                 disgorged to the portfolio involved. If an Access Person
                 profits from transactions in a security held by more than one
                 portfolio of the Funds, the profit will be allocated among the
                 portfolios proportionately.

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

- -         Any profit realized by an Access Person resulting from a failure to
          preclear the purchase and sale of a particular security on the same
          day will be disgorged to the Funds (e.g., XYZ security is purchased on
          April 1 and sold on April 1).
- -         Any profit realized by an Access Person resulting from a failure to
          preclear the purchase and sale of a particular security that does not
          occur on the same day will not be disgorged to the Funds (e.g., XYZ
          security is purchased on April 1 and sold on April 30).

                 If a Fund buys or sells the same security on the same day that
                 an Access Person (other than a Portfolio Manager, as defined in
                 the Code) bought or sold the security, without having obtained
                 preclearance approval, and the Access Person obtains a better
                 price than the Fund, the Access Person will promptly pay any
                 difference to the Fund, regardless of whether the transaction
                 was precleared.

                 A Portfolio Manager, pursuant to Section IV.(C)(4) of the Code,
                 may not execute a personal securities transaction within fewer
                 than seven calendar days before and after any Fund which he or
                 she manages trades in that security.

                         a.  Sanctions

- -         The Fund Compliance Officer generally will make the final
          determination of what sanctions will be imposed on an Access Person
          who engages in a non-compliant transaction.
- -         Local Compliance Officers will recommend sanctions to the Fund
          Compliance Officer with respect to employees of their respective
          investment adviser who are Access Persons and who engage in a
          non-compliant transaction. Before imposing any sanction on an Access
          Person, the Local Compliance Officer must obtain the written
          concurrence of the Fund Compliance Officer. If the Fund Compliance
          officer disagrees with the Local Compliance Officer's proposed
          sanction, the Chairperson of the Funds will determine the sanction to
          be imposed upon the Access Person. The Chairperson may consult with
          the Funds, Counsel in making this determination.
                         b. Hardship Exceptions

- -         In the event that circumstances exist under which compliance with
          certain provisions of the Code would present special hardship, the
          Compliance Officer, in consultation with internal legal counsel for
          the Funds and the Local Compliance Officer, if applicable, may grant
          written exceptions to the provisions of the Code. The exceptions may
          be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to
          particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions.
          Exceptions shall be structured to be as narrow as is reasonably
          practicable with appropriate safeguards designed to prevent abuse of
          the exception. Any exception which is granted shall be reported to the
          Board of Trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the
          Trustees.
VI.       QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL BOARD REPORTS

          A.  Quarterly Reports

- -         The Fund Compliance Officer, based, in part, on Compliance Officers,
          will prepare for the Board of Trustees a quarterly report on
          compliance with the Code. The period covered by the report will be the
          Funds' most recent calendar quarter ended for which

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

          complete information is available to the Fund Compliance Officer, but
          in no event will the report cover a calendar period that is more than
          two calendar quarters immediately preceding the next Board meeting
          (the "Reporting Period").
- -         If any non-compliant transaction occurred during the Reporting Period,
          the report will include for each violation:
- -         The nature of the non-compliant transaction(s) or trade(s) (i.e., the
          provision of the Code or these Procedures involved).
- -         The name and type of each security involved.
- -         The name of the Fund(s), investment adviser(s) and Access Person(s)
          involved.
- -         The relevant dates (i.e., buy or trade date, settlement date, or sale
          date).
                    Any gain or loss involved.

                    The current status of the non-compliant transaction or
                    trade.

                    If the matter has been resolved, the resolution of the
                    matter (i.e., any monetary penalties and/or sanctions
                    imposed on the Access Person).

- -         Local Compliance Officers will prepare this report for use by the Fund
          Compliance Officer in preparing his or her report to the Board. The
          Local Compliance Officer will provide this information to the Fund
          Compliance Officer within 15 days of the end of the Reporting Period
          for each Access Person who is an employee, officer, or director of the
          Local Compliance Officer's investment adviser and who has engaged in a
          non-compliant transaction.

                    If any exception to the pre-clearance and trade prohibition
                    provisions of the Code has been granted during the Reporting
                    Period, the report will include for each exception:

                            whether the exception was granted to an individual
                            or class of individuals the transactions covered by
                            the exception the date on which the exception was
                            granted any safeguards imposed to prevent abuse of
                            the exception

          B. Annual Reports

- -         As required by Section V.(H) of the Code, the Fund Compliance Officer
          will prepare a report containing the information called for under
          Section V.(H). This annual report will be presented at the Funds,
          April Board meeting each year.
VII.      REPORTING BY ACCESS PERSONS AND OTHERS

- -         It will be the responsibility of the Fund Compliance Officer or the
          Local Compliance Officer, as applicable, to request that each Access
          Person submit to the Fund Compliance Officer or Local Compliance
          Officer, as applicable, the quarterly report required in Section V.(A)
          of the Code. As soon as practicable after April 24, 1995, the Fund
          Compliance Officer and the Local Compliance Officer will obtain, for
          each existing Access Person over whom they have preclearance
          responsibility, the information required

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

          in the quarterly report referenced in Section V.(A). In addition, this
          same information will be obtained, as soon as practicable, for
          newly-hired Access Persons.
- -         It will be the responsibility of the Fund Compliance Officer or the
          Local Compliance Officer, as applicable, to request that each Access
          Person direct his or her broker to provide the Fund Compliance Officer
          or Local Compliance Officer, as applicable, the information required
          in Section V.(C) of the Code.
- -         It will be the responsibility of the Fund Compliance Officer or the
          Local Compliance Officer, as applicable, to request that all
          Investment Personnel submit to the Fund Compliance Officer or Local
          Compliance Officer, as applicable, the information required in Section
          V.(E) of the Code.
- -         It will be the responsibility of the Fund Compliance Officer or Local
          Compliance Officer, as applicable, to request that each Access Person
          supply the annual certification form required in Section V.(G) of the
          Code.
- -         Copies of the information set forth immediately above obtained by a
          Local Compliance Officer will be copied and delivered to the Fund
          compliance Officer as soon as possible after receipt by the Local
          Compliance Officer.
- -         The reference to "principal amount," as that term is used in the
          Code's Quarterly Securities Transaction Report and the Annual
          Securities Holding Report, means the purchase or sales price and the
          market value, respectively.

VIII.     RECORDKEEPING

- -         The Fund Compliance Officer and the Local Compliance Officer must
          maintain all records (including information provided on Exhibits A
          and/or B attached to these Procedures) relating to compliance with the
          Code, such as exception reports, other internal memoranda relating to
          non-compliant transactions and preclearance records, for a period of
          seven years.
- -         Upon request by the Fund Compliance Officer, a Local Compliance
          Officer will provide the Fund Compliance Officer access to the Local
          Compliance Officer's Code records.
IX.       GIFTS

             Pursuant to Section IV.(A)(2) of the Code, Investment Personnel may
not accept gifts, other than de minimis gifts, from persons doing business with
or on behalf of the Funds. Specific procedures regarding accepting or giving
gifts may have been adopted by New York Life Insurance Company or by one of its
subsidiaries that also may apply to an Access Person. In any event, gifts valued
in excess of $100 may not be accepted by Investment Personnel from persons doing
business with or on behalf of the Funds.

                                       16





<PAGE>   17


                                   SCHEDULE 1



             The current list of appointments of Fund Compliance Officer (as
appointed by the Board of Trustees) and local Compliance officer (as appointed
by the Fund Compliance Officer) are:

    Fund Compliance Officer

          Thomas J. Murray (212) 576-3957

    Local Compliance Officers

          MacKay-Shields:         Robert A. Nisi          (212) 230-3925

          Monitor Capital:        James A. Mehling        (609) 951-1951


                                       17
<PAGE>   18


                                   SCHEDULE 2


The principal contact persons for preclearance of trades are:

MacKay-Shields:            Robert A. Nisi                     (212) 230-3925
Monitor Capital:           Jefferson C. Boyce                 (609) 951-1937
New York Life/
NYLIFE
Distributors:              Thomas J. Murray                   (212) 576-3957
                           Steve Shapiro                      (212) 576-5727

                                       18
<PAGE>   19


                                   SCHEDULE 3


The principal contact persons for information requested by the Fund Compliance
Officer under Section IV.A.2. of the Administrative Procedures are:

MacKay-Shields:           Robert A. Nisi                      (212) 230-3925
                          Florence Bryan                      (212) 230-3906
                                      Fax:                    (212) 230-1083
Monitor Capital:          Jefferson C. Boyce                  (609) 951-1937
                          James A. Mehling                    (609) _________
                                      Fax:                    (609) 951-1940

                                       19
<PAGE>   20


                                    EXHIBIT A

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

                                   REQUEST FOR
                            PRECLEARANCE OF PERSONAL
                               SECURITIES TRADING


Person Making Request:           Initials:
Compliance Officer Approval:     or Disapproval:                    Initials:

Trades may only be made on the day that approval is granted.

Reason:

             NAME OF
            SECURITY,              NATURE OF
         AMOUNT, APPROX.             TRANS.               NATURE OF INTEREST
         PRICE, CUSIP &            (PURCHASE,             (DIRECT OWNERSHIP,
DATE        -SYMBOL-              SALE, ETC.)           SPOUSE, CONTROL, ETC.)


Are the securities part of an initial public offering? Yes __ No __

Are the securities part of a private placement? Yes __ No __


                                       20
<PAGE>   21


                                    EXHIBIT B

                               THE MAINSTAY FUNDS

Date:                                            From: Fund Comp. Officer
To:                                              MacKay-Shields Financial Corp.
By:                                              Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.
Time:

A request has been received from an Access Person of The MainStay Funds to
conduct a transaction in the following security(ies):

NAME OF SECURITY         NATURE OF TRANSACTION                NO. OF SHARES,
_____ & SYMBOL           (PURCHASE, SALE, ETC)L               APPROX. PRICE

Please indicate below whether any of The MainStay Funds managed by your
organization has a pending "buy" or "sell" order in said security or anticipates
executing an order in said security today. Please check the appropriate box. If
a fund has a pending "buy" or "sell" order or expects to execute an order,
please circle the appropriate transaction.

MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation

Fund has a pending "buy or sell" order in the security or expects to execute
such an order today.

No Fund managed by MacKay-Shields has a pending "buy" or "sell" order or expects
to execute a order in the security today.

           Signature                                    Date/Time

Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.

Fund has a pending "buy or sell" order in the security or expects to execute
such an order today.

No Fund managed by Monitor has a pending "buy" or "sell" order or expects to
execute a order in the security today.

           Signature                                    Date/Time

                                       21


<PAGE>   22
                      MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                           PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY



I.        IN GENERAL

          MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation ("MSFC") owes an undivided
          loyalty to its clients. MSFC also recognizes the need to permit its
          employees reasonable freedom with respect to their personal investment
          activities. It is important to accommodate in an appropriate way which
          (a) acknowledges the possibility of conflict between these duties and
          (b) sets forth standards to assure that the primary duty of loyalty to
          its clients is fulfilled.

          This policy ("Policy") supersedes and replaces in full any earlier
          policies on the subjects regulated.

          The Policy has been implemented by MSFC although securities purchased
          or sold for clients ordinarily trade in a sufficiently broad market to
          permit transactions for clients or personal accounts to be completed
          without any appreciable impact on the market for such securities.

          Any questions which arise relating to the Policy should be referred to
          the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"). If necessary,
          any final determination may be made by the Chairman or President in
          consultation with the General Counsel or CCO. This Policy is
          applicable to all employees and directors.*

II.       RECORD KEEPING, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

          1. Personal Record Keeping

             Each employee of MSFC is to maintain records adequate to establish
             that the individual's personal investment decisions did not involve
             a conflict with the requirements of the Policy. If there is any
             question as to whether a proposed transaction might involve a
             possible violation of the Policy, the transaction should be
             discussed in advance with the General Counsel or CCO.

          2. Pre-Clearance Reporting Requirement

             Each employee shall file with the General Counsel or CCO, a request
             ("Request") in substantially the form of Exhibit A before
             completing any transaction in securities ("Personal Securities") in
             any account over which the employee

- --------
*           Because they are subject to compliance policies of affiliates and
            not involved in the detailed day to day management of MSFC, members
            of the board of directors of MSFC who are not employees of MSFC are
            required hereunder solely to complete and file the reports required
            in accordance with Part II 3a (1).

<PAGE>   23

             exercises beneficial ownership*; provided, however, that a Request
             need not be filed with respect to any transaction (a) effected in
             any account which is managed on a discretionary basis by a person
             other than such employee and with respect to which such employee
             does not in fact influence or control such transactions or (b) in
             securities listed in Part III 1(1-4) which do not require prior
             approval. All Personal Securities transactions are, of course,
             subject to all other MSFC compliance policies relating to personal
             trading.**

          3. Other Reporting Requirements

          a) Statutory

             MSFC is required under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and
             Investment Company Act of 1940 to keep records of transactions in
             securities in which its directors and employees have direct or
             indirect beneficial ownership. The following reporting requirements
             have been adopted to enable MSFC to satisfy these requirements:

             1.  Each director and employee shall file with the General Counsel
                 or CCO, a report in substantially the form of Exhibit B
                 ("Quarterly Report"), within 10 days following the end of each
                 calendar quarter in which a transaction occurs in Personal
                 Securities, other than those listed in Part III(1-4). The
                 Quarterly Report must be filed for transactions in any security
                 in which a director or an employee has, or by reason of such
                 transaction acquires or disposes of, any beneficial ownership.
                 An individual may report a transaction and, at the same time,
                 declare that reporting the transaction shall not be construed
                 as an admission that the individual has any direct or indirect
                 beneficial ownership in the security. Each director and
                 employee must sign and print the date of submission on their
                 Quarterly Report.

             2.  Each employee of MSFC must annually execute an acknowledgment
                 with respect to the Policy in substantially the form of Exhibit
                 C.

- --------------------------
*         "Beneficial Ownership" means ownership of securities or securities
          accounts by or for the benefit of a person, or such person's "family
          member", including any account in which the employee, or family member
          of that person holds a direct or indirect beneficial interest, retains
          discretionary investment authority or exercises a power of attorney.
          The term "family member" means any person's spouse, child or other
          relative, whether related by blood, marriage or otherwise, who either
          resides with, or is financially dependent upon, or whose investments
          are controlled by that person. The term also includes any unrelated
          individual whose investments are controlled and whose financial
          support is materially contributed to by the person, such as a
          "significant other."

**        See MSFC compliance policies entitled "Restricted List", "Partnership
          Investments", "Code of Ethics", and "Inside Information"


                                     Page 2
<PAGE>   24

          b) Additional Quarterly Reporting

             Each employee shall file with the General Counsel or CCO, as part
             of the Quarterly Report, the names and affiliations of family
             members* who are employed in the securities or commodities
             industries and who might be in a position to benefit directly or
             indirectly from the activities of MSFC's personnel in the discharge
             of their duties.

          c) Duplicate Confirmations

             Each employee shall arrange for prompt filing by the broker, dealer
             and, if possible, bank (only applies to bank accounts used
             substantially as brokerage accounts) with the General Counsel or
             CCO of duplicate confirmations of all trades of personal securities
             and quarterly account statements. The duplicates shall be mailed to
             MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation, 9 West 57th Street, 37th
             Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attention: General Counsel or CCO.

          d) Accounts List

             Each employee shall be required to complete a list in substantially
             the form of Exhibit D setting forth each brokerage account (and
             each bank account which is used substantially as a brokerage
             account) name, number, and the name of each firm through which
             transactions are directed with respect to all accounts in which the
             individual may have beneficial ownership. Each individual shall
             keep this list current by listings in the Quarterly Report.

III.      STATEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS

          1. Pre-Clearance

             To help prevent front running and insider trading abuses,
             particularly with respect to thinly traded securities, no employee
             of MSFC may purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, Personal
             Securities (except pursuant to the next paragraph) without prior
             approval of the General Counsel or CCO. The final determination
             shall be noted by the General Counsel or CCO on the Request and
             dated and communicated to the employee who submitted the request.
             The authorization provided by the General Counsel or CCO is
             effective, unless revoked, until the end of business on the next
             business day. If the Personal Securities transaction is not placed
             within that period, a new authorization must be obtained.

             Subject to the other restrictions set forth in this Part III and
             other applicable MacKay-Shields compliance policies relating to
             personal trading, transactions in

- -------------------------
*         For purposes of this Policy, family members include the individual's
          spouse, minor children, parents or any relative of the individual or
          the individual's spouse who is sharing the individual's home.

                                     Page 3
<PAGE>   25

             the following securities only shall not require prior approval of
             the General Counsel or CCO:

             1.  Bank Accounts
             2.  Bank Certificates of Deposit
             3.  Registered Open-End Mutual Fund Shares
             4.  Treasury Obligations
             5.  Unit Investment Trusts that hold securities in proportion to an
                 index

          2. Front Running

             No employee of MSFC may effect any transaction in Personal
             Securities which MSFC is purchasing or selling for any client or
             proposes to purchase or sell for any client if such transaction
             would in any way conflict with, or be detrimental to, the interest
             of the client. Each employee should consult the other restrictions
             set forth in this Part III and the MSFC policies entitled
             "Restricted List and Daily Open Trades Lists", "Partnership
             Investments", "Code of Ethics" and "Inside Information" before
             making any trades in Personal Securities.

             In order to implement the preceding paragraph and to minimize the
             possibility of conflicts of interest, the following rules are
             hereby made applicable to all transactions by employees in Personal
             Securities:

                 1. No Personal Securities may be purchased or sold if (i) there
                    are any unexecuted orders to purchase or sell such
                    securities for clients of MSFC in the hands of MSFC or (ii)
                    any purchases or sales of such securities have been made for
                    MSFC client accounts in the prior seven calendar days or can
                    reasonably be anticipated for MSFC client accounts in the
                    next seven calendar days.

                    The CCO or the General Counsel may make an exception to this
                    rule in the event that the contemplated transaction involves
                    (i) 500 shares or less in the aggregate and the issuer has
                    market capitalization (outstanding shares multiplied by the
                    current market price per share) greater than $5 billion; or
                    (ii) less than .0001% of the issuer's market capitalization,
                    with a maximum of 500 shares that may be traded within any
                    seven-day period.

                 2. No Personal Securities may be purchased or sold if such
                    purchase or sale is effected with a view to making a profit
                    from a change in the price of such security resulting from
                    anticipated transactions by or for MSFC's clients.

                    A DESIGNATED INDIVIDUAL FROM THE MSFC COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT
                    WILL CONSULT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS AND TRADERS IN THE
                    FIXED INCOME, EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DIVISIONS TO ENSURE
                    COMPLIANCE WITH THESE LIMITATIONS.

                                     Page 4
<PAGE>   26

          3. Use of Brokerage for Personal or Family Benefit

             No employee may, for direct or indirect personal or family members
             benefit, execute a trade with a broker by using the influence
             (implied or stated) of MSFC or any director's or employee's
             influence (implied or stated) with MSFC.

          4. No Personal Trades Through MSFC's Traders

             No Personal Securities trades may be effected through MSFC's
             traders. Employees must effect such trades through their personal
             broker-dealers.

          5. Initial Public Offerings

             No initial public offering of securities may be purchased for any
             account in which an employee has beneficial ownership, except with
             the express written prior approval by the General Counsel or CCO.

          6. Private Placements

             No private placement securities may be purchased for any account in
             which an employee has beneficial ownership, except with the express
             written prior approval by the General Counsel or CCO. All employees
             who have obtained prior approval and made an investment in a
             private placement must disclose that investment if that employee
             plays a part in any subsequent consideration of an investment in
             the issuer by client accounts. Under such circumstances, MSFC's
             decision to purchase securities of the private placement issuer
             will be subject to an independent review by investment personnel
             with no investment in the issuer.

          7. Restricted and Watch Lists

             No employee may make a personal trade in securities of an issuer
             listed on the Restricted List. Please refer to the MSFC policies
             entitled, "Restricted List," for specific guidelines on when
             issuers of securities are to be placed on the Restricted List.
             Securities on the Watch List will be dealt with on a case by case
             basis. A designated individual from the MSFC Compliance Department
             will compare issuers listed on the Restricted and Watch Lists to
             ensure compliance with this limitation.

          8. Inside Information

             Employees may not trade on inside information (i.e., material and
             non-public information) or communicate such information to others.
             However, inside information matters must be raised immediately with
             the General Counsel or CCO. Please refer to the MSFC policy
             entitled, "Inside Information," for specific guidelines governing
             inside information.

                                     Page 5
<PAGE>   27

          9. Maximum Trades Per Quarter

             Employees will be allowed to execute a maximum of fifty trades per
             calendar quarter; however, exceptions may be approved by the
             General Counsel or CCO on a case-by-case basis.

         10. Sixty Day Holding Period

             No employee may profit from the purchase and sale or sale and
             purchase of the same (or equivalent) security. Exceptions may be
             made for emergency trades if approved by the General Counsel or
             CCO.

IV.      SANCTIONS

         Upon discovering a violation of the Policy, MSFC may impose sanctions
         as it deems appropriate, including, among other sanctions, reversal of
         any trade, reallocation of trades to client accounts or suspension or
         termination of the employment of the violator.

V.       REVIEW BY GENERAL COUNSEL OR CCO

         The General Counsel or CCO will review Personal Securities to verify
         that the Policy is being followed. The results of this review will be
         set forth in a quarterly summary report. The report shall specify any
         related concerns and recommendations and be accompanied by appropriate
         exhibits.

VI.      RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

         The Compliance Committee will review quarterly the summary report of
         the General Counsel or CCO and shall take appropriate action.


                                     Page 6

<PAGE>   1
                      MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                           PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICY



I.        IN GENERAL

          MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation ("MSFC") owes an undivided
          loyalty to its clients. MSFC also recognizes the need to permit its
          employees reasonable freedom with respect to their personal investment
          activities. It is important to accommodate in an appropriate way which
          (a) acknowledges the possibility of conflict between these duties and
          (b) sets forth standards to assure that the primary duty of loyalty to
          its clients is fulfilled.

          This policy ("Policy") supersedes and replaces in full any earlier
          policies on the subjects regulated.

          The Policy has been implemented by MSFC although securities purchased
          or sold for clients ordinarily trade in a sufficiently broad market to
          permit transactions for clients or personal accounts to be completed
          without any appreciable impact on the market for such securities.

          Any questions which arise relating to the Policy should be referred to
          the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"). If necessary,
          any final determination may be made by the Chairman or President in
          consultation with the General Counsel or CCO. This Policy is
          applicable to all employees and directors.*

II.       RECORD KEEPING, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

          1. Personal Record Keeping

             Each employee of MSFC is to maintain records adequate to establish
             that the individual's personal investment decisions did not involve
             a conflict with the requirements of the Policy. If there is any
             question as to whether a proposed transaction might involve a
             possible violation of the Policy, the transaction should be
             discussed in advance with the General Counsel or CCO.

          2. Pre-Clearance Reporting Requirement

             Each employee shall file with the General Counsel or CCO, a request
             ("Request") in substantially the form of Exhibit A before
             completing any transaction in securities ("Personal Securities") in
             any account over which the employee

- --------
*           Because they are subject to compliance policies of affiliates and
            not involved in the detailed day to day management of MSFC, members
            of the board of directors of MSFC who are not employees of MSFC are
            required hereunder solely to complete and file the reports required
            in accordance with Part II 3a (1).

<PAGE>   2

             exercises beneficial ownership*; provided, however, that a Request
             need not be filed with respect to any transaction (a) effected in
             any account which is managed on a discretionary basis by a person
             other than such employee and with respect to which such employee
             does not in fact influence or control such transactions or (b) in
             securities listed in Part III 1(1-4) which do not require prior
             approval. All Personal Securities transactions are, of course,
             subject to all other MSFC compliance policies relating to personal
             trading.**

          3. Other Reporting Requirements

          a) Statutory

             MSFC is required under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and
             Investment Company Act of 1940 to keep records of transactions in
             securities in which its directors and employees have direct or
             indirect beneficial ownership. The following reporting requirements
             have been adopted to enable MSFC to satisfy these requirements:

             1.  Each director and employee shall file with the General Counsel
                 or CCO, a report in substantially the form of Exhibit B
                 ("Quarterly Report"), within 10 days following the end of each
                 calendar quarter in which a transaction occurs in Personal
                 Securities, other than those listed in Part III(1-4). The
                 Quarterly Report must be filed for transactions in any security
                 in which a director or an employee has, or by reason of such
                 transaction acquires or disposes of, any beneficial ownership.
                 An individual may report a transaction and, at the same time,
                 declare that reporting the transaction shall not be construed
                 as an admission that the individual has any direct or indirect
                 beneficial ownership in the security. Each director and
                 employee must sign and print the date of submission on their
                 Quarterly Report.

             2.  Each employee of MSFC must annually execute an acknowledgment
                 with respect to the Policy in substantially the form of Exhibit
                 C.

- --------------------------
*         "Beneficial Ownership" means ownership of securities or securities
          accounts by or for the benefit of a person, or such person's "family
          member", including any account in which the employee, or family member
          of that person holds a direct or indirect beneficial interest, retains
          discretionary investment authority or exercises a power of attorney.
          The term "family member" means any person's spouse, child or other
          relative, whether related by blood, marriage or otherwise, who either
          resides with, or is financially dependent upon, or whose investments
          are controlled by that person. The term also includes any unrelated
          individual whose investments are controlled and whose financial
          support is materially contributed to by the person, such as a
          "significant other."

**        See MSFC compliance policies entitled "Restricted List", "Partnership
          Investments", "Code of Ethics", and "Inside Information"


                                     Page 2
<PAGE>   3

          b) Additional Quarterly Reporting

             Each employee shall file with the General Counsel or CCO, as part
             of the Quarterly Report, the names and affiliations of family
             members* who are employed in the securities or commodities
             industries and who might be in a position to benefit directly or
             indirectly from the activities of MSFC's personnel in the discharge
             of their duties.

          c) Duplicate Confirmations

             Each employee shall arrange for prompt filing by the broker, dealer
             and, if possible, bank (only applies to bank accounts used
             substantially as brokerage accounts) with the General Counsel or
             CCO of duplicate confirmations of all trades of personal securities
             and quarterly account statements. The duplicates shall be mailed to
             MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation, 9 West 57th Street, 37th
             Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attention: General Counsel or CCO.

          d) Accounts List

             Each employee shall be required to complete a list in substantially
             the form of Exhibit D setting forth each brokerage account (and
             each bank account which is used substantially as a brokerage
             account) name, number, and the name of each firm through which
             transactions are directed with respect to all accounts in which the
             individual may have beneficial ownership. Each individual shall
             keep this list current by listings in the Quarterly Report.

III.      STATEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS

          1. Pre-Clearance

             To help prevent front running and insider trading abuses,
             particularly with respect to thinly traded securities, no employee
             of MSFC may purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, Personal
             Securities (except pursuant to the next paragraph) without prior
             approval of the General Counsel or CCO. The final determination
             shall be noted by the General Counsel or CCO on the Request and
             dated and communicated to the employee who submitted the request.
             The authorization provided by the General Counsel or CCO is
             effective, unless revoked, until the end of business on the next
             business day. If the Personal Securities transaction is not placed
             within that period, a new authorization must be obtained.

             Subject to the other restrictions set forth in this Part III and
             other applicable MacKay-Shields compliance policies relating to
             personal trading, transactions in

- -------------------------
*         For purposes of this Policy, family members include the individual's
          spouse, minor children, parents or any relative of the individual or
          the individual's spouse who is sharing the individual's home.

                                     Page 3
<PAGE>   4

             the following securities only shall not require prior approval of
             the General Counsel or CCO:

             1.  Bank Accounts
             2.  Bank Certificates of Deposit
             3.  Registered Open-End Mutual Fund Shares
             4.  Treasury Obligations
             5.  Unit Investment Trusts that hold securities in proportion to an
                 index

          2. Front Running

             No employee of MSFC may effect any transaction in Personal
             Securities which MSFC is purchasing or selling for any client or
             proposes to purchase or sell for any client if such transaction
             would in any way conflict with, or be detrimental to, the interest
             of the client. Each employee should consult the other restrictions
             set forth in this Part III and the MSFC policies entitled
             "Restricted List and Daily Open Trades Lists", "Partnership
             Investments", "Code of Ethics" and "Inside Information" before
             making any trades in Personal Securities.

             In order to implement the preceding paragraph and to minimize the
             possibility of conflicts of interest, the following rules are
             hereby made applicable to all transactions by employees in Personal
             Securities:

                 1. No Personal Securities may be purchased or sold if (i) there
                    are any unexecuted orders to purchase or sell such
                    securities for clients of MSFC in the hands of MSFC or (ii)
                    any purchases or sales of such securities have been made for
                    MSFC client accounts in the prior seven calendar days or can
                    reasonably be anticipated for MSFC client accounts in the
                    next seven calendar days.

                    The CCO or the General Counsel may make an exception to this
                    rule in the event that the contemplated transaction involves
                    (i) 500 shares or less in the aggregate and the issuer has
                    market capitalization (outstanding shares multiplied by the
                    current market price per share) greater than $5 billion; or
                    (ii) less than .0001% of the issuer's market capitalization,
                    with a maximum of 500 shares that may be traded within any
                    seven-day period.

                 2. No Personal Securities may be purchased or sold if such
                    purchase or sale is effected with a view to making a profit
                    from a change in the price of such security resulting from
                    anticipated transactions by or for MSFC's clients.

                    A DESIGNATED INDIVIDUAL FROM THE MSFC COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT
                    WILL CONSULT WITH PORTFOLIO MANAGERS AND TRADERS IN THE
                    FIXED INCOME, EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DIVISIONS TO ENSURE
                    COMPLIANCE WITH THESE LIMITATIONS.

                                     Page 4
<PAGE>   5

          3. Use of Brokerage for Personal or Family Benefit

             No employee may, for direct or indirect personal or family members
             benefit, execute a trade with a broker by using the influence
             (implied or stated) of MSFC or any director's or employee's
             influence (implied or stated) with MSFC.

          4. No Personal Trades Through MSFC's Traders

             No Personal Securities trades may be effected through MSFC's
             traders. Employees must effect such trades through their personal
             broker-dealers.

          5. Initial Public Offerings

             No initial public offering of securities may be purchased for any
             account in which an employee has beneficial ownership, except with
             the express written prior approval by the General Counsel or CCO.

          6. Private Placements

             No private placement securities may be purchased for any account in
             which an employee has beneficial ownership, except with the express
             written prior approval by the General Counsel or CCO. All employees
             who have obtained prior approval and made an investment in a
             private placement must disclose that investment if that employee
             plays a part in any subsequent consideration of an investment in
             the issuer by client accounts. Under such circumstances, MSFC's
             decision to purchase securities of the private placement issuer
             will be subject to an independent review by investment personnel
             with no investment in the issuer.

          7. Restricted and Watch Lists

             No employee may make a personal trade in securities of an issuer
             listed on the Restricted List. Please refer to the MSFC policies
             entitled, "Restricted List," for specific guidelines on when
             issuers of securities are to be placed on the Restricted List.
             Securities on the Watch List will be dealt with on a case by case
             basis. A designated individual from the MSFC Compliance Department
             will compare issuers listed on the Restricted and Watch Lists to
             ensure compliance with this limitation.

          8. Inside Information

             Employees may not trade on inside information (i.e., material and
             non-public information) or communicate such information to others.
             However, inside information matters must be raised immediately with
             the General Counsel or CCO. Please refer to the MSFC policy
             entitled, "Inside Information," for specific guidelines governing
             inside information.

                                     Page 5
<PAGE>   6

          9. Maximum Trades Per Quarter

             Employees will be allowed to execute a maximum of fifty trades per
             calendar quarter; however, exceptions may be approved by the
             General Counsel or CCO on a case-by-case basis.

         10. Sixty Day Holding Period

             No employee may profit from the purchase and sale or sale and
             purchase of the same (or equivalent) security. Exceptions may be
             made for emergency trades if approved by the General Counsel or
             CCO.

IV.      SANCTIONS

         Upon discovering a violation of the Policy, MSFC may impose sanctions
         as it deems appropriate, including, among other sanctions, reversal of
         any trade, reallocation of trades to client accounts or suspension or
         termination of the employment of the violator.

V.       REVIEW BY GENERAL COUNSEL OR CCO

         The General Counsel or CCO will review Personal Securities to verify
         that the Policy is being followed. The results of this review will be
         set forth in a quarterly summary report. The report shall specify any
         related concerns and recommendations and be accompanied by appropriate
         exhibits.

VI.      RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

         The Compliance Committee will review quarterly the summary report of
         the General Counsel or CCO and shall take appropriate action.


                                     Page 6
<PAGE>   7


                                                     PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
                                                           ATTORNEY WORK-PRODUCT

                      MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                 CODE OF ETHICS



This Code of Ethics (the "Code") has been issued by MacKay-Shields Financial
Corporation ("MSFC") in order to set forth (i) applicable guidelines and
procedures to promote ethical practices, (ii) a reference to The Code of Ethics
and Standards of Professional Conduct applicable to financial analysts and other
appropriate purposes and, (iii) a representative example of and to supplement
other existing codes of ethics applicable with respect to mutual funds managed
by MSFC. All recipients of the Code are to read it carefully, retain it for
reference and abide by the Code. Please refer to the MSFC policy entitled,
"Personal Investment Policy," which follows this Code, for specific guidelines
governing personal investments effected by MSFC employees.

MSFC requires that the applicable standards be observed by employees. An
employee may not evade the provisions of the Code by having another person,
including a friend or relative, act or fail to act in a manner in which the
employee is prohibited.

I.     GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

       Guidelines

       MSFC requires the highest standards of ethical conduct on the part of
       employees.

       Each employee is under a duty to exercise his or her authority and
       responsibility for the benefit of MSFC and may not have outside interests
       conflicting with the interests of MSFC. Each person must avoid any
       circumstance which might adversely affect or appear to affect MSFC or its
       clients or his or her duty of complete loyalty to MSFC in the discharge
       of his or her responsibilities, including with respect to the protection
       of confidential information and MSFC's reputation for trustworthy
       financial service.

       Each employee has the duty to disclose to MSFC any interest that he or
       she may have in any firm, corporation or business unit which is not
       affiliated or participating in any joint venture or partnership with MSFC
       or its affiliates.* Disclosure should be timely so that MSFC may take
       action concerning any possible conflict as it deems appropriate. It is
       recognized, however, that MSFC has or may have business relationships
       with many organizations and that a relatively small interest in publicly
       traded securities of an organization does not necessarily give rise to a
       conflict of interest. Therefore, the

- ---------------------
*      Affiliates shall mean any corporation controlling, controlled by or under
       common control with, MSFC.

                                     Page 1
<PAGE>   8

                                                     PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
                                                           ATTORNEY WORK-PRODUCT

       following procedures and the Annual Questionnaire have been adopted and
       approved by MSFC.

       Procedures

       a)    It is considered generally incompatible with an employee's duties
             to MSFC to assume the position of director of a corporation. A
             report should be made by an employee to MSFC of any invitation to
             serve as a director of a corporation which is not an affiliate and
             the person must receive the approval of the General Counsel or
             Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") prior to accepting any such
             directorship.

       b)    Except as approved by the General Counsel or CCO; it is considered
             generally incompatible with the duties of an employee of MSFC to
             act as an officer, general partner, consultant, agent,
             representative or employee of any other business, other than an
             affiliate.

       c)    Except as approved by the General Counsel or CCO, employees may not
             have a monetary interest, as principal, co-principal, agent or
             beneficiary, directly or indirectly, or through any substantial
             interest in any other corporation or business unit, in any
             transaction involving MSFC, subject to the same exceptions as are
             specifically permitted under law.

       d)    An Annual Questionnaire, substantially in the form of Exhibit A
             shall be circulated by the General Counsel or CCO to each employee,
             for completion and filing with the General Counsel or CCO once a
             year. Each such employee shall supplement the Annual Questionnaire
             as necessary to reflect any material change between annual filings.

       e)    Gifts/entertainment from third parties that do business with MSFC,
             its affiliates, or its clients and exceed a value of $100 must be
             approved by the employee's Division Head. Registered
             representatives of NYLIFE Securities Inc. and Investment Personnel
             for the mutual funds are prohibited from accepting
             gifts/entertainment valued at more than $100 per year. Please refer
             to the MSFC policy entitled, "Payments to or from Third Parties",
             for specific guidelines governing gifts/entertainment from third
             parties.

       f)    Employees are to disclose to the General Counsel or CCO all
             personal securities holdings upon commencement of employment.

II.    THE CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT -- FOR FINANCIAL
       ANALYSTS

       The Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct applicable to
       financial analysts are set forth as Exhibit B. MSFC requires that each of
       its financial analysts comply with the provisions of that code and
       standards.

                                     Page 2
<PAGE>   9



III.   MUTUAL FUND CODE OF ETHICS AND SUPPLEMENT THERETO

       Attached as Exhibit C is a representative example of the code of ethics
       applicable with respect to the mutual funds managed by MSFC.

       To supplement the attached code applicable with respect to the MainStay
       Funds, MainStay Institutional Funds, Inc. and the MainStay VP Series
       Fund, Inc. (in the aggregate the "Mainstay, Institutional and VP Codes"),
       the following supplement has been approved by MSFC's Compliance
       Committee:

       Supplement to the Mainstay, Institutional and VP Codes

       MSFC, in general and relating, without limitation, to the MainStay,
       Institutional and VP Funds, recognizes the importance of high ethical
       standards in the conduct of its business and requires that the MainStay,
       Institutional and VP Codes be observed by each Access Person (as defined
       in the Mainstay, Institutional and VP Codes).

IV.    ACKNOWLEDGMENT

       Each employee must certify annually, in substantially the form of Exhibit
       D, that he or she has read and understood, and that they are subject to
       and have compiled with, the Code and receipt of benefits policy.

V.     SANCTIONS

       Upon discovering a violation of the Code, MSFC may impose such sanctions
       as it deems appropriate, including, among other sanctions, reversal of
       any trades, reallocation of trades to client accounts or suspension or
       termination of the employment of the violator.

VI.    REVIEW BY GENERAL COUNSEL OR CCO

       The General Counsel or CCO will undertake a quarterly review with respect
       to the Code to verify that the Code is being followed. The results of
       this review will be set forth in a quarterly report. The report shall
       specify any related concerns and recommendations and be accompanied by
       the appropriate exhibits.

VII.   RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

       The Compliance Committee will review quarterly the summary report of the
       General Counsel or CCO and shall take appropriate action.

                                     Page 3






<PAGE>   1
                         MONITOR CAPITAL ADVISORS, INC.

                                 CODE OF ETHICS

I.       INTRODUCTION AND APPLICATION

         Monitor Capital Advisors LLC (the "Company") recognizes the importance
of high ethical standards in the conduct of its business and requires that this
Code of Ethics (the "Code") be observed by each Access Person (defined below in
Section III(A)) except as set forth immediately below. This Code is intended to
apply to the Company's officers and directors and other Access Persons who are
employees of any affiliate of the Company. All recipients of the Code are
directed to read it carefully, retain it for future reference and abide by the
rules and policies set forth herein. Any questions concerning the applicability
or interpretation of such rules and policies, and compliance therewith, should
be directed to the Compliance Officer of the Company.

         Each Access Person is under a duty to exercise his or her authority and
responsibility for the benefit of the Company and their shareholders, to place
the interests of the shareholders first and to refrain from having outside
interests conflicting with the interests of the Company and their shareholders.
Each such person must avoid any circumstances which might adversely affect or
appear to affect his or her duty of complete loyalty to the Company and their
shareholders in the discharge of his or her responsibilities, including the
protection of confidential information and corporate integrity. Each Access
Person must abstain from participation (or any other involvement) in "insider
trading" in contravention of any applicable law or regulation. The reputation of
the Company and their affiliates for trustworthy financial services is a
valuable asset which all Access Persons are expected to preserve and protect.



                                  Page 1 of 11

<PAGE>   2

         All personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with
the Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of
interest or any abuse of an individual's position of trust and responsibility.
All persons must abide by the fundamental standard that the Company's personnel
should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

         While compliance with the provisions of the Code is anticipated, Access
Persons should be aware that in response to any violations, the Company will
take whatever action is deemed appropriate under the circumstances including,
but not necessarily limited to, dismissal of such Access Person. Technical
compliance with the Code's procedures will not automatically insulate from
scrutiny trades which show a pattern of abuse of an individual's fiduciary
duties to the Company.

II.      PURPOSE

         This code has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company.

         (A)      It is unlawful for any Access Person in connection with the
                  purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such person of a
                  security held or to be acquired by the Company:

                  (1)      To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud
                           the Company;

                  (2)      To make to the Company any untrue statement of a
                           material fact or to omit to state to the Company a
                           material fact necessary in order to make the
                           statements made, in light of the circumstances under
                           which they are made, not misleading;



                                  Page 2 of 11

<PAGE>   3

                  (3)      To engage in any act, practice, or course of business
                           which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit
                           upon any of the Company; or

                  (4)      To engage in any manipulative practice with respect
                           to the Company.

III.     DEFINITIONS

         (A)      "Access Person" means:

                  (1)      any Director or officer of the Company;

                  (2)      any employee of an affiliate of the Company, who, in
                           connection with his or her regular functions or
                           duties, makes, participates in, or obtains
                           information regarding the purchase or sale of a
                           security by the Company, or whose functions relate to
                           the making of any recommendations with respect to any
                           purchase or sale of a security by the Company; and

                  (3)      any other natural person, if any, who has the power
                           to exercise a controlling influence over the
                           management or policies of the Company, unless such
                           power is solely the result of his or her position
                           with the Company, and who obtains information
                           concerning recommendations made to the Company with
                           regard to the purchase or sale of a security.

         (B)      "Beneficial Ownership" means ownership of securities or
                  securities accounts by or for the benefit of a person, or such
                  person's "family member," including any account in which the
                  employee, or family member of that person holds a direct or
                  indirect beneficial interest, retains discretionary investment
                  authority or exercises a power of attorney. The term "family
                  member" means any person's spouse,



                                  Page 3 of 11

<PAGE>   4

                  child or other relative, whether related by blood, marriage or
                  otherwise, who either resides with, or is financially
                  dependent upon, or whose investments are controlled by that
                  person. The term also includes any unrelated individual whose
                  investments are controlled and whose financial support is
                  materially contributed to by the person, such as a
                  "significant other."

         (C)      "Compliance Officer" shall mean the person appointed by the
                  Company's Board of Directors to administer the Code.

         (D)      "Investment Personnel" means any person who in connection with
                  his or her regular functions or duties makes, participates in
                  or recommends the purchase or sale of a security for the
                  Company.

         (E)      "Portfolio Manager" means a person entrusted with the direct
                  responsibility and authority to make investment decisions
                  affecting the Company.

IV.      COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

         (A)      Conflicts of Interest

                  (1)      Each Access Person has the duty to disclose to the
                           Company any interest whatsoever that he or she may
                           have in any firm, corporation, or business unit with
                           which he or she is called upon to deal as a part of
                           his or her assigned duties with the Company or any
                           other activity that the Access Person reasonably
                           believes presents a potential conflict of interest.
                           This disclosure should be timely so that the Company
                           may take such action concerning the conflict as
                           deemed appropriate by the Compliance Officer.



                                  Page 4 of 11

<PAGE>   5

                  (2)      Investment Personnel may not accept gifts, other than
                           de minimis gifts, from persons doing business with or
                           on behalf of the Company.

                  (3)      Investment Personnel may not serve on the board of
                           directors of a publicly traded company or any
                           business organized for profit other than New York
                           Life Insurance Company or an affiliated company
                           unless prior authorization is obtained from the
                           Compliance Officer. Such authorization will be based
                           on a determination that the business of such
                           corporation does not conflict with the interest of
                           the Company and that service would be consistent with
                           the best interests of the Company and their
                           shareholders and is not prohibited by law. If such
                           service is authorized, procedures must be in place to
                           isolate investment personnel serving as directors of
                           outside entities from those making investment
                           decisions on behalf of the Company.

         (B)      Preclearance of Personal Securities Transactions

                  (1)      An Access Person must obtain prior approval from the
                           Compliance Officer before purchasing or selling,
                           directly or indirectly, any security in any account
                           over which the Access Person exercises Beneficial
                           Ownership.

                  (2)      Access Persons are not required to preclear the
                           following transactions:

                           (a)      Purchases or sales of securities effected in
                                    any account which is managed on a
                                    discretionary basis by a person other than
                                    such



                                  Page 5 of 11

<PAGE>   6

                                    Access Person and with respect to which such
                                    Access Person does not in fact influence or
                                    control such transactions;

                           (b)      Purchases which are part of an automatic
                                    dividend or distribution reinvestment plan;

                           (c)      Purchases effected upon the exercise of
                                    rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all
                                    holders of a class of its securities, to the
                                    extent such rights were acquired from such
                                    issuer, and sales of such rights so
                                    acquired; or

                           (d)      Purchases or sales of shares of registered
                                    open-end investment companies (commonly
                                    referred to as "mutual Company").

         (C)      Other Rules Relating to Personal Securities Transactions

                  (1)      Investment Personnel may not participate in any
                           initial public offering of securities in any account
                           over which they exercise Beneficial Ownership except
                           with the express written prior approval of the
                           Compliance Officer of the Company.

                  (2)      Investment Personnel who have obtained prior approval
                           arid made an investment in a private placement must
                           disclose that investment to the Compliance Officer,
                           and, as applicable, to other relevant Investment
                           Personnel or any officer of the Company if they play
                           a part in any subsequent consideration of an
                           investment by the Company in that issuer and such
                           Investment Personnel continues to hold such
                           investment. Under



                                  Page 6 of 11

<PAGE>   7

                           such circumstances, the Company's decision to
                           purchase securities of the private placement issuer
                           should be subject to independent review by Investment
                           Personnel with no investment in the issuer.

                  (3)      No Access Person may execute a securities transaction
                           in any account over which he or she exercises
                           Beneficial Ownership on a day when the Company has a
                           pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security
                           until such order is executed or withdrawn.

                  (4)      No Portfolio Manager may execute a personal
                           securities transaction within fewer than seven
                           calendar days before and after any portfolio which he
                           or she manages trades in that security.

                  (5)      Investment Personnel may not profit from the purchase
                           and sale or sale and purchase of the same (or
                           equivalent) securities within 60 calendar days.

                  (6)      Any profits realized from transactions prohibited by
                           this Code, including, among other things, any profits
                           realized from a personal securities transaction
                           executed during the periods proscribed in (3), (4) or
                           (5) immediately set forth above, must be disgorged to
                           the Company.

V.       REPORTING AND MONITORING

         (A)      Each Access Person shall submit to the Compliance Officer a
                  report on the form attached as Exhibit B or a similar form
                  provided by the Compliance Officer covering the matters
                  included in the form. The report must list transactions in any



                                  Page 7 of 11

<PAGE>   8

                  security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such
                  transaction acquires or disposes of, any Beneficial Ownership
                  in the security.

                  Reports shall be delivered to the Compliance Officer not later
                  than 10 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which a
                  transaction to which the report relates was effected. The
                  Compliance Officer shall maintain such reports and such other
                  records as are required

         (B)      Each Access Person must direct his or her broker to provide to
                  the Compliance Officer copies of confirmations of all personal
                  securities transactions (including transactions in accounts in
                  which the Access Person has beneficial ownership) on a timely
                  basis and to provide copies of all periodic statements for all
                  securities accounts over which the Access Person exercises
                  Beneficial Ownership.

         (C)      The Compliance Officer shall monitor personal trading activity
                  of all Access Persons pursuant to procedures established under
                  this Code.

         (D)      All Investment Personnel shall be required to disclose all
                  securities subject to their Beneficial Ownership upon hire or
                  upon the assumption of duties which fall within the definition
                  of Investment Personnel and on an annual basis thereafter on
                  the form attached as Exhibit C or on a similar form provided
                  by the Compliance Officer covering the matters included on the
                  form.

         (E)      All reports furnished pursuant to this Section will be
                  maintained on a confidential basis and will be reasonably
                  secured to prevent access to such records by unauthorized
                  personnel.



                                  Page 8 of 11

<PAGE>   9

         (F)      Each Access Person shall complete an annual certification in
                  the form attached as Exhibit D (or as revised from time to
                  time) that he or she has received, read and understood the
                  Code and that he or she is subject to and has complied with
                  each of the Code's provisions applicable to such person.

         (G)      The Compliance Officer shall prepare an annual report for the
                  Board of Directors which, at a minimum summarizes the existing
                  procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in
                  the procedures made during the year; identifies any violations
                  requiring significant remedial action during the past year;
                  and identifies any recommended changes in existing
                  restrictions or procedures.

VI.      EXCEPTIONS

         The Compliance Officer, in consultation with internal legal counsel for
the Company may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code in
circumstances which present special hardship. The exceptions may be granted to
individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions,
classes of transactions or all transactions. Exceptions shall be structured to
be as narrow as is reasonably practicable with appropriate safeguards designed
to prevent abuse of the exception. Any exception which is granted shall be
reported to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled meeting of
the Directors.



                                  Page 9 of 11

<PAGE>   10

                    LIST OF ACCESS PERSONS AT MONITOR CAPITAL

The following Monitor Capital employees are classified as 'Access Persons':

                           Dorothy Foggie
                           Nicole Hoffman
                           Sajey Kurumunda
                           Laurie Gaeta
                           Lynn Gibson

The following Monitor Capital employees are classified as 'Investment
Personnel':

                           None

The following Monitor Capital employees are classified as 'Portfolio Managers':

                           Jefferson Boyce
                           Stephen Killian
                           Jonathan Swaney
                           Francis Ok
                           Clark Maxam
                           Harvey Fram
                           Simon Liu



                                  Page 10 of 11

<PAGE>   11

                             ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF

         COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR MONITOR CAPITAL ADVISORS

         I, _______________________________, hereby certify that I have received
Monitor Capital Advisors Code of Ethics and that I have read and understood the
Code. I further certify that I am subject to the Code and have complied with
each of the Code's provisions to which I am subject.



                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Position:


Date:
     -----------------



                                  Page 11 of 11

<PAGE>   1
                                                       As Amended: April 1, 2000

                      DALTON, GREINER, HARTMAN, MAHER & CO.

                                 CODE OF ETHICS

                  This Code of Ethics (the "Code") establishes rules of conduct
for persons who are associated with Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. (the
"Firm"). The Code governs their personal investment and other investment-related
activities.

                  The basic rule is very simple: put the client's interests
first. Officers, Directors and employees owe a fiduciary duty to, among others,
the Shareholders of the Funds, to conduct their personal Securities transactions
in a manner which does not interfere with client portfolio transactions or
otherwise take unfair advantage of their relationships with the Firm. Persons
covered by the Code must adhere to these general principles as well as comply
with the Code's specific provisions.

                  Some of the rules are imposed specifically by law. For
example, the laws that govern investment advisers specifically prohibit
fraudulent activity, making statements that are not true or that are misleading
or omit something that is significant in the context and engaging in
manipulative practices. These are general concepts, of course, and over the
years the courts, the regulators and investment advisers issued interpretations
and established codes of conduct for their employees and others who have access
to their investment decisions and trading activities. Indeed, the rules obligate
investment advisers to adopt written rules that are reasonably designed to
prevent the illegal activities described above and must follow procedures that
will enable them to prevent such activities.

                  This Code is intended to assist persons associated with the
Firm in fulfilling their obligations under the law. The first part lays out who
the Code applies to, the second part deals with personal investment activities,
the third part deals with other sensitive business practices, and subsequent
parts deal with reporting and administrative procedures.

                  The Code is very important to the Firm and persons associated
with the Firm. Violations not only cause persons associated with the Firm
embarrassment, loss of business, legal restrictions, fines and other punishments
but for employees lead to demotion, suspension, firing, ejection from the
securities business and very large fines.

I.       APPLICABILITY

         (A)      The Code applies to each of the following:

                  1.       The Firm.




<PAGE>   2

                  2.       Any officer, director or employee of the Firm or
                           Affiliates of the Firm (as defined below) whose job
                           regularly involves him in the investment process.
                           This includes the formulation and making of
                           investment recommendations and decisions, the
                           purchase and sale of securities for clients of the
                           Firm and the utilization of information about
                           investment recommendations, decisions and trades. Due
                           to the manner in which the Firm and the Affiliates of
                           the Firm conduct their business, every employee
                           should assume that he is subject to the Code unless
                           the Compliance Officer specifies otherwise.

                  3.       Any natural person who controls the Firm or
                           Affiliates of the Firm, and who obtains information
                           regarding the Firm's investment recommendations or
                           decisions. However, a person whose control arises
                           only as a result of his official position with such
                           entity is excluded.

                  4.       Any director, officer, general partner or person
                           performing a similar function for the Firm or
                           Affiliates of the Firm even if he has no knowledge of
                           and is not involved in the investment process.

         (B)      DEFINITIONS

                  1.       ACCESS PERSONS. The persons described in items (A)2
                           and (A)3 above.

                  2.       ACCESS PERSON ACCOUNT. Includes all advisory,
                           brokerage, trust or other accounts or forms of direct
                           beneficial ownership in which one or more Access
                           Person and/or one or more members of an Access
                           Person's immediate family have a substantial
                           proportionate economic interest. Immediate family
                           includes an Access Person's spouse and minor children
                           living with the Access Person. A substantial
                           proportionate economic interest will generally be 10%
                           of the principal amount in the case of an account in
                           which only one Access Person has an interest and 25%
                           of the principal amount in the case of an account in
                           which more than one Access Person has an interest,
                           whichever is first applicable. Investment
                           partnerships and similar indirect means of ownership
                           are also included.

                           As an exception, accounts in which one or more Access
                           Persons and/or their immediate family have a
                           substantial proportionate interest which are
                           maintained with persons who have no affiliation with
                           the Firm or Affiliates of the Firm and with respect
                           to which no Access Person has, in the judgment of the
                           Compliance Officer after reviewing the terms and
                           circumstances, any direct or indirect influence or
                           control over the investment or portfolio execution
                           process are not Access Person Accounts.



                                       -2-

<PAGE>   3

                  3.       AFFILIATES OF THE FUNDS. Any entity controlled by or
                           under common control with the Firm.

                  4.       ASSOCIATE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. Access Persons who are
                           engaged in securities research and analysis for the
                           Firm's clients or are responsible for investment
                           recommendations for the Firm's clients but who are
                           not particularly responsible for investment decisions
                           with respect to any client.

                  5.       COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The compliance officer of the
                           Firm shall be an individual who is an employee of
                           Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co. At present
                           Kenneth Greiner has been appointed Compliance
                           Officer.

                  6.       COVERED PERSONS.  The Firm and the Access Persons.

                  7.       PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. Access Persons who are
                           principally responsible for investment decisions with
                           respect to any of the Firm's clients.

                  8.       SECURITY. Any financial instrument treated as a
                           security for investment purposes and any related
                           instrument such as futures, forward or swap contract
                           entered into with respect to one or more securities,
                           a basket of or an index of securities or components
                           of securities. However, the term security does not
                           include securities issued by the Government of the
                           United States, bankers' acceptances, bank
                           certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high
                           quality short-term debt instruments, including
                           repurchase agreements or shares of registered
                           open-end investment companies.

II.      RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(A)      FRAUDULENT OR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

                  No covered person shall, in connection with the purchase or
                  sale, directly or indirectly, by such person of a security
                  held or to be acquired by the Firm for Firm clients:

                           (1)      employ any device, scheme or artifice to
                                    defraud the Firm's clients;

                           (2)      make to any Firm client any untrue statement
                                    of a material fact or omit to the Firm's
                                    client a material fact necessary in order to
                                    make the statement made, in light of the
                                    circumstances under which they are made, not
                                    misleading;



                                       -3-

<PAGE>   4

                           (3)      engage in any act, practice or course of
                                    business which would operate as a fraud or
                                    deceit upon the Firm's clients;

                           (4)      engage in any manipulative practice with
                                    respect to the Firm's clients;

                           (5)      trade while in possession of material
                                    non-public information for personal or Firm
                                    accounts, or disclosing such information to
                                    others in or outside the Firm who have no
                                    need for this information.

                  It is a violation of federal securities laws to buy or sell
                  securities while in possession of material non-public
                  information and illegal to communicate such information to a
                  third party who buys or sells.

         (B)      BASIC RESTRICTION ON INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                  If a purchase or sale order is pending or under active
                  consideration for any client, neither the same Security nor
                  any related Security (such as an option, warrant or
                  convertible security) may be bought or sold for any Access
                  Person Account.

         (C)      INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS

                  No Security or related Security may be acquired in an initial
                  public offering for any Portfolio Manager or Associate
                  Portfolio Manager. Pooled accounts in which the Portfolio
                  Manager or Associate Portfolio Manager is an investor are not
                  considered to be a personal security account.

         (D)      BLACKOUT PERIOD

                  No Security or related Security may be bought or sold for the
                  account of any Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio
                  Manager during the period commencing seven (7) calendar days
                  prior to and ending seven (7) calendar days after the purchase
                  or sale (or entry of an order for the purchase or sale) of
                  that Security or any related Security for the account of any
                  client with respect to which such person has been designated a
                  Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio Manager. Pooled
                  accounts in which the Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio
                  Manager is an investor are not considered to be a personal
                  security account.

         (E)      EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS

                  Participation on an ongoing basis in an issuer's dividend
                  reinvestment or stock purchase plan, participation in any
                  transaction over which no Access Person had any direct or
                  indirect influence or control and involuntary



                                       -4-

<PAGE>   5

                  transactions (such as mergers, inheritances, gifts, etc.) are
                  exempt from the restrictions set forth in paragraphs (A) and
                  (C) above without case by case preclearance under paragraph
                  (F) below.

         (F)      PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS

                  Purchases and sales of the following Securities are exempt
                  from the restrictions set forth in paragraphs B and D above if
                  such purchases and sales comply with the preclearance
                  requirements of paragraph (G) below (provided that purchases
                  and sales of municipal securities need not comply with the
                  preclearance requirement of paragraph (G) below:

                  1.       Non-convertible fixed income Securities rated at
                           least "A"; and

                  2.       Municipal Securities.

                  In addition, the exercise of rights that were received pro
                  rata with other security holders is exempt if the preclearance
                  procedures are satisfied.

         (G)      PRE-CLEARANCE OF PERSONAL SECURITIES
                  TRANSACTIONS

                  No Security may be bought or sold for an Access Person Account
                  unless (i) the Access Person obtains prior approval from the
                  Compliance Officer or, in the absence of the Compliance
                  Officer, from a designee of the Compliance Officer; (ii) the
                  approved transaction is completed on the same day approval is
                  received; and (iii) the Compliance Officer does not rescind
                  such approval prior to execution of the transaction (See
                  paragraph I below for details of the Pre-Clearance Process.)

         (H)      PRIVATE PLACEMENTS

                  The Compliance Officer will not approve purchases or sale of
                  Securities that are not publicly traded, unless the Access
                  Person provides full details of the proposed transaction
                  (including written certification that the investment
                  opportunity did not arise by virtue of such person's
                  activities on behalf of any client) and the Compliance Officer
                  concludes, after consultation with one or more of the relevant
                  Portfolio Managers, that a Client would have no foreseeable
                  interest in investing in such Security.

         (I)      PRE-CLEARANCE PROCESS

                  1.       No Securities may be purchased or sold for any Access
                           Person Account unless the particular transaction has
                           been approved in writing by the Compliance Officer.
                           The Compliance Officer shall review, not less
                           frequently than biweekly (once every two weeks),
                           reports from the trading desk (or, if applicable,
                           confirmations from



                                       -5-

<PAGE>   6

                           brokers) to assure that all transactions effected for
                           Access Person Accounts are effected in compliance
                           with this Code.

                  2.       No Securities may be purchased or sold for any Access
                           Person Account unless the third party broker supplies
                           the Compliance Officer, on a timely basis, duplicate
                           copies of confirmations of all personal Securities
                           transactions for such Access Person in the accounts
                           maintained with such third party broker and copies of
                           periodic statements for all such accounts.

                  3.       A Trading Approval Form, attached as Exhibit B, must
                           be completed and submitted to the Compliance Officer
                           for approval prior to entry of an order.

                  4.       After reviewing the proposed trade and the level of
                           potential investment interest on behalf of the Firm
                           in the Security in question and the Firm's restricted
                           lists, the Compliance Officer shall approve (or
                           disapprove) a trading order on behalf of an Access
                           Person as expeditiously as possible. The Compliance
                           Officer will generally approve transactions described
                           in paragraph (F) above unless the Security in
                           question or a related security is on the Restricted
                           List or the Compliance Officer believes for any other
                           reason that the Access Person Account should not
                           trade in such Security at such time.

                  5.       Once an Access Person's Trading Approval Form is
                           approved, the execution must be on the same day. If
                           the Access Person's trading order request is not
                           approved, or is not executed on the same day it is
                           approved, the clearance lapses although such trading
                           order request may be resubmitted at a later date.

                  6.       In the absence of the Compliance Officer, an Access
                           Person may submit his or her Trading Approval Form to
                           a designee of the Compliance Officer if the
                           Compliance Officer in its sole discretion wishes to
                           appoint one. Trading Approval for the Compliance
                           Officer must be obtained from a designated
                           supervisory person of the Compliance Officer. In no
                           case will the Trading Desk accept an order for an
                           Access Person Account unless it is accompanied by a
                           signed Trading Approval Form.

                  7.       The Compliance Officer shall review all Trading
                           Approval Forms, all initial, quarterly and annual
                           disclosure certifications and the trading activities
                           on behalf of the Firm with a view to ensuring that
                           all Covered Persons are complying with the spirit as
                           well as the detailed requirements of this Code.



                                       -6-

<PAGE>   7

III.     OTHER INVESTMENT-RELATED RESTRICTIONS

         (A)      GIFTS

                  No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item of more
                  than $100 in value from any person or entity that does
                  business with or on behalf of the Firm.

         (B)      SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR

                  No Portfolio Manager or Assistant Portfolio Manager shall
                  commence service on the Board of Directors of a publicly
                  traded company or any company in which the Firm has an
                  interest without prior authorization from the Compliance
                  Officer based upon a determination that the Board service
                  would not be inconsistent with the interests of the Firm.

IV.      REPORT AND ADDITIONAL COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

         (A)      Every Covered Person must submit to the Compliance Officer
                  reports (forms of which are appended as Exhibit C) containing
                  the information set forth below with respect to transactions
                  in any Security in which such Covered Person has or by reason
                  of such transactions acquires, any direct or indirect
                  beneficial ownership (as defined in Exhibit D) in the
                  Security; provided, however, that:

                  1.       a Covered Person need not make a report with respect
                           to any transaction effected for any account over
                           which such person does not have any direct or
                           indirect influence or control; and

                  2.       a Covered Person will be deemed to have complied with
                           the quarterly requirements of this Article IV insofar
                           as the Compliance Officer receives in a timely
                           fashion duplicate monthly or quarterly brokerage
                           statements on which all transactions required to be
                           reported hereunder are described.

                  (B)      Initial Holdings Reports. No later than 10 calendar
                           days after the person becomes an Access Person, the
                           following information:

                                            (i)   The title, number of shares
                           and principal amount of each Covered Security in
                           which the Access Person had any direct or indirect
                           beneficial ownership when the person became an Access
                           Person;



                                       -7-

<PAGE>   8

                           (ii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom
                           the Access Person maintained an account in which any
                           securities were held for the direct or indirect
                           benefit of the Access Person as of the date the
                           person became an Access Person; and

                           (iii) The date that the report is submitted by the
                           Access Person

                  (C)      Quarterly Transaction Reports. No later than 10
                           calendar days after the end of a calendar quarter,
                           the following information:

                           (1) With respect to any transaction during the
                           quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access
                           Person had any direct or indirect beneficial
                           ownership:

                                    (a)      The date of the transaction, the
                                             title and number of shares and the
                                             principal amount of each Security
                                             involved;

                                    (b)      The nature of the transaction
                                             (i.e., purchase, sale or any other
                                             type of acquisition or
                                             disposition);

                                    (c)      The price at which the transaction
                                             was effected;

                                    (d)      The name of the broker, dealer or
                                             bank with or through whom the
                                             transaction was effected; and

                                    (e)      The date that the report is
                                             submitted by the Access Person.

                           (2)      With respect to any account established by
                                    the Access Person in which any securities
                                    were held during the quarter for the direct
                                    or indirect benefit of the Access Person:



                                       -8-

<PAGE>   9

                                    (a)      The name of the broker, dealer or
                                             bank with whom the Access Person
                                             established the account;

                                    (b)      The date the account was
                                             established; and

                                    (c)      The date that the report is
                                             submitted by the Access Person.

                  (D)      Annual Holdings Reports. Annually, the following
                           information (which information must be current as of
                           a date no more than 30 calendar days before the
                           report is submitted):

                           (1)      The title, number of shares and principal
                                    amount of each Security in which the Access
                                    Person had any direct or indirect beneficial
                                    ownership;

                           (2)      The name of any broker, dealer or bank with
                                    whom the Access Person maintains an account
                                    in which any securities are held for the
                                    direct or indirect benefit of the Access
                                    Person; and

                           (3)      The date that the report is submitted by the
                                    Access Person.

         (E)      Any report submitted to comply with the requirements of this
                  Article IV may contain a statement that the report shall not
                  be construed as admission by the person making such report
                  that he has any direct or indirect benefit ownership in the
                  Security to which the report relates.

         (F)      Upon commencement of employment with the Firm, each Access
                  Person shall be required to disclose all current personal
                  Securities holdings contained in any Access Person Account in
                  which such Access Person has an interest.

         (G)      Annually each Covered Person must certify on a report (the
                  form of which is appended as Exhibit E) that he has read and
                  understood the Code and recognizes that he is subject to such
                  Code. In addition, annually each Covered Person must certify
                  that he has disclosed or reported all personal Securities
                  transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the
                  Code and that he is not subject to any regulatory disability.

V.       SANCTIONS

         Upon discovering that a Covered Person has not complied with the
         requirements of this Code, the Management Committee may impose whatever
         sanctions within its power the Committee deems appropriate, including,
         among other things, recommendations of disgorgement of profit, censure,
         suspension or termination of employment. Material violations of
         requirements of this Code by employees of



                                       -9-

<PAGE>   10

         Covered Persons and any sanctions imposed in connection therewith shall
         be reported not less frequently than quarterly to the Management
         Committee.

VI.      EXCEPTIONS

         The Compliance Committee of the Firm reserves the right to decide, on a
         case-by-case basis, exceptions to any provisions under this Code. Any
         exceptions made hereunder will be maintained in writing by the
         Compliance Committee and presented to the Management Committee at its
         next scheduled meeting.

VII.     PRESERVATION OF DOCUMENTS

         This Code, a copy of each report by a Covered Person, any written
         report made hereunder by the Firm, Affiliates of the Firm or the
         Compliance Officer, and lists of all persons required to make or review
         reports, shall be preserved with the records of the Firm for a five
         year period in an easily accessible place.

VIII.    OTHER LAWS, RULES AND STATEMENTS OF POLICY

         Nothing contained in this Code shall be interpreted as relieving any
         Covered Person from acting in accordance with the provision of any
         applicable law, rule or regulation or any other statement of policy or
         procedure governing the conduct of such person adopted by Firm.

IX.      FURTHER INFORMATION

         If any person has any question with regard to the applicability of the
         provisions of this Code generally or with regard to any Securities
         transaction or transactions, he should consult the Compliance Officer.



                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11

                                                                       Exhibit B

                       PRE-CLEARANCE TRADING APPROVAL FORM

I, ___________________________________________________ (name), am an Access
Person and seek pre-clearance to engage in the transaction described below:

Acquisition or Disposition (circle one)

Name of Account:        ____________________________________________

Account Number:         ____________________________________________

Date of Request:        ____________________________________________

Security:               ____________________________________________

Amount or # of Shares:  ____________________________________________

Broker:                 ____________________________________________

If the transaction involves a Security that is not publicly traded, a
description of proposed transaction, source of investment opportunity and any
potential conflicts of interest:

I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the transaction described
herein is not prohibited by the Funds' Code of Ethics dated ___________ and that
the opportunity to engage in the transaction did not arise by virtue of my
activities on behalf of any Client.

Signature: ______________________________________
Print Name:

Approved or Disapproved (Circle One)

Date of Approval:

Signature: ______________________________________
Print Name:

If approval is granted, please forward this form to the trading desk (or if a
third party broker is permitted, to the Compliance Officer) for immediate
execution.




<PAGE>   12

                                                                       Exhibit C

                          QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORT

Report Submitted by:
_____________________________________________________________________
                                   Print Your Name

                  This transaction report (the "Report") is submitted pursuant
to Section IV(C) of the Code of Ethics of the Funds and supplies information
with respect to transactions in any Security in which you may be deemed to have,
or by reason of such transaction acquire, any direct or indirect beneficial
ownership interest for the period specified below. If you were not employed by
us during this entire period, amend the dates specified below to cover your
period of employment.

                  Unless the context otherwise requires, all terms used in the
Report shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Code of Ethics dated
_______________, ____.

                  If you have no reportable transactions, sign and return this
page only. If you have reportable transactions, complete, sign and return page 2
and any attachments.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  I HAD NO REPORTABLE SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS DURING THE PERIOD
__________, 199_ THROUGH _________, 199_. I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY FAMILIAR
WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THAT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE INFORMATION
FURNISHED IN THIS REPORT IS TRUE AND CORRECT.

Signature

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

Position

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

Date

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




<PAGE>   13

                                                                       Exhibit C

                           INITIAL TRANSACTION REPORT

Report Submitted
by:__________________________________________________________
                                    Print Your Name

                  The following table supplies the information required by
Section IV(B) of the Code of Ethics dated _____________ for the period specified
below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Whether
                               Purchase,                                        Name of the
Securities    Date of          Sale, Short       Quantity of     Price Per      Broker/Dealer
(Name and     Transaction      Sale, or Other    Securities      Share or       with or through     Nature of
Symbol)       -----------      Type of           ----------      Other Unit     whom the            Ownership of
- -------                        Disposition or                    ----------     Transaction         Securities
                               Acquisition                                      was Effected        ----------
                               -----------                                      -------------
<S>           <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>            <C>                 <C>

</TABLE>

                  To the extent specified above, I hereby disclaim beneficial
ownership of any security listed in this Report or in brokerage statements or
transaction confirmations provided by you.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY FAMILIAR WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND
THAT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE INFORMATION FURNISHED IN THIS REPORT IS
TRUE AND CORRECT FOR THE PERIOD OF __________, ____ THROUGH ____, ___.

Signature  _________________________     Date_______________________

Position    _________________________




<PAGE>   14

                                                                       Exhibit C

                            ANNUAL TRANSACTION REPORT

Report Submitted
 by:__________________________________________________________
                                     Print Your Name

                  The following table supplies the information required by
Section IV(D) of the Code of Ethics dated _____________ for the period specified
below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Whether
                               Purchase,                                        Name of the
Securities    Date of          Sale, Short       Quantity of     Price Per      Broker/Dealer
(Name and     Transaction      Sale, or Other    Securities      Share or       with or through     Nature of
Symbol)       -----------      Type of           ----------      Other Unit     whom the            Ownership of
- -------                        Disposition or                    ----------     Transaction         Securities
                               Acquisition                                      was Effected        ----------
                               -----------                                      -------------
<S>           <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>            <C>                 <C>

</TABLE>

                  To the extent specified above, I hereby disclaim beneficial
ownership of any security listed in this Report or in brokerage statements or
transaction confirmations provided by you.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY FAMILIAR WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND
THAT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE INFORMATION FURNISHED IN THIS REPORT IS
TRUE AND CORRECT FOR THE PERIOD OF __________, ____ THROUGH ____, ___.

Signature  _________________________     Date_______________________

Position    _________________________




<PAGE>   15

                                                                       Exhibit D

                              BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

                  For purposes of the attached Code of Ethics, "beneficial
ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in determining
whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, except the
determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership shall apply to all
securities that a Covered Person has or acquires. The term "beneficial
ownership" of securities would include not only ownership of securities held by
a Covered Person for his own benefit, whether in bearer form or registered in
his name or otherwise, but also ownership of securities held for his benefit by
others (regardless of whether or how they are registered) such as custodians,
brokers, executors, administrators, or trustees (including trusts in which he
has only a remainder interest), and securities held for his account by pledges,
securities owned by a partnership in which he is a member if he may exercise a
controlling influence over the purchase, sale of voting of such securities, and
securities owned by any corporation or similar entry in which he owns securities
if the shareholder is a controlling shareholder of the entity and has or shares
investment control over the entity's portfolio.

                  Ordinarily, this term would not include securities held by
executors or administrators in estates in which a Covered Person is a legatee or
beneficiary unless there is a specified legacy to such person of such securities
or such person is the sole legatee or beneficiary and there are other assets in
the estate sufficient to pay debts ranking ahead of such legacy, or the
securities are held in the estate more than a year after the decedent's death.

                  Securities held in the name of another should be considered as
"beneficially" owned by a Covered Person where such person enjoys "financial
benefits substantially equivalent to ownership." The Securities and Exchange
Commission has said that although the final determination of beneficial
ownership is a question to be determined in the light of the facts of the
particular case, generally a person is regarded as the beneficial owner of
securities held in the name of his or her spouse and their minor children.
Absent special circumstances such relationship ordinarily results in such person
obtaining financial benefits substantially equivalent to ownership, e.g.,
application of the income derived from such securities to maintain a common
home, or to meet expenses that such person otherwise would meet from other
sources, or the ability to exercises a controlling influence over the purchase,
sale or voting of such securities.

                  A Covered Person also may be regarded as the beneficial owner
of securities held in the name of another person, if by reason of any contract,
understanding, relationship, agreement, or other agreement, he obtains therefrom
financial benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership.




<PAGE>   16

                  A Covered Person also is regarded as the beneficial owner of
securities held in the name of a spouse, minor children or other person, even
though he does not obtain therefrom the aforementioned benefits of ownership, if
he can vest or revest title in himself at once or at some future time.




<PAGE>   17

                                                                       Exhibit E

                     ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF CODE OF ETHICS

         A.                I (a Covered Person) hereby certify that I have read
                  and understood the Code of Ethics dated _____________, and
                  recognize that I am subject to its provisions. In addition, I
                  hereby certify that I have complied with the requirements of
                  the Code of Ethics and that I have disclosed or reported all
                  personal Securities transactions required to be disclosed or
                  reported under the Code of Ethics;

         B.                Within the last ten years there have been no
                  complaints or disciplinary actions filled against me by any
                  regulated securities or commodities exchange, any
                  self-regulatory securities or commodities organization, any
                  attorney general, or any governmental office or agency
                  regulating insurance securities, commodities or financial
                  transactions in the United States, in any state of the United
                  States, or in any other country;

         C.                I have not within the last ten years been convicted
                  of or acknowledged commission of any felony or misdemeanor
                  arising out of my conduct as an employee, salesperson,
                  officer, director, insurance agent, broker, dealer,
                  underwriter, investment manager or investment advisor; and

         D.                I have not been denied permission or otherwise
                  enjoined by order, judgment or decree of any court of
                  competent jurisdiction, regulated securities or commodities
                  exchange, self-regulatory securities or commodities
                  organization or other federal or state regulatory authority
                  from acting as an investment advisor, securities or
                  commodities broker or dealer, commodity pool operator or
                  trading advisor or as an affiliated person or employee of any
                  investment company, bank, insurance company or commodity
                  broker, dealer, pool operator or trading advisor, or from
                  engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in
                  connection with any such activity or the purchase or sale of
                  any security.


                  Print Name:  ______________

                  Signature:   ______________

                  Date:        ______________

<PAGE>   1

                                 CODE OF ETHICS

Gabelli Funds, LLC
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
Gabelli & Company, Inc.
Gabelli Advisers, Inc.
Gabelli Fixed Income LLC

Each Registered Investment Company or series thereof (each of which is
         considered to be a Company for this purpose) for which any of the
         Companies listed above presently or hereafter provides investment
         advisory or principal underwriting services, other than a money market
         fund or a fund that does not invest in Securities.

                                  INTRODUCTION

         This Code of Ethics establishes rules of conduct for persons who are
associated with the companies named above or with the registered investment
companies for which such companies provide investment advisory or principal
underwriter services. The Code governs their personal investment and other
investment-related activities.

         The basic rule is very simple: put the client's interests first. The
rest of the rules elaborate this principle. Some of the rules are imposed
specifically by law. For example, the laws that govern investment advisers
specifically prohibit fraudulent activity, making statements that are not true
or that are misleading or omit something that is significant in the context and
engaging in manipulative practices. These are general words, of course, and over
the years the courts, the regulators and investment advisers have interpreted
these words and established codes of conduct for their employees and others who
have access to their investment decisions and trading activities. Indeed, the
rules obligate investment advisers to adopt written rules that are reasonably
designed to prevent the illegal activities described above and must follow
procedures that will enable them to prevent such activities.

         This Code is intended to assist the companies in fulfilling their
obligations under the law. The first part lays out who the Code applies to, the
second part deals with personal investment activities, the third part deals with
other sensitive business practices, and subsequent parts deal with reporting and
administrative procedures.

         The Code is very important to the companies and their employees.
Violations can not only cause the companies embarrassment, loss of business,
legal restrictions, fines and other punishments but for employees can lead to
demotion, suspension, firing, ejection from the securities business and very
large fines.



                                       S-1

<PAGE>   2

I.       APPLICABILITY

         A.       The Code applies to each of the following:

                  1.       The Companies named or described at the top of page
                           one of the Code and all entities that are under
                           common management with these Companies or otherwise
                           agree to be subject to the Code ("Affiliates"). A
                           listing of the Affiliates, which is periodically
                           updated, is attached as Exhibit A.

                  2.       Any officer, director or employee of any Company,
                           Affiliate or Fund Client (as defined below) whose job
                           regularly involves him in the investment process.
                           This includes the formulation and making of
                           investment recommendations and decisions, the
                           purchase and sale of securities for clients and the
                           utilization of information about investment
                           recommendations, decisions and trades. Due to the
                           manner in which the Companies and the Affiliates
                           conduct their business, every employee should assume
                           that he is subject to the Code unless the Compliance
                           Officer specifies otherwise.

                  3.       With respect to all of the Companies, Affiliates and
                           Fund Clients except Gabelli & Company, Inc., any
                           natural person who controls any of the Companies,
                           Affiliates or Fund Clients and who obtains
                           information regarding the Companies' or the
                           Affiliates' investment recommendations or decisions.
                           However, a person whose control arises only as a
                           result of his official position with such entity is
                           excluded. Disinterested directors of Fund Clients,
                           for example, are excluded from coverage under this
                           item.

                  4.       With respect to all of the Companies and Fund Clients
                           except Gabelli & Company, Inc., any director,
                           officer, general partner or person performing a
                           similar function even if he has no knowledge of and
                           is not involved in the investment process.
                           Disinterested directors of Fund Clients and
                           independent directors of Affiliates are included in
                           coverage under this item.

                  5.       As an exception, the Code does not apply to any
                           director, officer or employee of any Fund Client
                           (such as certain of The Gabelli Westwood Funds) with
                           respect to which the Companies' services do not
                           involve the formulation or making of investment
                           recommendations or decisions or the execution of
                           portfolio transactions if that person is also a
                           director, officer or employee of any entity that does
                           perform such services (such as Westwood Management
                           Corp.). These individuals are covered by codes of
                           ethics adopted by such entities.

         B.       Definitions

                  1.       ACCESS PERSONS. The Companies and the persons
                           described in items (A)2 and (A)3 above other than
                           those excluded by item (A)5 above.

                  2.       ACCESS PERSON ACCOUNT. Includes all advisory,
                           brokerage, trust or other accounts or forms of direct
                           beneficial ownership in which one or more Access
                           Persons and/or one or more members of an Access
                           Person's immediate family have a substantial
                           proportionate economic interest. Immediate family
                           includes an Access Person's spouse and minor children
                           living with the Access Person. A



                                       S-2

<PAGE>   3

                           substantial proportionate economic interest will
                           generally be 10% of the equity in the account in the
                           case of any single Access Person and 25% of the
                           equity in the account in the case of all Access
                           Persons in the aggregate, whichever is first
                           applicable. Investment partnerships and similar
                           indirect means of ownership other than registered
                           open-end investment companies are also treated as
                           accounts.

                           As an exception, accounts in which one or more Access
                           Persons and/or their immediate family have a
                           substantial proportionate interest which are
                           maintained with persons who have no affiliation with
                           the Companies and with respect to which no Access
                           Person has, in the judgment of the Compliance Officer
                           after reviewing the terms and circumstances, any
                           direct or indirect influence or control over the
                           investment or portfolio execution process are not
                           Access Person Accounts.

                           As a further exception, subject to the provisions of
                           Article 11(1)7, bona fide market making accounts of
                           Gabelli & Company, Inc. are not Access Person
                           Accounts.

                           As a further exception, subject to the provisions of
                           Article II(1)7, bona fide error accounts of the
                           Companies and the Affiliates are not Access Person
                           Accounts.

                  3.       ASSOCIATE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. Access Persons who are
                           engaged in securities research and analysis for
                           designated Clients or are responsible for investment
                           recommendations for designated Clients but who are
                           not principally responsible for investment decisions
                           with respect to any Client accounts.

                  4.       CLIENTS. Investment advisory accounts maintained with
                           any of the Companies or Affiliates by any person,
                           other than Access Person Accounts. However, Fund
                           Clients covered by item (A)(5) above are considered
                           Client accounts only with respect to employees
                           specifically identified by the Compliance Officer as
                           having regular information regarding investment
                           recommendations or decisions or portfolio
                           transactions for such Fund Clients.

                  5.       COMPANIES. The companies named or described at the
                           top of page one of the Code.

                  6.       COMPLIANCE OFFICER. The persons designated as the
                           compliance officers of the Companies.

                  7.       COVERED PERSONS. The Companies, the Access Persons
                           and the persons described in item (A)4 above.

                  8.       FUND CLIENTS. Clients that are registered investment
                           companies or series thereof

                  9.       PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. Access Persons who are
                           principally responsible for investment decisions with
                           respect to any Client accounts.



                                       S-3

<PAGE>   4

                  10.      SECURITY. Any financial instrument treated as a
                           security for investment purposes and any related
                           instrument such as a futures, forward or swap
                           contract entered into with respect to one or more
                           securities, a basket of or an index of securities or
                           components of securities. However, the term security
                           does not include securities issued by the Government,
                           of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank
                           certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high
                           quality short-term debt instruments, including
                           repurchase agreements, or shares of registered
                           open-end investment companies.

II.      RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES

         A.       Basic Restriction on Investing Activities

                  If a purchase or sale order is pending or under active
                  consideration for any Client account by any Company or
                  Affiliate, neither the same Security nor any related Security
                  (such as an option, warrant or convertible security) may be
                  bought or sold for any Access Person Account.

         B.       Initial Public Offerings

                  No Security or related Security may be acquired in an initial
                  public offering for any Access Person Account.

         C.       Blackout Period

                  No Security or related Security may be bought or sold for the
                  account of any Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio
                  Manager during the period commencing seven (7) days prior to
                  and ending seven (7) calendar days after the purchase or sale
                  (or entry of an order for the purchase or sale) of that
                  Security or any related Security for the account of any Client
                  with respect to which such person has been designated a
                  Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio Manager, unless the
                  Client account receives at least as good a price as the
                  account of the Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio
                  Manager and the Compliance Officer determines under the
                  circumstances that the Client account has not been adversely
                  affected (including with respect to the amount of such
                  Security able to be bought by the Client account) by the
                  transaction for the account of the Portfolio Manager or
                  Associate Portfolio Manager.

          D.      Short-term Trading

                  No Security or related Security may, within a 60 day period,
                  be bought and sold or sold and bought at a profit for any
                  Access Person Account if the Security or related Security was
                  held at any time during that period in any Client account.

         E.       Exempt Transactions

                  Participation on an ongoing basis in an issuer's dividend
                  reinvestment or stock purchase plan, participation in any
                  transaction over which no Access Person had any direct or



                                       S-4

<PAGE>   5

                  indirect influence or control and involuntary transactions
                  (such as mergers, inheritances, gifts, etc.) are exempt from
                  the restrictions set forth in paragraphs (A) and (C) above
                  without case by case preclearance under paragraph (G) below.

         F.       Permitted Exceptions

                  Purchases and sales of the following Securities for Access
                  Person Accounts are exempt from the restrictions set forth in
                  paragraphs A, C and D above if such purchases and sales comply
                  with the pre-clearance requirements of paragraph (G) below:

                  1.       Non-convertible fixed income Securities rated at
                           least "A";

                  2.       Equity Securities of a class having a market
                           capitalization in excess of $1 billion;

                  3.       Equity Securities of a class having a market
                           capitalization in excess of $500 million if the
                           transaction in question and the aggregate amount of
                           such Securities and any related Securities purchased
                           and sold for the Access Person Account in question
                           during the preceding 60 days does not exceed 100
                           shares;

                  4.       Municipal Securities; and

                  5.       Securities transactions effected for federal, state
                           or local income tax purposes that are identified to
                           the Compliance Officer at the time as being effected
                           for such purposes.

                           In addition, the exercise of rights that were
                           received pro rata with other security holders is
                           exempt if the pre-clearance procedures are satisfied.

         G.       Pre-Clearance of Personal Securities Transactions

                  No Security may be bought or sold for an Access Person Account
                  unless (i) the Access Person obtains prior approval from the
                  Compliance Officer or, in the absence of the Compliance
                  Officer, from the general counsel of Gabelli Asset Management
                  Inc.; (ii) the approved transaction is completed on the same
                  day approval is received; and (iii) the Compliance Officer or
                  the general counsel does not rescind such approval prior to
                  execution of the transaction (See paragraph I below for
                  details of the Pre-Clearance Process.)

         H.       Private Placements

                  The Compliance Officer will not approve purchases or sale of
                  Securities that are not publicly traded, unless the Access
                  Person provides full details of the proposed transaction
                  (including written certification that the investment
                  opportunity did not arise by virtue of such person's
                  activities on behalf of any Client) and the Compliance Officer
                  concludes, after consultation with one or more of the relevant
                  Portfolio Managers, that



                                       S-5

<PAGE>   6

                  the Companies would have no foreseeable interest in investing
                  in such Security or any related Security for the account of
                  any Client.

         I.       Pre-Clearance Process

                  1.       No Securities may be purchased or sold for any Access
                           Person Account unless the particular transaction has
                           been approved in writing by the Compliance Officer
                           or, in his absence, the general counsel of Gabelli
                           Asset Management Inc. The Compliance Officer shall
                           review not less frequently than weekly reports from
                           the trading desk (or, if applicable, confirmations
                           from brokers) to assure that all transactions
                           effected for Access Person Accounts are effected in
                           compliance with this Code.

                  2.       No Securities may be purchased or sold for any Access
                           Person Account other than through the trading desk of
                           Gabelli & Company, Inc., unless express permission is
                           granted by the Compliance Officer. Such permission
                           may be granted only on the condition that the third
                           party broker supply the Compliance Officer, on a
                           timely basis, duplicate copies of confirmations of
                           all personal Securities transactions for such Access
                           Person in the accounts maintained with such third
                           party broker and copies of periodic statements for
                           all such accounts.

                  3.       A Trading Approval Form, attached as Exhibit B, must
                           be completed and submitted to the Compliance Officer
                           for approval prior to entry of an order.

                  4.       After reviewing the proposed trade, the level of
                           potential investment interest on behalf of Clients in
                           the Security in question and the Companies'
                           restricted lists, the Compliance Officer shall
                           approve (or disapprove) a trading order on behalf of
                           an Access Person as expeditiously as possible. The
                           Compliance Officer will generally approve
                           transactions described in paragraph (F) above unless
                           the Security in question or a related security is on
                           the Restricted List or the Compliance Officer
                           believes for any other reason that the Access Person
                           Account should not trade in such Security at such
                           time.

                  5.       Once an Access Person's Trading Approval Form is
                           approved, the form must be forwarded to the trading
                           desk (or, if a third party broker is permitted, to
                           the Compliance Officer) for execution on the same
                           day. If the Access Person's trading order request is
                           not approved, or is not executed on the same day it
                           is approved, the clearance lapses although such
                           trading order request maybe resubmitted at a later
                           date.

                  6.       In the absence of the Compliance Officer, an Access
                           Person may submit his or her Trading Approval Form to
                           the general counsel of Gabelli Asset Management Inc.
                           Trading approval for the Compliance Officer must be
                           obtained from the general counsel, and trading
                           approval for the general counsel must be obtained
                           from the Compliance Officer. In no case will the
                           Trading Desk accept an order for an Access Person
                           Account unless it is accompanied by a signed Trading
                           Approval Form.



                                       S-6

<PAGE>   7

                  7.       The Compliance Officer shall review all Trading
                           Approval Forms, all initial, quarterly and annual
                           disclosure certifications and the trading activities
                           on behalf of all Client accounts with a view to
                           ensuring that all Covered Persons are complying with
                           the spirit as well as the detailed requirements of
                           this Code. The Compliance Officer will review all
                           transactions in the market making accounts of Gabelli
                           & Company, Inc. and the error accounts of the
                           Companies and the Affiliates in order to ensure that
                           such transactions are bona fide market making or
                           error transactions or are conducted in accordance
                           with the requirements of this Article II.

III.     OTHER INVESTMENT-RELATED RESTRICTIONS

         A.       Gifts

                  No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item of more
                  than $ 100 in value from any person or entity that does
                  business with or on behalf of any Client.

         B.       Service As a Director

                  No Access Person shall commence service on the Board of
                  Directors of a publicly traded company or any company in which
                  any Client account has an interest without prior authorization
                  from the Compliance Committee based upon a determination that
                  the Board service would not be inconsistent with the interests
                  of the Clients. The Compliance Committee shall include the
                  senior Compliance Officer of Gabelli Asset Management Inc.,
                  the general counsel of Gabelli Asset Management Inc. and at
                  least two of the senior executives from among the Companies.

IV.       REPORTS AND ADDITIONAL COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

         A.       Every Covered Person, except independent directors of
                  Affiliates of the Companies, must submit a report (a form of
                  which is appended as Exhibit C) containing the information set
                  forth in paragraph (B) below with respect to transactions in
                  any Security in which such Covered Person has or by reason of
                  such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial
                  ownership (as defined in Exhibit D) in the Security, and with
                  respect to any account established by the Covered Person in
                  which any Securities were held for the direct or indirect
                  benefit of the Covered Person; provided, however, that:

                  1.       a Covered Person who is required to make reports only
                           because he is a director of one of the Fund Clients
                           and who is a "disinterested" director thereof need
                           not make a report with respect to any transactions
                           other than those where he knew or should have known
                           in the course of his duties as a director that any
                           Fund Client of which he is a director has made or
                           makes a purchase or sale of the same or a related
                           Security within 15 days before or after the purchase
                           or sale of such Security or related Security by such
                           director.



                                       S-7

<PAGE>   8

                  2.       a Covered Person need not make a report with respect
                           to any transaction effected for, and Securities held
                           in, any account over which such person does not have
                           any direct or indirect influence or control; and

                  3.       a Covered Person will be deemed to have complied with
                           the requirements of this Article IV insofar as the
                           Compliance Officer receives in a timely fashion
                           duplicate monthly or quarterly brokerage statements
                           or transaction confirmations on which all
                           transactions required to be reported hereunder are
                           described.

         B.       A Covered Person must submit the report required by this
                  Article to the Compliance Officer no later than 10 days after
                  the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction or
                  account to which the report relates was effected or
                  established, and the report must contain the date that the
                  report is submitted.

                  1.       This report must contain the following information
                           with respect to transactions:

                           a.       The date of the transaction, the title and
                                    number of shares and the principal amount of
                                    each Security involved;

                           b.       The nature of the transaction (i.e.,
                                    purchase, sale or any other type of
                                    acquisition or disposition);

                           c.       The price at which the transaction was
                                    effected; and

                           d.       The name of the broker, dealer or bank with
                                    or through whom the transaction was
                                    effected.

                  2.       This report must contain the following information
                           with respect to accounts established:

                           a.       The name of the broker, dealer or bank with
                                    whom the account was established; and

                           b.       The date the account was established.

         C.       Any report submitted to comply with the requirements of this
                  Article IV may contain a statement that the report shall not
                  be construed as an admission by the person making such report
                  that he has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership the
                  Security to which the report relates. A person need not make
                  any report under this Article IV with respect to transactions
                  effected for, and Securities held in, any account over which
                  the person has no direct or indirect influence or control.

         D.       No later than 10 days after beginning employment with any of
                  the Companies or Affiliates or otherwise becoming a Covered
                  Person, each Covered Person (except for a "disinterested"
                  director of the Fund Client who is required to submit reports
                  solely by



                                       S-8

<PAGE>   9

                  reason of being such a director) must submit a report
                  containing the following information:

                  1.       The title, number of shares and principal amount of
                           each Security in which the Covered Person had any
                           direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the
                           person became a Covered Person;

                  2.       The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the
                           Covered Person maintained an account in which any
                           Securities were held for the direct or indirect
                           benefit of the Covered Person as of the date the
                           person became a Covered Person; and

                  3.       The date that the report is submitted.

         The form of such report is attached as Exhibit E.

         E.       Annually each Covered Person must certify that he has read and
                  understood the Code and recognizes that he is subject to such
                  Code. In addition, annually each Covered Person must certify
                  that he has disclosed or reported all personal Securities
                  transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the
                  Code and that he is not subject to any regulatory disability
                  described in the annual certification form. Furthermore, each
                  Covered Person (except for a "disinterested" director of the
                  Fund Client who is required to submit reports solely by reason
                  of being such a director) annually must submit a report
                  containing the following information (which information must
                  be current as of a date no more than 30 days before the report
                  is submitted):

                  1.       The title, number of shares and principal amount of
                           each Security in which the Covered Person had any
                           direct or indirect beneficial ownership;

                  2.       The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the
                           Covered Person maintains an account in which any
                           Securities are held for the direct or indirect
                           benefit of the Covered Person; and

                  3.       The date that the report is submitted.

         The form of such certification and report is attached as Exhibit F.

         F.       At least annually (or quarterly in the case of Items 4 and 5
                  below), each of the Companies that has a Fund Client or that
                  provides principal underwriting services for a Fund Client
                  shall, together with each Fund Client, furnish a written
                  report to the Board of Directors of the Fund Client that:

                  1.       Describes any issues arising under the Code since the
                           last report.

                  2.       Certifies that the Companies have developed
                           procedures concerning Covered Persons' personal
                           trading activities and reporting requirements
                           relevant to such Fund Clients that are reasonably
                           necessary to prevent violations of the Code;



                                       S-9

<PAGE>   10

                  3.       Recommends changes, if any, to the Fund Clients' or
                           the Companies' Codes of Ethics or procedures;

                  4.       Provides a summary of any material or substantive
                           violations of this Code by Covered Persons with
                           respect to such Fund Clients which occurred during
                           the past quarter and the nature of any remedial
                           action taken; and

                  5.       Describes any material or significant exceptions to
                           any provisions of this Code of Ethics as determined
                           under Article VI below.

         G.       The Compliance Officer shall notify each employee of any of
                  the Companies or Affiliates as to whether such person is
                  considered to be an Access Person or Covered Person and shall
                  notify each other person that is considered to be an Access
                  Person or Covered Person.

V.       SANCTIONS

         Upon discovering that a Covered Person has not complied with the
         requirements of this Code, the Board of Directors of the relevant
         Company or of the relevant Fund Client, whichever is most appropriate
         under the circumstances, may impose on that person whatever sanctions
         the Board deems appropriate, including, among other things,
         disgorgement of profit, censure, suspension or termination of
         employment. Material violations of requirements of this Code by
         employees of Covered Persons and any sanctions imposed in connection
         therewith shall be reported not less frequently than quarterly to the
         Board of Directors of any relevant Company or Fund Client, as
         applicable.

VI.      EXCEPTIONS

         The Compliance Committee of the Companies reserves the right to decide,
         on a case-by-case basis, exceptions to any provisions under this Code.
         Any exceptions made hereunder will be maintained in writing by the
         Compliance Committee and presented to the Board of Directors of any
         relevant Fund Client at its next scheduled meeting.

VII.     PRESERVATION OF DOCUMENTS

         This Code, a copy of each report by a Covered Person, any written
         report made hereunder by the Companies or the Compliance Officer, lists
         of all persons required to make reports, a list of any exceptions, and
         the reasons therefor, with respect to Article II.B, and any records
         under Article II.G with respect to purchases pursuant to Article 11.11
         above, shall be preserved with the records of the relevant Company and
         any relevant Fund Client for the period required by Rule 17j-1.

VIII.    OTHER LAWS, RULES AND STATEMENTS OF POLICY

         Nothing contained in this Code shall be interpreted as relieving any
         Covered Person from acting in accordance with the provision of any
         applicable law, rule or regulation or any other



                                      S-10

<PAGE>   11

         statement of policy or procedure governing the conduct of such person
         adopted by the Companies, the Affiliates or the Fund Clients.

IX.      FURTHER INFORMATION

         If any person has any question with regard to the applicability of the
         provisions of this Code generally or with regard to any Securities
         transaction or transactions, he should consult the Compliance Officer.



                                      S-11

<PAGE>   12

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                       LIST OF AFFILIATES OF THE COMPANIES

ALCE Partners, L.P.
Darien Associates LLC
Gabelli Asset Management Inc.
Gabelli Associates Fund
Gabelli Associates Limited
Gabelli Fixed Income Distributors
Gabelli Fixed Income, Inc.
Gabelli Global Partners, L.P.
Gabelli Global Partners, Ltd.
Gabelli International Gold Fund Limited
Gabelli International Limited
Gabelli International II Limited
Gabelli International Securities Limited
Gabelli Multimedia Partners, L.P.
Gabelli Performance Partnership L.P.
Gabelli Securities, Inc.
Gemini Capital Management Ltd.
GLI, Inc.
Gabelli Group Capital Partners, Inc. and its subsidiaries
Gabelli Global Partners, L.P.
Gabelli Global Partners, Ltd.
Gabelli European Partners, Ltd.
Gabelli Fund, LDC
MJG Associates, Inc.
New Century Capital Partners, L.P.



                                      S-12

<PAGE>   13

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                       PRE-CLEARANCE TRADING APPROVAL FORM

I, ___________________________________ (name), am an Access Person or authorized
officer thereof and seek pre-clearance to engage in the transaction described
below for the benefit of myself or another Access Person:

Acquisition or Disposition (circle one)

Name of Account:________________________________________________________________

Account Number:_________________________________________________________________

Date of Request:________________________________________________________________

Security:_______________________________________________________________________

Amount or # of Shares:__________________________________________________________

Broker:_________________________________________________________________________

If the transaction involves a Security that is not publicly traded, a
description of proposed transaction, source of investment opportunity and any
potential conflicts of interest:





I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the transaction described
herein is not prohibited by the Code of Ethics and that the opportunity to
engage in the transaction did not arise by virtue of my activities on behalf of
any Client.

Signature: ____________________________   Print Name:___________________________

Approved or Disapproved(Circle One)

Date of Approval:______________________

Signature: ____________________________   Print Name:___________________________

If approval is granted, please forward this form to the trading desk (or if a
third party broker is permitted, to the Compliance Officer) for immediate
executio



                                      S-13

<PAGE>   14

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                               TRANSACTION REPORT

Report submitted by: ___________________________________________________________
                                                   Print Name

This transaction report (the "Report") is submitted pursuant to Section IV (B)
of the Code of Ethics of the Companies and supplies information with respect to
transactions in any Security in which you may be deemed to have, or by reason of
such transaction acquire, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest,
and with respect to accounts established by you in which any Securities were
held for your direct or indirect benefit, for the period specified below. if you
were not employed by or affiliated with us during this entire period, amend the
dates specified below to cover your period of employment or affiliation.

Unless the context otherwise requires, all terms used in the Report shall have
the same meaning as set forth in the Code of Ethics.

If you have no reportable transactions or new accounts, sign and return this
page only. If you have reportable transactions or new accounts, complete, sign
and return Page 2 and any attachments.




I HAD NO REPORTABLE SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS OR ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED DURING THE
PERIOD _________THROUGH _____________. I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY FAMILIAR WITH
THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THAT, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE INFORMATION
FURNISHED IN THIS REPORT IS TRUE AND CORRECT.

Signature_______________________________________________________________________

Position________________________________________________________________________

Date____________________________________________________________________________



                                      S-14

<PAGE>   15

                               TRANSACTION REPORT

Report submitted by:____________________________________________________________
                                                Print Name

The following tables supply the information required by Section IV (B) of the
Code of Ethics for the period specified below. Transactions reported on
brokerage statements or duplicate confirmations actually received by the
Compliance Officer do not have to be listed although it is your responsibility
to make sure that such statements or confirmations are complete and have been
received in a timely fashion.

                                  TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Whether Purchase,
                                 Sale, Short Sale or                                         Name of Broker/Dealer
Securities                          Other Type of                                            with or through Whom       Nature of
 (Name and        Date of          Disposition or         Quantity of    Price per Share        the Transaction       Ownership of
Symbol        Transaction            Acquisition          Securities       or Other Unit         was Effected          Securities
- ------        -----------            -----------          ----------       -------------         ------------          ----------
<S>           <C>                <C>                      <C>           <C>                 <C>                       <C>

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NEW ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Name of Broker, Dealer or B                 Account Number              Date Account Established
<S>                                          <C>                         <C>

</TABLE>

         * To the extent specified above, I hereby disclaim beneficial ownership
         of any securities fisted in this Report or brokerage statements or
         transaction confirmations provided by me.

I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY FAMILIAR WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THAT, TO THE BEST
OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT IS TRUE AND CORRECT FOR THE
PERIOD OF ____________THROUGH _____________.

         Signature_________________________    Date_____________________________

         Position__________________________



                                      S-15

<PAGE>   16

                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                              BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

For purposes of the attached Code of Ethics, "beneficial ownership" shall be
interpreted in the same manner as it would be in determining whether a person is
subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and the rules and regulations thereunder, except the determination of direct or
indirect beneficial ownership shall apply to all securities that a Covered
Person has or acquires. The term "beneficial ownership" of securities would
include not only ownership of securities held be a Covered Person for his own
benefit, whether in bearer form or registered in his name or otherwise, but also
ownership of securities held for his benefit by others (regardless of whether or
how they are registered) such as custodians, brokers, executors, administrators,
or trustees (including trusts in which he has only a remainder interest), and
securities held for his account by pledges, securities owned by a partnership in
which he is a member if he may exercise a controlling influence over the
purchase, sale of voting of such securities, and securities owned by any
corporation or similar entry in which he owns securities if the shareholder is a
control-ling shareholder of the entity and has or shares investment control over
the entity's portfolio.

Ordinarily, this term would not include securities held by executors or
administrators in estates in which a Covered Person is a legatee or beneficiary
unless there is a specified legacy to such person of such securities or such
person is the sole legatee or beneficiary and there are other assets in the
estate sufficient to pay debts ranking ahead of such legacy, or the securities
are held in the estate more than a year after the decedent's death.

Securities held in the name of another should be considered as beneficially
owned by a Covered Person where such person enjoys "financial benefits
substantially equivalent to ownership." The Securities and Exchange Commission
has said that, although the final determination of beneficial ownership is a
question to be determined in the light of the facts of the particular case,
generally a person is regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held in the
name of his or her spouse and their minor children. Absent special circumstances
such relationship ordinarily results in such person obtaining financial benefits
substantially equivalent to ownership, e.g., application of the income derived
from such securities to maintain a common home, or to meet expenses that such
person otherwise would meet from other sources, or the ability to exercises a
controlling influence over the purchase, sale or voting of such securities.

A Covered Person also may be regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held
in the name of another person, if by reason of any contract, understanding,
relationship, agreement, or other agreement, he obtains therefrom financial
benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership.

A Covered Person also is regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held in
the name of a spouse, minor children or other person, even though he does not
obtain therefrom the aforementioned benefits of ownership, if he can vest or
revest title in himself at once or at some future time.



                                      S-16

<PAGE>   17

                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                             INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT

Report submitted by:____________________________________________________________
                                                   Print Name

This initial holdings report (the "Report") is submitted pursuant to Section IV
(D) of the Code of Ethics of the Companies and supplies information with respect
to any Security in which you may be deemed to have any direct or indirect
beneficial ownership interest and any accounts established by you in which any
Securities were held for your direct or indirect benefit, as of the date you
became subject to the Code of Ethics.

Unless the context otherwise requires, all terms used in the Report shall have
the same meaning as set forth in the Code of Ethics.

If you have no reportable Securities or accounts, sign and return this page
only. If you have reportable Securities or accounts, complete, sign and return
Page 2 and any attachments.




I HAVE NO REPORTABLE SECURITIES OR ACCOUNTS AS OF . I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY
FAMILIAR WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THAT, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE
INFORMATION FURNISHED IN THIS REPORT IS TRUE AND CORRECT.

Signature_______________________________________________________________________

Position________________________________________________________________________

Date____________________________________________________________________________



                                      S-17

<PAGE>   18

                                        INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT

Report submitted by:____________________________________________________________
                                                     Print Name

The following tables supply the information required by Section IV (D) of the
Code of Ethics as of the date you became subject to the Code.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SECURITIES HOLDINGS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             . Name of Broker/Dealer Where        Nature of Ownership of
Securities (Name and Symbol)         Quantity of Securities         Securities Are Held                Securities
- ----------------------------         ----------------------         -------------------                ----------
<S>                                <C>                       <C>                                 <C>


</TABLE>

                                    ACCOUNTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank                           Account Number

I CERTIFY THAT I AM FULLY FAMILIAR WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND THAT, TO THE BEST
OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT IS TRUE AND CORRECT AS OF

Signature_______________________________    Date________________________________

Position________________________________



                                      S-18

<PAGE>   19

                                                                       EXHIBIT F

                     ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF CODE OF ETHICS

A.       I (a Covered Person) hereby certify that I have read and understood the
         Code of Ethics dated February 15, 2000, and recognize that I am subject
         to its provisions. In addition, I hereby certify that I have disclosed
         or reported all personal Securities transactions required to be
         disclosed or reported under the Code of Ethics;

B.       Within the last ten years there have been no complaints or disciplinary
         actions filed against me by any regulated securities or commodities
         exchange, any self-regulatory securities or commodities organization,
         any attorney general, or any governmental office or agency regulating
         insurance, securities, commodities or financial transactions in the
         United States, in any state of the United States, or in any other
         country;

C.       I have not within the last ten years been convicted of or acknowledged
         commission of any felony or misdemeanor arising out of my conduct as an
         employee, salesperson, officer, director, insurance agent, broker,
         dealer, underwriter, investment manager or investment advisor; and

D.       I have not been denied permission or otherwise enjoined by order,
         judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, regulated
         securities or commodities exchange, self-regulatory securities or
         commodities organization or other federal or state regulatory authority
         from acting as an investment advisor, securities or commodities broker
         or dealer, commodity pool operator or trading advisor or as an
         affiliated person or employee of any investment company, bank,
         insurance company or commodity broker, dealer, pool operator or trading
         advisor, or from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in
         connection with any such activity or the purchase or sale of any
         security.

E.       Unless I am exempt from filing an Annual Holdings Report (as a
         "disinterested" director of a Fund Client or an independent director of
         an Affiliate), I have attached a completed Annual Holdings Report which
         is accurate as of a date no more than 30 days ago.

Print Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Signature:______________________________________________________________________

Date:___________________________________________________________________________



                                      S-20



                                      S-19

<PAGE>   20

                             ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORT

Report submitted by:____________________________________________________________
                                                  Print Name

The following tables supply the information required by Section IV (E) of the
Code of Ethics as of a date no more than 30 days before this report is
submitted. If you have no reportable Securities holdings or accounts, write
"None" in the space provided.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    SECURITIES HOLDINGS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Name of Broker/Dealer Where        Nature of Ownership
Securities (Name and Symbol       Quantity of Securities         Securities Are Held               of Securities
- ---------------------------        ---------------------         -------------------               -------------
<S>                               <C>                        <C>                               <C>

</TABLE>

                                    ACCOUNTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank                               Account Number


Signature_______________________________     Date______________________________

Position________________________________



                                      S-20

<PAGE>   1

                           BAKER, FENTRESS & COMPANY
                       200 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3510
                             CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606


                            JOHN A. LEVIN & CO., INC.
                              ONE ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
                             NEW YORK NEW YORK 10020



                                 CODE OF ETHICS


                                 DECEMBER, 1999




<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                         <C>
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................1
PART I  TRADING RESTRICTIONS.................................................................3
        1.1.   STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES...............................................3
        1.2    INSIDER TRADING AND MANIPULATIVE PRACTICES....................................3
        1.3    INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS......................................................4
        1.4    PRIVATE PLACEMENTS............................................................4
        1.5    RESTRICTED LIST...............................................................5
        1.6    SHARE OWNERSHIP IN BKF AFFILIATES.............................................5
        1.7    TRANSACTIONS IN BKF SHARES....................................................5
        1.8    NO TRANSACTIONS WITH BKF OR CONTROLLED COMPANIES..............................5
        1.9    RESTRICTION ON TRADING BY INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS DURING A BLACK OUT PERIOD;
               OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS................................6
        1.10   REQUIRED PERSONAL TRADING APPROVALS...........................................6
        1.11   RESTRICTION ON SHORT TERM TRADING.............................................7
        1.12   CERTAIN NON-INVESTMENT PERSONNEL..............................................7
        1.13   CERTAIN EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS...................................................8
PART II  EMPLOYEE CONDUCT....................................................................8
        2.1    PERSONAL TRADING ACCOUNTS AND REPORTS.........................................8
        2.2    CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.........................................................9
        2.3    SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR........................................................10
        2.4    ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT........................................................10

PART III  COMPLIANCE........................................................................11
        3.1    COMPLIANCE OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORY PROCEDURES...............................11
        3.2    RECORDKEEPING................................................................11
        3.3    REVIEW BY BOARD..............................................................12

Annex   A      POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DESIGNED TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING

Exhibit A      PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING REQUEST FORM

Exhibit B      PROPRIETARY AND EMPLOYEE RELATED ACCOUNTS

Exhibit C      EMPLOYEE ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

Exhibit D      LIST OF APPROVED COMPLIANCE PERSONNEL
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   3

                                  INTRODUCTION

               This Code of Ethics has been prepared for persons associated with
Baker, Fentress & Company ("BKF"), including persons associated with its
subsidiary, John A. Levin & Co., Inc. (LEVCO).

               This Code of Ethics is written so as to be read and understood by
each Employee with respect to such Employee's activities on behalf of the Firm
and personally.

               In order to make it easier to review and understand this Code of
Ethics, a few terms as commonly used throughout the Code of Ethics are defined
below:

               "Client Account" means any client or investment fund, including
BKF as to which or for whom the Firm provides investment advisory or management
services, along with accounts for persons related to Employees or trusts
established for such persons so long as Employees do not have a direct
beneficial interest in such accounts.

               "Compliance Officer" means Norris Nissim or such other person as
may be designated from time to time, with respect to employees of LEVCO and all
other entities in the Firm other than BKF (the "LEVCO Compliance Officer"), and
James P. Koeneman or such other person as may be designated from time to time,
with respect to employees of only BKF (the "BKF Compliance Officer").

               "Employee" means each officer, director, principal or employee of
the Firm, other than (i) a member of the board of directors of BKF who is not an
"interested person" of BKF or (ii) a member of the board of directors of any BKF
subsidiary who is not an officer or employee of LEVCO or its affiliates.

               "Firm" means LEVCO, BKF and each other affiliate entity under
common control which is engaged in the business of providing investment advisory
or management services. The term shall not include registered investment funds
advised by the Firm other than BKF.

               "Head Trader" means Daniel E. Aron or, in his absence, such other
person as may be designated from time to time.

               "Investment Professional" means an Employee who, in connection
with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making
recommendations regarding purchases or sales for Client Accounts.

               "Municipal Employee" means an Employee who does not work in the
Firm's New York City office and who solely provides municipal security
investment advisory or management services to Client Accounts.

               "Proprietary Account" means an account in which an Employee has a
"beneficial interest" or a "proprietary investment or trading account maintained
for the Firm or its Employees. A "beneficial interest" in an account includes
the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit in a
securities transaction taking place in the account, and an



                                        1

<PAGE>   4

Employee shall be deemed to have a beneficial interest in accounts in which the
Employee's spouse, children and other dependents living in the Employee's
household have a beneficial interest, in securities held by a partnership in
which the Employee is a general partner and, in certain cases, in trusts of
which the Employee is a trustee or beneficiary. The rules promulgated under
Section 16 of the Security Exchange Act of 1934 shall generally be used to
determine whether an Employee has a beneficial interest in an account,

               "Security" shall mean all investment instruments commonly viewed
as securities, whether registered or not, including any option to purchase or
sell, and any security that is exchangeable for or convertible into, any such
security, private placements, commodity futures contracts and commodity options,
swaps and other derivative instruments, but shall not include shares of
registered open-end investment companies (i.e., mutual funds), direct
obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, foreign exchange "spot" or "forward"
contracts, short-term, high quality debt securities, including repurchase
agreements, and such other money market or investment instruments as may be
authorized by the LEVCO Compliance Officer from time to time. Additional
investment instruments may be included in the definition of Securities by a
notice from the LEVCO Compliance Officer delivered to all Employees. The LEVCO
Compliance Officer shall deliver such notice within two business days of being
notified by an authorized officer of the Firm that the Firm has purchased or
intends to Purchase securities of that type for one or more Client Accounts.

               PERSONS WITH QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED BY THIS CODE OF ETHICS SHOULD
CONTACT THE APPLICABLE COMPLIANCE OFFICER.



                                        2

<PAGE>   5

                                     PART I

                              TRADING RESTRICTIONS

               1.1.   STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

               All Employees owe a fiduciary duty to, among others, the Firm's
clients. The interests of clients must always be recognized, be respected and
come before those of Employees. In any decision relating to personal investments
or other matters, Employees must assiduously avoid serving their own personal
interests ahead of any client's interests or taking inappropriate advantage of
their position with or on behalf of the Firm. It is critical that Employees
avoid any situation that might compromise -- or appear to compromise -- their
exercise of fully independent judgment in the interests of the Firm's clients.
All personal investment and other activities of Employees must not only comport
with the Code of Ethics and avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest,
but must also abide by the spirit of the Code of Ethics and the principles
articulated herein. Furthermore, Employees may not use their position with the
Firm to favor family and related accounts, and accounts with respect to which
Employees have fiduciary responsibilities, over other Client Accounts.

               1.2    INSIDER TRADING AND MANIPULATIVE PRACTICES.

               (a)    INSIDER TRADING.

               Federal and state securities laws prohibit any purchase or sale
of securities while in possession of material non-public information which was
improperly obtained, or was obtained under circumstances contemplating that it
would not be used for personal gain, and in certain other circumstances. In
addition, "tipping" of others about such information is prohibited. "The persons
covered by these restrictions are not only "insiders" of publicly traded
companies, but also any other persons who, under certain circumstances, learn of
material, non-public information about a company, such as Employees, as well as
outside attorneys, accountants, consultants or bank lending officers.

               Violation of these restrictions can have severe consequences for
both the Firm and its Employees. Trading on insider information or communicating
insider information to others may result in civil and criminal penalties,
including imprisonment of up to ten years and a criminal fine of up to
$1,000,000. In addition, the Firm may be subject to liability for insider
trading or tipping by Employees. The Firm may also be held liable for failing to
take measures to deter securities laws violations where such failure is found to
have contributed to or permitted a violation.

               In view of these requirements, the Firm has adopted the general
policy that an Employee may not trade for either a Client Account or a
Proprietary Account in securities of any company about which the Employee
possesses, or is aware that the Firm possesses, material, non-public information
nor "tip" others about such information. All Employees should exercise care to
adhere to this policy and to take reasonable steps to ensure that the Firm and
other Employees adhere to the policy. Any Employee who believes that he or she
may be in possession of material



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<PAGE>   6

non-public information should: report the matter immediately to the Compliance
Officer; not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others,
including investment partnerships affiliated with the Firm or private accounts
managed by the Firm; and not communicate the information to anyone inside or
outside of the Firm, other than the Compliance Officer. In addition, Employees
should immediately inform the Compliance Officer if they become aware of any
actual or potential violation of this policy by an Employee.

               Recognizing that this is a complicated subject which is not
easily reduced to a few general principles, the Firm has prepared and adopted a
statement of Policies and Procedures Designed to Detect and Prevent Insider
Trading which is attached as Annex A of this Code of Ethics. All Employees must
read and adhere to the restrictions outlined in Annex A.

               (b)    MANIPULATIVE PRACTICES.

               The Investment Company Act and the rules promulgated thereunder
make it illegal for any person covered by the Code of Ethics, indirectly, in
connection with the purchase or sale of a security held or to be acquired by BKF
or by LEVCO on behalf of BKF or any other entity registered under the Investment
Company Act (BKF or such other registered entities, the "Funds") to:

               a.     employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Fund,

               b.     make to the Fund any untrue statement of a material fact
                      or omit to state to the Fund a material fact necessary in
                      order to make the statements made, in light of
                      circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

               c.     engage in any act, practice, or course of business which
                      operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the
                      Fund, or

               d.     engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the
                      Fund.

               1.3    INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS.

               No Employee may acquire any Securities for his or her Proprietary
Account in an initial public offering; provided, however, that an Employee may
purchase a security issued in a thrift conversion where the Employee is a
depositor, if the Employee has received the prior approval of (i) the LEVCO
Compliance Officer, for persons employed by LEVCO or any other member of the
Firm other than BKF, or (ii) the BKF Compliance Officer, for persons employed by
BKF only.

               1.4    PRIVATE PLACEMENTS.

               No Investment Professional shall acquire any Security in a
private placement without the prior approval of (i) the LEVCO Compliance
Officer, for persons employed by LEVCO or any other member of the Firm other
than BKF, or (ii) the BKF Compliance Officer, for persons employed by BKF only.
The factors to be taken into account in this prior approval include, among other
considerations, whether the private placement should be acquired for the



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<PAGE>   7

Firm's Client Accounts, whether the private placement is being offered to the
Investment Professional because of his or her position with the Firm and whether
notice to Clients is appropriate. If an Investment Professional has acquired
Securities in a private placement before becoming an Investment Professional,
the Investment Professional must disclose that investment to the LEVCO
Compliance Officer.

               1.5    RESTRICTED LIST.

               Certain transactions in which the Firm engages may require, for
either business or legal reasons, that any Client Accounts or Proprietary
Accounts do not trade in the subject Securities for specified time periods. In
addition, if the Firm acquires material, non-public information regarding an
issuer, it will be restricted from trading in the securities of such issuer. A
Security will be designated as "restricted" if the Firm is involved in a
transaction which places limits on the aggregate position held by the accounts
in that Security. Restricted securities will appear on a restricted list
("Restricted List") maintained by the Head Trader, which Employees should
consult before placing any order for purchase or sale. No Employee may engage in
any trading activity with respect to a Security while it is on the Restricted
List, except with approval of the Head Trader. Restrictions with regard to
Securities on the Restricted List extend to options, rights or warrants relating
to those Securities and any Securities convertible into those Securities.

               1.6    SHARE OWNERSHIP IN BKF AFFILIATES.

               No Employee shall purchase or otherwise acquire (other than
through an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or upon the exercise of rights
issued by the issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of Securities to the
extent such rights were acquired from such issuer) after June 27, 1996 any share
ownership interest in any entity which is an affiliated person, or an affiliated
person of an affiliated person (together, "affiliates") of BKF (except pursuant
to an incentive compensation or stock option plan), without the prior written
approval of the applicable Compliance Officer. For this purpose, affiliates
shall include any portfolio company in which BKF owns 5% or more of the
portfolio company's outstanding voting Securities, on a fully diluted basis. The
Firm expects that approval of share ownership in a BKF affiliate will rarely, if
ever, be granted.

               1.7    TRANSACTIONS IN BKF SHARES.

               Transactions by BKF's directors, officers and certain
stockholders in BKF shares are subject to the restrictions and limitations
discussed in BKF's Federal Securities Law Guide for Directors, Officers, 10%
Stockholders and Certain Other Persons.

               1.8    NO TRANSACTIONS WITH BKF OR CONTROLLED COMPANIES.

               No Employee or director of LEVCO or BKF shall knowingly sell to
or purchase any Security or other property from BKF or from LEVCO or any other
company controlled by BKF without the prior written approval of the applicable
Compliance Officer. A company will be



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<PAGE>   8

considered controlled by BKF for this purpose if it would appear as a
"controlled affiliate" in BKF's financial statements.

               1.9   RESTRICTION ON TRADING BY INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS
                     DURING A BLACK OUT PERIOD; OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON
                     INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS.

               No Investment Professional shall purchase or sell a Security
within seven days before or three days after (the "Black Out Period") a
transaction in the same Security by the Firm on behalf of a Client Account. If
an Investment Professional executes a trade in a Proprietary Account during the
Black Out Period at a price superior to the price received by the Client
Account, the Investment Professional shall disgorge an amount equal to the
difference between the price per share received by the Investment Professional
and the average price per share received by Client Accounts during the Black Out
Period, multiplied by the number of shares purchased or sold by the Investment
Professional, and shall contribute such amount to a charitable organization
chosen by the Investment Professional and approved by the applicable Compliance
Officer.

               Notwithstanding the preceding sentences, an Investment
Professional may trade a Security during a Black Out Period applicable to that
Security if (i) the Firm had sold the Security to liquidate a Client Account (as
a result of a withdrawal or termination), or the Firm had purchased the Security
for a Client Account(s) that the Firm manages for a broker-sponsored wrap-fee
program; (ii) the Compliance Officer pre-approves the trade; and (iii) the
Investment Professional transacts in the Security following completion of all
trades for Client Accounts on that day. In addition, an Investment Professional
may seek approval from the Levco Compliance Officer to sell a Security during a
Black Out Period to protect the capital of the Investment Professional, and if
approval is granted, the Investment Professional may sell its Securities in the
same proportion that the Firm sold that Security on behalf of Client Accounts
and subject to such restrictions as the LEVCO Compliance Officer may deem
appropriate to protect the interests of Client Accounts.

               When an Investment Professional recommends that a Security be
bought or sold for a Client Account, such Investment Professional must disclose
to the LEVCO Compliance Officer whether a position in that Security is currently
held in a Proprietary Account of such Investment Professional. The LEVCO
Compliance Officer may restrict such Investment Professional from buying or
selling the position from any Proprietary Account until a specified period of
time after the orders for Client Accounts have been filled and there is no
buying or selling program in progress.

               1.10   REQUIRED PERSONAL TRADING APPROVALS.

               All transactions for Proprietary Accounts must have the prior
written approval of the Head Trader or LEVCO Compliance Officer. Notwithstanding
the preceding sentence, Municipal Employees are not required to seek such
approval for transactions in equity securities (or their equivalent) that they
would like to effect in their Proprietary Account. Subject to the discretion of
the Compliance Officer, this prior approval may be withheld on any day during
which the Firm has, or is actually intending, a "buy" or "sell" order in that
same Security for



                                        6

<PAGE>   9

Client Accounts. If an Employee has knowledge that the Firm has, or is actually
intending, a "buy" or "sell" order in a specific Security for Client Accounts,
the Employee must inform the Head Trader or LEVCO Compliance Officer of such
knowledge in seeking approval to trade in that Security. Any transaction for
which approval has been granted may be cancelled at the end of the day by the
Head Trader or LEVCO Compliance Officer and the trade allocated to Client
Accounts if determined by the Head Trader or the LEVCO Compliance Officer to be
required, and any profits realized on proscribed trades must be disgorged and
contributed by the Employee to a charitable organization chosen by the Employee
and approved by the applicable Compliance Officer.

               A Personal Securities Trading Request Form should be submitted to
the Head Trader or LEVCO Compliance Officer to obtain approval for a transaction
for an Employee's Proprietary Account and the Form is attached hereto as Exhibit
A. The Head Trader or LEVCO Compliance Officer shall promptly notify the
Employee of approval or denial of clearance to trade by indicating such action
on the Personal Securities Trading Request Form. Notification of approval or
denial to trade may be verbally given; however, it shall be confirmed in writing
by indicating such action on the Personal Securities Trading Request Form within
24 hours of the verbal notification.

               On a quarterly basis, or at any other time as may be prudent, the
applicable Compliance Officer shall review all personal trading activity of all
Employees. If the applicable Compliance Officer identifies any trading pattern
or personal trading that presents an actual or potential conflict of interest,
the applicable Compliance Officer will recommend to senior management of the
Firm that remedial action be taken. Such remedial action may include
restrictions on personal trading by the Employee, disgorgement of profits,
Employee reprimand and/or Employee dismissal.

               1.11   RESTRICTION ON SHORT TERM TRADING.

               No Investment Professional shall profit from the purchase and
sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) Security within 60
calendar days (a "Short Term Trade"). Any Short Term Trade made in violation of
this paragraph shall be unwound or, if that is not practicable all profits from
the Short Term Trade shall be disgorged by the Investment Professional to a
charitable organization chosen by the Investment Professional and approved by
the applicable Compliance Officer; provided, however, that the applicable
Compliance Officer may exempt the transaction from this prohibition, in whole or
part, if the Compliance Officer concludes that no harm resulted (or would
result) to a Client Account from the transaction and that to unwind the
transaction or require disgorgement would be inequitable or result in undue
hardship to the Investment Professional.

               1.12   CERTAIN NON-INVESTMENT PERSONNEL.

               The restrictions of paragraphs 1.9, 1.10 and 1.11 shall not apply
to persons who are Employees of BKF only and are neither officers, portfolio
managers, analysts, traders, support staff working directly with portfolio
managers or analysts, members of the portfolio accounting staff, nor "interested
persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of BKF.



                                        7

<PAGE>   10

               1.13   CERTAIN EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS.

               The restrictions of this Code of Ethics shall not apply to
purchases or sales in any Proprietary Account managed by a third party over
which an Employee or has no direct or indirect influence or control, purchases
that are part of any automatic dividend reinvestment plan, odd-lot purchase or
sale programs, purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an
issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of securities to the extent such
rights were acquired from such issuer, sales of such rights, and any other
purchases or sales receiving the prior approval of the applicable Compliance
Officer because they are not inconsistent with this Code of Ethics or the
provisions of Rule 17j-l(b) under the Investment Company Act.

                                     PART II

                                EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

               2.1    PERSONAL TRADING ACCOUNTS AND REPORTS.

               A.     EMPLOYEES. Each Employee is required to identify to the
applicable Compliance Officer no later than 10 days from the date of his/her
hire, and thereafter at least monthly, all brokerage and commodities trading
accounts (including the date of establishment of such accounts) which constitute
a Proprietary Account with respect to such Employee, all Securities which the
Employee owns or in which the Employee has a beneficial interest and all
brokerage and commodities trading accounts of persons supported by or living in
the same household as such Employees and trusts established for the Employee or
for such persons (see Exhibit B). In addition, on an annual basis, each Employee
is required to identify to the Applicable Compliance Officer the title, number
of shares and principal amount of the Securities which the Employee owned, or in
which the Employee had a beneficial interest, during the preceding year, as well
as all brokerage and commodities trading accounts which constitute a Proprietary
Account for the Employee and all brokerage and commodities trading accounts of
persons supported by or living in the same household as such Employee. The
information provided in this annual report must be current as of a date no more
than 30 days before the annual report is submitted. All such Proprietary and
Employee related Accounts are requested to be maintained at LEVCO Securities,
Inc. and such Proprietary and Employee related Accounts maintained with other
broker-dealers must be approved by the applicable Compliance Officer. Duplicate
copies of all trade confirmations and all brokerage statements relating to such
Proprietary and Employee related Accounts must be sent to the applicable
Compliance Officer promptly, and at least once each month; provided, however,
that in lieu of providing such duplicate confirmations, the applicable
Compliance Officer may permit an Employee to provide a report of all personal
securities transactions within 10 days after the end of the quarter during which
the transactions occurred.

               Each Employee must report to the applicable Compliance Officer
any Proprietary Accounts managed on a discretionary basis by a third party. Each
Employee must also report to the applicable Compliance Officer any private
securities transactions for any account for which records should be provided as
set forth above which are not carried out through brokerage



                                        8

<PAGE>   11

accounts. Prior to arranging a personal loan with a financial institution which
will be collateralized by Securities, an Employee must obtain the approval of
the applicable Compliance Officer. Annually, each Employee is also required to
certify to the applicable Compliance Officer, among other things, that he has
reported all transactions in all such Proprietary Accounts on the form attached
hereto as Exhibit C.

               B.     OUTSIDE BOARD MEMBERS.

               A director of LEVCO who is not an officer or employee of LEVCO
(an "Outside Board Member") must (i) report, at the time the director becomes an
Outside Board Member, all securities in which the person had any direct or
indirect beneficial interest no later than ten days from the time when the
person becomes an Outside Board Member; (ii) report all personal securities
transactions within 10 days after the end of the quarter during which the
transactions occurred; and (iii) file with the Applicable Compliance Officer an
annual report that identifies the title, number of shares and principal amount
of the Securities which the Outside Board Member owned, or in which the Outside
Board Member had a beneficial interest, during the preceding year, as well as
all brokerage and commodities trading accounts which constitute a Proprietary
Account for the Outside Board Member and all brokerage and commodities trading
accounts of persons supported by or living in the same household as such Outside
Board Member. The information provided in this annual report must be current as
of a date no more than 30 days before the annual report is submitted.

               An Outside Board Member may not purchase or otherwise acquire
direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any Security, and may not sell or
otherwise dispose of any Security in which he or she has direct or indirect
beneficial ownership, if he or she has actual knowledge at the time of entering
into the transaction that: (1) a Fund, pursuant to the advice of LEVCO, has
purchased or sold the Security within the last 15 calendar days, or is
purchasing or selling or intends to purchase or sell the Security in the next 15
calendar days; or (2) LEVCO has within the last 15 calendar days considered
purchasing or selling the Security for a Fund or is considering purchasing or
selling the Security for LEVCO Series Trust or LEVCO Investment Trust or within
the next 15 calendar days is going to consider purchasing or selling the
Security for a Fund, unless such Outside Board Member:

               (i)    obtains advance clearance of such transaction from the
                      Compliance Officer, and

               (ii)   reports to the Compliance Officer such transaction.

               2.2    CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

               It is a violation of an Employee's duty of loyalty to the Firm
for any Employee, without the prior written consent of the applicable Compliance
Officer, to:

               (a)    rebate, directly or indirectly, to any person, firm or
               corporation any part of the compensation received from the Firm
               as an Employee;



                                        9

<PAGE>   12

               (b)    accept, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm,
               corporation or association, other than the Firm, compensation of
               any nature as a bonus, commission, fee, gratuity or other
               consideration in connection with any transaction on behalf of the
               Firm or a Client Account,

               (c)    accept, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm,
               corporation, association or other entity that does business with
               or on behalf of the Firm, any gift or other thing of more than de
               minimis value;

               (d)    participate in entertainment with clients, brokers and
               other counterparties unless reasonably related to legitimate
               business purposes of the Firm; or

               (e)    own any stock or have, directly or indirectly, any
               financial interest in any other organization engaged in any
               securities, financial or related business, except for a minority
               stock ownership or other financial interest in any business which
               is publicly owned.

               In addition, no Employee, without the prior written consent of
the Compliance Officer, may provide directly or indirectly any person, firm,
corporation, association or other entity that does business with or on behalf of
the Firm with any gift or other item.

               2.3    SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR.

               No Employee may serve as a member of the board of directors or
trustees of any business organization, other than a civic or charitable
organization, without the prior written approval of (i) the LEVCO Compliance
Officer, for employees of LEVCO or of both LEVCO and BKF, or (ii) the BKF
Compliance Officer, for employees of only BKF. The determination of an
Employee's eligibility to serve in such a position shall be based on whether
such service would be consistent with the interests of the Firm and its clients,
and no person employed by LEVCO or any other member of the Firm other than BKF
shall be allowed to serve in such a position unless authorization has been
obtained from any clients of the Firm which have notified the Firm of any
criteria they may have with respect to such service. If such service is
authorized, certain safeguards may be implemented in the discretion of the LEVCO
Compliance Officer including, but not limited to, investment restrictions and/or
isolating the Employee serving from those making investment decisions through
"Chinese Wall" or other procedures. See also Annex A - Policies and Procedures
Designed to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading.

               2.4    ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

               Each Employee shall at least annually sign a written statement in
the form of Exhibit B attached hereto acknowledging his or her receipt and
understanding of, and agreement to abide by, the policies described in this Code
of Ethics, and certifying that he or she has reported all personal securities
transactions. In addition, each Outside Board Member is required to certify
annually that he or she has read and understands the provisions of this Code
applicable to him or her and recognizes that he or she is subject to certain
provisions of the Code.



                                       10

<PAGE>   13

                                    PART III

                                   COMPLIANCE

               3.1    COMPLIANCE OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORY PROCEDURES.

               LEVCO shall designate from time to time a LEVCO Compliance
Officer and a Head Trader and their substitutes, and the names of such persons
shall be listed on Exhibit C attached hereto. BKF shall designate from time to
time a BKF Compliance Officer, and the name of such person shall also be listed
on Exhibit D. The applicable Compliance Officer shall be responsible for general
administration of the policies and procedures set forth in this Code of Ethics
other than those specifically designated for the Head Trader and the LEVCO
Compliance Officer. The applicable Compliance Officer shall be required to
identify each Employee subject to this Code and to inform such Employees of
his/her reporting obligations hereunder. The applicable Compliance Officer shall
review all reports submitted pursuant to this Code of Ethics, answer questions
regarding the policies and procedures set forth in the Code of Ethics, update
this Code of Ethics as required from time to time, and arrange for appropriate
records to be maintained, including copies of all reports submitted under this
Code of Ethics. The applicable Compliance Officers shall also arrange for
appropriate briefing of Employees of the policies of the Firm reflected in the
Code of Ethics from time to time as determined to be appropriate by the
applicable Compliance Officer. In each instance in which the approval or
authorization of the LEVCO Compliance Officer or BKF Compliance Officer is
required under this Code of Ethics, the Compliance Officer receiving the request
for approval or authorization shall, before granting approval or authorization,
confirm with the other applicable Compliance Officer that no reason exists that
would make approval or authorization inappropriate.

               The LEVCO Compliance Officer may waive any requirement of this
Code of Ethics if the facts and circumstances warrant such waiver.

               The applicable Compliance Officers shall investigate any possible
violations of the policies and procedures set forth in this Code of Ethics to
determine whether sanctions should be imposed, which may include, inter alia, a
letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or such other
course of action as may be appropriate.

               On an annual basis, the LEVCO Compliance Officer will review and
consider the Firm's compliance procedures, the prior year's violations and
remedial actions taken, and any proposed updates or changes to the Firm's Codes
of Ethics.

               3.2    RECORDKEEPING.

               The records listed below shall be maintained for a period of five
years in an easily accessible place:

               -      a list of all persons subject to the Code during the
                      period;

               -      receipts signed by all persons subject to the Code
                      acknowledging receipt of copies of the Code and
                      acknowledging that: they are subject to it;



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<PAGE>   14

               -      a copy of each Code of Ethics that has been in effect any
                      time during the period;

               -      a copy of each report filed pursuant to the Code and a
                      record of any known violations and actions taken as a
                      result thereof during the period;

               -      a copy of a record of all persons who are deemed to be a
                      compliance officer; and

               -      a copy of a record of any decision to approve the
                      acquisition of a private placement or IPO.

               3.3    REVIEW BY BOARD.

               The officers BFK and LEVCO Series Trust, with the assistance of
the Compliance Officer, shall prepare an annual report to the boards of BFK and
LEVCO Series Trust that:

               -      summarizes existing procedures concerning personal
                      investing and any changes in those procedures during the
                      past year;

               -      identifies any violations of the applicable relevant
                      provisions of the Code requiring significant remedial
                      action during the past year;

               -      identifies any recommended changes in existing
                      restrictions or procedures based upon experience under the
                      Code, evolving industry practices, or developments in
                      applicable laws or regulations; and

               -      certifies that BKF and LEVCO have adopted procedures
                      reasonably necessary to present Employees from violating
                      the Code.



                                       12

<PAGE>   15

                                                                         ANNEX A

                             POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
                 DESIGNED TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING

SECTION 1.  POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING.

        A.     The Firm forbids any of its Employees from trading, either
personally or on behalf of others, including private accounts managed by the
Firm, while in possession of material, nonpublic information or communicating
material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. This conduct
is frequently referred to as "insider trading." The Firm's policies apply to
every Employee and extend to activities within and outside their duties at the
Firm. Every Employee must read and retain this policy statement. Any questions
regarding the Firm's policies and procedures should be referred to the
Compliance Officer, who is responsible for the monitoring and application of
such policies and procedures.

               THIS POLICY STATEMENT APPLIES TO THE FIRM AND ITS AFFILIATED
ENTITIES, AS WELL AS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES.

               The term "insider trading" is not defined in the federal
securities laws, but is generally used to refer to the use of material nonpublic
information to trade in securities (whether or not one is an "insider") or to
communication of material nonpublic information to others.

               While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is
generally understood that the law prohibits:

                      (i)    trading by an insider, while in possession of
                             material, nonpublic information;

                      (ii)   trading by a non-insider, while in possession of
                             material, nonpublic information, where the
                             information either was disclosed to the non-insider
                             in violation of an insider's duty to keep it
                             confidential or was misappropriated; or

                      (iii)  an insider or a non-insider described in clause
                             (ii) above from communicating material nonpublic
                             information to others.

               The elements of insider trading and the penalties for such
unlawful conduct are discussed below. If, after reviewing this policy statement,
you have any questions you should consult the Compliance Officer.

        B.     WHO IS AN INSIDER?

               The concept of "insider" is broad. It includes all Employees of
the Firm. In addition a person can be a "temporary insider" if he or she enters
into a confidential relationship in the conduct of a company's affairs and, as a
result, is given access to information solely for the company's purposes. The
Firm may become a temporary insider of a company it advises or for



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<PAGE>   16

which it performs other services. Temporary insider also may include, among
others, a company's law firm, accounting firm, consulting firm, banks and the
employees of such organizations.

        C.     WHAT IS MATERIAL INFORMATION?

               Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless
the information is material. "Material information" is generally defined as
information that is likely to be considered important by a reasonable investor
in making his or her investment decisions. Information that affects the price of
a company's securities is likely to be deemed material. This might include,
without limitation, changes in dividend policies, earnings estimates, changes in
previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition
proposals or agreements, major litigation liquidity problems and significant new
products, services or contracts.

               Material information can also relate to events or circumstances
affecting the market for a company's securities. For example, in 1987 the
Supreme Court considered as material certain information about the contents of a
forthcoming newspaper column that was expected to affect the market price of a
security. In that case, a Wall Street Journal reporter was found criminally
liable for disclosing to others the dates that reports on various companies
would appear in The Wall Street Journal and whether those reports would be
favorable or not.

        D.     WHAT IS NONPUBLIC INFORMATION?

               "Nonpublic" information is any information that has not been
disclosed generally to the marketplace. Information received about another
company that is not yet in general circulation should be considered non-public.
As a general rule, one must be able to point to some fact to show that the
information is generally public. For example, information found in a report
filed with the SEC, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services, Wall
Street Journal or other publications of general circulation would be considered
public. In addition, if information is being widely disseminated to traders
generally by brokers or institutional analysts, such information would be
considered public unless there is a reasonable basis to believe that such
information is confidential and came from a corporate insider.

        E.     BASES FOR LIABILITY

               1.     FIDUCIARY DUTY THEORY

               In 1980, the Supreme Court found that there is no general duty to
disclose before trading on material, nonpublic information, but that such a duty
arises where there is a fiduciary relationship. A relationship must exist
between the parties to a transaction such that one party has a right to expect
that the other party will disclose any material nonpublic information or will
refrain from trading.

               In 1983, the Supreme Court stated that outsiders can acquire the
fiduciary duties of insiders (i) by entering into a confidential relationship
with a company through which such outsiders, will gain material nonpublic
information (e.g., attorneys, accountants, underwriters or consultants or (ii)
by becoming "tippees" if the outsiders are aware or should have been aware



                                       14

<PAGE>   17

that they have been given confidential information by an insider who has
violated his or her fiduciary duty to the company's shareholders.

               However, in the "tippee" situation, a breach of duty occurs only
if the insider personally benefits, directly or indirectly, from the disclosure.
The benefit does not have to be pecuniary, but can be a gift, a reputational
benefit that will translate into future earning, or even evidence of a
relationship that suggests a quid pro quo.

               2.     MISAPPROPRIATION THEORY

               Another basis for insider trading liability is the
"misappropriation theory," where liability is based on a fiduciary's
undisclosed, self-serving use of a principal's information to purchase or sell
securities in breach of a fiduciary duty, thereby defrauding the principal of
the exclusive use of that information. Liability is based on the fiduciary's
deception of those who entrusted the fiduciary with access to confidential
information. Under the theory as most recently articulated by the Supreme Court,
the element of deception may be established by an employee's breach of a
company's internal rules as contained, for example, in a company compliance
manual. The "misappropriation theory" can be the basis for both government
prosecution and civil actions brought by private parties. In addition, the
Supreme Court has also upheld the SEC's current rule with respect to tender
offers that does not require the breach of a fiduciary duty for liability when
trading on inside information regarding a tender offer.

        F.     PENALTIES FOR INSIDER TRADING.

               Penalties for trading on or communicating material nonpublic
information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct
and their employer. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties
below even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation.
Penalties include:

               -      civil injunctions

               -      treble damages

               -      disgorgement of profits

               -      jail sentences

               -      fines for the person who committed the violation
                      of up to the greater of $ 1,000,000 or three times
                      the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided.

               In addition, any violation of this policy statement can be
expected to result in serious sanctions by the Firm including dismissal of the
persons involved.

SECTION II.    PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE FIRM'S POLICIES AGAINST INSIDER
               TRADING.

               The following procedures have been established to aid the
Employees of the Firm in avoiding insider trading, and to aid the Firm in
preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions



                                       15

<PAGE>   18

against insider trading. Every Employee of the Firm must follow these procedures
or risk serious sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability
and criminal penalties. If you have any questions about the procedures you
should consult the Compliance Officer.

        A.     IDENTIFY INSIDE INFORMATION.

               Before tiding for yourself or others, including investment
partnerships affiliated with the Firm or private accounts managed by the Firm,
in the securities of a company about which you may have potential inside
information, ask yourself the following questions:

               (i)    Is the information material? Is this information that an
investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions? Is
this information that would substantially affect the market price of the
securities if generally disclosed? Is this information which would cause
insiders to change their trading habits?

               (ii)   Is the information nonpublic? To whom has this information
been provided? Has the information been filed with the SEC, or been effectively
communicated to the marketplace by being published in Reuters Economic Services,
The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation or
appearing on the wire services?

               If, after consideration of the above, you believe that the
information is material and nonpublic, or if you have questions as to whether
the information is material and nonpublic, you should take the following steps:

               (i)    Report the matter immediately to the Compliance Officer;

               (ii)   Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of
                      yourself or others, including investment partnerships
                      affiliated with the Firm or private accounts managed by
                      the Firm; and

               (iii)  Do not communicate the information inside or outside the
                      Firm, other than to the Compliance Officer.

               After the Compliance Officer has reviewed the issue, you will be
instructed to continue the prohibitions against trading and communication, or
you will be allowed to trade and communicate the information.

        B.     PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING.

               The Employees of the Firm and their family members and trusts of
which such persons are trustees or in which such persons have a beneficial
interest must execute all of their equity and corporate debt securities
transactions with their broker of choice. Transactions in U.S. Government or
municipal bonds are not subject to this policy. Duplicate confirmation of trades
must be forwarded to the Compliance Officer by each Employee's broker. Such
confirmations shall include, for each transaction, the date of the transaction,
the name, the quantity and the price of the security. For purposes of this
policy statement "family members" includes any relative,



                                       16

<PAGE>   19

spouse, or relative of the spouse of an Employee and any other adults living in
the same household as the Employee.

               Personal trading should be undertaken for investment purposes
only, in amounts consistent with the normal investment practice of the person
investing, and short term trading or speculation is prohibited.

               When material nonpublic information of which the Employee is
aware become public, a reasonable period (at least 24 hours) must pass for the
marketplace to have an opportunity to evaluate and respond to the news before
personal trading is permitted.

        C.     RESTRICTING ACCESS TO MATERIAL NONPUBLIC INFORMATION.

               Information in your possession that you identify as material and
nonpublic may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within the Firm
except as provided in paragraph I of this Section II. The Firm is establishing
this policy to help avoid conflicts, appearances of impropriety and the misuse
of confidential, proprietary information. In addition, care should be taken so
that all material and nonpublic information is secure. For example, files
containing material nonpublic information should be sealed and access to
computer files containing material nonpublic should be restricted.

        D.     ARBITRAGE ACTIVITIES.

               Arbitrage activities must be conducted with particular care.
Absent authorization or clearance from the Compliance Officer, initial arbitrage
positions should only be taken after a significant corporate event is announced
or information affecting the securities markets generally or a specific industry
segment thereto is disclosed. Arbitrage personnel should limit contacts with
bankers, lawyers and other advisers of parties involved in various transactions.

        E.     CONTACTS WITH THIRD PARTIES.

               Requests of third parties such as the press and analysts for
information should be directed to the Compliance Officer,

        F.     RESOLVING ISSUES CONCERNING INSIDER TRADING.

               If, after consideration of the items set forth in paragraph 1 of
this Section II, doubt remains as to whether information is material or
nonpublic, or if there are any unresolved question as to the applicability or
interpretation of the foregoing procedures, or as to the propriety of any
action, these matters must be discussed with the Compliance Officer before
trading or communicating the information to anyone.

               Contacts with public companies will sometimes be a part of an
Employee's research efforts. Employees may make investment decisions on the
basis of conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly
available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the
course of these contacts, an Employee becomes aware of material, non-public
information. This could happen, for example, if a company's chief financial
officer



                                       17

<PAGE>   20

prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst, or an investor relations
representative makes selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of
investors. In such situations, the Employee should contact the Compliance
Officer immediately if you believe that you may have received material,
non-public information.

               Tender offers represent a particular concern of the law of
insider trading for two reasons. First, tender offer activity often produces
extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target company's securities. Trading
during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and
produces a disproportionate percentage or insider trading cases). Second, the
SEC has adopted a rule that expressly forbids trading and "tipping" while in
possession of material, non-public information regarding a tender offer received
from the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf or
either. The rule does not require a breach of a fiduciary duty for liability.
Employees should exercise particular caution any time they become aware of
non-public information relating to a tender offer.

SECTION III.   SUPERVISORY PROCEDURES

               The role of the Compliance Officer is critical to the
implementation and maintenance of the Firm's policies and procedures against
insider trading. Supervisory procedures can be divided into two classifications:
prevention of insider trading and detection of insider trading.

        A.     PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING.

               To Prevent insider trading, the Compliance Officer should:

               (i)    provide, on a regular basis, an education program
                      to familiarize Employees with the Finn's policies
                      and procedures.

               (ii)   answer questions regarding the Finn's policies and
                      procedures;

               (iii)  resolve issues of whether information received by
                      an Employee of the Finn is material and nonpublic;

               (iv)   review on a regular basis and update as necessary
                      the Firm's policies and procedures;

               (v)    when it has been determined that an Employee of
                      the Firm has material nonpublic information:

                      (a)   implement measures to prevent dissemination of such
                            information; and

                      (b)   if necessary, restrict Employees from trading in the
                            securities;

               and



                                       18

<PAGE>   21

                      (vi)   promptly review, and either approve or disapprove,
                             in writing, each request of an Employee for
                             clearance to trade in specified equity securities
                             or corporate debt securities.

       B.      DETECTION OF INSIDER TRADING.

               To detect insider trading, the Compliance Officer should:

                      (i)    review the confirmations received from each
                             Employee;

                      (ii)   review the trading activity of investment
                             partnerships affiliated with the Firm and private
                             accounts managed by the Firm; and

                      (iii)  coordinate the review of such reports with other
                             appropriate Employees of the Firm.

        C.     SPECIAL REPORTS.

               Promptly upon learning of a potential violation of the Firm's
Policies and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading the Compliance
Officer should prepare a written report to the Chief Executive Officer of the
Firm providing full details and recommendations for further action.

        D.     ANNUAL REPORTS.

               On an annual basis, the Compliance Officer should prepare a
written report to the Chief Executive officer of the Firm setting forth the
following:

                      (i)    summary of existing procedures to detect and
                             prevent insider trading;

                      (ii)   full details of any investigation, either internal
                             or by a regulatory agency, of any suspected insider
                             trading and the results of such investigation;

                      (iii)  an evaluation of the current procedures and any
                             recommendations for improvement; and

                      (iv)   a description of the Firm's continuing educational
                             program regarding insider trading, including the
                             dates of such programs since the last report.



                                       19

<PAGE>   22

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                    PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING REQUEST FORM

Name:

Details of Proposed Transaction

        -      circle PURCHASE or SALE

        -      Date of Transaction
                                  --------------------------

        -      indicate name of issuer
                                      ----------------------

        -      type of security (e.g., note, common stock,
               preferred stock)                             --------------------

        -      quantity of shares or units
                                                            --------------------
        -      price per share/units
                                                            --------------------

        -      approximate dollar amount
                                                            --------------------

        -      account for which transaction will be made
                                                            --------------------

        -      name of broker
                                                            --------------------

        -      transaction in same security within prior
               60 days
                                                            --------------------

        -      Check here if you wish that this form shall
               not be construed as an admission of direct
               or indirect beneficial ownership in the
               Security.

Date:
     -----------------------------                    --------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       You may/may not execute the proposed transactions described above.


Date:

                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Authorized Signature



                                       20

<PAGE>   23

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

PROPRIETARY AND EMPLOYEE RELATED ACCOUNTS

Please list all brokerage and commodity trading accounts which constitute a
Proprietary Account, all securities which you own and any trading accounts or
securities of persons supported by or living in the same household as yourself.
Also list and trusts that you have established or that have been established for
you.


NAME ON THE ACCOUNT                 INSTITUTION                       ACCOUNT#








DATE:                                   SIGNATURE:
     -------------------------                    ------------------------------



                                       21

<PAGE>   24

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                      EMPLOYEE ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

               The undersigned employee (the "Employee") of _________________
(the "Firm") acknowledges having received and read a copy of the Code of Ethics
along with all Annexes and Exhibits thereto, dated ______, 199_ (the "Code of
Ethics"), and agrees to abide by the provisions contained therein. The Employee
understands that observance of the policies and procedures contained in the Code
of Ethics is a material condition of the Employees employment by the Firm and
that any violation of such policies and procedures by the Employee, will be
grounds for immediate termination by the Firm as well as possible civil or
criminal penalties.

               The Employee specifically agrees and acknowledges as follows:

               a. The Employee will disclose to the Compliance Officer of the
Firm al accounts through which the Employee directly or indirectly conducts
securities or commodities trading activity of any sort, including all amounts in
which the Employee has a direct or indirect beneficial interest and all accounts
over which the Employee exercises any control.

               b. The Employee will provide to the Compliance Officer, at least
monthly, copies of all trade confirmations and brokerage statements relating to
such accounts.

               c. The Employee will not trade on the basis of, nor disclose to
any third party, material non-public information, nor confidential information
regarding the activities of any Client Account.

               d. The Employee will not engage in transactions involving
securities appearing on a list of "Restricted Securities" that may be circulated
from time to time by the Compliance Officer and agrees to obtain the approval of
the Head Trader, or his authorized substitute, for any trade for a Proprietary
Account.

               e. The Employee will not, without the permission of the
Compliance Officer disclose to any third party any information that an Employee
obtains regarding advice furnished by the Finn to its Client Accounts,
non-public data furnished by any client, or the programs, analyses or other
proprietary data or information of the Firm.

               f. The Employee has provided to the applicable Compliance Officer
an annual report indicating all transactions effected during the preceding year
in all accounts which the Employee owned or in which the Employee has a
beneficial interest and all private securities transactions which are not
carried out through brokerage accounts, with such information current as of a
date no more than 30 days before the Employee submitted such annual report.

               g. The Employee has been given the opportunity to take part in an
educational Program in connection with the Firm's insider trading policies and
procedures.



                                       22

<PAGE>   25

               By the signature below, the Employee pledges to abide by the
policies and procedures described above and affirms that the Employee has not
previously violated such policies or procedures and has reported all securities
transactions for his Proprietary Accounts in the most recent calendar Year as
required by the Code of Ethics.


Date
    --------------------------                    ------------------------------
                                                  Name of Employee


                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Signature of Employee



                                       23

<PAGE>   26

                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                      LIST OF APPROVED COMPLIANCE PERSONNEL

Title                                            Person

LEVCO Compliance Officer                         Norris Nissim

                                                 Daniel E.  Aron (substitute)

BKF Compliance Officer                           James P.  Koeneman

Head Trader                                      Daniel E.  Aron



                                       24

<PAGE>   1

                         MARKSTON INTERNATIONAL, LLC

            CODE OF ETHICS AND INSIDER TRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

I.      INTRODUCTION

        Markston International, LLC ("Markston" or the "Firm') holds its
employees to a high standard of integrity and business practice. In serving its
clients, the Firm strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of
conflicts in connection with the securities transactions of the firm and its
employees. This Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy and Procedures (this
"Code") is intended to serve as a guide to administering and overseeing
procedures relating to the personal trading practices of the Firm's personnel in
accordance with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act") and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as it relates to the Firm's
investment advisory business.

        Markston is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act, and
provides investment advice to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act
and others. Consistent with Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act and 204A of the Advisers
Act, Markston has adopted this Code which contains provisions reasonably
necessary to prevent the Firm's employees from engaging in any act, practice, or
course of business that would (1) defraud or mislead any of its clients, (2)
constitute a manipulative practice, or (3) misuse material, non-public
information.

II.     APPLICABILITY

        This Code applies to all employees of Markston, as well as to Markston's
manager and members. For purposes of this Code, the term "employee" includes,
but is not limited to, persons who, in the course of their regular functions or
duties, participate in the process of purchasing or selling securities, or
participate in making recommendations or obtaining information for the purchase
or sale of securities, on behalf of any of the Firm's clients, including
investment companies.

III.    DEFINITIONS

        A.      An "approved trade" is a trade for which an employee has
                received prior approval under the procedures described in this
                Code.

        B.      A security is "being considered for purchase or sale" when a
                recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and
                communicated or, for the person making the recommendation, when
                that person considers making the recommendation.

        C.      An employee will be deemed to have a "beneficial interest" in a
                security or in an account in which the employee, his or her
                spouse, minor child or relative who shares the same household as
                the employee has a direct or indirect economic or pecuniary
                interest, or an account over which the employee exercises
                trading discretion.




<PAGE>   2

        D.      A "Firm trade" is a security in which the Firm has entered
                orders for one or more clients.

        E.      "SECURITY" means any stock, bond, note, debenture and any
                interest commonly known as a security, including options,
                warrants and rights to purchase or sell securities, and options
                on and futures contracts for securities and securities indices,
                other than those securities set forth in Section VI.A.1. If an
                employee is not certain of whether a particular security falls
                within this Section or Section VI.A.1, the employee should
                consult with the Compliance Officer.

IV.     STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

        A.      Investment-related information learned by an employee during the
                course of carrying out Firm-related duties or in communications
                between Firm employees is to be kept confidential until or
                unless publicly available. Such information may include, but is
                not limited to, portfolio-related research activity, brokerage
                orders being placed on behalf of a client, and recommendations
                to purchase or sell specific securities.

        B.      Employees may not take or omit to take an action on behalf of a
                Firm's client or intentionally induce a Finn's client to take
                action for the purpose of achieving a personal benefit.

        C.      Employees may not use actual knowledge of a client's
                transactions to profit by the market effect of the client's
                transaction.

        D.      Employees will not take unique investment opportunities which
                should be made in the Firm's clients' accounts for accounts in
                which they have a beneficial interest.

V.      RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTMENT AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

        A.      OPENING AN ACCOUNT. Each employee who wishes to establish a
                securities account, including any account in which the employee
                will have a beneficial interest, must notify and obtain approval
                from the Firm's Compliance Officer before opening the account.

        B.      GENERAL TRADING PROHIBITIONS. An employee may not buy or sell a
                security for an account in which he has a beneficial interest
                when (i) the security is being considered for purchase or sale,
                (ii) a Firm trade is being made, or (iii) during the seven days
                before or following a Firm trade in that security. In addition,
                if the Firm otherwise anticipates trading in the security, the
                trade may be denied.

        C.      TRADING APPROVALS. Each employee who wishes to trade in an
                account in which the employee has a beneficial interest, must
                notify and obtain prior approval from the Finn's Compliance
                Officer before effecting the trade.




<PAGE>   3

                1.      Approval is to be requested by submitting a form
                        entitled "Buy or Sell Order for Markston Employee's
                        Personal Account," in the form of Exhibit A attached, to
                        the Compliance Officer and then to the Firm's Trading
                        Desk.

                2.      Approvals will be granted at the discretion of the
                        Firm's Compliance Officer. If the Compliance Officer
                        approves the trade, the Firm's Trading Desk must also
                        review the trade, before approval, by reviewing
                        outstanding orders. The Trading Desk will not approve a
                        trade in a security if that security (i) has been traded
                        that day or (ii) is subject to any outstanding orders,
                        unless the Compliance Officer is aware of those trades
                        or outstanding orders and wishes to approve the trade.
                        If the trade is nevertheless approved, the Compliance
                        Officer will write an explanatory memo to the Finn's
                        files.

                3.      Any trading approval is effective for one business day
                        only, unless explicitly provided for otherwise or
                        extended in writing by the Firm's Compliance Officer.
                        Therefore, employees must effect trades by the close of
                        business on the same day approval is received.

        D.      FIRM TRADE OCCURRING AFTER APPROVED EMPLOYEE TRADE. If the Finn
                enters an order for a security within seven days after an
                employee has effected an approved trade, the Compliance Officer
                will discuss the trade with the employee. Depending on the
                circumstances, the Compliance Officer may, for example:

                1.      Break the trade (a) if it appears that the employee may
                        have had advance information concerning the Finn's
                        trade, or (b) to avoid the appearance of impropriety; or

                2.      Allow the trade if circumstances justify such action. If
                        the trade is approved, the Compliance Officer will write
                        an explanatory memo to the Firm's files.

        E.      POST-TRADE MONITORING. Pursuant to Section VIII. B., for all
                applicable accounts, each employee shall arrange for duplicate
                confirmations and monthly statements to be sent to the Firm's
                Compliance Officer. After trading approval of each transaction
                under this Section, the Compliance Officer shall cross-reference
                the confirmation received for the applicable securities
                transaction for which a trading approval was given. Copies of
                all duplicate confirmations and statements and Buy or Sell
                Orders for Markston Employee's Personal Account (with trading
                approvals) shall be kept for each employee. The Compliance
                Officer shall review those records at least annually to
                determine if there are any trading patterns or series of
                transactions which indicate possible violations of this Code.

        F.      TRADING BY RESEARCH ANALYSTS. The Firm's research analysts and
                portfolio managers may not trade, for any account or accounts in
                which they have a beneficial interest, in any security they are
                considering recommending for a Firm




<PAGE>   4

                Trade. The Compliance Officer may grant exceptions in advance of
                trades as deemed appropriate under this Code.

        G.      OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS. Firm employees may not serve on the
                boards of directors of publicly traded companies unless (i) the
                Firm's manager grants prior authorization, and (ii) a mechanism
                such as a "Chinese Wall" is established and maintained to
                prevent the flow of information from the employee serving on the
                board to the employees making investment decisions on behalf of
                the Firm's clients.

        H.      HOLDING PERIOD. Firm employees must hold securities that are
                subject to this Code for at least one day.

VI.     EXCEPTIONS

        A.      The provisions of Section V. and VIII. C. do not apply to:

                1.      Purchases or sales of securities issued by the U.S.
                        Government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of
                        deposit, commercial paper, money market instruments and
                        shares of registered open-end investment companies.

                2.      Purchases or sales of securities that are non-volitional
                        on the part of either the employee or the Firm client.

                3.      Purchases that are part of an automatic dividend
                        reinvestment plan.

                4.      Purchases effected by the exercise of tights issued by
                        an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its
                        securities, to the extent the rights were acquired from
                        the issuer, and the later sale, of those rights.

        B.      The Firm's Compliance Officer may exercise discretion to approve
                a trade if, for example it appears that:

                1.      The potential harm to the Firm's clients is remote.

                2.      The trade is unlikely to affect a large capitalization
                        stock or a highly institutional market.

                3.      The trade is clearly not related economically to
                        securities to be purchased, sold or held by any of the
                        Firm's clients.

                4.      A Finn trade is being made in a security only to size-up
                        or size-down an account (due to deposits and/or
                        withdrawals), if the trade is deemed immaterial
                        considering all relevant facts.




<PAGE>   5

VII.    INSIDER TRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

        A.      The Firm forbids any manager, member or employee from trading,
                either for his or her personal account or on behalf of others
                (including mutual funds and private accounts managed by the
                Firm), while in possession of material nonpublic information, or
                communicating material nonpublic information to others in
                violation of the law. This prohibited conduct is often referred
                to as "insider trading,"

        B.      As a general guide for Firm employees and to provide assistance
                in understanding and in complying with Section VII. A., "insider
                trading" is described below.

                1.    WHAT IS MATERIAL INFORMATION?

                      Information is "material" when there is a substantial
                      likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it
                      important in making his or her investment decisions.
                      Generally, this is information the disclosure of which
                      will have a substantial effect on the price of a company's
                      securities. There is no simple "bright line" test to
                      determine when information is material; assessments of
                      materiality involve a highly fact-specific inquiry. For
                      this reason, you should direct any questions about whether
                      information is material to the Finn's Compliance Officer.

                      Material information often relates to a company's results
                      and operations including, for example, dividend changes,
                      earnings results, changes in previously released earnings
                      estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or
                      agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and
                      extraordinary management developments.

                      Material information also may relate to the market for a
                      company's securities. Information about a significant
                      order to buy or sell securities may, in some contexts, be
                      deemed material. Similarly, prepublication information
                      concerning reports in the financial press also may be
                      material. For example, the Supreme Court upheld the
                      criminal convictions of insider trading defendants who
                      used prepublication information about the WALL STREET
                      JOURNAL's Heard on the Street column.

                2.    WHAT IS NONPUBLIC INFORMATION?

                      Information is "public" when it has been disseminated
                      broadly to investors in the marketplace. Tangible evidence
                      of dissemination is the best indication that the
                      information is public. For example, information is public
                      after it has become available to the general public
                      through a public filing with the SEC or some other
                      governmental agency, the Dow Jones "tape" or the WALL
                      STREET JOURNAL or some other publication of general
                      circulation, and after sufficient time has passed so that
                      the information has been disseminated widely.




<PAGE>   6

                3.    IDENTIFYING INSIDE INFORMATION

                      Before executing any trade for yourself or others,
                      including registered investment companies or other
                      accounts managed by Markston, you must determine whether
                      you have access to material, nonpublic information. If you
                      think that you might have access to material, nonpublic
                      information, you should take the following steps:

                      (a)     Report the information and proposed trade
                              immediately to the Firm's Compliance Officer.

                      (b)     Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf
                              of yourself or others, including registered
                              investment companies or other accounts managed
                              by Markston.

                      (c)     Do not communicate the information inside or
                              outside Markston, other than to the Compliance
                              Officer and/or Markston's outside counsel.

                      (d)     After the Compliance Officer has reviewed the
                              issue, the Firm will determine whether the
                              information is material and nonpublic and, if
                              so, what action the Firm should take.

                      You should consult with the Compliance Officer before
                      taking any action. This degree of caution will protect
                      you, our clients and the firm.

                4.    CONTACTS WITH PUBLIC COMPANIES

                      For Markston, contacts with public companies represent an
                      important part of our research efforts. Markston may make
                      investment decisions on the basis of its conclusions
                      formed through such contacts and analysis of
                      publicly-available information. However, difficult legal
                      issues arise when, in the course of these contacts, a
                      Markston employee or others subject to this Code becomes
                      aware of material, nonpublic information. This could
                      happen, for example, if a company's chief financial
                      officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an
                      analyst or an investor relations representative makes a
                      selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of
                      investors. In such situations, Markston must make a
                      judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself,
                      our clients and the Firm, you should contact the Finn's
                      Compliance Officer immediately if you believe that you may
                      have received material, nonpublic information.

                5.    TENDER OFFERS

                      Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of
                      insider trading for two reasons. First, tender offer
                      activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the
                      price of the target company's securities. Trading during
                      this time period is more likely to attract regulatory
                      attention (and produces




<PAGE>   7

                      a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases).
                      Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly
                      forbids trading and "tipping" while in possession of
                      material, nonpublic information concerning a tender
                      offer received from the tender offeror, the target
                      company or anyone acting on behalf of either of them.
                      Markston employees and others subject to this Code
                      should exercise particular caution any time they become
                      aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender
                      offer.

        C.      Penalties for Insider Trading

        Penalties for insider trading can be severe, both for the individuals
        involved and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of
        the penalties listed below even if he or she does not personally benefit
        from the violation. Penalties include:

                1.    jail sentences;

                2.    civil injunctions;

                3.    treble damages;

                4.    disgorgement of profits;

                5.    fines for the person who committed the violation of up
                      to three times the profit gained or loss avoided,
                      whether or not the person actually benefited; and

                6.    fines for the employer or other controlling person of up
                      to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount
                      of the profit gained or loss avoided.

VIII.   REPORTING

        A.      Upon being hired by the Finn, each employee must submit to the
                Compliance Officer (i) an acknowledgment regarding the
                employee's understanding of and intent to comply with this Code,
                (ii) a list of all securities accounts in which he or she has a
                beneficial interest and (iii) a representation that the employee
                will request that duplicate statements and confirms be sent to
                the Firms' Compliance Officer with regard to such accounts. The
                acknowledgment form for new employees, as well as a form letter
                to be completed and signed by the new employee are attached as
                Exhibit B.

        B.      For each (i) employee brokerage account or commodity account, or
                (ii) brokerage or commodity account in which an employee has a
                beneficial interest, (as defined in Part III hereof) employees
                must arrange with the broker-dealer to have duplicate
                confirmations and statements sent to the Compliance Officer.
                Exhibit B, page 3 is a form of letter which may be used for that
                purpose.

        C.      Annually, each employee must submit to the Compliance Officer an
                "Annual Acknowledgment Form", in the form of Exhibit C attached.
                The Annual




<PAGE>   8

                Acknowledgment Form includes representations by the employee
                concerning compliance with the Code in the previous year, intent
                to comply in the current year and provides for the reporting of
                any exceptions.

        D.      As described in Section V. employees will report on each
                securities transaction by submitting their Buy or Sell Order for
                Markston Employee's Personal Account Form, with all required
                approvals to the Compliance Officer.

        E.      Any report, confirmation or statement submitted under this
                Section is not to be construed as an admission of beneficial
                interest in the security to which the item relates.

IX.     SANCTIONS

        A.      If any employee fails to comply with the provisions of this Code
                or of applicable securities laws, the Compliance Officer may
                impose, or recommend that the Firm impose, appropriate
                sanctions, including dismissal.

        B.      Consistent with the statement of the Securities and Exchange
                Commission in connection with its adoption of Rule 17j-1 of the
                1940 Act, violations of this Code are not to be construed as per
                se violations of the law.




<PAGE>   9

                                    EXHIBIT A
                                BUY OR SELL ORDER
                    FOR MARKSTON EMPLOYEE'S PERSONAL ACCOUNT

     PLEASE                 BUY       [ ]                  SELL       [ ]

                              SHARES OF                          AT
     -------------------------         -------------------------   -------------
     (AMOUNT)                          (NAME OF ISSUE/ TICKER)        (PRICE)

     For the following account:

     Name of Account:
                      ----------------------------------------------------

     Brokerage Finn:
                      ----------------------------------------------------

     Account Number:
                      ----------------------------------------------------

     My signature below attests that in placing this order I am not seeking to
     use or take personal advantage of any investment recommendations, decisions
     or programs of Markston International, LLC, and, to the best of my
     knowledge and belief, the execution of this order will not have an adverse
     effect on any account managed by Markston International, LLC.


- -------------------------------               ----------------------------------
Date                                          (Signature of Employee)




<PAGE>   10

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                   PAGE 1 OF 3

                           MARKSTON INTERNATIONAL, LLC
            CODE OF ETHICS AND INSIDER TRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

                      ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

1.      I certify that I have read and am familiar with Markston International,
        LLC's Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy and Procedures (the
        "Code").

2.      I represent that I will comply with the Code at all times during the
        current calendar year, subsequent to the date hereof.

3.      I will disclose, report and confirm all holdings and transactions
        required to be disclosed, reported or confirmed under the Code. I will
        authorize duplicate statements and confirms for all accounts in which I
        have a beneficial interest to be sent to the Compliance Officer. I have
        forwarded the attached letter to all appropriate parties to authorize
        such reporting.

4.      All accounts in which I have a beneficial interest, as defined in the
        Code, including any mid all accounts over which I exercise trading
        discretion, are listed below.

5.      If any new accounts in which I will have a beneficial interest are
        opened in the future, I will notify the Firm and I will authorize
        duplicate statements and confirms for those accounts to be sent to the
        Firm.

Name (print):
              --------------------------------

Position:
              --------------------------------

Signature:
              --------------------------------

Date:
              --------------------------------




<PAGE>   11

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                   PAGE 2 OF 3

List of all accounts in which                        has a beneficial interest
                             -----------------------
                                      NAME

as of                 .  (Attach additional sheets, if necessary)
     ----------------
         DATE


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------




<PAGE>   12

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                   PAGE 3 OF 3

Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------

This letter shall authorize you to send duplicate account statements and
duplicate trade confirmations for all activity in the accounts below to:

               MARKSTON INTERNATIONAL, LLC
               50 MAIN STREET
               WHITE PLAINS, NY  10606
               ATTENTION:

Sincerely,

- ---------------------------
Name:

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Name of Account

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Account Number

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Name of Account

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Account Number

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Name of Account

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Account Number




<PAGE>   13

                                    EXHIBIT C

                                   PAGE 1 OF 2

                           MARKSTON INTERNATIONAL, LLC
            CODE OF ETHICS AND INSIDER TRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

                           ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

1.      I certify that I have read and am familiar with Markston International,
        LLC's Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy and Procedures (the
        "Code").

2.      I represent that I have complied with the Code at all times during the
        previous calendar year and will comply with the Code during the current
        calendar year.

3.      I have, during the previous calendar year, disclosed and confirmed all
        holdings and transactions required to be disclosed or confirmed under
        the Code.

4.      I have, during the previous calendar year, disclosed and confirmed all
        accounts in which I have a beneficial interest, as defined in the Code,
        including any and all accounts over which I exercise trading discretion
        and reported all securities transactions required to be reported under
        the Code. A list of such accounts is attached.

5.      If any new accounts in which I have a beneficial interest were opened
        during the previous year, I notified the Firm and I authorized duplicate
        statements, confirms and monthly statements for those accounts to be
        sent to the Firm.

Name (print):
              --------------------------------

Position:
              --------------------------------

Signature:
              --------------------------------

Date:
              --------------------------------

Exceptions:

Item Number           Explanation




<PAGE>   14

                                    EXHIBIT C

                                   PAGE 2 OF 2

List of all accounts in which                        has a beneficial interest
                             -----------------------
                                      NAME

as of                 .  (Attach additional sheets, if necessary)
     ----------------
         DATE


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------


Account Title:
                ---------------------
Broker Dealer:
                ---------------------
Account Number:
                ---------------------

<PAGE>   1

                            NYLIFE DISTRIBUTORS INC.

                                51 MADISON AVENUE
                               NEW YORK, NY 10010

                                 CODE OF ETHICS

                         REGARDING CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

                       AND STANDARDS OF ETHICAL INTEGRITY

        NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (the "Corporation") acknowledges the importance
of high ethical standards in the conduct of its business and requires that the
applicable standards be observed by the following "Affiliated Persons," namely
(a) each of its officers, employees, members and directors, and (b) any persons
affiliated with or otherwise authorized to represent the Corporation who acquire
any confidential information in which the Corporation or any direct or indirect
parent, subsidiary or affiliate corporation has an interest. New York State
Insurance Department Regulation No. 115 (11 New York Codes, Rules & Regulations
81-2.2) requires the Corporation to codify these standards. All recipients of
this Code of Ethics ("Code") are directed to read it carefully, retain it for
future reference and abide by the rules and policies set forth herein. Any
questions concerning the applicability or interpretation of such rules and
policies, and compliance therewith, should be directed to:

                            NYLIFE Distributors Inc.

                                51 Madison Avenue

                            New York, New York 10010

                           Attention of the Secretary




<PAGE>   2

        While compliance with the provisions of this Code is anticipated,
Affiliated Persons should be aware that in response to any violations, the
Corporation will take whatever action it deems appropriate under the
circumstances.

                  STATEMENT OF POLICY ON CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
                       AND STANDARDS OF ETHICAL INTEGRITY

        The purpose of this statement is to reaffirm the Corporation's policy in
the area of Conflict of Interests and Standards of Ethical Integrity, and to
provide a current statement of the Corporation's rules and guidelines, as well
as procedures for their implementation.

        The Corporation requires the highest standards of ethical conduct on the
part of Affiliated Persons subject to the provisions of the Code, including,
without limitation, abstention from participation (or any other involvement) in
"insider trading" in contravention of any applicable laws or regulation. The
reputation of New York Life Insurance Company ("New York Life") and its
affiliates for trustworthy financial service is a valuable asset which all
Affiliated Persons are expected to preserve and protect.

        Each Affiliated Person is under a duty to exercise his or her authority
and responsibility for the benefit of the Corporation and may not have outside
interests conflicting with the interests of the Corporation. Each such person
must avoid any circumstances which might adversely affect or appear to affect
his or her duty of complete loyalty to the Corporation and its affiliated
entities in the discharge of his or her responsibilities, including the
protection of confidential information and corporate integrity.



                                       2

<PAGE>   3

        Each Affiliated Person has the duty to disclose to the Corporation any
interest whatsoever that he or she may have in any firm, corporation, or
business unit (which is not affiliated or participating in any joint venture or
partnership with the Corporation or with New York Life) with which he or she is
called upon to deal as a part of his or her assigned duties with the
Corporation. Such disclosure should be timely so that the Corporation may take
such action concerning the conflict as it deems appropriate. It is recognized,
however, that the Corporation has or may have business relationships with many
companies and other profit-making organizations and that a person's relatively
small interest in publicly traded securities of such an organization does not
necessarily give rise to a conflict of interests. Therefore, the following Rules
and Procedures and the form of Annual Questionnaire have been approved and
adopted by the Corporation:

                          GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES

        1.      Generally, it is considered compatible with an Affiliated
Person's duties to the Corporation to assume the position of director of a
corporation for profit, provided that the business of such corporation does not
conflict with the interest of the corporation or any corporation controlling,
controlled by or under common control with this Corporation (i.e., an
"affiliate(d)" corporation), and that such directorship is not prohibited by the
New York Insurance Law, or any federal or other applicable law. However, reports
should be made to the Corporation of any invitation to serve as a director of a
corporation for profit and such persons must receive the approval of this
Corporation prior to accepting any such directorship.

        2.      It is considered generally incompatible with the duties of an
officer, employee, agent or other representative of the Corporation to act as an
officer, general partner, consultant,



                                       3

<PAGE>   4

agent, representative, or employee of any business organized for profit, other
than New York Life or an affiliated entity of the Corporation or New York Life.

        3.      The Code prohibits the directors and officers of New York Life
or the Corporation from being pecuniarily interested, as principal,
co-principal, agent or beneficiary, directly or indirectly, or through any
substantial interest in any other corporation or business unit, in any
transaction involving the Corporation, subject to the same exceptions as are
permitted by the New York Insurance Law for directors and officers of New York
Life, and those described below.

        4.      The Code does not necessarily prohibit the directors, officers,
members, or other personnel of this Corporation who are otherwise unaffiliated
with New York Life, from being pecuniarily interested in any transactions that
are in the ordinary course of business of the Corporation, provided that such
transactions:


        (i)     are usual and customary in relations between an institution and
                its directors or officers, or are at arm's-length with respect
                to its Affiliated Persons;

        (ii)    do not violate any provisions of the New York Insurance Law; and

        (iii)   are disclosed to the Board of Directors of New York Life and of
                the Corporation in accordance with the procedures established
                hereunder.

        5.      A questionnaire, substantially in the form annexed (and as
revised from time to time with the approval of the Board of Directors or the
Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation) shall be circulated by the Secretary
to (a) each Director and Officer of the Corporation, and (b) such other
Affiliated Persons whose activities on behalf of the Corporation are determined
by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or counsel to warrant



                                       4

<PAGE>   5

submission of periodic compliance reports hereunder, for completion and filing
with the Secretary in January of each year, and shall be supplemented promptly
by each responding Affiliated Person to reflect any material change in responses
occurring or discovered between annual filings.

        6.      The Secretary shall review responses to all questionnaires and
any supplements thereto and report to the Board of Directors of the Corporation
and (through the Office of its Vice President and Secretary) to the Board of
Directors of New York Life, to their respective Chief Executive Officers, and to
the office of the General Counsel of New York Life, any material conflict of
interests which has not been resolved in accordance with this Code and any
willful failure promptly to disclose any apparent conflicts of interests
thereunder.

             SPECIAL RULES FOR PERSONS INVOLVED IN FINANCIAL MATTERS

        All Affiliated Persons involved in the financial matters of the
Corporation have a special element of responsibility and loyalty with regard to
the current and prospective financial and fiscal operations and planning of the
Corporation. They are expected to comply fully with the general rules applicable
to Affiliated Persons, but in addition have the responsibility and duty to see
to it that (a) the current and prospective financial operations of the
Corporation and its financial planning, (b) material non-public information
obtained in the course of any investment matters, contemplated investment
transactions or other business activities by the Corporation or New York Life or
any of their affiliates, and (c) any data which may be deemed to be "inside
information" by any determination, rule, regulation, law or decision of, or
pertaining to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any
similar or successor agency, are kept confidential, and are not disclosed to
anyone who is not properly concerned with them as part of



                                       5

<PAGE>   6

his or her regular duties with the Corporation, New York Life or any of their
affiliates, except as otherwise provided in accordance with due process of law
or compliance with regulatory authorities in the proper exercise of their
jurisdiction.



                                       6

<PAGE>   7

                              "INSIDE INFORMATION"

        All Affiliated Persons of the Corporation, without regard to their
status, responsibilities or involvement in any financial matters, are obligated
to maintain awareness of and to conduct themselves in compliance with the
standards governing "Securities Trading and Material Inside (Non-Public)
Information," as now in effect and currently published at pages 47-50,
inclusive, of Corporate Policy Guidelines adopted by New York Life and
distributed to its personnel under date of March 10, 1988, copies of which are
on file with and may be obtained on request from the Secretary of the
Corporation, all of which standards, as from time to time amended and hereafter
in effect, are incorporated herein by reference and adopted as the Corporate
Policy Guidelines of and for this Corporation.



                                       7

<PAGE>   8

                                      NYLIFE Distributors Inc.

                                      NAME
                                          --------------------------------------

                                                               TITLE OR POSITION


                     QUESTIONNAIRE ON CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

        1.      Please list any officership, directorship, trusteeship or
material employment which you (or any dependent relative) hold in any
corporations, associations or partnerships for profit, any mutual companies or
in any Subsidiary* of New York Life Insurance Company ("New York Life") or
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (the "Corporation"). If you do not have any, please
insert "NONE" below. (If the following space is insufficient, please attach a
complete list following your signature page.)

        2.      (a)   Please list any substantial financial interest (such as 1%
or more of the outstanding stock or other equity or ownership interests) you (or
any dependent relative) may have in any business unit which you know is a
supplier of or soliciting orders for sales or services to the Corporation or to
New York Life or to any Subsidiary*. If you do not have any, please insert
"NONE" below.

                (b)   Please list any substantial financial interest (such as 1%
or more of the outstanding stock or other equity or ownership interests) you (or
any dependent relative) may


- --------
*       The term "Subsidiary", as used herein, includes NYLIFE Distributors Inc.
        (the "Corporation") and all corporations over which either the
        Corporation or New York Life, directly or indirectly, with power to
        vote, owns, controls or holds a majority of the voting securities of
        such corporation, or possesses the power to direct or cause the
        direction of the management and policies of an entity, whether through
        the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.




<PAGE>   9

have in any business unit which you know is doing business with the Corporation
or New York Life or any Subsidiary*, other than suppliers referred to above. If
you do not have any, please insert "NONE" below.

        3.      Please list the names (not amount of the holding) of any
corporations or business units in which you (or any dependent relative) have a
substantial financial interest (such as 1% or more of the outstanding stock or
other equity or ownership interests) and in which, to your knowledge, the
Corporation or New York Life or a Subsidiary* has an investment. If you do not
have any, please insert "NONE" below. (If the following space is insufficient,
please attach a complete list following your signature page.)

        4.      Please list the names of any corporations or business units in
the following categories in which you (or any dependent relative) may have any
interest or financial holding. (The amount of holding or the number of shares of
stock need not be listed.) If you do not have any, please insert "NONE" below.

                (a)   Any company, other than New York Life or a Subsidiary*,
                whose principal business is the issuance and sale of life
                insurance, annuities or accident and health insurance policies,
                or the provision of financial or health services or products. Do
                not include interests in policies, annuities or health insurance
                contracts. If any common stock holding in this category is 1% or
                more of the outstanding stock, please so indicate.

                (b)   Any life insurance or health insurance agency, brokerage
                or insurance consultant firm other than a Subsidiary* of New
                York Life.

                (c)   Any mortgage loan correspondent of New York Life or any
                other concern engaged primarily in the business of buying,
                selling or servicing real estate



                                       2

<PAGE>   10

                mortgages. (Do not include mortgages upon property owned by you,
                or personal investments in real estate investment trusts.)

                (d)   Any investment banking firm, brokerage firm or other
                business unit engaged primarily in the business of buying and
                selling securities. (Do not include brokerage or similar
                accounts or investments in mutual funds.)

        (If any of the spaces above are insufficient, please attach a complete
list following your signature page.)

        5.      Please list the names of any business firms in which you (or any
dependent relative) have an interest or financial holding and which have
property which to your knowledge is subject, in whole or in part, to a real
estate mortgage held by the Corporation or New York Life or a Subsidiary*. If
you do not have any, please insert "NONE" below. (If the following space is
insufficient, please attach a complete list following your signature page.)

        6.      Please list or summarize any financial interest you (or any
dependent relative) have which, in your opinion, affects or might appear to
affect adversely the discharge of your duties and responsibilities to the
Corporation, New York Life or any Subsidiary*. If you do not have any, please
insert "NONE" below. (If the following space is insufficient, please attach a
complete list following your signature page.)

        7.      Supplemental Reporting Obligations. If a material change occurs
in any matters reported in this Questionnaire or new circumstances are
discovered evidencing any conflict of interests or other deviations from the
Code of Ethics governing Affiliated Persons of the Corporation, the undersigned
hereby undertakes promptly to file with the Secretary an



                                       3

<PAGE>   11

appropriate amendment or supplement to this Questionnaire until it is superseded
by the next completed Annual Questionnaire.



                                       4

<PAGE>   12

                                    INITIALS

8.  Short Form Responses:                 By initialing the applicable box, the
                                    ----- undersigned certifies current
                                    ----- compliance with the Code of Ethics and
                                          the absence of any Conflict of
                                          Interests except as described on the
                                          attached page(s).

                                  Initials

                                          No exceptions to the foregoing.
                                    -----
                                    -----


                                          -------------------------------------
Date:                        , 2000       (Signature of Affiliated Person)
        ---------------------
                                          Name:
                                               --------------------------------
                                               (Print or Type Below Signature)

                                          Title or Position:
                                                            -------------------




                                       5


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